Welcome to the one-stop shop for all MLB free-agency signings, trades, and The Athletic’s unrivaled analysis. On the heels of the most unusual season in major-league history, many MLB teams will have to be creative in shoring up 2021 rosters, and big names could be on the move both via the free-agent market and the trade route.
Do the additions of George Springer and Marcus Semien make the Blue Jays the favorites in the AL East? Are the Cardinals title contenders again? Are the Dodgers and Padres the NL’s two top teams? Are the White Sox ready to challenge for the AL Central, or are the Twins still the team to beat? Check back here daily, as we track news on all of the player movement.
More MLB offseason rankings and player features
Keith Law: Breaking down the Rockies weak return for Nolan Arenado
Jim Bowden: The top remaining free agents
Ken Rosenthal: Latest on labor negotiations
Andy McCullough: Freeze continues for MLB’s free-agent middle class
Eno Sarris: Are the Cardinals the new favorites in the NL Central?
The latest from Ken Rosenthal: Here
THURSDAY, FEB. 11
Mariners to sign Ken Giles to two-year deal — Source
The Mariners are in agreement on a two-year deal with reliever Ken Giles, reports The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Giles will miss the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2020. He had a 1.87 ERA and 23 saves in 2019 with the Blue Jays before the injury impacted his performance in 2020.
Red Sox in agreement on deal with Marwin González — Report
The Red Sox have a deal with utilityman Marwin González, reports MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. González spent the last two seasons with the Twins after starting his career with seven seasons in Houston. González can play all over the field and is a switch-hitter. He had a .698 OPS in his two seasons with the Twins but had a .737 OPS with the Astros.
Tigers sign Nomar Mazara
The Tigers have signed outfielder Nomar Mazara to a one-year contract. Mazara played the 2020 season in the AL Central with the White Sox. He struggled badly, posting a .589 OPS in 42 games. In four previous seasons with the Rangers, Mazara hit .261/.320/.435 with 79 home runs.
Mets designate Brad Brach for assignment
The Mets announced the Jonathan Villar signing and, in a corresponding move, designated reliever Brad Brach for assignment. Brach is a 10-year veteran with a career ERA of 3.39 in 522 2/3 innings. Brach allowed eight runs in 12 1/3 innings for the Mets in 2020.
Angels sign Jon Jay to minor-league deal
Centerfielder Jon Jay will be in Angels camp on a minor-league deal. The 11-year veteran appeared in 18 games with Arizona in 2020, batting .160 in 57 at-bats.
Luis Basabe clears waivers, outrighted by Giants
Outfielder Luis Alexander Basabe has cleared waivers and he has been outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento by the Giants.
Dodgers designate Josh Sborz for assignment
The Dodgers made the Trevor Bauer signing official on Thursday and designated right-hander Josh Sborz for assignment in a corresponding move. Sborz has appeared in 11 games for the Dodgers the past two seasons and has allowed nine runs in 13 1/3 innings.
Twins claim Kyle Garlick, designate Brandon Waddell for assignment
The Twins have claimed outfielder Kyle Garlick off waivers from the Braves and have designated left-hander Brandon Waddell for assignment to make room for Garlick on the 40-man roster. Garlick has gone through the waivers process twice this offseason, having previously been waived by the Phillies and then claimed by Atlanta. This is the second time Waddell has been designated for assignment this offseason. In October, he was waived by the Pirates and claimed by the Twins. He threw 3 1/3 innings for the Pirates in 2020 in his major-league debut season.
Rockies sign Greg Bird to minor-league deal
Former Yankees slugger Greg Bird will be in camp with the Rockies, reports MLB.com’s Thomas Harding. Foot problems have limited Bird throughout…
Read More: Andrew Benintendi traded to the Royals – The Athletic