SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals announced that left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans has agreed to a three-year contract through the 2027 season. The deal covers 2025, plus what would have been his first two years of salary arbitration. Ragans remains under club control through 2028.
“Cole has been one of the league’s best starters and a terrific teammate since joining us,” said 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, went 11-9 in 32 starts with a 3.14 ERA (65 ER in 186.1 IP) in 2024, his first full season in Kansas City. He was named an All-Star for the first time and 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 acquired in a trade from the Texas Rangers on June 30, 2023, Ragans is 16-11 in 44 starts with Kansas City, and has recorded a 3.00 ERA (86 ER in 258.0 IP) with 312 strikeouts (10.88 K/9).
Since his Royals debut on July 15, 2023, Ragans ranks tied for 5th in the American League in ERA and ranks 3rd among all Major League pitchers with a 7.3 fWAR, trailing only Tarik Skubal (8.8) and Zack Wheeler (7.8).
