The Royals acquired India (ankle) and Joey Wiemer in exchange for Brady Singer on Friday. India enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Reds while serving as their primary second baseman. However, with Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back from injury, there was a projected playing time squeeze along Cincinnati's infield. India should immediately slot into the starting second base job with the Royals and should have the chance to hit in a prominent spot in the lineup.
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The Royals acquired India (ankle) and Joey Wiemer in exchange for Brady Singer on Friday. India enjoyed a strong 2024 season with the Reds while serving as their primary second baseman. However, with Matt McLain and Christian Encarnacion-Strand back from injury, there was a projected playing time squeeze along Cincinnati's infield. India should immediately slot into the starting second base job with the Royals and should have the chance to hit in a prominent spot in the lineup.
The Reds traded Wiemer and Jonathan India to the Royals on Friday in exchange for Brady Singer. Wiemer went just 4-for-26 with nine strikeouts in 21 big-league games played between Milwaukee and Cincinnati last season. His performance in the minors wasn't great either, as he slashed .189/.277/.226 in 119 plate appearances with the Reds' Triple-A affiliate after being traded at the deadline. Once regarded as a top prospect in the Brewers' farm system, the 25-year-old Wiemer will look to turn things around with the Royals, though he will likely report to Triple-A Omaha.
Wacha agreed to a three-year, $51 million contract with the Royals on Sunday that includes a $14 million club option for 2028, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. The right-hander was expected to decline his $16 million player option for 2025, but Kansas City utilized the exclusive five-day negotiating window after the World Series to secure a new deal. Wacha was a key rotation piece for the Royals during their 2024 resurgence with a 3.35 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 145:45 K:BB over 166.2 innings.
Stratton (forearm) exercised his player worth $4.5 million for the 2025 season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Stratton threw 58.1 innings out of the bullpen for the Royals in 2024, occasionally working in high-leverage situations. He posted a 5.55 ERA and 1.47 WHIP to go along with four saves and five holds. Stratton's season ended in mid-September due to injury, though he is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
Renfroe exercised his player option worth $7.6 million for the 2025 season, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. Renfroe began the season as the starting right fielder for the Royals, though his role shrunk after the acquisition of Tommy Pham. His primary shortcoming was a lack of power, as he posted a career-low .163 ISO across 424 plate appearances. Pham is entering free agency, which could give Renfroe a shot to start again entering 2025.
Stratton (forearm) is expected to be healthy for the beginning of spring training, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Stratton missed the final couple weeks of the regular season and the playoffs with a right flexor strain, but he's expected to recover with an offseason of rest. The veteran reliever holds a $4.5 million player option for 2025, which he seems likely to exercise after posting a lackluster 5.55 ERA and 44:33 K:BB over 58.1 innings in 2024.
McArthur (elbow) is expected to be ready for the start of spring training, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. McArthur was diagnosed with a Grade 1 UCL sprain in his right elbow in mid-September, resulting in a premature end to his season. While a Grade 1 sprain is the least severe, there is always going to be some long-term concern when UCL damage is involved. For now, though, the expectation is McArthur will be ready for spring training after some rest and rehab.
Frazier will undergo surgery on his right thumb this week, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Frazier strained the thumb back in June and required a brief injured list stint at the time. The exact nature of the procedure he will have isn't clear, but Frazier should be fully healthy well ahead of spring training. The utility player has an $8.5 million mutual option for 2025.
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