2 projected arbitration salaries KC Royals shouldn't pay, 1 they must

Kansas City faces arbitration-related decisions.

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The KC Royals need to keep Brady Singer

Singer has had his share of peaks and valleys since breaking in, perhaps prematurely, during the 2020 pandemic-shortened season. Named the Royals' Pitcher of the Year in 2022 when he went 10-5 with a 3.23 ERA, Singer at times displays signs of brilliance, but struggles at others. He appeared to be headed for a true breakout season this year when a 4-2, 2.27 ERA in July gave him an 8-6, 2.88 record heading into the regular season's final two months.

But he seemed to tire down the stretch, lost all four of his September decisions, and finished 9-13 with a 3.71 ERA.

So, why keep Singer? It's what present circumstances should dictate. Whether Michael Wacha returns for another season in Kansas City's rotation is an open question; if he doesn't, Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Singer are the only three regular starters scheduled to be back. Losing Singer — which would be a club choice because he can't test free agency until after the 2026 campaign — means Picollo will have to find at least two major league starters if Wacha leaves.

That's not a position Picollo probably relishes. Instead, he should try to sign Singer, who made $4.85 million this year, for $7 million. That failing, the Royals should be prepared to pay Singer the $8.8 million MLBTR thinks he'll get.

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