Royals Sign Two-Year Deal With Travis Wood
The Kansas City Royals continue to add former Chicago Cubs pitchers. The latest being left-handed pitcher Travis Wood. The Royals reportedly signed Wood to a two-year deal earlier today. Wood went 4-0 2.95 ERA in 77 games with the Cubs in 2016.
Wood is coming off a career-high 77 appearances in 2016. It was his first full season as a relief pitcher in the Major Leagues. Wood was an All-Star starting pitcher in 2013, but since has struggled in the rotation. Posting a 5.03 ERA in the rotation during the 2014 season. Wood started nine games in the rotation in 2015, but found a role in the bullpen.
Wood left the Cubs this off-season to find a team that would give him a chance as a starting pitcher. He was a solid relief pitcher, but wants the chance to start in the rotation again. The 30-year-old will compete in Spring Training for the fifth spot in the Royals rotation. Wood will pitch along side former Cubs starter Jason Hammel this upcoming season.