Royals sign Michael Wacha


The Royals stay busy this offseason by signing players at a rapid rate. The amount of money the Royals are spending on free agent pitchers is a big eye opener to Royals fans and fans across the league. Michael Wacha is the second starter the Royals have added in the past two days. Kansas City has spent a combined $77 million give or take between Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Wacha is likely the last addition to the rotation the Royals will make. The right-hander had been linked to the Royals by reporters over the past few weeks or so. Wacha is a well traveled arm, and Kansas City becomes the 32-year old's sixth organization in nearly 12 years. The veteran has a solid track record. Wacha owns a career 3.96 ERA, not too shabby. Wacha and the Royals have agreed to a two-year contract worth $32 million guaranteed. Like Lugo, Wacha played for San Diego last season. Wacha's deal with the Padres included a team option and a player option. Both Wacha and San Diego declined their options. San Diego's decision to decline their option on Wacha wasn't an easy one. Wacha was well liked within the Padres organization. Padres manager Bob Melvin praised the right-hander's work on the field and his clubhouse presence: "Tremendous pickup,” Melvin said of Wacha. “Everything he brings to the table from his competitiveness to his clubhouse presence -- everything. This is a really good pitcher and a sensational year for him.” Both Lugo and Wacha were praised by the Padres coaching staff. Not only are both Lugo and Wacha good signings for Kansas City on the field but also in the clubhouse. It seems Picollo is taking a bit out of the Dayton Moore book. Moore was high on players with good character during his tenure with the Royals. Along with Wacha’s good character, the right-hander also brings a four pitch mix that includes the fastball, changeup, cutter, and a curveball. Wacha mixes his pitches pretty well when facing hitters. Although Wacha has been a solid middle of the rotation guy, he hasn't landed a multi-year deal since he was drafted by the Cardinals in 2012 and was under team control. The 32-year old's injury history has certainly made an impact on the veteran's free agent trips over his career landing him one-year deals. Despite his injury history, Wacha's been able to carve out a good career to this point. Both Wacha and Lugo aren't exactly inning eaters. Wacha last season threw a total of 134.1 innings while Lugo pitched a total of 146.1 innings. Wacha's injury issues definitely cut down the amount of innings the 32-year old has thrown in his career. The right-hander's injury issues usually include shoulder alignment. Wacha's injuries in five different years should be a bit of a concern. Some fans don't like to admit it, but with these two additions, the importance of Jordan Lyles is even more important this year than last season. Lyles coming to Kansas City likely wasn't due to his stats but his ability to eat innings. 


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