Why re-signing Michael Lorenzen could solve one need for the Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals have a few needs remaining on their offseason wish list.
Royals general manager J.J. Picollo hopes to add a veteran offensive bat to lengthen the starting lineup. Picollo also identified a need for a swing pitcher — who can operate as a starter or reliever — and a left-handed infielder that can play third base.
The Royals had several players fill those roles last season. Picollo acquired veterans Paul DeJong, Tommy Pham and Yuli Gurriel to add an offensive punch down the stretch. He also made a trade deadline deal for right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen.
The veterans were impactful in their short stint with the club. And it’s possible the Royals could reunite with a few of them in free agency.
Lorenzen is a name to watch. He is a perfect fit for the swing pitcher role that the Royals front office desires this offseason. In 26 appearances (24 starts), Lorenzen posted a 3.31 ERA with both the Royals and Texas Rangers.
The Royals will have competition for two spots in the starting rotation. The club is reverting Kris Bubic to a starter role and has ample starter depth with Daniel Lynch IV, Alec Marsh, Kyle Wright, Noah Cameron and Jonathan Bowlan on the 40-man roster.
Depth is important for the Royals. Last season, KC avoided major injuries to established starters Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Michael Wacha. The trio will return to spearhead the rotation next season.
However, the Royals would like a veteran pitcher that can thrive in a swingman role. The void comes after the club traded Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds.
Enter Lorenzen.
Lorenzen was acquired from the Rangers in exchange for reliever Walter Pennington. He posted a 1.57 ERA in seven games with the Royals.
In that span, Lorenzen held opponents to a .183 batting average and surrendered just six runs in 28 ⅔ innings. The Royals also inserted Lorenzen as their fifth starter before he operated out of the bullpen in the playoffs.
Here are a few reasons why Lorenzen should consider a reunion with the Royals.
Fit on the Kansas City Royals
The Royals lauded Lorenzen for his ability to pitch in every situation. He demonstrated his versatility pitching on a day’s rest with the Rangers.
On July 27, Lorenzen didn’t get out of the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays. He allowed four earned runs and threw 40 pitches. The next day, Lorenzen was called upon to cover innings in a relief role.
He pitched three innings and allowed one run. The Royals were impressed with his determination to help out the team. After KC acquired Lorenzen, he explained his willingness to pitch in any desired role.
“Yeah, it’s just doing whatever the team needs,” Lorenzen said after the trade. “I think that it’s an important quality to have for a successful team. … We are professionals and, you know, I don’t see that as anything special. I think just being a baseball player, that’s what you should want to do is play baseball whenever you get the opportunity to.”
The Royals enjoyed Lorenzen’s professionalism last season. He meshed well with the pitching staff and coaches. He is a valuable option to deploy in either long relief or to start a game if needed.
Postseason experience
The Royals have their eyes toward a return to the playoffs in 2025. Manager Matt Quatraro is hopeful that the club can improve with additional players this offseason.
“I would say just general depth,” Quatraro said at the Winter Meetings. “You never have enough pitching. You need to be able to fortify the plan for injuries or a hiccup here and there.”
Lorenzen would represent a significant increase in depth. He would offer veteran savvy with the added bonus of postseason experience.
Last season, Lorenzen allowed one run in two postseason games. He owns a 1.17 ERA in 7 ⅔ career playoff innings.
The Royals relied on Bubic and Lynch in relief roles in the playoffs. If either earns a starting role, Lorenzen is a pitcher who could slide into their bullpen spot.
MLB free-agent market
It’s a special time to be a free agent this offseason. Several teams are spending at elevated levels to secure top-end talent. This has pushed the free-agent market to a higher tier of contract values.
The New York Yankees signed Max Fried on an eight-year $218 million deal. Meanwhile, Luis Severino got a three-year contract worth $67 million with the Athletics.
Other names yet to sign include Corbin Burnes, Jack Flaherty and Sean Manaea among others.
According to Spotrac, Lorenzen has a market value of $7.8 million. He could wait to see how the starting pitcher market develops heading into the new year. Burnes is the biggest domino still waiting to fall.
The Royals are also focused on evaluating the trade market for other offseason needs. It’s possible the starting market heats up in January.
For now, Lorenzen is expected to weigh his options in free agency. He will likely pursue a starting role but there is a chance a reunion is possible with the Royals.
