The Kansas City Royals have made some intriguing moves this winter. For instance, the Royals traded for Jonathan India in a deal with the Cincinnati Reds at the beginning of MLB Free Agency. As the winter progresses, moves become a bit more scarce. But teams can still agree to deals, as Kansas City has done with Michael Lorenzen.

The Royals and Lorenzen are in agreement on a one-year contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. This contract is worth a total of $7 million. Passan notes that this deal also includes a mutual option for a second year. This second year is worth a total of $12 million.

Lorenzen split the 2024 season with the Royals and the Texas Rangers. The veteran starter came over to Kansas City through trade on July 29th. With Kansas City, Lorenzen pitched to a 1.57 ERA, striking out 22 hitters while walking 12 in 28.2 innings.

Lorenzen played a major role in the Royals making the postseason in 2024. Kansas City achieved a winning record for the first time since they won the World Series in 2015. They advanced past the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card round before falling to the New York Yankees in the ALDS.

Article Continues Below
More Kansas City Royals News
Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans (55) throws in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium.
Royals make crucial Cole Ragans roster moveAlex House ·
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Noah Cameron (65) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium.
Royals’ star rookie joins Fernando Valenzuela on exclusive listZachary Howell ·
Kansas City Royals designated hitter Jac Caglianone (14) bats against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning of his Major League Baseball debut at Busch Stadium.
Royals’ Jac Caglianone’s dad has proud moment before prospect’s MLB debutYasmin Edañol ·
; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Jac Caglianone (14) bats against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning of his Major League Baseball debut at Busch Stadium.
Top Royals prospect Jac Caglianone’s instant reaction to MLB debutAlex House ·
Kansas City Royals Jac Caglianone (14) poses for a photo during media day. Victor Scott II
Watch Royals’ Jac Caglianone’s ‘Welcome to the Show’ moment in MLB debutZachary Howell ·
Kansas City Royals first round draft pick Jac Caglianone poses with his mother Johanne Caglianone for photos on the field prior to a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Kauffman Stadium.
What Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone said amid buzz surrounding MLB debutBrayden Haena ·

Lorenzen began a bit of a career resurgence with an AL Central rival of Kansas City, however. The veteran starter signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in 2023. His performance with Detroit made him one of the best rental arms on the trade market that season. He eventually went to the Philadelphia Phillies through trade.

Outside of a no-hitter in his first home start, Lorenzen struggled with the Phillies. They did not re-sign him after the 2023 campaign, allowing him to test free agency. Lorenzen remained on the open market until March. The California native signed a one-year contract with the Rangers before the 2024 season.

Michael Lorenzen returns to a team he found a ton of success with in 2024. Kansas City is looking to make a run at the AL Central title in 2025. Perhaps Lorenzen plays a vital role in getting Kansas City its first division title in 10 seasons.