Well there goes another starter. Michael Wacha, who the Padres could’ve brought back through their club options, is now signing with the Kansas City Royals on a two-year, $32 million deal. There is an opt-out after next season.
Right-handed starter Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a two-year, $32 million contract, a source tells ESPN. He gets an opt-out after the first season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 15, 2023
While it may have felt like an overpay at the moment, in hindsight it seems like the Padres would’ve been smart to just bring Wacha back based on how much money even unsuccessful starters last year are getting on the market this winter.