Royals sign Kris Medlen to two-year deal

The Royals have struck again on the free-agent pitching market, announcing that they have signed right-hander Kris Medlen to a two-year deal that includes a mutual option for 2017. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the deal guarantees $8.5 million over the first two seasons, with the mutual option being valued at $10 million and an additional $10 million being available in incentives. If Medlen pitches at full capacity and his option is exercised, the deal could be worth $27.5 million over three seasons.

Source: Medlen two-year deal with #Royals worth $8.5M - $2M, $5.5M plus $10M mutual option with $1M buyout if either party declines.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2014

Source: Medlen deal with #Royals includes $4M in incentives in first year, $6M in second.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2014

Medlen, 29, was recently non-tendered by the Braves after missing the entire 2014 season while rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery. He was previously very effective with Atlanta, posting a 15-12 record and 3.11 ERA in 31 starts with the Braves in 2013 to push his lifetime ERA to 2.95 in 512.2 innings over five major league seasons.

The signing of Medlen is the Royals' second addition of a pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery, as they already re-signed Luke Hochevar to a two-year deal earlier in the offseason. Medlen will provide insurance behind starters Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez, Jeremy Guthrie and Danny Duffy in Kansas City's rotation, though he may not be ready to pitch at the start of next season.