3 Former Padres Have Signed With Royals in Free Agency

More teams not named the Padres making moves.

This offseason has been nothing short of a disappointment for your San Diego Padres. Not only did the organization move on from Bob Melvin — and see him go to a division rival — but the front office also traded away young superstar Juan Soto. Now, it appears that small market teams are adding former Friars to their clubs.

In a post by Jon Heyman of MLBNetwork, he highlighted the additions the Kansas CIty Royals have made in free agency. Among them are three former Padres: Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Hunter Renfroe.

Royals have added Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe, Will Smith, Chris Stratton and Kyle Wright. Much improved team is nearing or at their limit of free agent $ but may still consider trades.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 15, 2023

First, we have Seth Lugo. After an impressive 2023 campaign, he declined his one-year, $7.5 million player option for 2024 and became a free agent. The Royals picked him up on a three-year $45 million contract. Interestingly, he declined a four-year offer from the Padres in lieu of more money over less years. A big payday for a versatile arm.

Next up is Michael Wacha. The Padres had the opportunity to keep Wacha for a couple of years. However, in a payroll-shedding move, the front office declined his two-year $32 million option. In a somewhat cruel twist, he signed that exact contract with the Royals.

Lastly, there's homegrown Hunter Renfroe. Renfroe came up with the Padres and made his major league debut in 2016. He would go on to play four years in San Diego before being included in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays that brought over Jake Cronenworth and Tommy Pham. He recently signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Royals, as well.

After the front office spent the last few offseasons amassing incredible talent, it's unfortunate to see other teams sign the club's success stories. 

With pitching depth a huge question for the team, no doubt they could have used Lugo or Wacha this upcoming year. The same can be said for Renfroe, who will roam the outfield for the Royals and not the Friars.

The offseason is in full swing, and there are still plenty of players the front office can bring aboard to help the Padres in 2024.