Cruz went 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 relief appearances last season with the Diamondbacks, striking out 71 in 51 2/3 innings. He led National League relievers by averaging 12.37 strikeouts for nine innings.

After dealing right-handed relievers Leo Nunez and Ramon Ramirez, general manager Dayton Moore has signed right-handers Cruz, Doug Waechter and Kyle Farnsworth.

"Juan Cruz gives us more options and potentially better options as we try to transition into the ninth to get to Joakim (Soria)," Moore said. "You've got to be able to strike people out in our league.

"We feel like we have obviously a very good closer in Joakim. We've got to make sure we get to him. We traded Ramon Ramirez and Leo Nunez this past winter and they were highly successful in bridging the gap to get to Joakim, so we worked (to sign) Kyle Farnsworth, Doug Waechter and now Juan Cruz. I like the way things are shaping up on paper."

Cruz has a 29-31 record with a 4.00 ERA in the majors with the Cubs, Braves, Athletics and Diamondbacks. Since he signed late, Cruz opted to remain in the Kansas City camp instead of pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

"He certainly has a knack for missing bats," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "Anytime you can add somebody like that to your bullpen, it's pretty exciting for us. I would anticipate certainly (using him) in later innings, especially with his ability to strike people out."