Danny Duffy signs $65 million contract extension with Royals

Danny Duffy is staying in Kansas City. On Monday, the Cabrillo High School alum re-signed with the Royals, inking a five-year deal valued at $65 million.

According to reports, the deal is backloaded, which will help open salary space in 2017 for the small-market franchise. Terms of the contract will be $5 million in 2017, $14 million in 2018, $15.25 million in 2019 and 2020 and $15.5 million in the final year in 2021.

“We’re very excited to have Danny Duffy with us for the next five years,” Kansas City general manager Dayton Moore told MLB.com. “Danny is someone who fits in with our organization and within our community.”

The new contract follows Duffy’s finest season after six years in Major League Baseball. After starting out in the bullpen, Duffy was moved back into a starting role in mid-May and thrived, establishing himself as the ace of the staff.

In 42 appearances, including 26 starts, Duffy posted a record of 12-3, along with an ERA of 3.51 and 188 strikeouts.

From early June through early August, he was arguably the best pitcher in baseball. On August 1, he dominated Tampa Bay, striking out a franchise-record 16 batters, while flirting with a no-hitter into the 8th inning.

At one point, he won 10 straight decisions, just one off tying the team record. He has not lost at home in Kauffman Stadium in 15 consecutive games.

The 28-year-old left-hander has been with the Royals organization ever since the team drafted him on his graduation day from Cabrillo in June 2007.

The 3rd round draft pick made his MLB debut in 2011 and has a career record of 36-33, with an 3.71 ERA. He has pitched in a pair of World Series and was a part of the Royals championship team in 2015.

In a few weeks, Duffy will represent the United States as a member of Team USA at the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which begins in early March.

After spending part of his off-season home in Lompoc, Duffy is currently in Kansas City. On Tuesday, he’s set to appear at a press conference and speak about the new contract.