Former Atlanta Braves right hander Kris Medlen signed with the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. The signing comes after the Braves didn’t offer Medlen another contract.
According to the Kansas City Star, the deal is for two years and is worth $8.5 million in guaranteed money and has incentives based on games started and innings pitched. There is a mutual option for 2017. Medlen will make $2 million next year with $4 million in incentives possible. In 2016 he will make $5.5 million with $6 million in incentives possible. The 2017 option is worth $10 million or a $1 million buyout.
Medlen was a tenth-round pick for the Braves in 2006. He made his major league debut in 2009. This past season Medlen didn’t play as he recovered from Tommy John surgery after injuring his elbow in spring training. It was the second time that he had Tommy John surgery, having it in 2011. In 2013 Medlen was 15-12 with a 3.11 ERA, according to MLB.com. He is 34-20 with a 2.95 ERA in his career.
The Royals also signed right-hander Edinson Volquez on Thursday. Volquez signed a two-year, $20 million contract. He has played for the Texas Rangers, Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was an All-Star with the Reds in 2008. This past season he was 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA with the Pirates, ESPN notes.
Medlen and Volquez are the latest additions to the Royals in a busy offseason. They join outfielder Alex Rios and first baseman Kendrys Morales as the Royals new additions. The Royals sent infielder Johnny Giavotella on assignment to add Medlen to the roster.