The Kansas City Royals have made one of the more surprising moves of the off-season by signing Jonathan Broxton to a one-year deal to fortify their bullpen. The move might also be indicative of more moves to come. Several teams from the AL and NL were in on Broxton from the beginning, but the Royals were never mentioned as a candidate to sign the former Dodgers closer. In fact, the Royals haven't been linked to any reliever this offseason.
Ben Nicholson Smith of MLB Trade Rumors writes, "Broxton’s 2011 season ended in May after just 12 2/3 innings with a 5.68 ERA and nearly as many walks (9) as strikeouts (10). He had arthroscopic elbow surgery in September and was expected to begin an offseason throwing program this month. A dominant reliever for the Dodgers from 2006 to the early part of 2010, Broxton will look to rebuild value on a one-year contract in Kansas City."