The bullpen was arguably the biggest driving force behind the Kansas City Royals‘ Cinderella run to the World Series last season. Because of that, the defending American League champions have locked up Kelvin Herrera.

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Royals and Herrera Agree to Extension

Thursday, Feb. 12

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reported that Herrera and the Royals have reached a two-year, $4.15 million deal.

As the Royals’ primary setup man last season, Herrera dominated to the tune of a 1.41 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 70 innings. He also posted a 1.80 ERA in the playoffs, making him one of Kansas City’s most integral players.

The 25-year-old righty is arbitration eligible, but the Royals are on the verge of inking him to a contract in order to avoid that situation, according to Jeffrey Flanagan of Royals.com:

Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star is reporting that the proposed deal will pay Herrera over $2 million per season for two years:

Herrera combined with Wade Davis and closer Greg Holland to form the best bullpen in baseball last season. Provided Kansas City is able to get this deal done, it ensures that it will be in that conversation once again in 2015.   

The Royals certainly have some question marks entering the year, as their lineup isn’t explosive and they lost James Shields from their starting rotation, but a great ‘pen figures to keep them in the running.

 

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