The Kansas City Royals said Wednesday they have signed right-handed pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta to a two-year contract with an option for 2010.
The contract is reportedly worth $6 million.
Yabuta reportedly gets $2.5 million next season and $3 million in 2009, with the Royals having a $4 million option for 2010 with a $500,000 buyout, but the option becomes Yabuta's if he pitches in a specified amount of games.
In addition, he can earn $500,000 annually in performance bonuses.