Ragans to stay in KC through 2028 as ink dries on new Royals contract

SURPRISE, Ariz. (KCTV) - Cole Ragans is set to stay in Kansas City through 2028 as the ink dries on a new 3-year contract with the Royals.

The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday, Feb. 14, that Cole Ragans, a left-handed pitcher, has signed a 3-year contract through the 2027 season. The deal covers 2025 as well as what would have been his first 2 years of salary arbitration.

As of the g, the Royals said Ragains, 27, will remain under club control through 2028.

“Cole has been one of the league’s best starters and a terrific teammate since ing 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.”

Club leaders noted that Ragans went 11-9 in 32 starts with a 3.14 ERA during his first full season in Kansas City in 2024. He was named an All-Star for the first time and led the American League in K/9, ranked 2nd in strikeouts and finished 4th in the Cy Young Award votes.

Since Ragans was acquired in a trade from the Texas Rangers on June 30, 2023, the Royals said he is 16-11 in 44 starts and has recorded a 3.00 ERA with 312 strikeouts. Since his Royals debut on July 15, 2023, he ranks tied for 5th in the American League in ERA.

Club officials indicated that Ragans ranks 3rd among all Major League pitchers with a 7.3 fWAR, only after Tarik Skubal and Zack Wheeler.

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