Steve Phillips reports for ESPN that the deal is done, and it is for five years. I can see how that fifth year would seal the deal for Meche quickly. RotoWorld says it’s for $55MM with $9MM paid out in ’07.
The move may be shocking to some, but KC had roughly $15MM to burn this winter.
Meche turned 28 this year. He posted a career best 7.5 per nine strikeout rate. The team now has some starting pitching depth (2007 salaries estimated):
SP – Gil Meche – $9MM
SP – Odalis Perez – $1.7MM
SP – Brian Bannister – $0.38MM
SP – Luke Hudson – $0.38MM
SP – Jorge de la Rosa – $0.38MM
SP – Zack Greinke – $0.38MM
Note: Runelvys Hernandez was released this morning. Thanks to Royals Authority for the tip.
