bruce had a productive 2011 season, posting a 12–8 record with a 3.77 era. on november 23, 2011, chen agreed to a two-year deal to return to the royals. in 2012, chen finished with an 11-14 record and posted an era of 5.07. despite the regression, chen threw 191.2 innings (2nd highest career total) and had a career high 140 strikeouts. even though panama did not qualify for the 2013 world baseball classic, chen was contacted by team china about the possibility of playing for them in the classic.