5 richest contracts handed out in KC Royals history

4. Michael Wacha — 3 years, $51 million

The most recent contract on the list, Kansas City signed veteran Michael Wacha to a three-year, $51 million deal (AAV of $17 million) on November 3, 2024, locking him in to return to the team's starting rotation for the foreseeable future. The 33-year-old pitcher will earn $18 million in each of the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and $14 million — plus a possible $4 million in performance benefits — in 2027. His contract also includes a $14 million club option for the 2028 season, with the same performance benefits as 2027, or a $1 million buyout.

While the deal is guaranteed at $51 million, it has a maximum potential value of $72 million if the club option for 2028 is exercised and all performance benefits are earned.

The Royals initially signed Wacha to a one-year, $16 million contact before the 2024 season, with a $16 million player option for 2025. After an impressive performance this year, he was widely expected to decline his option and test his value in free agency, so Wacha's lucrative new deal with Kansas City proves the team wasn't willing to risk him leaving the organization.

In 29 starts during the 2024 regular season, Wacha posted a 13-8 record with a 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 145 strikeouts in 166.2 innings. He wasn't quite as strong during his two playoff starts, recording a 5.19 ERA in 8.2 innings, but there's no denying he was crucial to the Royals' infamous comeback season.

With Cole Ragans, Lugo, and Wacha at the top of their rotation, the Royals with have an extremely fierce 1-2-3 punch on the mound in 2025.