Lake Buena Vista, Fla. ? The Kansas City Royals acquired starting pitcher Brian Bannister from the New York Mets on Wednesday in exchange for right-hander Ambiorix Burgos.

Bannister’s dad, Floyd, pitched for the Royals in 1988 and ’89.

“I loved it,” Bannister said of once living in Kansas City. “I’m really looking forward to pitching for the Royals. I enjoyed my time with the Mets, but I’m very excited about going to Kansas City. It’s a great opportunity for me.”

Brian Bannister will, according to GM Dayton Moore, compete for a spot in the rotation, which is expected to include Odalis Perez, Jorge De La Rosa and Luke Hudson.

“Obviously, he’s a young, talented pitcher, and as you know, everybody in the game is pursuing young, talented pitchers, and in Kansas City, we’re no different,” Moore said.

Bannister, who will turn 26 in February, began the 2006 season as the No. 2 starter in the Mets rotation. A right hamstring injury soon curtailed Bannister’s season. He was 4-3 with a 3.19 earned-run average in eight games in the minors and 2-1 with a 4.26 ERA in eight appearances, including six starts, for the Mets.

In 38 innings, he allowed 18 earned runs on 34 hits and 22 walks while striking out 19. Opponents hit just .239 against him.

He was 2-1 with a 3.44 ERA in six starts with New York.

“He had some hamstring issues,” Moore said. “Our medical people have spoken, and our team doctor feels very comfortable that those issues are behind him.”

Burgos was Kansas City’s closer until losing the job midway through the 2006 season. The 22-year-old was 4-5 with a 5.52 ERA in 2006, but he blew 12 of his 30 save opportunities.

The right-hander bolsters a Mets bullpen that recently lost Chad Bradford and Roberto Hernandez, free agents who signed elsewhere.

“It does give me a comfort zone after losing Bradford,” New York general manager Omar Minaya said. “It’s hard for me to pass up power arms.”

The Mets are still pursuing lefty Barry Zito, the top starter on the free-agent market.