Royals working on deal with former Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee

The Royals are close to signing former Mets starter Dillon Gee to a minor-league contract, according to people familiar with the situation. CBS Sports first reported the proposed agreement.

Gee, 29, pitched in eight games for New York in 2015 and finished with a 5.90 ERA. He received a demotion to Class AAA and was not called back up when the rosters expanded in September.

Gee had been a useful contributor from 2011 to 2014 for the Mets. He went 12-11 in 2013 with a 3.62 ERA.

With Kansas City, Gee could benefit the team as a long reliever. He also figures to serve as depth for the rotation.