AL Central Squad Showing Interest in Padres' Starting Pitcher

The San Diego Padres were always expected to lose multiple starting pitchers this off-season, and it seems another one is getting looked at by a team in the AL Central division.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting the Kansas City Royals are showing interest in free agent Michael Wacha, who made 24 starts for the Padres last season. The two sides have reportedly already had discussions.

The Royals are indeed interested in Marcus Stroman, as @JonHeyman reported, but Kansas City is casting a wide net in its search for pitching. Per sources, the Royals have also had discussions with Lucas Giolito, Michael Wacha and Jack Flaherty.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 11, 2023

With the Shohei Ohtani signing now out of the way, the floodgates are expected to open for free agent players to sign everywhere. The Padres were always primed to lose Wacha after the strong season he put together.

Wacha posted an ERA of 3.22 with a 14-4 record in his first — and perhaps only — season in San Diego. He also posted a WHIP of 1.16 and struck out 124 over 134.1 innings of work.

The veteran right-hander was extremely serviceable this past season; only Seth Lugo and Blake Snell gave the Padres more starts. Wacha, 32, held opponents to three or fewer runs in 19 of his 24 starts, effectively giving the team a chance to win nearly every time he was on the mound.

Compared to Wacha's 2023 season, the Royals got more starts and innings from only three of their starters last year. One of the three, Zack Greinke, is a free agent. Wacha would bring veteran experience to their staff and could be a mentor for some of their young arms.

However, it remains to be seen if Wacha would be interested in joining a team that isn't a contender. Kansas City hasn't had a winning season since 2015, when they won the World Series. At this point in his career, Wacha might only have his sights set on World Series contenders.

If he signs elsewhere, Wacha's brief time in San Diego will be remembered positively. The Padres need to do some work to stay competitive next season if most of their rotation heads elsewhere.