Kansas City, Mo. ? After twice having Tommy John surgery, Kris Medlen was looking for a team to give him a chance.

The defending AL champions were willing to take the gamble.

Kansas City announced an $8.5 million, two-year contract Thursday with the former Atlanta right-hander, who missed all of last season and became a free agent when the Braves failed to offer a contract by the Dec. 2 deadline.

“I think my career is kind of based on not only being given opportunities but also putting myself in position to take advantage of those opportunities,” said Medlen, who is on track to join the Royals midseason. “Injurywise it hasn’t helped, but I feel like this is another opportunity given to me.”

Medlen will make $2 million next year and $5.5 million in 2016 and could earn up to $10 million in performance bonuses based on starts and innings. The deal includes a 2017 option with a $1 million buyout.

Medlen, who hurt his elbow in spring training, also missed most of the 2011 season while he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

“We expect Kris to be more of a second-half guy,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “Kris is going to want to get out of the gate and go. We have a two-year commitment with him and the bottom line is yeah, we need him to help us win a World Series, but more importantly, we need to have him have another 10-plus years in the big leagues.”

The 29-year-old Medlen went 15-12 with a 3.11 ERA in 2013, his only full season as a starter. He was at his best late in the season, going 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA in his last five starts.

Medlen was expected to fill a spot in the Braves’ rotation this past season, but he hurt his elbow in spring training and required surgery. He also had Tommy John surgery late in the 2010 season.

“It’s tough enough going through it once,” Medlen said.