In a series of offseason moves, the Kansas City Royals saw two players exercise their contract options for the 2025 season while welcoming back a potential rotation piece from injury. Outfielder Hunter Renfroe and reliever Chris Stratton both opted into their deals, providing the Royals with some roster stability, as right-hander Kyle Wright was reinstated from the 60-day injured list.
Renfroe and Stratton Secure Their Spots
Hunter Renfroe, coming off a down year in which he hit .229 with 15 home runs, decided to exercise his $7.5 million player option for 2025. The 32-year-old outfielder will look to rebound and regain the form that made him a valuable contributor in previous seasons.
Similarly, reliever Chris Stratton picked up his $4.5 million option, choosing to stay in Kansas City despite a challenging 2024 campaign that saw him post a 5.55 ERA. Stratton will aim to rediscover his command and consistency in the Royals’ bullpen.
Both Hunter and Chris have shown their value to this organization in the past. We’re confident they can bounce back and be important pieces for us in 2025.
– According to a team source
Wright Returns from Extended Absence
In a boost to the Royals’ pitching depth, Kyle Wright was reinstated from the 60-day IL. The 29-year-old right-hander, who won 21 games with a 3.19 ERA for the Braves in 2022, missed all of 2024 recovering from shoulder surgery after being acquired by Kansas City.
The Royals are hopeful that a fully healthy Wright can compete for a spot in the starting rotation and recapture the form that made him a breakout star in Atlanta. His presence could provide a significant lift to a pitching staff looking to support the team’s playoff aspirations.
Building a Contender in Kansas City
The Royals’ decision to acquire Wright and the commitment shown by Renfroe and Stratton reflect the organization’s desire to field a competitive roster in 2025. After securing a wild-card berth this past season, Kansas City seems poised to build on that success.
- Renfroe and Stratton provide veteran leadership and potential for bounceback performances
- Wright’s return bolsters the pitching staff with a proven high-end starter
- Royals’ young core continues to develop and improve
As the offseason unfolds, the Royals will undoubtedly look to make additional moves to complement their existing talent. However, the decisions by Renfroe and Stratton, along with Wright’s return to health, lay a solid foundation for the team’s 2025 campaign and beyond.
We have a great group of guys here, and we’re excited about what we can accomplish together. Everyone is committed to bringing a championship back to Kansas City.
– According to a player in the Royals’ clubhouse
With a mix of established veterans and emerging young stars, the Royals appear well-positioned to make noise in the American League next season. As the hot stove continues to heat up, fans in Kansas City have reason to be optimistic about their team’s direction and potential for success in 2025 and the years to come.
