LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The Kansas City Royals obtained starting pitcher Brian Bannister from the New York Mets in exchange for reliever Ambiorix Burgos.
The deal was announced Wednesday at baseball's winter meetings in Florida.
Banister, the son of former major leaguer Floyd Bannister who pitched for the Royals in 1988-89, was 2-1 with a 4.26 earned run average last season and was thought to be part of the Mets' starting rotation next season. He turns 26 on New Year's Day.
"Acquiring Brian Bannister fits in with our plan for long-term success," said Royals General Manager Dayton Moore. "We're excited to be acquiring such a young, talented pitcher with such exceptional makeup."
Burgos, 22, was 4-5 with 18 saves and a 5.52 ERA for Kansas City last season. He struck out 72 batters in 73 1/3 innings and has fanned 137 in 136 2/3 innings for his career.
The Mets has said strengthening the bullpen was a goal for the winter meetings.
