Marlins deal Gordon to Mariners for prospects

MIAMI » The Marlins’ latest payroll purge began not with Giancarlo Stanton, but with Dee Gordon.

The two-time All-Star second baseman was traded Thursday to the Seattle Mariners for three prospects in the first big deal involving new Marlins CEO Derek Jeter. He wants to cut payroll by more than 20 percent to $90 million or less, which is why NL MVP Stanton is also on the trading block.

Miami acquired righthander Nick Neidert, the Mariners’ No. 2 prospect, along with infielder Chris Torres and right-hander Robert Dugger.

“We need to add depth,” president of baseball operations Michael Hill said. “We need to do things to give us an opportunity to build an organization that we feel can win consistently . ... ”

The Mariners get $1 million in international signing bonus pool allotment, boosting the amount they can offer Japanese star pitcher and outfielder Shohei Ohtani to a major league-high $3,557,500, just ahead of the Texas Rangers ($3,535,000).

Cubs sign Chatwood

CHICAGO » Right-hander Tyler Chatwood and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a $38 million, three-year contract.

Chatwood, who turns 28 next week, was 8-15 with a 4.69 ERA in 33 appearances, including 25 starts, for Colorado last year. He is 40-46 with a 4.31 ERA over six seasons with the Angels (2011) and Rockies (2012-14, 2016-17).