Royals manager Ned Yost waited until last weekend to announce his starter, but he had been leaning toward Volquez all along.
"He's been the heart of our staff," Yost said. "He's a guy who has deserved it."
Volquez joined Kansas City last season on a two-year deal and emerged as the ace with a 13-9 record and a 3.55 ERA. He surpassed the magical 200-inning mark, then threw 28 2/3 more innings in the playoffs and helped the Royals win their first World Series championship in 30 years.
"It was pretty special," Volquez said.