NEWS
Howie Kendrick announced he has decided to retire after a 15-year MLB career. He was an All-Star in 2011 with the Angels. Kendrick won a World Series in 2019 with the Nationals and was the NLCS MVP that same year.
The Phillies announced they have hired Sam Fuld to be the GM under Dave Dombrowski.
The Pirates OF Gregory Polanco fractured his right wrist playing in winter ball. He’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks but should be ready in time for Spring Training.
Phil Niekro passed away at the age of 81. He had a 24-year MLB career and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. Niekro was a 5-time All-Star and won 5 Gold Gloves. He played with the Braves for 21 seasons.
TRANSACTIONS
The Giants have signed RHP John Brebbia to a 1 year/$800K contract.
The Nationals signed C Welington Castillo to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Cubs signed INF Matt Duffy to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The Nationals re-signed RHP Javy Guerra to a minor league deal with a Spring Training invite.
The White Sox have agreed to a $2 million bonus with OF Yoelki Cespedes. He is the half brother of All-Star Yoenis Cespedes.
The Brewers have claimed UT Tim Lopes off waivers from the Mariners.
The Dodgers have signed RHP Tommy Kahnle to a 2 year/$4.75 million contract.
The Red Sox have signed RHP Matt Andriese to a 1 year/$2.1 million contract with a club option for 2022.
The Tigers have signed RHP Jose Urena to a 1 year/$3.25 million contract.
The Nationals have acquired 1B Josh Bell from the Pirates. The Pirates will receive two RHP prospects, Wil Crowe (Nats #3 prospect) and Eddy Yean (Nats #6 prospect).
The Rangers have signed Japanese RHP Kohei Arihara to a 2 year/$6.2 million contract.
RUMORS
The Mets and Blue Jays are seen as the strongest suitors for OF George Springer.
The Padres are trying to bring back UT Jurickson Profar.
The Royals have shown interest in RHP Adam Wainwright.
The Nationals are open to moving 3B Carter Kieboom in trade talks.
The Phillies have an offer on the table for C J.T. Realmuto.
RHP Yu Darvish is generating trade interest.
The Padres are one possible suitor for RHP Yu Darvish.
The Astros are in serious talks with C Jason Castro.
The Dodgers are in play for top free agents this offseason including RHP Trevor Bauer and 2B DJ LeMahieu.
The Red Sox have strong interest in UT Kike Hernandez.
The Giants are the latest team to be connected to RHP Tomoyuki Sugano