Astros add Goodrum, bolster infield depth

The Astros are in agreement with free-agent infielder Niko Goodrum on a one-year contract, giving the team sorely needed infield versatility and depth.

Goodrum’s deal is pending a physical. MLB Network reported it is worth $2.1 million plus incentives. Goodrum played for former Houston manager A.J. Hinch in Detroit last year, the final of his four seasons with the Tigers. Goodrum passed through waivers unclaimed after the season and became a free agent.

A second-round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2010, Goodrum has five seasons of major league experience. He’s started at least one game at every defensive position aside from catcher, but is primarily a middle infielder, making him an ideal fit for Houston’s 2022 roster.

Before signing Goodrum, Houston had just Aledmys Díaz as capable middle infield depth on its 26-man roster. Díaz may be thrust into everyday shortstop duties early in the season if the team does not re-sign Carlos Correa.

Goodrum was a Gold Glove finalist at shortstop in 2020. He is a career .700 OPS hitter with a 30.7 percent strikeout rate. Goodrum played 5341⁄3 innings at shortstop last season in Detroit but also saw time at second base and left field.

Chandler Rome

Kiner-Falefa traded to Twins for catcher

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the starting shortstop for the Texas Rangers who was supplanted by the blockbuster addition of Corey Seager, was traded Saturday to the Minnesota Twins for catcher Mitch Garver.

Texas also sent minor league righthander Ronny Henriquez to Minnesota.

Kiner-Falefa hit .271 with eight homers and 53 RBIs in 158 games last season.

Garver hit .256 with 13 homers and 34 RBIs in 68 games last season. Rangers president Jon Daniels said the intention is for Garver to be their starting catcher, but that he also could get some time at first base and designated hitter.

In other Rangers news, former pitcher Jordan Lyles signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday night. Lyles went 10-13 with a 5.15 ERA last season.

A’s deal Bassitt for minor leaguers

All-Star righthander Chris Bassitt, who made a remarkable recovery from a frightening line drive to the head last year, was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the New York Mets on Saturday for a pair of minor league pitchers.

The Mets sent righthanders J.T. Ginn and Adam Oller to the A’s for Bassitt.

Bassitt gives the Mets a muchneeded starter for the middle of the rotation, seemingly a good fit behind aces Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer.

Bassitt was 12-4 with a 3.15 ERA in 27 starts, including his first career complete game. He was 12-3 with a 3.06 ERA and leading the AL in victories when he was injured.

Nats add Cishek on one-year deal

Righthanded reliever Steve Cishek and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year contract for 2022, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press on Saturday. MLB.com reported it is worth $1.75 million.

White Sox sign ex-Dodgers righty

Joe Kelly’s Dodgers tenure has seemingly drawn to an end, with the reliever reportedly agreeing to a two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox on Saturday.

Kelly, 33, spent the past three seasons in Los Angeles after signing a $25 million contract in December 2018, making 115 appearances out of the Dodgers’ bullpen.