KANSAS CITY, MO — The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with left-handed pitcher Tim Collins for the 2014 season, avoiding arbitration. Consistent with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The 24-year-old Collins spent his third full season in the Major Leagues in 2013, going 3-6 with a 3.54 ERA in 66 appearances out of the bullpen. His 66 relief appearances ranked second on the Royals, behind only closer Greg Holland’s 68. The 5-foot-7 lefty recorded 52 strikeouts in 53.1 innings of work, giving him 205 K’s with the Royals, which ranks ninth all-time among Kansas City relief pitchers. Collins is 12-14 with a 3.51 ERA in 206 appearances at the big league level. He and his wife, Tiffany, reside in Worcester, Mass.