After a breakout season in 2024, the Kansas City Royals have rewarded left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans with a three-year contract extension worth $13.25 million.
ESPN reports that the deal will pay Ragans $1.25 million this season, $4.5 million in 2026, and $7.5 million in 2027. He will have one year of arbitration eligibility before becoming a free agent following the 2028 season.
If Ragan wins the Cy Young Award in either 2025 or 2026, his salary in 2027 will jump to $8 million.
“He earned this contract through his hard work, perseverance and professionalism,” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said in a statement. “He’s been an outstanding performer for us at a young age and his success is motivating to us moving forward.”
The 27-year-old Ragans has assumed the role of ace for Kansas City after an impressive 2024 season that saw him named to the All-Star Team for the first time. He also finished fourth in Cy Young voting.
Over 32 starts, Ragans posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 223 strikeouts over 186.1 innings en route to an 11-9 record. His 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings led Major League Baseball.
The Royals acquired Ragans before the 2023 trade deadline, sending relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers.
At the time of the trade, the Royals were excited by Ragans’ potential but were uncertain about his long-term future after undergoing two Tommy John surgeries during his minor league career. However, any lingering concerns were dispelled with his dominance last season.
