NEWS
The Padres announced that RHP Mike Clevinger will undergo Tommy John surgery and he will miss the entire 2021 season.
Theo Epstein will step down from his role as the Cubs President of Baseball Operations. The Cubs announced that Jed Hoyer will take over that role with the team. Hoyer has worked under Epstein since November 2011.
The Dodgers OF Cody Bellinger underwent shoulder surgery that he hurt in the NLCS. Bellinger is expected to miss 10 weeks, which would put him on track to return by spring training.
The Red Sox have named Will Venable as their bench coach. Venable played in the MLB from 2008-16 with the Padres, Rangers and Dodgers.
The Mets announced 2B Robinson Cano has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and will be suspended for the entire 2021 season, he will forfeit his $24 million salary.
TRANSACTIONS
The Padres and RHP Mike Clevinger have agreed to a 2 year/$11.5 million contract plus performance bonuses to buy out his final two years of arbitration.
The Nationals signed OF Yasmany Tomas to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Indians signed LHP Anthony Gose to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Reds have acquired RHP prospect Brandon Bailey (Astros #30 prospect) from the Astros. The Astros will receive cash.
The Angels signed OF Scott Schebler to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
RUMORS
The Brewers are open to trading LHP Josh Hader to upgrade their offense.
The Mets have in interest in OF Marcell Ozuna.
The Pirates LHP Steven Brault has drawn trade interest.
The Astros are making OF Jackie Bradley Jr. a priority this winter.
DH Nelson Cruz is unlikely to sign until there is clarity on whether MLB will have a universal DH in 2021.
The Yankees have made it clear that bringing back 2B DJ LeMahieu is their top priority.
The Dodgers are interested in trading for Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado.
The Nationals are showing continued interest in 2B DJ LeMahieu.
The Angels, Rangers and Blue Jays are among the teams interested in LHP J.A. Happ.
The Rays have made it clear to other teams their offseason priority is to acquire catching.