KANSAS CITY, Mo., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Seeking a leadoff hitter, the Kansas City Royals dipped into the free agent market Tuesday to sign outfielder Chuck Knoblauch.
Financial terms were not disclosed for Knoblauch, who was a part of three World Series championship teams while playing for the New York Yankees the last four seasons. He also was a member of the Minnesota Twins' World Series championship club in his rookie season in 1991.
"Acquiring an experienced leadoff hitter was one of our priorities this offseason and we are excited about having Chuck fill that role," Royals General Manager Allard Baird said. "He brings winning experience and a winning attitude which makes his signing a good fit for our club."
A four-time All Star and the American League Rookie of the Year in 1991, Knoblauch will try to revitalize his career with the Royals after hitting a career-low .250 last season.
Knoblauch, 33, also had plenty of problems in the field and moved to left field last season after throwing problems forced a shift from second base, where he played the first 11 years of his career.
Kansas City has been in the market for a leadoff hitter since trading Johnny Damon to Oakland last off-season.
Knoblauch, who stole 38 bases last season and has 388 in his career, should help fill that void. He also has been penciled in as the club's starting left fielder.
Knoblach spent the first seven years of his career with the Minnesota Twins before being traded to the Yankees in the 1997 off-season in a cost-cutting move. He is a lifetime .293 hitter with 92 homers and 593 RBI in 1,552 games.
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