It is not a stretch to say the Kansas City Royals’ steadiest starter over the past two seasons has been veteran Michael Wacha.
The longtime St. Louis Cardinals right-hander landed in Kansas City after years of one-year stops and has arguably delivered the two best seasons of his lengthy career. He proved his value again in 2025, leading the Royals in games started, innings pitched, and fWAR by comfortable margins.
Heading into his age-34 season, Wacha is under contract for two more years and figures to be the staff’s waterline once again.
He isn’t the ace like Cole Ragans can be when he’s right, and he isn’t as volatile as Seth Lugo or Kris Bubic.