NEWS
The Yankees are closing in on a five-year contract extension with general manager Brian Cashman that would pay him a total of $25 million.
Rafael Palmeiro is seriously contemplating an effort to return to the majors. He hasn’t played since 2005 after he tested positive for steroids.
TRANSACTIONS
The Yankees have acquired OF Giancarlo Stanton and about $35 million from the Marlins. The Marlins will receive 2B Starlin Castro and 2 prospects: RHP Jorge Guzman (Yanks #9 prospect) and SS Jose Devers.
The Red Sox and RHP Tyler Thornberg on a 1 year/$2.05 million deal to avoid arbitration.
The Rangers have signed LHP Mike Minor to a 3 year/$28 million contract with a 10 team no trade rights.
The Cardinals have signed RHP Miles Mikolas to a 2 year/$15.5 million contract.
The Indians have signed RHP Dan Otero to a 2 year/$2.5 million contract with a club option for a 3rd year.
The Angels have a deal with INF prospect Kevin Maitan and he will receive a $2.2 signing bonus.
The Mariners acquired 2B Dee Gordon from the Marlins. The Marlins will receive 3 prospects: RHP Nick Neidert (M’s #2 prospect), IF Christopher Torres (M’s #7 prospect) and RHP Robert Dugger.
The Tigers have signed OF Leonys Martin to a 1 year/$1.75 million contract plus incentives.
The Cubs have signed RHP Tyler Chatwood to a 3 year/$38 million contract.
The Tigers have signed RHP Mike Fiers to a 1 year/$6 million contract.
The D-Backs have claimed LHP Henry Owens off of waivers from the Red Sox.
The Rockies have signed C Chris Iannetta to a 2 year/$8.5 million contract.
Shohei Ohtani has decided to sign with the Angels. The Angels can offer a signing bonus of $2.315 million.
RUMORS
The Royals are likely headed for a rebuild.
The Cubs have shown interest in RHP Brandon Kintzler.
The Padres have increased their aggressive pursuit of 1B Eric Hosmer.
The Giants are among the teams interested in OF Domingo Santana.
The Orioles are getting calls on 3B Manny Machado.
The Cubs are a making a strong push to sign RHP Alex Cobb.
The Mets have discussed veteran 2B’s with the Indians and Tigers.
The Nationals are checking over the free agent market for starters.