Royals Decline Mutual Option on Michael Lorenzen

[Kevin O'Brien]

According to MLB.com Royals writer Anne Rogers, on Sunday evening, the Royals declined the mutual option on starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen. 

Lorenzen was due $12 million in 2026 if the Royals exercised his option. Since they didn't, they will pay him a $1.5 million buyout to allow him to be a free agent.  

The 33-year-old right-hander came back to Kansas City this season after joining the Royals in 2024 at the Trade Deadline. After posting a 1.57 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 28.2 IP with the Royals in 2024, Lorenzen regressed in his first full season with the Royals. In 27 appearances (26 starts), Lorenzen went 7-11 and posted a 4.64 ERA and 1.33 WHIP. His 4.70 xERA was also higher than his 4.59 mark a season ago with the Rangers and Royals.

In addition to Lorenzen becoming a free agent, Hunter Harvey, Mike Yastrzemski, Adam Frazier, and Luke Maile officially became free agents today, per Rogers and MLBPA's official free agent announcements. 

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