Michael Lorenzen Signs $7M Deal With Kansas City Royals

Michael Lorenzen is coming back to the Kansas City Royals. The 33-year-old right-handed pitcher agreed to a one-year deal worth $7 million, giving the Royals some much-needed depth and flexibility for their pitching staff in 2025. The contract, which is pending a physical, also includes an option for a second year. If both Lorenzen and the team agree to keep him in 2026, he’ll earn $12 million. If not, he’s still guaranteed a $1.5 million buyout.

This reunion makes sense for both sides. Lorenzen had a solid run with the Royals last season after they traded for him in July. Over seven starts, he allowed just five earned runs in nearly 29 innings—an impressive stretch that helped stabilize their rotation late in the season.

A Solid but Underappreciated Career

Lorenzen’s numbers in 2024 were good overall: a 7-6 record with a 3.31 ERA in 130⅓ innings split between the Texas Rangers and the Royals. But some teams were hesitant to offer him a big contract because of his low strikeout rate and relatively high walk numbers. In today’s analytics-driven MLB, those stats can raise red flags.

Still, Kansas City wasn’t deterred. They’ve seen what Lorenzen can do firsthand, and they value his versatility. Over his 10-year career, he’s played for six different teams, moving between starting and relieving roles as needed. He may not blow hitters away with strikeouts, but he gets outs and keeps his team in the game—qualities the Royals appreciate.

How Lorenzen Fits with the Royals in 2025

The Royals have some decisions to make about their pitching rotation for the upcoming season. After trading Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds, they have a couple of open spots behind Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, and Michael Wacha, who are all expected to be starters. Lorenzen will compete with Alec Marsh, Kris Bubic, and Kyle Wright for the remaining rotation spots.

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Right now, Lorenzen is the favorite to grab one of those starting roles. But if he doesn’t make the rotation, the Royals could move him to the bullpen. Their bullpen is lefty-heavy, so adding a reliable right-handed arm like Lorenzen’s could provide balance. He’d be a great complement to closer Lucas Erceg and high-leverage reliever John Schreiber.

Source: Sources: Royals, Michael Lorenzen agree on one-year, $7M deal

A Deal with Flexibility

Lorenzen’s contract reflects the Royals’ flexible approach to using him. Here’s how it breaks down:

Base Salary: He’ll make $5.5 million in 2025.
Second-Year Option: If both sides agree to extend his contract for 2026, he’ll make $12 million. If the Royals decide not to keep him, he still gets $1.5 million.
Performance Bonuses:
- As a starter, Lorenzen can earn up to $1.5 million if he hits certain innings-pitched milestones, with the max bonus kicking in at 175 innings.
- If he’s used as a reliever, he can make an extra $1 million by appearing in 40 games.

This setup works well for both Lorenzen and the team. It gives him the chance to earn more money based on how much he contributes while giving the Royals flexibility to use him wherever he’s needed most.

Why Lorenzen Matters for the Royals

For Kansas City, signing Lorenzen is about more than just filling a roster spot. He’s a veteran presence who brings consistency and versatility to a team that’s looking to build on last season. Whether he ends up in the rotation or the bullpen, Lorenzen gives the Royals options.

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He’s also a proven performer under pressure. Last year, when the Royals called on him to start games after his midseason trade, he delivered. That kind of reliability is invaluable, especially for a team that’s still figuring out its identity.

Lorenzen’s experience could also help younger pitchers like Alec Marsh and Kris Bubic as they continue to develop. Having a steady, adaptable player in the clubhouse can make a big difference for a team trying to improve.

Michael Lorenzen Signs $7M Deal with Kansas City Royals

Looking Ahead to Spring Training

As the Royals head into spring training, the competition for rotation spots will be one of the key storylines. Lorenzen’s versatility means he’ll have a role no matter what, but whether he starts games or comes out of the bullpen will depend on how the rotation shakes out.

If he ends up as a starter, the Royals can count on him to provide solid innings and keep them competitive. If he moves to the bullpen, he’ll strengthen the team’s relief corps, especially in late-game situations.

For Lorenzen, this deal is a chance to continue building on the success he had with Kansas City last year. For the Royals, it’s a low-risk investment in a proven veteran who can help them win games in multiple ways. It’s a win-win situation—and one that could pay off big for both sides in 2025.