Edinson Volquez will be a nice addition to the Royals rotation. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
Securing a rotation replacement in anticipation of right-hander James Shields’ likely exit, the Kansas City Royals reportedly agreed to a contract with free agent right-hander Edinson Volquez on Wednesday.
According to multiple media outlets, Volquez will receive a two-year, $20 million deal if he passes a physical exam.
Shields is one of the top remaining free agents on the market. He served as the ace of the Royals’ pitching staff the past two seasons, helping Kansas City reach the World Series this year.
Volquez, 31, posted the lowest ERA of his career last season, 3.04, while finishing 13-7 in 32 games (31 starts) for the Pirates. He signed a one-year, $5 million deal with Pittsburgh last winter after splitting the 2013 season between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Volquez made his lone All-Star appearance in 2008 for the Cincinnati Reds, finishing 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA in 33 games (32 starts) during his first full major league season. He ranked second in the National League with 206 strikeouts, a total that remains his career high.
Over 10 years in the majors with the Texas Rangers, Reds, Padres, Dodgers and Pirates, Volquez has a 66-59 record and a 4.44 ERA in 191 games (185 starts).
