Kansas City Royals to bring back right-hander Michael Lorenzen on one-year deal: Source
The Kansas City Royals are re-signing veteran pitcher Michael Lorenzen to a one-year contract worth $7 million for the 2025 campaign. The deal is expected to include a $12 million mutual option in 2026, a source confirmed to The Star.
Lorenzen, 33, posted a 3.31 ERA in 26 games last season. He made seven appearances for the Royals after a midseason trade from the Texas Rangers. Lorenzen pitched well down the stretch allowing six runs (five earned) in 28 ⅔ innings with the Royals.
ESPN insider Jeff Passan first reported the deal. Lorenzen could also earn $1 million in incentives during the 2025 season.
The Royals entered the offseason looking for a swing pitcher who could operate in either a starter or reliever role. KC explored the free-agent market after trading starting pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds in November.
Lorenzen was considered an ideal fit. He made six starts and one relief appearance with the Royals last season. In the postseason, Lorenzen operated out of the bullpen against the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.
The Royals enter spring training with two spots available in the starting rotation. The club expects a competition that includes young pitchers Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch IV, Alec Marsh and Noah Cameron.
Lorenzen will join that mix. The Royals could use Lorenzen in multiple roles given his versatility as a right-handed pitcher.
Earlier this offseason, The Athletic reported that Lorenzen explored a chance to become a two-way player. Lorenzen starred as a pitcher and outfielder at Cal State Fullerton and was selected in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds.
Lorenzen returns to the Royals as a pitcher. He is the latest addition in recent weeks after the club signed Cavan Biggio, Taylor Clarke and Austin Cox to minor-league deals.
The Royals will rely on Lorenzen’s experience. He fit in well alongside starters Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha as veteran leaders in the clubhouse. Team personnel — including those in the front office — liked his competitiveness during the playoff push.
KC is expected to shift its focus to filling out the 40-man roster. The club looks to improve on the margins and could seek potential reserve bench options leading into spring training in February.
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM.
