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Signs 2 Year Deal from American League Team Sensational Ace to Reds.
The Milwaukee Brewers, like several other organizations, had outfielder Hunter Renfroe on their roster for one season. Since 2019 he has played for six different organizations with most recently splitting time in 2023 between the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds.
When he was with the Brewers in 2022 he belted 29 home runs, collected 72 RBI, and had a 124 OPS+. Unfortunately there were reports of some clubhouse concerns. Between that and his rising arbitration cost Matt Arnold flipped him to the Angels last offseason for three pitchers.
The Angels held on to him until their playoff hopes diminished in which they then placed him on waivers. Following that he briefly joined the Reds for their quest for the post season. Now for the first time in his career he entered free agency and got to choose where he played next.
Over the last week Kansas City has been one of the most active teams. Since signing former Brewers reliever and three time consecutive World Series winner Will Smith the Royals have also added Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton, Kyle Wright, and Hunter Renfroe.
Hunter Renfroe’s deal is a two year, $13 million deal. His base 2024 salary is $5.5 million and he has the ability to earn 500k more in incentives. There is a $7.5 million player option for 2025.
At age 31 he is coming off a disappointing 2023 season in which overall he hit 20 home runs, had 60 RBI, and a 91 OPS+. His power numbers are still good, but batting average and on-base percentage both took a dive last year. This contract gives him the ability to potentially bounce back, opt out of his 2025 deal, and sign a much bigger contract next winter.
