KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have signed reliever Jose Mijares to a 1-year contract, giving manager Ned Yost another left-handed option late in games.

The team announced the deal Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Mijares went 3-6 with a 3.16 ERA in 186 appearances since making his debut for the Twins in 2008, but he was just 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in 58 games last season.

Mijares is currently 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA in eight outings for Tigres De Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League, with seven strikeouts and no walks.

Royals general manager Dayton Moore envisions Mijares as a situational lefty. Mijares fills out the Royals’ 40-man roster.

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 21, 2011) — The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has signed left-handed relief pitcher Jose Mijares to a one-year Major League contract for 2012. Consistent with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. With the signing of the Mijares, the Royals’ 40-man roster stands at 40.

“We expect Jose to be a solid addition from the left side that further strengthens our bullpen,” Royals GM Dayton Moore said. “He has been especially good against left-handed hitters in his career and will give Ned more options to match up late in the game.”

The 27-year-old Mijares (me-HAH-ress) has posted a 3-6 record with a 3.16 ERA in 186 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins since making his debut in 2008. Last season, the 6-foot, 230-pounder went 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in 58 contests, all in relief. In his career, Mijares has held left-handed batters to a .212 average, allowing just five home runs in 287 plate appearances. Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Mijares is currently 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA (0 BB, 7 SO) in eight relief outings for Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League.

The Red Sox might not be done adding pieces to their bullpen just yet.

After trading for Mark Melancon already, it now appears that the Red Sox have reached out to the Kansas City Royals about trading for closer Joakim Soria, according to WEEI.com.

The talks have reportedly “failed to progress,” however, because the Royals’ asking price is too high.

The Royals are said to be looking for “a couple of solid pieces” in return for their closer despite his poor showing last year.

Soria, 27, blew seven saves last year and finished with a 4.03 ERA, marking his worst season as a big leaguer.

Interestingly enough, Soria would have to agree to the trade if the two teams ever were to work something out. WEEI.com notes that the Red Sox are one of six teams that Soria is allowed to block a trade to.

KANSAS CITY — The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club will not tender a 2012 Major League contract to left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey.

The remaining 31 unsigned players on the 40-man Major League roster will be tendered Major League contracts for 2012. Pitchers Noel Arguelles, Jonathan Broxton, Bruce Chen, Aaron Crow and Joakim Soria, as well as designated hitter Billy Butler and outfielder Jeff Francoeur are signed for 2012. The Royals roster now stands at 38.

Laffey, 26, was claimed on outright waivers by the Royals on October 11.