The Kansas City Royals are making a major investment in their future, signing budding ace Cole Ragans to a three-year, $13.25 million contract extension. The deal, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, buys out Ragans’ first two arbitration years and sets the stage for the flame-throwing southpaw to lead KC’s rotation for the foreseeable future.
It’s a remarkable rise for the 27-year-old, who endured a grueling journey just to reach the majors. Ragans underwent back-to-back Tommy John surgeries early in his career, sidelining him for nearly three full years. Many doubted if he’d ever pitch again, let alone evolve into a frontline starter.
Ascent to Ace Status
Those doubts were emphatically erased last season. In his first full campaign with the Royals, Ragans posted a sparkling 3.14 ERA, racking up 223 strikeouts against just 67 walks in 186.1 innings. His fastball touched triple digits, complemented by a devastating array of secondary pitches. The performance earned him his first career All-Star selection.
Kansas City acquired Ragans at the 2024 trade deadline, shipping veteran closer Aroldis Chapman to Texas for the then-unproven lefty. While Chapman helped the Rangers capture a World Series title, it’s Ragans who looks poised to deliver the far greater long-term impact.
Achieving Financial Security
For Ragans, the extension provides life-changing financial security after a roller-coaster start to his professional career. He’ll earn $13.25 million guaranteed, with salaries escalating from $1.25M this season to $8M in 2027. The deal allows Ragans to cash in now while still hitting free agency at age 30, young enough to land another significant payday if he sustains his elite performance.
It’s a dream come true, honestly. After everything I’ve been through, to have this kind of commitment from the Royals organization – it means the world to me and my family. Now I can just focus on pitching and helping this team win.
– Cole Ragans
Building a Playoff Contender
For the Royals, extending Ragans was a crucial step in their efforts to vault back into contention. Kansas City is looking to build on last year’s surprising playoff run, when Ragans, Brady Singer, and trade acquisition Seth Lugo led a patchwork pitching staff to the postseason.
With Ragans now under contract long-term and offseason additions like Michael Wacha and Jose Barrero upgrading the roster, the Royals have their sights set on an AL Central crown – and more. Anchored by a true ace in Ragans and rising superstar Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City’s championship window appears wide open.
- Young talent like Pasquantino, Melendez powering potent lineup
- Rebuilt bullpen with free agent signings Wacha, Estevez, Herget
- Farm system still strong with Pratto, Loftin nearly MLB-ready
After a lengthy rebuild, the Royals are undoubtedly a team on the rise. And with Cole Ragans signed, sealed and delivered atop the rotation, Kansas City now boasts arguably the most valuable commodity in modern baseball – a bona fide ace entering the prime of his career. Coupled with a burgeoning young core, it’s enough to restore championship dreams at Kauffman Stadium, both now and for years to come.
