mlb ▶
Washington deals a pair of players to Cleveland to secure the services of catcher Yan Gomes.
The Indians traded one of their big arms — from behind the plate
Cleveland, which has been dangling right-handers Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco as trade bait, dealt All-star catcher Yan Gomes to Washington on Friday.
In return, the threetime defending AL Central champions got outfielder Daniel Jonson and righthander Jefry Rodriguez.
The Nationals went into the offseason in need of a new catcher — and now have two. They also signed free agent Kurt Suzuki.
Gomes has been a steady player for Cleveland since coming over from Toronto in 2012. The 31-year-old had one of his best offensive seasons in 2018, batting .266 with a career-high 26 doubles, 16 homers and 48 RBIS in 112 games. He was also excellent behind the plate and got selected an AL All-star for the first time.
Gomes will make $7 million next season and his contract includes club options for 2020 ($9 million) and 2021 ( $11 million). Mets: Failed to offer a 2019 contract to Wilmer Flores, allowing the infielder to become a free agent. Red Sox: Agreed to terms with right-handed reliever Tyler Thornburg on a one-year deal worth $1.75 million. Athletics: Liam Hendricks agreed to a $2.15 million, one-year contract and fellow right-hander Ryan Dull settled on an $860,000, one-year deal. Oakland failed to offer contracts to right-handers Mike Fiers, Cory Gearrin and Kendall Graveman.
Blue Jays: Infielder Yangervis Solarte was not offered a 2019 contract.
Braves: Atlanta agreed to terms with left-hander Jonny Venters on a non-guaranteed contract worth $2.25 million. Brewers: Failed to offer a 2019 contract to former All-star second baseman Jonathan Schoop.
Cardinals: Left-hander Chasen Shreve agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract.
Cubs: Offered suspended shortstop Addison Russell a 2019 contract while maintaining his future with the team is not certain. Russell is serving a 40-game domestic violence suspension following allegations by his ex-wife. Diamondbacks: Righthanders Shelby Miller and Brad Boxberger became free agents along with utility player Chris Owings when Arizona failed to offer 2019 contracts.
Pirates: Avoided arbitration with reliever Michael Feliz, reaching an agreement on an $850,000, one-year contract. Pittsburgh offered contracts to left fielder Corey Dickerson and reliever Keone Kela. Rangers: Finalized an $8 million, two-year contract with right-hander Jesse Chavez. Reds: Outfielder Billy Hamilton became a free agent when Cincinnati failed to offer a 2019 contract by Friday’s deadline. Twins: Agreed on a $4.8 million, one-year contract with first baseman C.J. Cron to avoid salary arbitration.
White Sox: Acquired reliever Alex Colome from Seattle for catcher Omar Narvaez. The White Sox also declined to offer contracts to outfielder Avisail Garcia and Matt Davidson. Chicago agreed to a $1.55 million, one-year deal with outfielder Leury Garcia.