The Royals have signed pitcher Ryan Madson to a minor league deal.
Madson, 34, was 47-30 with a 3.59 ERA and 52 saves in eight seasons with the Phillies but has not pitched at the major league level since 2011 while dealing with elbow problems.
Currently it is unknown what type of velocity Madson is showing but given that the deal is of the minor league variety the Royals have little risk here. The Royals already have a full bullpen so Madson will enter spring training hoping to force the issue but figures to start the year at the minor league level.
Madson was close to agreeing to a four-year extension with the Phillies worth $44 million following the 2011 season but a conflict arose between Ruben Amaro Jr. and Madson’s former agent, Scott Boras. Madson later signed with the Reds on a one-year deal worth $8.5 million but underwent Tommy John surgery before ever pitching for them.
