Importance of Wacha

The Royals front office was busy snagging top starters from San Diego this past offseason. 
San Diego's inability to retain Michael Wacha was a bit of a head scratcher. San Diego must not have trusted Wacha enough to keep him around, or they wanted to shed salary, so the Friars decided to decline the veteran right-hander's team option. Wacha's option with San Diego was for two years worth $32 million. 
Did Kansas City offer the right-hander more money? The answer to that question is no! In fact, the team offered Wacha the same $32 million that the Padres declined. San Diego had the opportunity to pick up Wacha's two year team option. Kansas City jumped on the Padres decision to let Wacha walk. The boys in blue gave Wacha a two year deal worth $32 million with an opportunity to opt-out after the 2024 season. 
The Padres and the Royals must love each other's players because the history between both teams clearly shows it. Both the Royals and Michael Wacha himself were glad to get a deal done. "Just saw the atmosphere here and what it could be,” Wacha said. “The potential is here with this team. Just a lot of excitement here. Couldn’t be more pumped to put on this uniform.”
The Royals front office was just as pumped to see Wacha come to Kansas City. "When we talk about adding to our clubhouse, winners and people that have been there, Michael certainly represents that,” Picollo said. “And then you look at what he’s done the last two years: 25-6. Last year, top 10 in the National League in ERA, opponents batting average and wins.” 
market. The risk paid off as the right-hander landed a three year deal with Kansas City. The decision to sign Lugo was and is a big risk for the Royals; but Wacha on the other hand isn't, aside from possible injuries.
Wacha knows how to win games. Before coming to the Royals, the right-hander had a win-loss record of 88-54. Manager Matt Quatraro believes Wacha is the type of pitcher the Royals needed to win games: "I think to have the guys that are taking the ball consistently throughout the year knowing that they can win in the big leagues is a big deal.” According to Fangraphs.com, Wacha is projected to end the season with 139.5 innings thrown, and I truly believe Wacha is capable of throwing 150 to 160 innings when this season is wrapped up if he can stay healthy. The season is still fairly young, but Wacha has shown he can give the Royals the chance to win games every time he takes the bump. 
Lastly, if Kansas City can reach the playoffs, Wacha will be a very important piece not only on the field but in the dugout with his postseason experience and his World Series experience as well. 












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