Tue Jan 16 2018 | 17:34 | Lefty Wade LeBlanc agrees to a minor league deal with Yanks | Wade LeBlanc | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
NEW YORK (AP) — Left-hander Wade LeBlanc has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees and will report to major league spring training.The 33-year-old LeBlanc was 5-2 with a 4.50 ERA in 50 relief appearances last year for Pittsburgh, which declined his $1.25 million option for 2018.LeBlanc is 30-35 in nine seasons with a 4.40 ERA in 79 starts and 97 relief appearances for San Diego (2008-11), Miami (2012-13), Houston (2013), the Yankees (2014), Los Angeles Angels (2014), Seattle (2016) and Pittsburgh.He was claimed by the Yankees off waivers from Angels and pitched one game, on June 4, 2014, against Oakland. He allowed two singles, a one-out intentional walk, a hit batter and a sacrifice fly before getting out of the inning. LeBlanc was designated for assignment a week later.LeBlanc would get a $1 million, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster.His deal was first reported by ESPN.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Tue Jan 16 2018 | 15:54 | Royals pitcher Danny Duffy pleads guilty to DUI in KC suburb | Danny Duffy | SP | Royals | Free Agent |
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Royals pitcher Danny Duffy has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in a Kansas City suburb and has been placed on a year's probation.Sean Reilly, a spokesman for the city of Overland Park, Kansas, said Tuesday that Duffy entered the plea last week and will pay $1,220 in fines and court fees. Duffy must report to a probation officer once a month and abstain from drugs and alcohol. He also will be subject to random breath, urine or blood screenings.Royals spokesman Mike Swanson said the plea is a matter between Duffy, his representatives and the city.Police stopped and cited Duffy in August after he returned to Kansas City during a road trip for an exam on the elbow of his pitching arm. The left-hander underwent surgery in October and is expected to be ready for spring training next month.Duffy went 9-10 with a 3.81 ERA over 24 starts in the first season of a five-year, $65 million contract extension. He struck out 130 while issuing just 41 walks, and was expected to be the ace of a rebuilt starting rotation.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Mon Jan 15 2018 | 21:33 | Bucs make "emotionally challenging" call to trade McCutchen | Gerrit Cole | SP | Pirates | Dodger Blue |
| | | Kyle Crick | RP | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Evan Longoria | 3B | Rays | With the 5th Pick Truck Selects |
| | | Andrew McCutchen | CF | Pirates | Dodger Blue |
| | | Denard Span | CF | Nationals | Dodger Blue |
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Andrew McCutchen didn't run from the challenge in Pittsburgh, he embraced it. A rising star on a franchise mired in two decades of losing, McCutchen bet on the Pirates in the spring of 2012 by signing a six-year contract, gambling that he could become one of the game's best while helping the city reconnect with a team it had long since abandoned.It paid off for all involved.The dynamic, charismatic outfielder became an MVP while ushering in a renaissance. Five All-Star games. Three playoff appearances. A ballpark packed with fans wearing his No. 22. Everything McCutchen and owner Bob Nutting talked about on that sun-dappled Florida day six years ago came to fruition.And on Monday, it all came to an end.Facing the certainty that they couldn't re-sign McCutchen when he hit free agency next winter, the Pirates traded him to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for right-hander Kyle Crick, minor league outfielder Bryan Reynolds and $500,000 in international signing bonus allocation.... [ More] |
Mon Jan 15 2018 | 20:03 | West Coast Cutch; Giants acquire OF McCutchen from Pirates | Gerrit Cole | SP | Pirates | Dodger Blue |
| | | Kyle Crick | RP | Giants | Free Agent |
| | | Michael Feliz | | | Free Agent |
| | | Evan Longoria | 3B | Rays | With the 5th Pick Truck Selects |
| | | Andrew McCutchen | CF | Pirates | Dodger Blue |
| | | Colin Moran | 3B | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | Joe Musgrove | | | Free Agent |
| | | Denard Span | CF | Nationals | Dodger Blue |
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Giants found the outfielder they were looking for this winter, acquiring Andrew McCutchen from Pittsburgh on Monday to fill a key void.San Francisco parted with right-hander Kyle Crick, minor league outfielder Bryan Reynolds and $500,000 in international signing bonus allocation. The Pirates also sent $2.5 million to the Giants to cover part of McCutchen's $14.75 million salary."It's no secret that we were looking to further add run production to our lineup," said Brian Sabean, Giants executive vice president of baseball operations. "Anytime you have the opportunity to bring aboard someone with such a track record, you have to jump on it."The 31-year-old McCutchen, a former NL MVP and long the face of the Pirates' franchise, became the second star jettisoned by Pittsburgh in three days. Ace Gerrit Cole was traded to Houston on Saturday."Pittsburgh.My Home.My Fans.My City," McCutchen tweeted . "You will 4ever be in my heart."McCutchen added: "Now...I'm a Giant! Ive... [ More] |
Mon Jan 15 2018 | 18:03 | Howie Kendrick and Nationals agree to $7M, 2-year contract | Howie Kendrick | 2B | Angels | The Seals Guys |
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Nationals have agreed to a $7 million, two-year contract with outfielder Howie Kendrick, a deal subject to a successful physical.Agent Pat Murphy confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on Monday. USA Today was first to report the deal.Kendrick, 34, hit .293 with seven home runs and RBIs in 52 games with Washington after he was acquired from Philadelphia. The versatile right-handed hitter got just three plate appearances off the bench in the playoffs.In 12 major league seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Dodgers, Phillies and Nationals, Kendrick is a .291 hitter with a .755 OPS. He's now primarily an outfielder for Washington after playing left field, second base, first base and other positions throughout his career.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Mon Jan 15 2018 | 17:33 | Morneau to make retirement official with Twins sendoff | Justin Morneau | 1B | Rockies | RotoValue |
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP and Minnesota Twins first baseman whose career was derailed by concussion symptoms, is retiring after 1,603 hits and 247 home runs in 14 major league seasons.The Twins confirmed Morneau's retirement on Monday. They scheduled a news conference with Morneau and team officials for Wednesday.Morneau didn't play in 2017. He appeared in 58 games for the Chicago White Sox in 2016.After the Twins drafted the Canadian in 1999, Morneau became a four-time All-Star. His MVP-caliber performance in 2010 was halted by a knee to the head he took during a slide that cost him half of that season. He produced one more strong year, winning an NL batting title with the Colorado Rockies in 2014.___For more AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBaseball |
Sun Jan 14 2018 | 15:53 | Mets reach 1-year deal with free agent 1B Adrian Gonzalez | Adrián González | 1B | Dodgers | SportsWiseGuy.com |
| | | Dominic Smith | 1B | Mets | Free Agent |
NEW YORK (AP) — Free agent first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and the New York Mets have reached agreement on a one-year contract.The 35-year-old Gonzalez needs to pass a physical to complete the deal. He was limited to 71 games last season because of a herniated disk in his back, and was left off the Los Angeles Dodgers' postseason roster.Gonzalez is a five-time All-Star, hitting .288 with 311 career home runs. He batted just .242 last season and was traded to Atlanta in December. The Braves released him shortly after the deal.Gonzalez is owed more than $21 million next season, but the Mets would be responsible for just $545,000 if he makes the team. New York tried rookie Dominic Smith at first base late last season, but the rookie hit only .198. |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 21:32 | Padres agree to 3-year contact with closer Hand | Brad Hand | RP | Marlins | Free Agent |
SAN DIEGO (AP) — All-Star closer Brad Hand and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a three-year contract reportedly worth $19.75 million, pending the left-hander passing a physical.The Padres say the deal was reached Saturday. It includes a fourth-year option.Hand went 3-4 with 21 saves and a 2.16 ERA last season. He's been mentioned in trade talk since last summer."I'm 27 right now and have the chance to be a free agent again at a younger age, which is something we kind of wanted to keep in play," Hand said. "I don't think they're far off here from winning, maybe three or four years from now will be a very exciting time."The Padres are heading into the second year of a deep rebuild. They hope to be competitive by next season.The Padres signed Hand off waivers from the Marlins on April 8, 2016."Brad's a guy that's going to lead the bullpen and anchor the bullpen," manager Andy Green said. "He has the skill and the makeup to do those things. Resiliency, too. I've never been around a pitcher that takes the ball as willingly and as often as he does. He wants to be on the mound every single day. He loves to pitch." |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 18:12 | Cubs hitting coach Chili Davis already on job with Heyward | Jason Heyward | CF/RF | Braves | Free Agent |
| | | Kyle Schwarber | | | Free Agent |
CHICAGO (AP) — Spring training starts next month, and new Chicago Cubs hitting coach Chili Davis is already hard at work.Davis has been studying video of Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber, and he has had several one-on-one sessions with Heyward in Arizona."We started off in early November one day a week and we've graduated to Tuesdays and Thursdays," Davis said Saturday during the team's annual fan convention. "I think last Tuesday was our first on-the-field live BP. We've been in the cage most of the time."Davis was hired in October to replace John Mallee, who spent three seasons as Chicago's hitting coach. Davis played in the majors for 19 years and served as the hitting coach in Oakland and Boston for the previous six seasons, including the last three with the Red Sox."As far as I'm concerned, Mallee I look at as a really good hitting coach," Davis said. "It was surprising to me that a team that had been to the playoffs three years in a row and had won a World Series with him here was... [ More] |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 13:22 | Van Slyke, 2 pitchers sign minor league deals with Marlins | Jumbo Diaz | RP | Reds | Free Agent |
| | | Javy Guerra | RP | White Sox | Free Agent |
| | | Scott Van Slyke | 1B/CF/LF | Dodgers | Free Agent |
MIAMI (AP) — Outfielder-first baseman Scott Van Slyke has signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins after spending the past six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.Right-handed pitchers Jumbo Diaz, Javy Guerra and Tyler Cloyd and left-hander Mike Kickham also signed minor league deals with the Marlins. All five players received invitations to spring training.Van Slyke batted .122 in 29 games last year. He's a career .242 hitter with 29 homers.Diaz went 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA in 31 games as a relief pitcher for Tampa Bay last season. Guerra has a 2.99 ERA in 169 games of relief over a seven-year career with four teams, including the Marlins last year.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 12:22 | Mets reach deals with deGrom, Syndergaard, Harvey, 5 more | Jeurys Familia | RP | Mets | Free Agent |
| | | Wilmer Flores | 3B/SS | Mets | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Harvey | SP | Mets | Las Vegas Giants |
| | | AJ Ramos | RP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Hansel Robles | RP | Mets | Free Agent |
| | | Noah Syndergaard | SP | Mets | Free Agent |
| | | Zack Wheeler | SP | Mets | Free Agent |
| | | Travis d'Arnaud | C | Mets | Free Agent |
| | | Jacob deGrom | SP | Mets | Free Agent |
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have reached one-year deals with starters Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey and settled with five other players.Relievers Jeurys Familia, A.J. Ramos and Hansel Robles, catcher Travis d'Arnaud and infielder Wilmer Flores also agreed Friday to one-year contracts and avoided arbitration.Starter Zack Wheeler was the only Mets player who exchanged salary figures with the team. He asked for $1.9 million and the club offered $1.5 million.While many of his Mets rotation mates got hurt or hit hard last year, deGrom ($7.4 million) was a rock all season for a team that finished 70-92. He went 15-10 with a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts, emerging as the staff ace with Syndergaard injured.The 2014 NL Rookie of the Year, deGrom ranked second in the National League with 239 strikeouts last season and fifth with 201 1/3 innings — 81 more than any other New York pitcher. He set career highs in both categories, as well as wins, though his ERA was his highest in four... [ More] |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 12:22 | Josh Donaldson agrees to $23M, 1-year deal with Blue Jays | Ezequiel Carrera | CF/RF | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Josh Donaldson | 3B | Athletics | The Seals Guys |
| | | Bryce Harper | LF | Nationals | SportsWiseGuy.com |
| | | Dominic Leone | RP/SP | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | Aaron Loup | RP | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Roberto Osuna | | | Free Agent |
| | | Kevin Pillar | CF/LF | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Aaron Sanchez | RP/SP | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Marcus Stroman | RP/SP | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Devon Travis | 2B | Tigers | Free Agent |
TORONTO (AP) — Third baseman Josh Donaldson and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $23 million contract Friday, the largest one-year deal for an arbitration-eligible player.The 32-year-old, a three-time All-Star, topped the $21,625,000, one-year deal covering 2018 agreed to last May by outfielder Bryce Harper and Washington.Donaldson, the 2015 AL MVP, got a $6 million raise after rebounding from an injury-slowed 2016 to hit .270 last season with 33 homers and 78 RBIs in 113 games. The sure-handed infielder missed time from April 14 through May 25 with a calf injury, which also hampered him during spring training.Donaldson was coming off a $28.65 million, two-year deal. He is eligible for free agency after this season.Toronto also agreed to one-year deals with outfielder Ezequiel Carrera for $1.9 million, left-hander Aaron Loup for $1,812,500, outfielder Kevin Pillar for $3.25 million, right-hander Aaron Sanchez for $2.7 million, second baseman Devon Travis for $1.45 million and right-hander... [ More] |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 12:22 | Kelvin Herrera, Nate Karns agree to deals with Royals | Kelvin Herrera | RP | Royals | Free Agent |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals agreed with reliever Kelvin Herrera and starter Nate Karns on one-year contracts Friday to avoid arbitration, leaving reliever Brandon Maurer as their only player still on track for a hearing next month.Herrera will make $7,937,500, an increase from $5,325,000. He would get a $50,000 bonus if he's an All-Star, which he was in 2015 and 2016.He was just 2-2 with a 4.25 ERA last season after taking on the full-time closer job.Karns will make $1,375,000 in his first year of arbitration eligibility, an increase from the $571,000 he made last season. He would get a $12,500 each for 15 and 20 starts and $50,000 if he's an All-Star.Karns missed most of last season after surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. He was 2-2 with a 4.17 ERA in nine games, eight of them starts, and is expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring.Maurer asked for a raise from $1.9 million to $3.5 million and was offered $2.95 million.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 12:22 | Colome, Dickerson among 7 avoiding arbitration with Rays | Alex Colomé | SP | Rays | Free Agent |
| | | Corey Dickerson | CF/LF | Rockies | Free Agent |
| | | Adeiny Hechavarría | SS | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Dan Jennings | RP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Brad Miller | SS | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Moore | SP | Rays | RotoValue |
| | | Jake Odorizzi | SP | Rays | Free Agent |
| | | Steven Souza Jr. | CF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Jesus Súcre | C | Mariners | Free Agent |
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Closer Alex Colome and All-Star designated hitter/outfielder Corey Dickerson are among seven players who agreed to one-year contracts with the Tampa Bay Rays, avoiding salary arbitration.Infielders Matt Duffy and Brad Miller, outfielder Steven Souza, Jr., catcher Jesus Sucre and relief pitcher Dan Jennings also reached terms before Friday's deadline for players and teams to exchange proposed salaries for next season.Pitcher Jake Odorizzi and shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria are Tampa Bay's only arbitration-eligible players who didn't agree to deals. Odorizzi's case set to be settled by an arbiter for the second straight winter.The 27-year-old right-hander won his arbitration case last February, receiving a raise from $520,700 to $4.1 million. He went 10-8 with a 4.14 ERA in 28 starts last season.This time, Odorizzi is seeking $6.3 million while the Rays are offering $6.05 million.Hechavarria, acquired in a trade from Miami in June, is asking for $5.9 million after... [ More] |
Sat Jan 13 2018 | 12:12 | Tigers avoid arbitration with Castellanos, Wilson, Greene | Jeimer Candelario | 3B | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Nick Castellanos | 3B | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Shane Greene | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | José Iglesias | 3B/SS | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Wilson | RP | Red Sox | Free Agent |
DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers have agreed to a one-year, $6.05 million contract with Nicholas Castellanos, avoiding arbitration.The Tigers also reached one-year deals with right-handers Alex Wilson ($1,925,000) and Shane Greene ($1.95 million). Shortstop Jose Iglesias is still eligible for arbitration. He is asking for $6.8 million and the team is offering $5.6 million.Castellanos hit .272 with 26 home runs and 101 RBIs last season. He started 128 games at third base and 20 in right field. He may play more in the outfield in 2018 if Jeimer Candelario can hold the third base job.In addition to his base salary, he has a $25,000 bonus for 500 plate appearances.Wilson went 2-5 with a 4.50 ERA in 66 relief appearances last year, and Greene was 4-3 with a 2.66 ERA and nine saves.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Fri Jan 12 2018 | 23:42 | Dbacks settle with Pollock, Lamb, Ray, avoid arbitration | Nick Ahmed | SS | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Andrew Chafin | RP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Patrick Corbin | SP | Diamondbacks | Texas BigSticks |
| | | Chris Herrmann | C/RF | Twins | Free Agent |
| | | Jake Lamb | 3B | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | Shelby Miller | SP | Cardinals | The Seals Guys |
| | | Chris Owings | SS | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | David Peralta | CF/LF/RF | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | AJ Pollock | CF | Diamondbacks | Las Vegas Giants |
| | | Robbie Ray | RP | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Taijuan Walker | SP | Mariners | Free Agent |
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have reached one-year deals with center fielder A.J. Pollock, third baseman Jake Lamb and starters Robbie Ray and Taijuan Walker, avoiding salary arbitration with them and several other players.Right-hander Shelby Miller was the only Arizona player left in salary arbitration, asking for $4.9 million and being offered $4.7 million as the sides exchanged figures Friday. He lost in arbitration last year, getting $4.7 million instead of the $5.1 million he sought.The 30-year-old Pollock will get $7.75 million, up from the $6.75 million he made last season while hitting .266 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs. An All-Star in 2015, he missed nearly the entire 2016 season after breaking his elbow in a headfirst slide at home plate near the end of spring training.Lamb received a $4,275,000 contract, Ray got $3.95 million and Walker received $4,825,000.Also reaching deals were left-handed reliever Andrew Chafin for $1,195,000; right-hander Brian Boxberger at $1.85... [ More] |
Fri Jan 12 2018 | 23:12 | Brewers avoid arbitration with all their eligible players | Corey Knebel | RP | Rangers | Free Agent |
| | | Jimmy Nelson | RP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Hernán Pérez | 2B | Tigers | Free Agent |
| | | Jonathan Villar | SS | Astros | Free Agent |
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers have avoided arbitration with all of their eligible players after reaching one-year agreements with pitchers Jimmy Nelson and Corey Knebel, as well as infielders Jonathan Villar and Hernan Perez.Nelson reached a $3.7 million deal for 2018 after a breakthrough season in which he went 12-6 with a 3.49 ERA and a team-leading 199 strikeouts. Knebel, who made the All-Star team in his first year as closer, gets $3.65 million.Villar's deal is for $2.55 million. The switch-hitter hit .241, 44 points lower than in 2016.Perez agreed to a $1,975,000 deal. He had career highs with 14 home runs, 19 doubles, 136 games and 432 at-bats last year.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Fri Jan 12 2018 | 23:02 | Cardinals reach $9 million deal with Ozuna | Randal Grichuk | RF | Cardinals | Free Agent |
| | | Tyler Lyons | RP | Cardinals | Free Agent |
| | | Marcell Ozuna | CF/RF | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Michael Wacha | SP | Cardinals | Free Agent |
ST. LOUIS (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year, $9 million contract with newly acquired outfielder Marcell Ozuna, avoiding arbitration.The Cardinals also reached one-year deals on Friday with outfielder Randal Grichuk ($2.6 million), right-hander Michael Wacha ($5.3 million) and left-hander Tyler Lyons ($1.2 million).Ozuna is coming off a breakout season. He hit .312 with 37 homers and 124 RBIs for the Miami Marlins, then was traded to St. Louis in December.Grichuk batted .238 with 22 home runs and 59 RBIs last year, his second straight 20-homer season. Wacha was 12-9 with a 4.13 ERA in 30 starts, and Lyons was 4-1 with a 2.83 ERA in 50 relief appearances.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Fri Jan 12 2018 | 22:52 | SS Freddy Galvis among 6 Padres to reach 1-year deals | Carter Capps | RP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Freddy Galvis | 2B/3B/SS | Phillies | Free Agent |
| | | Brad Hand | RP | Marlins | Free Agent |
| | | Cory Spangenberg | 2B | Padres | Free Agent |
| | | Matt Szczur | CF | Cubs | Free Agent |
| | | Kirby Yates | RP | Rays | Free Agent |
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Shortstop Freddy Galvis was one of six players to reach agreement on one-year deals with the San Diego Padres to avoid salary arbitration.Galvis, acquired in a trade from the Phillies last month, will make $6,825,000 in a big bump from his 2017 salary of $4,350,000. He played in all 162 games for Philadelphia last season, the first time he has done so. He batted .255 with 12 homers and 61 RBIs.Left-hander Brad Hand received a $3.6 million contract and a raise from his $1,375,000 last year, when he went 3-4 with a 2.16 ERA in 72 appearances.Also reaching one-year deals Friday to avoid arbitration were right-hander Carter Capps for $1,062,500, up from $987,500; third baseman Cory Spangenberg at $1.7 million, up from $545,500; outfielder Matt Szczur at $950,000 after he made $549,500 and right-hander Kirby Yates for $1,062,500 up, from $545,000.Spangenberg batted .264 with career-bests of 13 homers, 46 RBIs, 11 stolen bases and 129 games.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball |
Fri Jan 12 2018 | 22:52 | Mariners reach deals with Paxton, Zunino, 3 others | James Paxton | SP | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | David Phelps | RP | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Erasmo Ramírez | SP | Mariners | Free Agent |
| | | Nick Vincent | RP | Padres | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Zunino | C | Mariners | Free Agent |
SEATTLE (AP) — Left-handed starter James Paxton and catcher Mike Zunino are among five players who have agreed to one-year deals with the Seattle Mariners.Right-handed starter Erasmo Ramirez and relievers David Phelps and Nick Vincent also agreed to deals Friday that will keep them out of arbitration. Seattle has not had a case go to arbitration since 2014.Paxton will get a hefty raise to $4.9 million after developing into the ace of Seattle's pitching staff. Paxton was 12-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 24 starts last season, striking out 156 in 136 innings. His health has been an issue, though. Paxton had two significant stints on the disabled list in 2017 with a forearm strain and a pectoral injury. His pectoral injury in August was a big blow to Seattle's slim playoff hopes. Paxton avoided arbitration a year ago by agreeing to a $2.35 million deal.Zunino was arbitration eligible for the first time and agreed to a $2.975 million contract coming off his best offensive season. Zunino hit .251 with... [ More] |