The Kansas City Royals announced that left-handed pitcher Jason Vargas, who signed a four-year, $32 million contract has been added to the 40-man roster and the club designated catcher George Kottaras for assignment. The 30 year old Vargas spent the 2013 season with the Angels, compiling a 9-8 record and a 4.02 ERA in 24 starts. He had a blood clot that was discovered in his left armpit after a start in mid-June and he had surgery on June 26. He missed seven weeks and returned on Aug. 13, where he made 10 starts and went 3-4 with a 4.60 ERA.
It seems highly unlikely that the club will be able to keep Ervin Santana who could command as much as $100 million. Bruce Chen is also a free agent, but the Royals think that they can get a deal done. Vargas not only fills a hole, but becomes a mentor for another lefty on the staff, Danny Duffy.
James Shields and Jeremy Guthrie are the only “for sure” starters set for 2014, prior to the signing of Vargas.
AUDIOÂ GM Dayton Moore and Vargas comment on the signing (1:30)
