Only 33 days until Pitchers and Catchers start reporting and 82 days until Opening Day!
NEWS
Manny Ramirez is returning to baseball at the age of 44. The Kochi Fighting Dogs of the independent Shikoku Isalnd League in Japan have announced an agreement with Ramirez. whose last MLB at-bat was in 2011.
A couple more players have committed to play in the WBC, Alex Reyes (DR) and Matt Carpenter (USA).
TRANSACTIONS
The Reds have signed RHP Drew Storen to a 1 year/$3 million contract plus performance bonuses.
The Royals have acquired OF Peter O’Brien from the D-Backs. The D-Backs will receive minor league RHP Sam Lewis.
The A’s have signed OF Rajai Davis to a 1 year/$6 million contract. Davis previously spent 2008-10 in Oakland.
The Blue Jays have signed RHP Gavin Floyd to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The White Sox have signed C Geovany Soto to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Mariners have acquired RHP Yovani Gallardo and cash from the Orioles. The Orioles will receive OF Seth Smith.
The Mariners have acquired OF Jarrod Dyson from the Royals. The Royals will receive RHP Nathan Karns.
The Royals have signed RHP Brandon League to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. League hasn’t played in a MLB game since 2014 with the Dodgers.
RUMORS
The Giants continue to show interest in Korean INF Jae-gyun Hwang.
The Phillies are looking at adding another veteran hitter via free agency or through trade.
The Royals have had preliminary talks with the Cardinals about 1B Matt Adams.
The A’s have reached out to 1B/DH Mark Trumbo.
The Yankees remain engaged on LHP Jose Quintana.
The Marlins are still eyeing bench pieces.
The Rangers are aggressively pursuing RHP Tyson Ross.
2B Brandon Phillips reportedly blocked a trade to the Braves.
The Rangers are among teams considering RHP Jason Hammel.
The Orioles still looking to add another LH corner bat.
The Dodgers are looking for a RH who can pitch in the 8th inning.
OF Andrew McCutchen continues to draw trade interest.
The Orioles could be moving on from 1B/DH Mark Trumbo.
The Pirates and SS Jordy Mercer have discussed a contract extension.