Sources: Royals agree to sign Broxton

The Kansas City Royals could have a new closer. Or not.

The team has agreed with free-agent right-hander Jonathan Broxton on a one-year contract, according to major league sources. The deal is contingent on Broxton passing a physical.

Broxton, 27, did not pitch in the majors after May 3 last season because of a bone spur in his right elbow. He had arthroscopic surgery to remove the spur and bone chips at the end of the season.

In seven seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Broxton had 84 saves and a 3.19 ERA. He has a career average of 11.5 strikeouts per nine innings.

Righty Joakim Soria, 27, has been the Royals’ closer for the past five seasons. The agreement with Broxton increases the team’s options. The Royals could start Soria, trade him or keep him at closer.