NEWS
The Twins RHP prospect Yorman Landa passed away on Dec 9th. The cause of death was a car accident. Landa’s father was driving and his car struck a fallen tree. He was 22 and the Twins #20 prospect.
The Mets CF Juan Lagares suffered an injury while making a diving catch for his Dominican winter league team, x-rays were negative.
The Rockies RHP Chad Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer about two weeks ago. He required surgery to remove one of his testicles, but the expectation is that the procedure will not significantly impact his future.
More players have committed to play in the WBC and they are: Mychal Givens (USA), Michael Saunders (Canada) and Brandon Crawford (USA).
TRANSACTIONS
The Tigers have signed 2B Omar Infante to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite. Infante played with the Tigers from 2002-07, 2012-13.
The Reds have signed LHP Lucas Luetge to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Angels have acquired SS Danny Espinosa from the Nationals. The Nationals will receive RHP prospect Kyle McGowin (Angels #20 prospect) and RHP prospect Austin Adams.
The Dodgers have re-signed RHP Kenley Jansen to a 5 year/$80 million contract with an opt out after the 2019 season.
The Dodgers have also re-signed 3B Justin Turner to a 4 year/$64 million contract.
The Yankees have signed INF Ruben Tejada to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Brewers have acquired C Jett Bandy from the Angels. The Angels will receive C Martin Maldonado and minor league RHP Drew Gagnon.
The White Sox have signed LHP Derek Holland to a 1 year/$6 million contract, plus pitching performance bonuses.
The Phillies have claimed INF/OF Richie Shaffer off of waivers from the Mariners.
The Orioles have signed C Welington Castillo to a 1 year/$6 million contract and a player option for $7 million for the 2018 season.
The Brewers have signed LHP Tommy Milone to a 1 year/$1.25 million contract plus incentives.
The Rockies have signed LHP Mike Dunn to a 3 year/$19 million contract.
The Marlins have signed RHP Junichi Tazawa to a 2 year/$12 million contract.
The Marlins have also signed RHP Brad Ziegler to a 2 year/$16 million contract.
The Phillies and OF Odubel Herrera have agreed to a 5 year/$30.5 contract extension with club options for 2022 and 2023.
The White Sox and 1B Jose Abreu agreed to a 1 year/$10.825 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Padres have signed RHP Jhoulys Chacin to a 1 year/$1.75 million contract.
RUMORS
The Tigers are listening to offers on LHP Justin Wilson and RHP Shane Green.
RHP Greg Holland met with contending teams at the Winter Meetings.
The Astros have interest in Royals LHP Danny Duffy and RHP Yordano Ventura.
The Cubs have some interest in RHP Tyson Ross.
The Dodgers and Twins remain in dialogue about a 2B Brian Dozier trade, although nothing is imminent.
The White Sox are still listening to offers on LHP Jose Quintana.
The Rangers are planning to watch OF Josh Hamilton workout prior to Christmas.
The Cardinals are in listening mode on 1B Matt Adams.
The A’s are the latest team to consider making a run at 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion.
The Rangers have spoken with the Rockies about their OF’s.
Contract talks between the Orioles and 1B Mark Trumbo have stalled.
The Rays are looking to add a free agent hitter.
The Mets are still shopping outfielders, Bruce, Conforto and Granderson.