Off the wire

Compiled from Democrat-Gazette Press Services

Mariners sign Kikuchi

The Seattle Mariners have signed Japanese left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a four-year deal just ahead of the deadline for him to sign with a major league club or be forced to return to Japan for another season. Seattle made the signing official Wednesday after word first surfaced of an agreement late on New Year’s Eve. Kikuchi was one of the few starter options remaining on the market and he will be joining a team with a long history of success with Japanese players. Kikuchi was posted by the Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan in early December. Kikuchi was 14-4 with a 3.08 ERA for Seibu last season.

Yankees, Tulowitzki agree

The New York Yankees have agreed to a one-year contract with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for the major league minimum $555,000, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement, first reported by ESPN, is subject to a successful physical. Tulowitzki idolized retired Yankees captain Derek Jeter and has worn No. 2 in his honor. He could take over at shortstop while Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John surgery he had in October. A five-time All-Star who turned 34 in October, Tulowitzki has not played in the major leagues since July 2017 and was released by the Toronto Blue Jays last month. He was limited to 66 games in 2017 because of a hamstring and right ankle injury. The ankle required surgery last spring and he missed the entire season. New York also has been talking with Manny Machado, one of the top available free agents.

Cubs’ two new hires

The Chicago Cubs have hired former All-Star infielder Mark Loretta as their bench coach and pitcher Bob Tewksbury as mental skills coordinator. Loretta replaces Brandon Hyde, who left to manage the Baltimore Orioles, after spending the past nine seasons in San Diego’s front office. Loretta batted .295 over 15 seasons with Milwaukee, Houston, San Diego, Boston and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was an All-Star with the Padres in 2004 and Red Sox in 2006. Tewksbury played for six teams over 13 years from 1986-98, including parts of two seasons with the Cubs. He was an All-Star with St. Louis in 1992. Tewksbury earned a masters of education degree in sport psychology and counseling from Boston University in 2004.