Royals Players Commit to Their Future Amid Performance Struggles
- Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe and reliever Chris Stratton exercised their player options for the next season.
- Renfroe struggled last season with a .229 average, while Stratton dealt with command issues and a forearm injury.
- The Royals look to enhance their roster and performance ahead of the next season.
On November 4, 2024, the Kansas City Royals made several significant roster decisions. Outfielder Hunter Renfroe and reliever Chris Stratton both chose to exercise their player options for the upcoming season. Renfroe, who is seeking to bounce back after a disappointing previous season where he posted a .229 batting average, will earn $7.5 million next year. Similarly, Stratton aims for improvement after ending last season with a 5.55 ERA, opting for a $4.5 million deal after dealing with injuries. Right-hander Kyle Wright was also reinstated from the 60-day injured list, following a full season spent recovering from shoulder surgery. Acquired in a trade last year with the Braves, the Royals had anticipated his absence and hope he will be ready for spring training. Wright's performance will be crucial as the team shapes its starting rotation for the 2025 season. In contrast, the Royals opted not to bring back utilityman Adam Frazier, who underperformed during his time with the team. They paid out a $2.5 million buyout rather than extending his contract option worth $8.5 million for the next season. This decision marks a shift in roster strategy as the team looks to improve its overall performance. These moves reflect the Royals' aim to mitigate past struggles and prepare for a more competitive season, restoring confidence in their roster as they work towards a playoff berth in the near future.