Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Travis Wood throws against the Cleveland Indians in the 7th inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Wood agreed to a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.
Wood, a left-hander who worked primarily out of the bullpen for the Chicago Cubs last season, was a starter for the Cincinnati Reds before he was dealt to Chicago. He spent five seasons with the Cubs, and moved to an exclusively relief role in 2016, when left-handed batters had a .128 average against him.
Wood is scheduled to make $10.5 million in the first two years of the deal.
The contract includes a mutual option for 2019.
Wood pitched in relief effectively in the postseason for the World Series champions in 2016. He joins Jason Hammel, who signed a two-year deal with the Royals after starting for the Cubs last season, in Kansas City as pitchers and catchers report to spring training.
Outfielder Jorge Soler, acquired in the trade that sent closer Wade Davis to the Cubs, is also now in Kansas City.
To make room on the roster, the Royals placed pitcher Brian Flynn on the 60-day disabled list.
Wood, 30, had a 3.94 ERA in 220 games (98 starts) in Chicago. In 2016 as a reliever, he had a 2.95 ERA in 61 innings in 77 games.
