What It Means:

The option carries a buyout for $1.25 million, which means the guaranteed money to Minor will be at least $7.25 million. He missed the entire 2015 season following shoulder surgery. If Minor is able to stay healthy, this gamble could pay serious dividends. The Royals aren't expecting him to be available until at late May, at the earliest.

Minor threw 145 1/3 innings in 2014 for the Atlanta Braves, posting a 3.90 xFIP, which is in line with his career 3.88 xFIP. His 18.8 strikeout percentage in 2014 was below the league average. Minor's return to the rotation would likely move Chris Young to the bullpen.