Kris Medlen to Royals: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

The Kansas City Royals hope to have bolstered their pitching depth by acquiring former Atlanta Braves standout Kris Medlen on Thursday.

News of Medlen's contract was confirmed through the Royals' official Twitter account:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the financial details of the deal:

Medlen has compiled a 34-20 career record with a stellar 2.95 ERA. Moving into a full-time starter's role for the first time in 2013, he went 15-12 but with a 3.11 ERA.

This signing doesn't come without risk for Kansas City, though. The 29-year-old Medlen underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2010 and underwent the procedure a second time to miss all of the 2014 campaign.

If the Royals get the pitcher Medlen has been when healthy, their move will look like a wise one. What's nice about Medlen is that he's proved to be effective as both a starter and in the bullpen, so Kansas City can deploy him wherever it feels comfortable.

Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports believes it's another aggressive move for the Royals:

Based on the wear and tear Medlen has endured in his MLB career, it's likely the Royals will try to ease him back into action after a full year away from the heat of competition.