Cubs sign Chatwood

Gordon traded to Mariners

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 right-hander Nick Neidert, the Mariners' No. 2 prospect, along with infielder Chris Torres and righthander Robert Dugger. The Marlins haven't been to the playoffs since 2003, and they're anxious to bolster a farm system that ranks among baseball's worst. "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. In this deal we took an All-Star caliber player in Dee Gordon, and were able to add three very talented pieces to our minor league system." 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).

They assume Gordon's contract, which guarantees him $38 million through 2020. The Chicago Cubs added to their rotation on Thursday, agreeing to a $38 million, three-year contract with righthander Tyler Chatwood.

Chicago is pursuing Japanese outfielder and pitcher Shohei Ohtani and interested in retraining former NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta and closer Wade Davis, who became free agents.

Epstein declined to comment on Ohtani "out of respect for the player and the process." Esptein said he expects to speak with Arrieta's agent Scott Boras at next week's winter meetings. The Cubs also remain in contact with Davis.