NEWS
The Rays announced they’ve promoted vice president of baseball development Peter Benedix to the title of GM.
The Mets have hired Buck Showalter to a 3-year contract as their newest manager. He previously managed the Yankees, Dbacks, Rangers and Orioles. Showalter is a 3-time Manager of the Year winner.
The A’s have hired Mark Kotsay as their next manager. He was the third base coach for the A’s in 2021. Kotsay had a 17-year MLB career spent mostly with the Padres, Marlins and A’s.
David Blitzer, partial owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, is acquiring a large minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians.
TRANSACTIONS
The Mets signed INF Matt Reynolds to a minor league deal.
The Yankees signed OF Ender Inciarte to a minor league deal. Inciarte was an All-Star with the Braves in 2017 and won 3 Gold Gloves from 2016-18.
The Twins signed OF Derek Fisher to a minor league deal.
The Padres signed OF Nomar Mazara to a minor league deal.
The Cubs signed RHP Mark Leiter Jr. to a minor league deal.
The Rockies signed LHP Ty Blach to a minor league deal.
The Reds signed 1B Jake Bauers to a minor league deal.
RUMORS
The Rangers have shown interest in Japanese OF Seiya Suzuki.
The Mariners are expected to pursue more rotation help after the lockout.
The Rockies could explore trades involving one of their many OF’ers.
The Tigers offered SS Carlos Correa a 10 year/$275 million contract before they signed SS Javier Baez.
The Cardinals are expected to prioritize bullpen help after the lockout.
The Marlins had discussions with OF Michael Conforto before the lockout.