Willson Contreras catches a big deal
The MLB winter meetings shopping spree continued Wednesday with the biggest prize of the free agent market, American League MVP Aaron Judge, returning to the New York Yankees for a nine-year, $360 million deal. That wasn’t the only activity as agents and team executives gathered in San Diego. The latest developments and signings as the “Hot Stove” continues to sizzle:
Cardinals hit target with catcher
With Yadier Molina finally retiring after a 19-year career in St. Louis, the Cardinals are in need of a starting catcher. So why not start with the top one available in free agency? And if you happen to snag one away from your archrival, even better.
The Cards have set their sights on former Chicago Cub Willson Contreras, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan reporting a five-year, $87.5 million agreement has been struck.
A three-time All-Star, Contreras is clearly the top free agent catcher, ahead of Christian Vazquez, Tucker Barnhart, Omar Narvaez and Austin Hedges.
Aledmys Diaz lands in Oakland
Versatile infielder/outfielder Aledmys Diaz has agreed to terms with the Oakland Athletics on a two-year, $14.5 million contract, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. Diaz spent the last four seasons in Houston, playing every infield position and even seeing some time in the outfield.
Red Sox get closer Kenley Jansen
Longtime Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen left Los Angeles as a free agent last season and thrived after signing a oneyear deal with the Atlanta Braves. Jansen, 35, led the National League in saves with 41, which strengthened his case for another big-money deal. He’ll move to the AL for the first time in his career after agreeing to a two-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Jansen will allow the Red Sox to move Tanner Houck and Garrett Whitlock into the starting rotation after both occasionally served as closers over the past couple of seasons.
Mets bolster rotation with lefty
Left-hander José Quintana revitalized his career at 33 after a midseason trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Cardinals. In his final dozen starts for the Cards, he posted a 2.01 ERA and finished the season with a 2.93 ERA. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports Quintana is headed to the Mets on a two-year deal, joining Verlander in a rebuilt rotation that also includes Max Scherzer, Tylor Megill and Carlos Carrasco.
Cubs pick up Jameson Taillon
The Cubs are expected to be major players in the free agent market, with most of the attention centering around the big-name shortstops Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson. The Cubs did add former National League MVP Cody Bellinger on a oneyear deal Tuesday. However, the Cubs also have holes in the starting pitching rotation. One of those Chicago rotation spots will go to Jameson Taillon, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Yankees. ESPN reported late Tuesday that Taillon will receive a fouryear deal.