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Third baseman Urshela and Athletics finalize $2.15 million, 1-year contract
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 22 - 12:11 p.m. | Save Story
Third baseman Gio Urshela and the Athletics have finalized a $2.15 million, one-year contract. Urshela can earn an additional $450,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances. Third base was a top priority as the club builds its roster to play at least the next three seasons in West Sacramento, California. The A's hope to build a new ballpark and move to Las Vegas. The 33-year-old Urshela batted .250 with nine home runs and 52 RBIs last season for Detroit and Atlanta, earning $1.5 million.
Phillies acquire left-hander Jesús Luzardo from Marlins in exchange for prospects
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 22 - 9:56 a.m. | Save Story
The Phillies acquired left-hander Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins on Sunday, the team announced. Miami received two prospects, outfielder Emaarion Boyd and infielder Starlyn Caba. Philadelphia also acquired catcher Paul McIntosh in the trade. Luzardo, who has battled various injuries throughout his career, recorded a 5.00 ERA over 12 starts for Miami in 2024 before a lumbar stress reaction ended his season. Luzardo is joining an already strong Phillies rotation that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez.
Reactions to the death of baseball's stolen base king Rickey Henderson
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 21 - 6:49 p.m. | Save Story
The baseball community mourns the death of stolen base king Rickey Henderson. Henderson died on Friday at the age of 65. The Athletics said Saturday they were "shocked and heartbroken by his passing." MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark called Henderson one of the most impactful players in the history of the sport. Commissioner Rob Manfred said Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting.
Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, baseball's stolen base king, has died at 65
Josh Dubow, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 21 - 6:47 p.m. | Save Story
Baseball Hall of Famer and stolen base king Rickey Henderson has died. He was 65. Known as baseball's "Man of Steal," Henderson had a lengthy list of accolades and accomplishments over his nomadic 25-year career. He was an MVP, 10-time All-Star selection, two-time World Series champion and Gold Glove winner. But it was stealing bases where Henderson made his name. He broke Lou Brock's single-season record of 118 by stealing 130 bases in 1982 and led the league in steals for seven straight seasons and 12 overall. He broke Brock's career record when he stole his 939th base on May 1, 1991. Henderson finished his career with 1,406 steals.
White Sox acquire reliever Cam Booser from Red Sox; Boston gets minor leaguer in return
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 21 - 6:46 p.m. | Save Story
The Chicago White have acquired reliever Cam Booser from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league pitcher Yhoiker Fajardo. Booser went 2-3 with a 3.38 ERA, one save and 43 strikeouts in 43 relief appearances with the Red Sox last season. The 32-year-old left-hander received the Tony Conigliaro Award last season for overcoming alcohol abuse, injuries and a bicycling accident. Fajardo, originally was signed by the White Sox as an international free agent in February. He went 1-4 with a 3.91 ERA and 64 strikeouts over 13 starts with the Dominican Summer League White Sox last season. He issued only eight walks and allowed two home runs.
D-backs acquire 1B Josh Naylor from Guardians, who fill gap by adding Carlos Santana, AP source says
David Brandt And Tom Withers, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 21 - 6:30 p.m. | Save Story
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired All-Star first baseman Josh Naylor on Saturday in a trade that sent right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi to the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians also received a competitive balance Round B draft pick in 2025. Cleveland moved quickly to fill the hole left by Naylor, agreeing with veteran free agent Carlos Santana on a one-year, $12 million contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The 27-year-old Naylor made his first All-Star team this season and hit a career-high 31 homers with 108 RBIs. He's been Cleveland's starting first baseman in each of the past three seasons and will become a free agent after the 2025 season.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the Yankees agree to a $12.5 million, 1-year deal, AP source says
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 21 - 2:52 p.m. | Save Story
A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees agreed to a $12.5 million, one-year contract. Goldschmidt would become the Yankees' fourth significant addition since Juan Soto's departure for the New York Mets after left-hander Max Fried, closer Devin Williams and outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. Goldschmidt's addition likely means Bellinger will be primarily an outfielder. Goldschmidt became a free agent after completing a $130 million, five-year contract with St. Louis.
Reds acquire veteran catcher Jose Trevino in a trade with the Yankees
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 20 - 9:27 p.m. | Save Story
The Cincinnati Reds have acquired veteran catcher Jose Trevino in a trade with the New York Yankees. Known more for his defensive ability, Trevino batted .215 with eight homers and 28 RBIs in 74 games for the AL East champions this year. He was a backup by the end of the year after rookie Austin Wells took over behind the plate. Cincinnati sent reliever Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson to New York. Cruz went 3-8 with a 4.86 ERA in 69 appearances this season, striking out 109 in 66 2/3 innings.
Marlins agree to 1-year contract with INF Eric Wagaman
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 20 - 8:50 p.m. | Save Story
The Miami Marlins and infielder Eric Wagaman have agreed to a one-year contract. The Marlins announced the deal. Infielder Vidal Bruján was designated for assignment to make room for Wagaman on the team's 40-man roster. The 27-year-old Wagaman made his big league debut with the Los Angeles Angels in September. He hit .250 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 18 games. He made 17 starts at third base and appeared once in left field. Wagaman also hit .274 with 17 homers and 60 RBIs in 121 games over two minor league stops this year.
Christian Walker agrees to $60 million, 3-year contract with Astros, AP source says
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 20 - 6:25 p.m. | Save Story
A a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker and the Houston Astros have agreed to a $60 million, three-year contract. Houston acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from the Cubs last weekend in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, and Walker's agreement likely means that Astros plan to start Paredes at third and won't re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman. Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year
World Series champion Dodgers top MLB luxury tax at $103 million as record 9 teams owe penalty
Ronald Blum, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 20 - 6:20 p.m. | Save Story
The Los Angeles Dodgers topped a record nine teams owing Major League Baseball's luxury tax this year with an unprecedented $103 million penalty. The New York Mets owe $97.1 million that raises their tax total under high-spending owner Steve Cohen to nearly $229 million. The World Series champion Dodgers will pay a tax for the fourth year in a row. The Dodgers' tax payroll of $353 million included $1,032,454 in non-cash compensation for Shohei Ohtani, whose contract calls for use of a suite for games at Dodger Stadium and an interpreter. The Yankees owe $62.5 million, followed by Philadelphia at $14.4 million, Atlanta at $14 million and Texas at $10.8 million.
Max Kepler and Phillies finalize $10 million, 1-year deal
Dan Gelston, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 20 - 5:53 p.m. | Save Story
Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a $10 million, one-year contract. Kelpler spent his entire 10-year career with the Minnesota Twins. Over 1,072 games, Kepler is a .237 hitter with 161 home runs and 508 RBIs. He had just eight homers and 42 RBIs last season. In six career games at Citizens Bank Park over 23 plate appearances, Kepler has hit four home runs and posted a .955 slugging percentage. He gets a hotel suite on road trips as part of the agreement.
Right-hander Josh Walker agrees to a 1-year contract with the Blue Jays
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 20 - 3:25 p.m. | Save Story
Left-hander Josh Walker and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a one-year contract that pays $760,000 while in the major leagues and $180,000 while in the minors. The 30-year-old had a 6.45 ERA in 24 relief appearances for the New York Mets over the past two seasons, striking out 23 and walking 12 in 22 1/3 innings. Walker had a 5.11 ERA this year for New York and was traded to Pittsburgh on July 30. He had an 8.00 ERA in eight appearances at Triple-A Indianapolis and a 4.78 ERA in 33 games overall at Triple-A, including time with the Mets' Syracuse farm team.
MLB Free Agent Signings List
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 20 - 3:22 p.m. | Save Story
MLB Free Agent Signings
Sidearm-throwing lefty reliever Hoby Milner agrees to 1-year deal with his local Texas Rangers
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 20 - 2:58 p.m. | Save Story
Left-handed reliever Hoby Milner has agreed to a $2.5 million. one-year contract with the Texas Rangers, joining the team he grew up watching in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and where he still lives. The sidearm-throwing Milner, who turns 34 next month, can earn $500,000 in performance bonuses for innings: $100,000 each for 35 and 45, and $150,000 apiece for 55 and 65. Milner has appeared in 201 games the past three seasons for Milwaukee. The only lefty with more games in that span is Tanner Scott, with 213 for Miami and San Diego.
Right-hander Griffin Canning and Mets agree to $4.25 million, 1-year contract
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 20 - 2:15 p.m. | Save Story
Griffin Canning has agreed to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets, giving them another option for the back end of their revamped rotation. The 28-year-old right-hander can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses for games started: $250,000 for each of 22, 25, 28 and 31. He also would earn $25,000 for winning a Gold Glove Canning went 6-13 with a 5.19 ERA during a disappointing 2024 season with the Los Angeles Angels, who traded him to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler on Oct. 31.
Sugano's resume is impressive, and the Orioles hope the 35-year-old RHP has plenty in the tank
Noah Trister, Associated Press | Posted Dec. 20 - 12:48 p.m. | Save Story
Tomoyuki Sugano is on his way to the majors after reaching a $13 million, one-year deal with Baltimore. He pitched well for Japan against the U.S. in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. But he'll be eight years removed from that when next season starts. The question is how much the 35-year-old can help the Orioles. Lest anyone assume that Sugano is well past his prime, he is coming off a third MVP season in Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League. He went 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA last season for the Yomiuri Giants.
With Roki Sasaki looming, Orioles left $2.1 million unspent from allotment and Dodgers $1.9 million
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 20 - 11:08 a.m. | Save Story
The Baltimore Orioles left about $2.1 million unspent from their 2024 international signing bonus pool allotment and the Los Angeles Dodgers around $1.9 million in a year there was speculation Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki would be available. Major League Baseball's international amateur signing period runs from Jan. 15 to Dec. 15, and Sasaki was not posted until Dec. 8. The 2025 signing period starts Jan. 15 and the 45-day window to reach a deal with the touted 23-year-old runs until Jan. 23, meaning he'll sign within the 2025 period. The 2025 bonus pools range from $7,555,500 for eight teams to $5,146,200 for the Dodgers and San Francisco. The Dodgers are among the many teams interested in Sasaki.
Sammy Sosa appears to acknowledge PED use and apologizes. Cubs welcome him back into fold
Andrew Seligman, Associated Press | Updated Dec. 20 - 10:23 a.m. | Save Story
Sammy Sosa appeared to acknowledge using performance-enhancing drugs during a career in which he hit more than 600 home runs, and the Chicago Cubs said they were ready to welcome him back. Sosa says in a statement "there were times I did whatever I could to recover from injuries in an effort to keep my strength up to perform over 162 games." He adds: "I never broke any laws. But in hindsight, I made mistakes and I apologize." Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said the team plans to invite Sosa to the annual fan convention Jan. 17-19 in Chicago.
