Royals Sign Reliever Jonathan Broxton

In somewhat of a surprising move, the Kansas City Royals have acquired Jonathan Broxton in a one-year deal worth $4 Million according to Ken Rosenthal.

Broxton was one of the games best closers before an injury-riddled 2011 significantly lowered his value in the free agent market this offseason.  He pitched only in 14 games, posting a 5.68 ERA before succumbing to elbow and shoulder injuries last season.  The fact that he signed a moderate, one-year deal with a team not believed to be a serious title contender might be an indication that there is more concern about his injuries than previously believed.

With Broxton on board, the Royals improve a bullpen that was ranked 8th in the AL with a 3.75 ERA, but is much deeper than that ranking shows.  Aaron Crow, Greg Holland and Louis Coleman were all solid contributors while closer Joakim Soria had an off year.   It will be interesting to see how the signing affects the Royal’s closer situation.

UPDATE: It’s now being reported that Aaron Crow will move to the rotation and Broxton will set-up Soria.