The Kansas City Royals are sitting 19 games under .500 as August begins, yet they refuse to sell off their best assets. Instead of trading Michael Wacha for a massive haul of prospects, the front office plans to keep him. This decision ignores the reality of a broken season and sets up a painful financial trap for the future. The team expects to contend in 2027, but they are betting on a rotation that is already crumbling.
Wacha’s Value Is Right Now
Michael Wacha has been the only bright spot in a dark season. He posted a 3.51 ERA this year and delivered 15 quality starts, which leads the American League. His recent form is even better, with a 1.89 ERA over his last three outings. He threw a league-leading 138 1/3 innings, proving he can handle a heavy workload. Yet the lineup has offered him almost no help, giving him just 3.1 runs of support per start. This is the lowest figure for any starter in the Majors.
Despite these numbers, the Royals see him as a cornerstone for next year. According to MLB.com Royals, the team knows he could be key for 2027, especially with Cole Ragans and Ryan Bergert needing UCL repairs. They also worry about Stephen Kolek and free agent Kris Bubic. The front office believes Wacha and Seth Lugo are essential parts of a future win, even if the current roster is a disaster.
The Cost of Keeping Control
Sticking with Wacha costs real money that could buy much-needed depth. He makes $18 million this year and is owed $14 million in 2027, plus a $14 million club option for 2028. That is a huge chunk of the payroll for a pitcher on a team that is far from the playoffs. Reports indicate the Royals may have a quiet trade deadline because they want to keep their controllable players. According to Royals Review, a competing executive stated that the team aims to compete in 2027 and believes those players are integral to that plan. Another source added, “It doesn’t seem like they’re going to move any of them. Maybe one of the relievers, but that would be it.”
General manager J.J. Picollo says they will listen to offers, but the stance is clear. “We don’t want to trade these guys, but we’ll listen to any offer,” he told reporters. The team refuses to rebuild fully, hoping to compete next year without making bold moves now. This approach risks losing the window to get top-tier talent in exchange for Wacha.
A Gamble on 2027
The Royals are counting on Wacha to fix a rotation that is already broken before the season ends. If he gets hurt or declines, that $14 million becomes dead weight. The team could use those funds to upgrade other areas or stockpile young players who can help sooner. By holding onto him, they are betting that their core of Bobby Witt Jr. and others will be ready to win immediately. But the path to contention looks narrow without fresh talent.
Wacha himself seems ready to let the front office handle the business side. “It’s something that’s out of your control, and I try to worry about things that I can control, like going out there every fifth day and doing my job for the Royals,” he said. The fans can only watch and hope the gamble pays off. Do you think keeping Wacha is the right call, or should the Royals cash in now?
