The Royals have no idea if right-hander Clay Buchholz will bounce back from last season’s forearm surgery with ease. But they’re willing to give the free-agent pitcher a place to start.
Buchholz, 33, and the Royals agreed to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invite to spring-training camp on Tuesday. He stands to earn a guaranteed $1.5 million this season if he cracks the big-league roster, plus up to $250,000 in incentives based on the number of starts he makes. He can choose to opt of the deal if he hasn’t joined the Royals by May 1.
“We’re giving him an opportunity to get back into the swing of things and see where he’s at,” manager Ned Yost said.