Starling signs with Kansas City on Monday

Bubba Starling ended the suspense around 11 pm on Monday.

The Kansas City Royals General Manager Dayton Moore officially announced that Starling agreed to a three year agreement shortly before the signing deadline on Monday.

"We are obviously very delighted and excited to announce the signing of Bubba Starling," Moore said. "It's a very joyful occasion. A lot of people put in a lot of great work in getting us to this process.

"This guy is without a doubt one of the best athletes to play the game of baseball in many years. We are very, very excited that we were able to come to a conclusion and get a deal done. It really hasn't sunk in yet, but I know tomorrow we are going to wake up with smiles on our face."

Both Baseball American and Sports Illustrated reported Starling's deal with the Royals is worth $7.5 million. Moore said the talks with Starling didn't really heat up until the "last 5 or 6 minutes" on Monday before the deadline.

However, the Royals knew along with Nebraska football involved, along with agent Scott Boras it was going to be a fight to the end.

"I sweat them all out, but this one was particularly tough," Moore said. "We knew on draft day and prior to draft day that this had a chance to work really, really good or a chance to go wrong."

Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said in a statement Monday night that he wishes Starling nothing but the best with the Royals.

"Everyone associated with our football program at Nebraska wishes Bubba nothing but the best in his future with the Kansas City Royals organization," Pelini said of Starling. "I know this decision has been very difficult for Bubba and his family, as it would be for anyone in his position. In the end, Bubba was in a win-win situation regardless of his choice, and we respect the decision he has made.

"I personally will root for Bubba in every game except when he plays against the Indians!"

Moore said the next stop for Starling will be to Arizona where he'll prepare for instructional ball this fall with other prospects in the Royals system.