Twins, Schoop working on deal
MINNEAPOLIS — A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Minnesota Twins and Jonathan Schoop are working toward an agreement on a $7.5 million, one-year contract for the free agent second baseman.
The person spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal, which also would include performance bonuses, had not been finalized. The Athletic first reported the discussions with Schoop, who was an All-Star with Baltimore in 2017 when he hit a career-high 32 home runs. He was traded to Milwaukee last summer right before the non-waiver deadline.
Schoop became a free agent last week when the Brewers failed to offer a 2019 contract.
The Twins began their infield remake last month by claiming first baseman C.J. Cron off waivers from Tampa Bay and then reaching agreement on a $4.8 million, one-year contract.
Chirinos, Astros finalize 1-year contract
Robinson Chirinos and the Astros have finalized a $5.75 million, one-year contract, giving catching-thin Houston another option behind the plate.
The 34-year-old spent the past six seasons with the Texas Rangers and hit .222 this year while setting career bests with 18 homers and 65 RBIs in 113 games. His .757 OPS was second among AL catchers.
He had a $2.25 million salary, and the Rangers declined a $4.5 million option that had a $100,000 buyout.
Houston used four catchers this year: Max Stassi (65 starts), Brian McCann (55), Martin Maldonado (34) and Tim Federowicz (eight). McCann, Maldonado and Federowicz became free agents after the season, and McCann left to return to his home-state Atlanta Braves.
Carrasco gets 4-year deal from Indians
Carlos Carrasco’s career has taken some dramatic turns, re-routed by elbow surgery, a therapeutic trip to the bullpen and several freakish injuries.
He persevered, blossoming into a special pitcher — and person — for the Cleveland Indians.
They’re going to keep him around.
The three-time AL Central champions and Carrasco agreed Thursday to a $47 million, four-year contract, a deal that includes $37.25 million in new guaranteed money and could keep him in a Cleveland uniform through the 2023 season.
Carrasco, who has won 35 games over the past two seasons, will make $9.75 million next season, the same as his prior deal, and $10.25 million in 2020 — the same amount as the club’s previous option for that season. The Indians added on two more seasons at $12 million each, and Cleveland holds a 2023 option for $14 million with a $3 million buyout.
For the cash-conscious Indians, the 31-year-old Carrasco is invaluable.
He’s a core member of one of baseball’s best rotations, which could be changed this winter if the Indians trade either two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber or All-Star Trevor Bauer to address outfield needs.
“As we looked at the continuity of our rotation, we feel Carlos can continue to be a key cog in that,” Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. “When we had the opportunity to discuss with him the opportunity to extend his term here, it was something we thought would make a lot of sense for us. And we’re really happy we were able to do that, because it does help in our planning efforts moving forward.”