Evan Longoria is traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Francisco Giants for Denard Span, Christian Arroyo and two minor leaguers. B3
Giants acquire Evan Longoria from Rays
Evan Longoria expects to win immediately with the San Francisco Giants, whose run of success in even years is well documented — and the club's new third baseman knows all about that. The Giants' brass realizes adding Longoria to the lineup and an already-talented infield gives San Francisco a far better chance of bouncing back from a surprising last-place season in the NL West. An offense-producing third baseman the Giants sought this winter, Longoria was traded from Tampa Bay on Wednesday for outfielder Denard Span, star infield prospect Christian Arroyo and two minor league pitchers. "I'm looking forward to bringing everything I can and more to the clubhouse and the organization and being back in the postseason and winning like I expect to do," Longoria said. "It's an even year coming up and I know the Giants win in even years. That I am looking forward to." The position had been a priority for San Francisco, and Longoria's durability means so much, too. He has played at least 156 games in each of the past five years, all 162 in 2014, and also hit 20 or more homers in each of those five seasons. "He's sorely needed and will be a great addition for us," Giants general manager Bobby Evans said. It marked the first big offseason move by each organization. Tampa Bay in effect is responsible for $14.5 million of the $88 million Longoria is owed, and the Rays took on $13 million in guaranteed money due Span. Longoria had $86 million in remaining guaranteed salary and buyout as part of a contract that runs through 2022 and contains a 2023 club option. The $9.5 million in deferred money included in that total was converted to an assignment bonus payable by the Rays from 2025-29. Tampa Bay will give the Giants $2 million by this Dec. 31 to cover Longoria's assignment bonus and an additional $3 million by Oct. 31, 2022. The 32-year-old leaves Tampa Bay as the longest-tenured player in franchise history, after spending 10 of his big league seasons in a Rays uniform. He is the club's leader with 1,435 games, 261 home runs and 892 RBIs. Longoria started all 30 of the Rays' postseason games at third. Longoria batted .261 with 20 homers and 86 RBIs last season. The 2008 AL Rookie of the Year and three-time Gold Glover has played at least 156 games in each of the past five seasons and hit 20 or more home runs in all of those years.
Orioles’ Britton ruptures right Achilles tendon
Orioles closer Zach Britton ruptured his right Achilles tendon in offseason training, a significant injury that could cause him to miss part of the 2018 season. Baltimore executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette on Wednesday confirmed the torn Achilles tendon. It was not immediately clear how long Britton would be out. In a tweet announcing the injury, the team said Britton was injured Tuesday while training in California and wished him a speedy recovery. Britton had 15 saves and a 2.89 ERA with the Orioles this past season. In 2016, had a 0.54 ERA and was perfect in save opportunities with a major league-leading 47. The left-hander, who turns 30 on Friday, is arbitration eligible after making $11.4 million last season. Britton can become a free agent after next season, which made him a strong trade candidate before the injury. Britton has converted 135 of 145 save opportunities since becoming the Orioles' closer in 2014.
GM Alderson gets extension from Mets
Mets general manager Sandy Alderson has been given a contract extension, a move long expected and announced Wednesday. Alderson succeeded Omar Minaya in October 2010, and his previous contract expired after the season. The length of his new deal was not specified. New York reached the World Series in 2015 and the NL wildcard game the following year before slumping to a 70-92 record in an injury filled 2017 season. "I feel that we have some unfinished business," Alderson said in a statement.
AP source: Nationals sign Adams
A person familiar with negotiations says the Washington Nationals have agreed to terms in principle on a $4 million, one-year contract with first baseman Matt Adams, a deal pending a successful physical. The 29-year-old figures to replace Adam Lind, who became a free agent after the National declined to exercise a 2018 option in his contract, Adams hit .274 last season with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs with the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. He is a career .271 hitter in six major league seasons.