Latest On Ronald Acuna
4:03PM: Acuna hasn’t been approached with any offers, the outfielder himself told David O’Brien and other reporters, and he and his representation hadn’t been engaged in any sort of talks about a potential $30MM deal.
1:55PM: Braves phenom Ronald Acuna has at least given some indication to the Braves that he would be interested in a long-term contract, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. While some discussions have taken place, it seems there is no real indication at present that the sides are particularly likely to agree to a deal.
The report from Bowman arises after former ESPN Deportes blogger Arturo Marcano tweeted yesterday that Acuna had turned down a $30MM offer from the Atlanta organization. But both Bowman and David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link) reported in strong terms that no such offer had been issued by the team.
Acuna, who’s perhaps the highest-regarded pre-MLB player in baseball, was previously re-assigned out of major-league camp in anticipation of opening the year at Triple-A. First, though, he showed why he has drawn so much hype with a monster performance in the Grapefruit League.
A generally similar situation was unfolding with the division-rival Phillies, whose top prospect Scott Kingery pushed for a MLB role with a big performance in camp. He ultimately agreed to an extension before ever suiting up for a big-league game — a somewhat controversial contract model. That deal, while hardly unprecedented, has sparked some new discussion as to whether teams will increasingly attempt to lock up their best prospects quite early in their careers.
For the time being, anyway, it seems there’s not much likelihood of a similar outcome in Atlanta. The team would no doubt be quite willing to make a commitment to Acuna at the right price, but it’s far from clear whether the sides will see eye to eye — or even whether significant further discussions will take place.
Indians Claim Jack Leathersich, Trade Rob Refsnyder To Rays
The Indians announced a series of moves this afternoon, including a claim of lefty Jack Leathersich from the Pirates. (The @RedSoxStats Twitter feed was first to report the claim earlier today.) A 40-man spot for Leathersich was opened by shipping infielder/outfielder Rob Refsnyder to the Rays in exchange for cash.
In other news, Cleveland announced that righty Jordan Milbrath — who was taken in the Rule 5 draft in December — was returned by the Pirates after clearing waivers. Finally, veteran infielder Adam Rosales is joining the Indians on a minors deal.
Refsnyder was out of options, and thus the Tribe at least managed to get some money back for him rather than simply losing the utilityman if exposed to waivers. Refsnyder had been battling for a backup infield job in camp, though it appears Erik Gonzalez has won that role. Cleveland looks to be carrying five outfielders, with right-handed hitters Rajai Davis and Brandon Guyer (if healthy) balancing out lefty-swingers Lonnie Chisenhall, Tyler Naquin, and Bradley Zimmer, with Michael Brantley eventually joining the mix once he returns from the disabled list.
Once a well-regarded prospect in the Yankees’ system, Refsnyder has yet to produce much over parts of three MLB seasons, with just a .233/.306/.311 slash line over 320 career plate appearances. He can offer a versatile glove capable of playing second base, first base, and both corner outfield slots, so he gives Tampa Bay another multi-position bench option next to Daniel Robertson. The Rays had been looking for a right-handed outfield bat, so Refsnyder fills that need, even if he has yet to display much hitting stroke as a big leaguer.
Rosales was recently released from a minor league deal with the Phillies and it didn’t take him long to catch on elsewhere, as Cleveland will replace Refsnyder with a more experienced utility infielder. Rosales has extensive work at all four infield spots (plus the odd appearance in left field) over his 10 seasons and 638 big league games. This versatility has helped Rosales stick around in the Show despite a lack of hitting (.227/.292/.365 slash line over 1786 PA), though he did burst out for 13 homers and an .814 OPS over 248 PA with the Padres in 2016.
Pittsburgh placed Leathersich on waivers yesterday, as he may have been an expendable piece in a Pirates bullpen that already includes Steven Brault and Josh Smoker tossing from the left side, plus Kevin Siegrist in camp on a minor league deal. Leathersich joined the Bucs via a waiver claim off the Cubs’ roster last September, appearing in six games wearing the black-and-gold. The 27-year-old southpaw has a 2.70 ERA in 16 2/3 Major League innings, and both his brief MLB stint and his much more expansive sample size of 278 1/3 minor league IP exhibit indicate a penchant for racking up big totals in both the strikeout and walks departments.
Milbrath was also waived along with Leathersich yesterday, and as per the regulations of the Rule 5 Draft, the righty had to first be offered back to his original team (Cleveland) after other teams had passed on claiming the 26-year-old. A 35th-round selection for the Tribe in the 2013 draft, Milbrath has a 4.33 ERA, 7.8 K/9, and 2.02 K/BB rate over 405 1/3 career innings in the minors, cracking the Double-A level in each of the last two seasons.
Diamondbacks Outright Albert Suarez
The Diamondbacks outrighted right-hander Albert Suarez after he cleared waivers, Zach Buchanan of The Athletic reports on Twitter. He has accepted the assignment, per the report.
Suarez was selected in the Rule 5 draft from the Giants in December. He did not have to be offered back to the San Francisco organization, though, owing to the fact that he had previously been outrighted.
For Arizona, the result is the chance to hang onto the out-of-options Suarez at Triple-A as depth when the season gets underway. Suarez has some MLB experience, having thrown 115 2/3 innings of 4.51 ERA ball over the past two seasons. He allowed nine earned runs on 15 hits and five walks while recording ten strikeouts in his 12 1/3 innings this spring.
Mariners To Sign Jayson Werth
The Mariners have agreed to a minor-league deal with outfielder Jayson Werth, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times (via Twitter). Potential salary terms are not yet known.
Werth will open his time with the Seattle organization in extended spring camp, per Divish. It seems likely he’ll report to Triple-A Tacoma from there.
The 38-year-old, 15-season MLB veteran, found little interest on the market this winter. It’s still a bit curious that he waited until camp finished to take a deal, though that’s perhaps subject to multiple possible interpretations.
It has been a few years since Werth was a productive major-league hitter. He turned in a quality three-year stretch for the Nationals between 2012 and 2014, but has been a .233/.322/.402 hitter ever since. While he still runs the bases rather well, Werth isn’t much of a defender at this stage.
Werth has also dealt with quite a few injuries in recent seasons. Perhaps, though, he could still provide some value in a part-time role. There isn’t a terribly clear path even to a bench spot at the moment with the M’s, but the club already made a late move to add the ageless Ichiro Suzuki and does have some potential uncertainty in the outfield mix.
Twins Outright Kennys Vargas
The Twins have announced that first base/DH Kennys Vargas was outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers. He did not have the choice of refusing the assignment.
Vargas was re-claimed recently from the Reds. The Cincinnati organization had snagged the power hitter off waivers and attempted to stash him on the farm and off the 40-man roster.
In the end, the result is as if Vargas had simply cleared waivers the first time around. He’ll head to Triple-A Rochester to open the season. The switch-hitter really does not have anything left to prove in the upper minors, but he’ll need to await a new MLB opportunity.
Over four seasons in the majors, Vargas carries a .252/.311/.437 slash with 35 long balls in 859 plate appearances. In his 764 trips to the plate at the highest level of the minors, he’s a .248/.370/.444 hitter with thirty bombs and 123 walks against 181 strikeouts — quite a different plate discipline mix than the 29.2% strikeout rate and 7.6% walk rate Vargas has in the majors.
Reds Outright Justin Nicolino
The Reds announced today that lefty Justin Nicolino has been outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers. He had recently been claimed from the Marlins.
In the end, then, the Cincinnati organization was able to grab and stash the 26-year-old, who’ll add to the team’s collection of youthful pitching depth. Nicolino obviously won’t factor into the immediate plans at the MLB level, but he’ll presumably have a chance to build innings and challenge for a place in the pecking order with a team that could well end up with a lot of chances available in the majors.
Nicolino has surrendered 4.65 earned runs per nine over his 201 1/3 MLB innings to date, all of which have come with Miami over the past three years. He has managed only 86 strikeouts in that span. While Nicolino has generated plenty of grounders and harmless infield flies in the minors, he has not excelled particularly in either area in the majors.
Tommy Hunter To Open Season On DL
Phillies righty Tommy Hunter will open the year on the DL after being diagnosed with a hamstring strain, as Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com was among those to report on Twitter.
It’s not clear at the moment just how long Hunter will be sidelined, but skipper Gabe Kapler says the belief is it isn’t a serious injury, as Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Saying the team is acting “conservatively,” Kapler explained that there are no “long-term concerns” at the moment.
Hunter is expected to play a key role in the Phillies pen after joining the organization on a surprisingly hefty two-year deal over the winter. He was promised $18MM after a strong 2017 season in which he not only worked to a productive 2.61 ERA in 58 2/3 innings but ran up a career-high 9.8 K/9 against 2.1 BB/9.
The early returns have not exactly been exciting, though it’s certainly not worth rushing to any conclusions. Hunter managed only one strikeout and allowed three earned runs in his 4 1/3 Grapefruit League frames.
[RELATED: Updated Phillies Depth Chart]
While the injury to Hunter leaves the Phillies down another arm, after already losing a few hurlers to open the year, it does clear space for Jake Thompson. The younger righty, once considered a promising rotation prospect, had shown some promise in camp. He’ll likely be joined in the bullpen by 23-year-old Victor Arano, who’ll get his first full crack at the majors.
Diamondbacks To Extend Ketel Marte
TODAY: The deal is now official.
YESTERDAY, 4:26pm: Zach Buchanan of The Athletic has tweeted the full breakdown. Marte will receive a $2MM signing bonus and $1MM salary for the coming season, followed by $2MM, $4MM, $6MM, and $8MM salaries through the guaranteed seasons (2019-22).
The options are valued at $10MM and $12MM, each of which come with a $1MM buyout. Incentives (details of which remain unknown) could tack on another $4MM overall.
11:41am: The Diamondbacks have agreed to a five-year, $24MM extension with middle infielder Ketel Marte, Robert Murray of FanRag reports. The deal also comes with a pair of option years worth a combined $22MM, which could make it a seven-year, $46MM pact. Marte is a client of the Legacy Agency.
The Diamondbacks already had Marte under control for the next half-decade, including four arbitration-eligible years, but the extension means they won’t go through that process at all with him. The Phillies made a similar decision Sunday when they signed infielder/outfielder Scott Kingery to a five-year, $24MM guarantee of his own.
The 24-year-old Marte is about to begin his second season in Arizona, which acquired him from Seattle in a blockbuster November 2016 trade. Because the deal also featured Taijuan Walker, Jean Segura and Mitch Haniger, Marte flew under the radar at the time, especially after enduring a rough 2016 with the Mariners. Marte impressed his new team last year, however, even though he didn’t post eye-popping offensive numbers in the majors.
After spending nearly the first three months of 2017 at the Triple-A level, where he raked over 338 plate appearances (.338/.391/.514 – good for a 135 wRC+), the Diamondbacks promoted Marte in late June. The switch-hitter went on to bat .260/.345/.395 (89 wRC+) with five home runs and three stolen bases in 255 PAs. To his credit, Marte collected nearly as many walks (29) as strikeouts (37), and as Jeff Sullivan of FanGraphs wrote in December, there’s data suggesting he could be in line for a breakout. Marte was somewhat of a Statcast darling last year, evidenced by his 19th-place ranking in sprint speed and a quality xwOBA (.342).
While Marte’s only a .265/.319/.361 hitter (84 wRC+) with eight homers and 22 steals in 968 major league PAs, the D-backs seem optimistic he’s indeed capable of more in their uniform. And they saw him fare nicely in the field last season, where he logged four Defensive Runs Saved and a 1.1 Ultimate Zone Rating in 507 innings at shortstop. Marte’s now likely to give up short in favor of Nick Ahmed, a gifted defender who missed most of last season, and move to second. It’ll be a relatively new position in the bigs for Marte, who hasn’t lined up at the keystone since logging 31 innings there as a rookie in 2015.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Tracking Non-Roster Invitees With Big League Experience
More than 600 non-roster players were invited to MLB Spring Training with a chance to win an Opening Day roster spot. Nearly half of them have MLB experience and are hoping for a return to the Majors, following the path of close to 40 former big leaguers who made their team’s respective Opening Day roster last April after signing a Minor League deal during the offseason.
Here’s this year’s list of non-roster invitees with MLB experience, including reported salary in the Majors and opt-out dates. This post will be updated as necessary through the end of Spring Training.
Last updated: 3/27/18
*Players currently projected by Roster Resource to make an Opening Day Roster are in bold/italics.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
- ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS | Depth Chart
- Anthony Recker, C REASSIGNED
- Josh Thole, C RELEASED
- Kristopher Negron, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Ramon Flores, OF REASSIGNED
- Rey Fuentes, OF REASSIGNED
- Cesar Puello, OF REASSIGNED
- Jake Buchanan, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Kris Medlen, SP/RP $1.1MM salary in Majors; opt-out 3/27
- Antonio Bastardo, RP RELEASED
- Michael Blazek, RP/SP REASSIGNED
- Jorge De La Rosa, RP $2.25MM salary in Majors
- Neftali Feliz, RP REASSIGNED
- Fernando Salas, RP $1.5MM salary in Majors
- ATLANTA BRAVES | Depth Chart
- Rob Brantly, C REASSIGNED
- Christian Colon, INF REASSIGNED
- Sean Kazmar, INF REASSIGNED
- Danny Santana, INF/OF
- Ezequiel Carrera, OF $650K salary in Majors
- Jaff Decker, OF REASSIGNED
- Anibal Sanchez, SP/RP $1MM salary in Majors
- Luke Jackson, RP REASSIGNED
- Miguel Socolovich, RP REASSIGNED
- CHICAGO CUBS | Depth Chart
- Chris Gimenez, C REASSIGNED
- Taylor Davis, C
- Efren Navarro, 1B/OF
- Mike Freeman, INF/OF
- Peter Bourjos, OF RELEASED/Signed MLB contract with ATL
- Anthony Bass, SP/RP
- Kyle Ryan, RP
- CINCINNATI REDS | Depth Chart
- Tony Cruz, C REASSIGNED
- Cliff Pennington, INF $1.5MM salary in Majors
- Phil Gosselin, INF/OF
- Patrick Kivlehan, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Darnell Sweeney, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Ben Revere, OF REASSIGNED
- Mason Williams, OF REASSIGNED
- Vance Worley, SP/RP $1.5MM salary in Majors; opt-out at end of camp
- Barrett Astin, RP REASSIGNED
- Kyle Crockett, RP REASSIGNED
- Dylan Floro, RP REASSIGNED
- Joe Mantiply, RP (Injured) REASSIGNED
- Kevin Quackenbush, RP
- Oliver Perez, RP RELEASED
- Ben Rowen, RP REASSIGNED
- COLORADO ROCKIES | Depth Chart
- Daniel Castro, INF REASSIGNED
- Shawn O’Malley, INF/OF (Injured)
- Brooks Pounders, RP/SP REASSIGNED
- LOS ANGELES DODGERS | Depth Chart
- Rocky Gale, C REASSIGNED
- Max Muncy, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Travis Taijeron, OF REASSIGNED
- Daniel Corcino, RP REASSIGNED
- C.C. Lee, RP REASSIGNED
- Mark Lowe, RP RELEASED
- Pat Venditte, RP REASSIGNED
- Zach Neal, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- MIAMI MARLINS | Depth Chart
- Bryan Holaday, C
- Scott Van Slyke, 1B/OF
- Cristhian Adames, INF
- Johnny Giavotella, INF REASSIGNED
- Yadiel Rivera, INF
- Eric Campbell, INF/OF
- J.B. Shuck, OF
- Tyler Cloyd, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Jacob Turner, SP/RP
- Jumbo Diaz, RP
- Javy Guerra, RP
- Drew Rucinski, RP REASSIGNED
- Alex Wimmers, RP REASSIGNED
- MILWAUKEE BREWERS | Depth Chart
- Christian Bethancourt, C
- Ji-Man Choi, 1B
- Nick Franklin, INF/OF
- Wade Miley, SP $2.5MM salary in Majors (Injured)
- Michael Brady, RP REASSIGNED
- Erik Davis, RP REASSIGNED
- Ernesto Frieri, RP RELEASED
- J.J. Hoover, RP $1.1MM salary in Majors
- Radhames Liz, RP/SP
- NEW YORK METS | Depth Chart
- Jose Lobaton, C REASSIGNED
- Phillip Evans, INF
- Ty Kelly, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Matt den Dekker, OF REASSIGNED
- A.J. Griffin, SP REASSIGNED
- Matt Purke, RP REASSIGNED
- PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES | Depth Chart
- Matt McBride, C/1B/OF REASSIGNED
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B/1B $1.2MM salary in Majors (Injured)
- Adam Rosales, INF RELEASED
- Ryan Flaherty, INF/OF RELEASED/Signed MLB deal with ATL
- Pedro Florimon Jr., INF/OF $600K salary in Majors
- Collin Cowgill, OF REASSIGNED
- Danny Ortiz, OF REASSIGNED
- Drew Hutchison, SP
- Fernando Abad, RP RELEASED
- Pedro Beato, RP REASSIGNED
- Francisco Rodriguez, RP RELEASED
- PITTSBURGH PIRATES | Depth Chart
- Ryan Lavarnway, C REASSIGNED
- Jackson Williams, C REASSIGNED
- Todd Cunningham, OF REASSIGNED
- Daniel Nava, OF/1B RELEASED/RE-SIGNED
- Casey Sadler, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Damien Magnifico, RP REASSIGNED
- Richard Rodriguez, RP REASSIGNED
- Bo Schultz, RP REASSIGNED
- Kevin Siegrist, RP REASSIGNED
- SAN DIEGO PADRES | Depth Chart
- A.J. Ellis, C $1.25MM salary in Majors
- Raffy Lopez, C
- Allen Craig, 1B REASSIGNED
- Dusty Coleman, INF
- Shane Peterson, OF REASSIGNED
- Kyle Lloyd, SP REASSIGNED
- Tyson Ross, SP $1.75MM salary in Majors; opt-0ut 5/15, 6/15
- Chris Young, SP/RP RELEASED
- Jonathan Aro, RP
- Michael Mariot, RP REASSIGNED
- Tom Wilhelmsen, RP RELEASED
- SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS | Depth Chart
- Trevor Brown, C REASSIGNED
- Hector Sanchez, C REASSIGNED
- Kyle Jensen, 1B/OF REASSIGNED
- Andres Blanco, INF RELEASED
- Chase d’Arnaud, INF REASSIGNED
- Josh Rutledge, INF
- Orlando Calixte, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Alen Hanson, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Gregor Blanco, OF $1MM salary in Majors
- Derek Holland, SP $1.75MM salary in Majors
- Manny Parra, RP
- Madison Younginer, RP REASSIGNED
- Jose Valdez, RP REASSIGNED
- ST. LOUIS CARDINALS | Depth Chart
- Francisco Peña, C
- Alex Mejia, INF REASSIGNED
- Wilfredo Tovar, INF REASSIGNED
- Jordan Schafer, OF/RP RELEASED
- Sean Gilmartin, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Jason Motte, RP RELEASED
- Preston Guilmet, RP REASSIGNED
- WASHINGTON NATIONALS | Depth Chart
- Miguel Montero, C $1.3MM salary in Majors
- Jhonatan Solano, C REASSIGNED
- Reid Brignac, INF RELEASED
- Chris Dominguez, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Ryan Raburn, OF RELEASED
- Moises Sierra, OF REASSIGNED
- Jeremy Hellickson, SP RELEASED/RE-SIGNED
- Edwin Jackson, SP REASSIGNED
- Tommy Milone, SP REASSIGNED
- Cesar Vargas, SP REASSIGNED
- Tim Collins, RP REASSIGNED
- David Goforth, RP REASSIGNED
- Roman Mendez, RP REASSIGNED
- Chris Smith, RP REASSIGNED
—
AMERICAN LEAGUE
- BALTIMORE ORIOLES | Depth Chart
- Pedro Alvarez, DH $1MM salary in Majors
- Luis Sardiñas, INF REASSIGNED
- Ruben Tejada, INF REASSIGNED
- Danny Valencia, INF/OF $1.2MM salary in Majors
- Jaycob Brugman, OF REASSIGNED
- Craig Gentry, OF $900K salary in Majors
- Alex Presley, OF REASSIGNED
- Colby Rasmus, OF $3MM salary in Majors
- Jayson Aquino, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Eddie Gamboa, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Tim Melville, SP REASSIGNED
- Asher Wojciechowski, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Josh Edgin, RP REASSIGNED
- Andrew Faulkner, RP REASSIGNED
- Jeff Ferrell, RP REASSIGNED
- Perci Garner, RP REASSIGNED
- Jason Gurka, RP REASSIGNED
- Jhan Mariñez, RP REASSIGNED
- Joely Rodriguez, RP REASSIGNED
- BOSTON RED SOX | Depth Chart
- Dan Butler, C REASSIGNED
- Oscar Hernandez, C SUSPENDED
- Ivan De Jesus Jr., INF REASSIGNED
- Rusney Castillo, OF REASSIGNED
- Steve Selsky, OF REASSIGNED
- Justin Haley, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Kyle Martin, RP REASSIGNED
- Fernando Rodriguez, RP REASSIGNED
- CHICAGO WHITE SOX | Depth Chart
- Jake Elmore, OF/INF REASSIGNED
- Jacob May, OF REASSIGNED
- Hector Santiago, SP/RP $2MM salary in Majors
- Xavier Cedeño, RP REASSIGNED
- Jeanmar Gomez, RP REASSIGNED
- TJ House, RP/SP REASSIGNED
- Bruce Rondon, RP REASSIGNED
- Robbie Ross Jr., RP REASSIGNED
- Rob Scahill, RP REASSIGNED
- Chris Volstad, RP/SP REASSIGNED
- Michael Ynoa, RP RELEASED
- CLEVELAND INDIANS | Depth Chart
- Ryan Hanigan, C RELEASED
- Mike Napoli, 1B RELEASED/RE-SIGNED
- Michael Martinez, INF/OF (Injured)
- Richie Shaffer, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Brandon Barnes, OF REASSIGNED
- Rajai Davis, OF $1.75MM salary in Majors; opt-out 3/22
- Melvin Upton Jr., OF RELEASED
- Stephen Fife, SP REASSIGNED
- Adam Wilk, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Matt Belisle, RP $1.5MM salary in Majors
- Jeff Beliveau, RP REASSIGNED
- Preston Claiborne, RP REASSIGNED
- Evan Marshall, RP REASSIGNED
- Alexi Ogando, RP/SP REASSIGNED
- Neil Ramirez, RP REASSIGNED
- Carlos Torres, RP RELEASED
- DETROIT TIGERS | Depth Chart
- Derek Norris, C REASSIGNED
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C REASSIGNED
- Brayan Peña, C REASSIGNED
- Alexi Amarista, INF/OF RELEASED
- Pete Kozma, INF REASSIGNED
- Jim Adduci, OF/1B REASSIGNED
- Niko Goodrum, OF/INF
- Chad Huffman, OF/1B REASSIGNED
- Victor Alcantara, RP REASSIGNED
- Enrique Burgos, RP REASSIGNED
- Travis Wood, RP/SP RELEASED
- HOUSTON ASTROS | Depth Chart
- Tim Federowicz, C REASSIGNED
- Mike Hauschild, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- KANSAS CITY ROYALS | Depth Chart
- Ryan Goins, INF $1MM salary in Majors
- Cody Asche, OF/3B REASSIGNED
- Tyler Collins, OF REASSIGNED
- Terrance Gore, OF REASSIGNED
- Michael Saunders, OF RELEASED
- Clay Buchholz, SP REASSIGNED
- Ricky Nolasco, SP RELEASED
- Blaine Boyer, RP
- Mike Broadway, RP REASSIGNED
- Seth Maness, RP REASSIGNED
- LOS ANGELES ANGELS | Depth Chart
- Chris Carter, 1B $1.75MM salary in Majors
- Colin Walsh, INF/OF REASSIGNED
- Rymer Liriano, OF REASSIGNED
- Eric Young Jr., OF REASSIGNED
- Vicente Campos, SP REASSIGNED
- John Lamb, SP REASSIGNED
- Ian Krol, RP REASSIGNED
- Branden Pinder, RP REASSIGNED
- MINNESOTA TWINS | Depth Chart
- Bobby Wilson, C REASSIGNED
- Jordan Pacheco, C/INF REASSIGNED
- Brock Stassi, 1B REASSIGNED
- Erick Aybar, INF RELEASED
- Taylor Featherston, INF
- Gregorio Petit, INF
- Nick Buss, OF REASSIGNED
- Chris Heisey, OF RELEASED
- Ryan LaMarre, OF
- Myles Jaye, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Michael Kohn, RP (Injured)
- NEW YORK YANKEES | Depth Chart
- Erik Kratz, C
- Adam Lind, 1B/OF RELEASED
- Jace Peterson, INF/OF $900K salary in Majors
- Shane Robinson, OF $950K salary in Majors
- David Hale, SP/RP
- Wade LeBlanc, SP/RP RELEASED/Signed MLB contract with SEA
- OAKLAND ATHLETICS | Depth Chart
- Steve Lombardozzi, INF REASSIGNED
- Nick Noonan, INF REASSIGNED
- Slade Heathcott, OF REASSIGNED
- Eric Jokisch, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Simon Castro, RP
- Bobby Wahl, RP REASSIGNED
- SEATTLE MARINERS | Depth Chart
- Tuffy Gosewisch, C REASSIGNED
- Matt Hague, 1B/3B REASSIGNED
- Gordon Beckham, INF RELEASED/RE-SIGNED
- Rey Navarro, INF REASSIGNED
- Zach Vincej, INF REASSIGNED
- Junior Lake, OF REASSIGNED
- Kirk Nieuwenhuis, OF
- Christian Bergman, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Hisashi Iwakuma, SP $2.5MM salary in Majors (Injured)
- Casey Lawrence, SP/RP
- Ryan Cook, RP REASSIGNED
- Ryan Garton, RP REASSIGNED
- TAMPA BAY RAYS | Depth Chart
- Curt Casali, C REASSIGNED
- Johnny Monell, C REASSIGNED
- Adam Moore, C REASSIGNED
- Micah Johnson, 2B/OF REASSIGNED
- Brandon Snyder, INF/OF
- Jason Coats, OF REASSIGNED
- Ryan Weber, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Cody Hall, RP REASSIGNED
- Adam Kolarek, RP REASSIGNED
- Vidal Nuño, RP REASSIGNED
- Dustin McGowan, RP RELEASED
- Colton Murray, RP REASSIGNED
- Dan Runzler, RP RELEASED
- Evan Scribner, RP RELEASED
- Jonny Venters, RP REASSIGNED
- TEXAS RANGERS | Depth Chart
- Curt Casali, C RELEASED/SIGNED with TB
- Mike Ohlman, C REASSIGNED/TRADED to BOS
- Trevor Plouffe, 3B/1B RELEASED/RE-SIGNED
- Hanser Alberto, INF REASSIGNED
- Darwin Barney, INF RELEASED
- Destin Hood, OF REASSIGNED
- Bartolo Colon, SP RELEASED/RE-SIGNED
- Paolo Espino, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Jon Niese, SP/RP RELEASED
- Adrian Sampson, SP REASSIGNED
- Edinson Volquez, SP 2-yr contract; $2MM salary in Majors in ’19 (Injured)
- Austin Bibens-Dirkx, RP/SP REASSIGNED
- Steve Delabar, RP REASSIGNED
- Erik Goeddel, RP RELEASED/Signed with SEA
- Deolis Guerra, RP REASSIGNED
- Kevin Jepsen, RP
- Shawn Tolleson, RP (Injured)
- TORONTO BLUE JAYS | Depth Chart
- Danny Espinosa, INF
- Deck McGuire, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Chris Rowley, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Luis Santos, SP/RP REASSIGNED
- Al Alburquerque, RP REASSIGNED
- John Axford, RP
- Craig Breslow, RP REASSIGNED/RE-SIGNED
- Tyler Clippard, RP
- Rhiner Cruz, RP REASSIGNED
- Chad Girodo, RP REASSIGNED
- Jake Petricka, RP $1.3MM salary in Majors (Injured)
—
Padres Release Chris Young
Veteran right-hander Chris Young has been released by the Padres, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (via Twitter). Young triggered his opt-out rights after learning that he would not be added to the Opening Day roster.
The Pads had given Young a long look as a rotation candidate this spring, but ultimately decided against keeping the 38-year-old. He had been slated to earn a $1MM base salary in the majors, with a hefty potential incentives package that included up to an additional $6MM more.
Young had been hoping to bounce back with the Pads after a pair of miserable seasons. He has already shown he can be useful in his late thirties, with two sturdy campaigns in 2014 and 2015, but has stumbled to a 6.52 ERA in his 118 2/3 frames since the start of 2016. This spring, he recorded 15 strikeouts against four walks in his 14 1/3 innings, but also coughed up four dingers and a dozen earned runs.
San Diego’s decision to keep reliever Adam Cimber left no space in the bullpen and created additional 40-man roster pressure, leaving Young on the outside looking in. Presumably, he could still rejoin the organization on another minors deal if he’s unable to find a better situation elsewhere.
The decision means we won’t see Young pitch for the Padres for the first time since 2010. But it could suggest that another old favorite, Tyson Ross, will earn his way back onto the team after also joining as a non-roster player. Ross, whose career dove when shoulder issues arose, has reputedly looked good this spring and has allowed only five earned runs in his 15 Cactus League frames.