NEWS
Max Scherzer will no longer be able to pitch in the WBC due to a stress fracture in the knuckle of his right ring finger.
Top Cuban OF prospect Luis Robert left his home island in November and it seems he is working towards joining a major league organization. He is 19 years old.
The Cubs have named David Ross a Special Assistant in the baseball operations department.
TRANSACTIONS
The Rays have signed OF Colby Rasmus to a 1 year/$5 million contract with incentives.
The A’s have signed INF Trevor Plouffe to a 1 year/$5 million contract with incentives.
The Mariners have acquired OF Mallex Smith and RHP Shae Simmons from the Braves. The Braves will receive 2 LHP prospects Luiz Gohara (M’s #5 prospect) and Thomas Burrows (#25).
The Mariners have acquired LHP Drew Smyly from the Rays. The Rays will receive OF Mallex Smith, LHP prospect Ryan Yarbrough (M’s #13 prospect) and minor league SS Carlos Vargas.
The A’s have signed RHP Santiago Casilla to a 2 year/$11 million contract and can earn an additional $3 million in incentives.
The Cardinals and 1B Matt Adams agreed to a 1 year/$2.8 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Indians and RHP Trevor Bauer agreed to a 1 year/$3.55 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Rockies and 3B Nolan Arenado agreed to a 2 year/$29.6 million deal to buy out his next two arbitration years.
The Red Sox and OF Jackie Bradley Jr. agreed to a 1 year/$3.6 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Marlins and RHP A.J. Ramos agreed to a 1 year/$6.55 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Braves have acquired 2B Micah Johnson from the Dodgers. The Dodgers will receive a PTBNL or cash.
The Mets and C Travis d’Arnaud agreed to a 1 year/$1.875 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Reds and OF Billy Hamilton agreed to a 1 year/$2.625 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Padres and 1B Wil Myers have agreed to a 6 year/$80 million contract extension.
The Indians and RHP Cody Allen agreed to a 1 year/$7.35 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Orioles and RHP Zach Brittion agreed to a 1 year/$11.4 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Rangers have signed RHP Tyson Ross to a 1 year/$6 million contract with incentives.
The Astros and LHP Dallas Keuchel agreed to a 1 year/$9.15 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The White Sox and 3B Todd Frazier agreed to a 1 year/$12 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The D-Backs have signed C Chris Iannetta to a 1 year/$1.5 million contract.
The Royals and 1B Eric Hosmer agreed to a 1 year/$12.25 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Nationals and OF Bryce Harper agreed to a 1 year/$13.625 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Padres and 3B Yangervis Solarte agreed to a 2 year/$7.5 million contract with 2 club options for 2019 and 2020.
The Yankees and RHP Michael Pineda agreed to a 1 year/$7.4 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Cubs and RHP Jake Arrieta agreed to a 1 year/$15.637 million deal to avoid arbitration.
RUMORS
The Rangers have checked in on 1B/DH Mark Trumbo.
The Angels have had internal discussions about C Matt Wieters.
RHP Greg Holland is seeking a 2 year deal with an opt out.
The Twins have reportedly met with OF Jose Bautista.
The Blue Jays have remained in contact with OF Michael Saunders and Saunders hopes to remain a Blue Jay.
The Padres are closing in on a deal with RHP Trevor Cahill.
RHP Neftali Feliz is close to agreeing to a deal.
The Indians have been “in touch” with OF Jose Bautista.
The Cardinals could extend C Yadier Molina, 2017 is the last guaranteed season on his current contract.