Royals' Edinson Volquez Mulling Mutual Option

Kansas City Royals right-handed starter Edinson Volquez wants to return to the team in 2017, he told Rustin Dodd of the Kansas City Star Wednesday. 

Volquez told Dodd that he is considering exercising his side of a mutual option but that he will "huddle" with his agent at the end of the World Series to make a final decision. He is planning on looking at the market and weighing his option. 

The Royals signed Volquez to a two-year, $20 million deal during the 2014-15 offseason that included the aforementioned mutual option for 2017. It is valued at $10 million with a $3 million buyout. Both sides would need to pick up the option for it to vest. 

Despite not having the best season statistically, it is possible that Volquez would be able to earn more than the $10 million his is due to make with the option on the open market. The starting pitching this offseason is thin, which increases the likelihood that he gets a long-term deal from another team. 

This season, Volquez is 10-11 with a 5.25 ERA and a 133-68 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 181 2/3 innings pitched. He has posted a 4.47 FIP and a 4.43 xFIP, according to FanGraphs, and he has been worth 1.6 Wins Above Replacement. 

--Devan Fink

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