Per ESPN/Baseball America writer Jerry Crasnick, the Kansas City Royals have come to an agreement this morning with 6'5" 220 lb left-hander Jeff Francis, previously of the Colorado Rockies. The deal and terms of the agreement will likely be announced by the Royals after a physical.
Francis is a former 1st round selection by the Rockies in the 2002 draft, and has spent parts of six seasons with their major league club. He is coming off a 2010 season in which he was 4-6, with a 5.00 ERA in 19 starts, and a 2.91 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 1.36 WHIP.
The big Canadian finished sixth in the 2005 National League Rookie of the Year voting, and finished 9th in the 2007 National League Cy Young race. 2007 was also his best season record wise, when he went 17-9 with 4.22 ERA. Overall for his career, Francis is 55-50 with a 4.77 ERA, and also carries a 1.43 WHIP and 2.1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Last season Francis made $5.75 million. Stayed tuned to SB Nation Kansas City and Royals Review for more coverage on this exciting announcement.