Josh Taylor is also released.
Outfielder Hunter Renfroe and reliever Chris Stratton each picked up their player options for 2025, but the Royals declined a mutual option for infielder/outfielder Adam Frazier, making him a free agent.
Renfroe will earn $7.5 million next year after making $5.5 million in 2024. The 32-year-old was signed last off-season to provide pop for the Royals, but he hit just 15 home runs, the fewest home runs he has hit in a full season at the big league level. He missed two weeks with a hamstring injury late in the year, limiting him to 120 games where he hit .229/.297/.392. Renfroe features one of the best arms in baseball, but limited range in the outfield, and he was a replacement-level player overall this season.
Stratton was signed to stabilize the bullpen, but he struggled with a 5.55 ERA in 57 games with 33 walks in 58 1⁄3 innings. The 34-year-old was fairly solid through the end of June with a 3.89 FIP and an opponent’s line of .165/.287/.256, but he allowed 20 runs in in his final 23 2/3 innings, allowing opponents to hit .355/.425/.581 in the final two months. He missed the final two weeks of the season with a right forearm flexor strain, which can sometimes be a precursor to a UCL injury that necessitates Tommy John surgery. Stratton will earn $4.5 million next year after making $3.5 million in 2024.
Frazier was signed as a bench player, and hit .202/.282/.294 with four home runs in 294 plate appearances. He went 1-for-3 in the ALDS against the Yankees, scoring a run. The 32-year-old played first base, second base, third base, left field, and right field for the Royals. He made $2.5 million this year, but will walk away with a $2.5 million buyout for next year rather than receive his $8.5 million option.
The Royals also outrighted reliever Josh Taylor, and he elected free agency. Taylor was acquired from Boston for shortstop Adalberto Mondesi before the 2023 season, but appeared in just 17 games for the Royals that year, and missed all of this season with injury. He was arbitration-eligible and could have earned $1 million in salary, but instead he will become a free agent.
Pitcher Michael Wacha also has a $16 million player option he is expected to decline. He was one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, and will likely earn a multi-year contract after posting a 3.35 ERA in 29 starts. He has until November 4 to decide whether or not to exercise his option. Even if he declines his option, the Royals could re-sign him and they have expressed a desire to bring him back.