UPDATE: The Royals announced the signing of Young. He'll make $4.75 million in 2016, $5.75 million for 2017 and has an $8 million mututal option for 2018 (or a $1.5 million buyout), according to Flanagan.
#Royals announce that they've signed RHP Chris Young to a 2-year deal with a mutual option for the 2018 season.
— Royals (@Royals) December 7, 2015
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The Kansas City Royals reportedly lost Ryan Madson to the Oakland Athletics over the weekend and they expect to lose Johnny Cueto in free agency. Rumors indicate the club is working on filling those voids with two signings.
To replace Madson, the Royals have reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with reliever Joakim Soria, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The contract is worth $25 million in addition to performance incentives, adds SB Nation's Chris Cotillo.
The deal is pending a physical, says Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, and Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Press finds the contract contains a mutual option for a fourth season.
Soria, 31, began his career with the Royals and spent five seasons in Kansas City before signing with the Texas Rangers after missing all of the 2012 season due to Tommy John surgery. He's been one of the best relievers in the MLB since 2014 in stints with the Rangers, Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Tigers were looking to bring back Soria after trading him to the Pirates at the deadline, but Soria will instead join an already established bullpen in Kansas City.
The Royals also reportedly re-signed Chris Young to a two-year deal, according to a number of outlets. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says the contract is worth $11.75 million and Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports it's $11.5 million.
Flanagan and Joel Sherman of the New York Post were the first two to report the deal.
Young, 36, went 11-6 with a 3.06 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 83 strikeouts in 34 games (18 starts) for the Royals in 2015 and was impressive during the team's World Series run. Due to the excessive prices of starting pitchers in free agency, the team probably felt it was best to keep Young around as he provides good value for his capabilities.
The Royals have yet to confirm any of the deals, so stay tuned for official announcements.
