Royals re-sign Bruce Chen

The Royals and pitcher Bruce Chen have come in agreement on a contract, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Chris Cotillo has reported that Chen's deal with the Royals is a one-year contract that includes a mutual option for the 2015 season. Chen has been a very good swingman over his career, pitching in both the starters' and relivers' role.

The 36-year-old enjoyed success in the 2013 campaign, pitching to a 9-4 record with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP in 34 games (15 starts). Although Chen did not rack up a ton of strikeouts (5.8 K/9) or keep the ball on the ground (27.7 ground-ball percentage), he did a good job of limiting home runs (6.7% of fly balls went for homers). Though that may be a red flag for many, these numbers aren't far off of his career statistics. The Panama native has had a very healthy career, going 80-76 with a 4.49 ERA in 385 games (218 starts) in 15 years with the Royals, Braves, Orioles, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, and Rangers.

Chen should continue to be an asset to the Royals pitching staff and can step into the rotation for injuries or other issues. Chen made an AL-high 34 starts in 2012.