Former Dodger Jonathan Broxton signs $21-million deal with Reds

The Cincinnati Reds signed Jonathan Broxton to a three-year, $21-million contract Wednesday. Broxton came to the Reds last July and had four saves in six chances overall with a 2.82 earned-run average.

With the signing, the Reds can turn incumbent closer Aroldis Chapman into a starter, which they have been wanting to do for a couple of seasons.

Broxton will receive a $4-million base salary in 2013, $7 million in 2014 and $9 million in 2015. There’s a club option for another year at $9 million with a $1-million buyout.

Broxton missed most of the 2011 season with the Dodgers because of a bone spur in his elbow that required surgery. He agreed to a $4 million, one-year deal with Kansas City last season, starting as a setup man for closer Joakim Soria. He assumed the closing role in March, when Soria had to have reconstructive elbow surgery.

“He wanted to be in Kansas City long-term because he grew to like it there,” agent B.B. Abbott said. “When he got to Cincinnati, he went with a little bit of a heavy heart. When he got there, he realized this is a pretty great place. He really liked Dusty and the guys in the clubhouse, and the front-office staff was tremendous. He and his wife and family thought in the back of their minds this might be a place to put down some roots.”

Broxton talked to several teams about a multiyear deal before deciding to stick with the Reds, who expect to be a contender. Cincinnati has won the division two of the last three years, losing in the first round of the playoffs both times.

“He thinks this team is plugged in, is ready to win,” Abbott said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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