The Royals have announced their $70 million, five-year deal with pitcher Ian Kennedy, which was agreed to nearly two weeks ago but did not become official until Friday.
Kennedy was to be introduced at the team's annual FanFest later in the day.
He gets $7.5 million next year, $13.5 million in 2017, $16 million in 2018 and $16.5 million in each of the final two seasons. He can opt out after the 2017 season, receive a $6 million buyout and become a free agent again. If he opts out, the agreement would become a $27 million, two-year deal.
The 31-year-old right-hander went 9-15 with a 4.28 ERA for the San Diego Padres last season. He is four years removed from a 21-win season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and also has pitched for the New York Yankees during his nine-year big league career.
Kansas City was seeking another starter to replace Johnny Cueto, who signed a $130 million, six-year deal with the Giants after helping the Royals win their first World Series since 1985.