Height
6'4"
Weight
190 lbs
Age
28
College
N/A
Draft
2016, Rd 1, #30
Experience
4 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/L
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsA-
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 84 | 3.7113402 | 21-21 | 466 | 1.201031 | 0.0 | 0 |
Current Contract
Length
3 years
Total Value
$13.3M
Guaranteed
$8.0M
AAV
$4.4M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
Cole Ragans' three-year, $4.4M AAV extension with the Royals earns a C+ CVI, reflecting a cautious but reasonable investment in a pitcher who showed legitimate breakout potential in 2023. The southpaw's transformation from Rangers castoff to Pro Bowl-caliber starter — posting a 2.64 ERA across 32 starts — represents exactly the type of mid-rotation anchor Kansas City needs as they attempt to build around Bobby Witt Jr. and their young core. While $4.4M annually feels slightly above market for a pitcher with just one elite season under his belt, Ragans' strikeout ability and improved command suggest he can deliver 3-4 WAR seasons that would make this deal a bargain. The Royals are betting on sustainability rather than regression, and given their competitive window aligning with Ragans' prime years, this represents solid roster construction even if it lacks the upside of a true ace-level commitment. Kansas City avoided both the risk of letting a homegrown talent walk and the danger of a massive overpay, landing in sensible middle ground that reflects their measured approach to contention.
Fan & Media Sentiment
Cole Ragans has quietly earned solid respect from baseball media and analysts as a dependable mid-rotation arm, though he hasn't captured the spotlight that his production might warrant. The narrative around the 26-year-old lefty remains measured but positive, with coverage focusing on his professional approach and steady contributions to Kansas City's rotation rather than any flashy storylines. Early-season struggles were largely contextualized within the Royals' broader team challenges, showing that media outlets view him as part of the solution rather than the problem. What's particularly telling is the gap between his B+ public perception and elite on-field performance — Ragans is significantly outproducing his modest media profile, suggesting he's flying under the radar in a small market. The sentiment would likely shift dramatically upward if he maintains this production level while the Royals compete for relevance, or if he lands with a higher-profile organization. Right now, Ragans occupies that sweet spot where industry insiders recognize his value even if casual fans haven't fully caught on to his franchise-caliber potential.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | @ CLE | L 2-10 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Thu, 4/2 | vs MIN | L 1-5 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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