AP source: Royals, Ian Kennedy reach five-year, $70M deal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A person familiar with the situation says the Kansas City Royals and pitcher Ian Kennedy have agreed to a $70 million, five-year contract that includes an opt-out after the first two years.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because the deal will not be finalized until the 31-year-old Kennedy passes a physical.

The right-hander went 9-15 with a 4.28 ERA for the San Diego Padres last season. He has also pitched for the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Royals were in search of another starter to replace Johnny Cueto, who became a free agent after helping Kansas City win its first World Series since 1985.