Peacock signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Monday.
The 34-year-old enjoyed a productive three-year run as a swingman with the Astros from 2017 through 2019 -- he went 23-13 with a 3.46 ERA and 29.4 K% over 288.2 innings -- but recurring shoulder problems have derailed his career ever since. He's made only five appearances at the big-league level over the past two seasons, and at this stage in his career, the Royals may view him exclusively as a reliever. Peacock's deal likely includes an invitation to big-league spring training, but he'll still presumably be on the outside looking in for a spot on the Royals' Opening Day roster.