NEWS
The Twins have announced they will hire former players Torii Hunter, Michael Cuddyer and LaTroy Hawkins as special assistants to the front office.
Eduardo Perez is replacing Omar Vizquel as manager of the Venezuelan national team at the WBC.
The MLB All-Star will no longer determine the World Series home field advantage. The pennant winner with the best record will have home field advantage.
Pirates 3B Jung Ho Kang was arrested and charged with leaving scene of a DUI accident in Korea.
Angels 1B Albert Pujols has undergone surgery on his right foot. He is expected to be out for about four months.
Some more players that committed to play in the WBC are: Yadier Molina (Puerto Rico), Jose Quintana (Colombia), Hanley Ramirez (DR), Asdrubal Cabrera (Venezuela), Marcus Stroman (USA).
TRANSACTIONS
The Marlins have signed RHP Edinson Volquez to a 2 year/$22 million contract.
The Braves have acquired OF prospect Alex Jackson (#6 pick in 2014 MLB Draft) and a PTBNL from the Mariners. The Mariners will receive RHP Rob Whalen and RHP prospect Max Povse.
The Brewers have signed OF Eric Thames to a 3 year/$16 million contract with a club option for a 4th year.
The Mets have re-signed OF Yoenis Cespedes to a 4 year/$110 million contract with a full no-trade clause.
The Cubs have signed OF Jon Jay to a 1 year/$8 million contract.
The A’s have signed OF Matt Joyce to a 2 year/$11 million contract.
The Orioles have acquired RHP Logan Verrett from the Mets. The Mets will receive cash considerations.
The Mariners have signed LHP Marc Rzepczynski to a 2 year/$11 million contract.
The Dodgers and OF Scott Van Slyke agreed to a 1 year/$1.325 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Braves have acquired LHP Jaime Garcia from the Cardinals. The Cardinals will receive RHP Jon Gant, RHP prospect Chris Ellis and INF prospect Luke Dykstra.
The Nationals have acquired C Derek Norris from the Padres. The Padres will receive RHP prospect Pedro Avila.
The White Sox and 3B/2B Brett Lawrie agreed to a 1 year/$3.5 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The D-Backs have signed C Jeff Mathis 2 year/$4 million contract.
The Astros have signed DH Carlos Beltran to a 1 year/$16 million contract with a full no trade clause.
RUMORS
The Nationals join Yankees, Giants, and Dodgers as teams that are interested in LHP Aroldis Chapman.
The Cardinals have interest in 3B Justin Turner.
The Pirates are open to the idea of trading INF Josh Harrison.
The Mariners have some interest in bringing back RHP Doug Fister.
The Reds are listening to offers on OF Billy Hamilton.
The Blue Jays among teams making a push for OF Jay Bruce.
The Rockies have expressed interest in resigning 1B Mark Reynolds.
1B Mike Napoli is seeking a three year deal.
The Pirates and Nationals have had serious talks about OF Andrew McCutchen.
The Orioles have interest in acquiring OF Curtis Granderson.
The Tigers and Phillies have spoken about an OF J.D. Martinez trade.
The Giants are exploring all options for a power outfield bat.
The Rangers talks with OF Ian Desmond have intensified in recent days.
Rival clubs believe Dodgers have deal with LHP Rich Hill but nothing official yet.
The Rockies are showing interest in OF/1B Mark Trumbo.
RHP Mark Melancon has multiple 4 year deals on the table.