Royals decline options on Kendrys Morales, Edinson Volquez

Joe Rodgers

Royals decline options on Kendrys Morales, Edinson Volquez image

The Kansas City Royals are looking to return to the World Series for the third time in four seasons in 2017 but could be doing so without slugger Kendrys Morales and starter Edinson Volquez after both players declined their mutual options, the club announced Friday. 

The Royals also announced they declined the mutual option on right-handed pitcher Kris Medlen (7.77 ERA in 2016) after he exercised his portion of the mutual option. All three players are now free agents and are able to sign with any club, beginning Tuesday.

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Morales and Volquez played key in 2015 as the Royals were crowned World Series champions but each player regressed this past season as the club failed to make the playoffs. 

Morales blasted 30 homers with 93 RBIs but his averaged dropped from .290 to .263 in part to a dismal first half. Even so, Morales rebounded nicely to end the season with a .319/.356/.596 over his last 101 plate appearances. There are plenty of clubs with needs for a big bat this winter (Blue Jays, Orioles, White Sox) and Morales' nice end to the season could be enough for a multiyear deal. 

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Volquez actually started off playing decent ball with a 3.74 ERA through May 29 but fell off the rest of the season en route to a season ERA of 5.37 (AL leading 113 earned runs), including the worst start of his career on June 24 when he allowed 12 runs (11 earned) on eight hits in just one inning of work. With the weakness of the free-agent class, Volquez could very well be in for a pay raise from his $9.5 million in 2016. 

Royals general manager Dayton Moore has said the team's payroll will decrease next season and its off to a good start with $18.5 million off the books. 
 

Joe Rodgers