SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals have secured a three-year contract with left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans, extending through the 2027 season. This agreement encompasses 2025 and what would have been his initial two years of salary arbitration, keeping Ragans under team control until 2028.
“Cole has been one of the league’s best starters and a terrific teammate since joining us,” stated Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager J.J. Picollo. “He earned this contract through his hard work, perseverance, and professionalism. He’s been an outstanding performer for us at a young age, and his success is motivating to us moving forward.”
Ragans, 27, had a standout 2024 season in Kansas City, finishing with an 11-9 record in 32 starts, a 3.14 ERA (65 ER in 186.1 IP), and making his first All-Star appearance. He led the American League in K/9 (10.77), ranked 2nd in strikeouts (223), fWAR (4.9), and finished 4th in the Cy Young Award voting.
Since being traded from the Texas Rangers on June 30, 2023, Ragans has compiled a 16-11 record in 44 starts for Kansas City, maintaining a 3.00 ERA (86 ER in 258.0 IP) with 312 strikeouts (10.88 K/9).
Since his debut with the Royals on July 15, 2023, Ragans ranks tied for 5th in the American League in ERA and 3rd among all Major League pitchers with a 7.3 fWAR, trailing only Tarik Skubal (8.8) and Zack Wheeler (7.8).
