2018 – In free agent signings today, 2B Daniel Murphy joins the Rockies on a two-year contract worth $24 million, while the Padres sign 2B Ian Kinsler. also for two years, but at the relatively bargain price of $8 million.
Cleveland sign free agent 1B Yonder Alonso for two years, filling the hole recently created when Carlos Santana moved to the Phillies, also as a free agent. In other signings, the Brewers ink SP Jhoulys Chacin to a two-year deal and Washington adds 1B Matt Adams, pending a successful physical.
The Rays send 3B Evan Longoria, arguably the greatest player in team history, to the Giants in a trade for four players, the most prominent of whom is OF Denard Span. Longoria comes with a risk as he is due to make $86 million over the next five seasons, but his acquisition fills a huge hole as the Giants got the worst offensive production from their third basemen among all major league teams last year.
2016 – The Phillies acquire veteran SP Clay Buchholz from the Red Sox in return for 2B prospect Josh Tobias.
Orioles P Troy Patton is suspended for 25 games at the start of the 2014 season for testing positive for amphetamines.
Veteran 3B-1B Kevin Youkilis signs a one-year contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles, hoping for a comeback in Japan after an injury-plagued year with the Yankees. He replaces Casey McGehee, who had turned a strong season in Japan into a return to the US for 2014. In other signings, the Twins ink C Kurt Suzuki as a replacement for Joe Mauer, who will move to 1B in 2014.
Edwin Jackson joins his 8th team in 11 years, signing a four-year, $52 million deal with the Chicago Cubs despite a career record of 70-71.
The Miami Marlins sign .299 career hitter Placido Polanco for a one-year, $2.75 million deal, hoping his .257 mark from 2012 was not a sign of decline at age 37. In other signings, P Tom Gorzelanny inks a deal with the Brewers, while C A.J. Pierzynski goes to Texas.
2011 – Among free agents signing today are 3B Casey Blake, who goes to Colorado; SS Yuniesky Betancourt, who heads back to Kansas City one year after being dealt; and P Ryota Igarashi and 1B Jeff Clement who both ink deals with Pittsburgh.
2009 – The Indians add two pitchers, starter Mitch Talbot whom they obtain from the Rays as the player to be named later in the December 1st deal for C Kelly Shoppach, and reliever Saul Rivera, who is signed as a free agent after being recently released by the Nationals.