The Kansas City Royals have officially signed veteran pitcher Michael Lorenzen, best known for his electrifying no-hitter with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023. Lorenzen’s resurgence during the latter half of the 2024 season made him a standout in free agency, leading to a deal that could bring stability and leadership to Kansas City’s rebuilding pitching staff.
The Royals signed Lorenzen to a two-year, $18 million contract with a performance-based option for a third year. The deal includes incentives tied to innings pitched and starts made, reflecting the Royals’ confidence in Lorenzen’s ability to serve as a durable and effective starter while protecting against potential setbacks.
“We believe Michael has plenty of great baseball left,” Royals General Manager JJ Picollo stated. “This contract reflects our belief in his talent and his potential to guide our young rotation. His late-season dominance showed us he’s capable of being a key contributor to our future.”
Lorenzen’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster. After a rocky first half with the Detroit Tigers, where he struggled with control and posted an ERA above 5.00, a brief demotion to Triple-A Toledo became a turning point. Working closely with pitching coaches, Lorenzen adjusted his delivery, improved his fastball command, and developed a more effective slider to complement his already solid changeup.
Upon returning to the majors in August, Lorenzen was lights out. Over his final 10 starts of the season, he went 5-2 with a 2.73 ERA, striking out 56 batters while walking only 14 across 66 innings. He also pitched deep into games, giving his team much-needed length in critical matchups.
For the Royals, Lorenzen checks several boxes. He brings:
- Veteran Leadership: With nearly a decade of MLB experience, including postseason appearances, Lorenzen offers mentorship to a young Royals staff that includes promising arms like Brady Singer and Daniel Lynch.
- Versatility: Known for his athleticism, Lorenzen has experience as both a starter and reliever, giving the Royals flexibility in how they utilize him.
- Playoff Experience: Lorenzen has been battle-tested on the biggest stage, and his ability to perform under pressure aligns with Kansas City’s long-term goals of returning to contention.
“Michael’s unique skill set and experience are exactly what we need as we continue to develop our young core,” Royals Manager Matt Quatraro said. “He’s the type of player who elevates everyone around him.”
Lorenzen’s no-hitter for the Phillies in 2023 remains a career highlight, but this move to Kansas City offers him an opportunity to redefine his legacy. While the Royals are not immediate contenders, Lorenzen’s presence could help the team take significant steps forward.
In addition to his on-field contributions, Lorenzen’s reputation as a clubhouse leader is expected to have a positive influence on the Royals’ culture. Young pitchers like Alec Marsh and Jonathan Bowlan will benefit from his guidance, while Lorenzen’s ability to eat innings will take pressure off the bullpen.
The signing has drawn a mix of optimism and curiosity from fans and analysts alike. Many see it as a low-risk, high-reward move for the Royals, given Lorenzen’s potential to serve as a stabilizing force.
“This is the kind of signing small-market teams need to make,” one MLB analyst commented. “If Lorenzen continues his late-2024 form, this deal could be a steal. And if not, it’s a relatively modest investment for a team still rebuilding.”
Lorenzen is expected to slot into the Royals’ rotation as their No. 3 starter, behind Brady Singer and a to-be-determined free-agent acquisition or internal candidate. The Royals hope his consistency and durability will help anchor a pitching staff that struggled in 2024, finishing with a team ERA of 4.97.
For Lorenzen, the move to Kansas City represents a fresh start and a chance to prove that his 2024 finish was no fluke. With the Royals banking on his experience and leadership, both sides appear poised to benefit from this partnership.
