When JA Happ is getting $12 million a year, $14 million for Kennedy seems like a bargain (Id seen some suggest Kennedy would be its high as $17 million/year).

He's got more than mediocre upside and a pretty stable floor.

It's not the salary that surprised me here, but the years. And I think I'd take Happ at 3 years over Kennedy at 5 years. Don't think there's too much difference between them in quality really (other than Happ coming off the much better 2015: 3.61 ERA/3.41 FIP vs. 4.28 ERA/4.51 FIP).

*** Official 2016 Royals Offseason Repository ***
 

Spending some coin lately. This is our last major move right? Anything else would be spring training invite or something most likely?

Sounds like there's an opt out after 2, so that mitigates some of the risk. That's of course assuming it's the Royals option to opt out.

Anything else would be bargain bin shopping, like Chris Young last year.

Like the signing as well...pitching def costs

I am going to need more space on my wall after next season

I'd guess we will see a GMDM special here or there. He's known to take a flier on a reclamation project or two after free agency is nearly dead. Value signings.

I assume Fister or Lee are not on that flyers board. Who realistically is out there that they would sign. I like the Kennedy signing...our def will help alot

Very nice. I felt like we needed one more solid pitcher. Good offseason.

You guys cool with making another WS run? Does that sound OK to everyone?

i just love the fact that our Management recognizes that we still have an opportunity to go for it and repeat in 2016. This makes me happy

2 biggest contracts in franchise history within a week of each other. Is it too soon to start the "repeat" chant?

Funny that this place has been talking about getting Kennedy for like three years now. I like the signing a lot.

There's perhaps less risk with Happ, but he also is a guy who cashed in on one good half season, the best performance by far of his career. Don't believe he's ever finished a full season with an ERA under 4 over the rest of his career... And isn't he 33?

Not a shot at him, just that even guys with warts are getting a lot of years and dollars.

Over the past five years, Kennedy has been the better pitcher overall and been more durable and reliable. Combine that with being younger, and that's where separation comes in.