NEWS
The Yankees have announced that OF Aaron Judge underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder. He should be ready by the start of Spring Training.
The Braves will lost their rights to 12 prospects including top prospect Kevin Maitan as punishment for international signing violations. The Braves will as well lose their third round pick in the 2018 MLB draft. Also they will be prohibited from signing any intl player for more than $10,000 during 2019-20 signing period.
Andre Ethier announced his retirement from baseball. He played 12 MLB seasons with the Dodgers. He finished his career with a .285/.369/.463 slash line, 162 HR’s and 687 RBI’s. He was a 2 time All-Star with a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger. ***Ethier’s agent has since said this isn’t true and Ethier plans on playing in 2018.
Shohei Ohtani will be posted and is expected to sign with a team by Christmas. Otani’s agent sent a memo on Friday to all major league teams requesting written explanations in both English and Japanese on why they’d be the right fit for the right-handed ace/left-handed slugger.
TRANSACTIONS
The Indians have claimed 2B Rob Refsynder off of waivers from the Blue Jays.
The Braves have claimed LHP Grant Dayton off of waivers from the Dodgers.
The Orioles have acquired OF Jaycob Brugman from the A’s. The A’s will receive a PTBNL or cash.
The Rangers have signed RHP Doug Fister to a 1 year/$4 million contract with a club option for 2019.
RUMORS
The Brewers are showing interest in RHP Jake Arrieta.
Ian Kinsler is drawing trade interest from multiple teams including; Angels and Mets.
Hisashi Iwakuma is weighing an offer to return to the Mariners.
The Mariners are in talks with OF Jon Jay.
The White Sox will listen to offers on 1B Jose Abreu this winter.
Two teams have made offers to RHP Bryan Shaw.
The Nationals are interested in reuniting with RHP Jordan Zimmermann but the Tigers would have to eat some of his contract.
The Twins have made “a priority” of both RHP Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani this off-season.
The Nationals are not expected to re-sign OF Jayson Werth.