Reports: Royals working on five-year extension for starter Yordano Ventura

— -- The Kansas City Royals are nearing a five-year deal with Opening Day starter Yordano Ventura, according to multiple media reports.

The two sides are discussing a five-year extension, with a club option for a sixth year, that would guarantee him more than $20 million, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The 23-year-old right-hander went 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA last year in his rookie season, including a seven-inning scoreless performance in beating the San Francisco Giants in Game 6 of the World Series.

He signed a one-year deal worth $535,675 for the 2015 season on March 3.

In his March 27 spring training start against the Seattle Mariners, Ventura threw seven no-hit innings, striking out four and walking two before being lifted on a pitch count.

ESPN.com recently ranked Ventura as No. 75 in the BBTN 100. With James Shields leaving in free agency, Ventura anchors a projected starting rotation that includes Danny Duffy, Edinson Volquez, Jeremy Guthrie and Jason Vargas.