MLB Player News

Crawford and the Mariners agreed to a one-year, $2,050,000 deal Friday, avoiding arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Crawford hasn't developed into the star he was projected to be several years ago, when he was in the running to be considered the best prospect in baseball, but he's still a useful enough player. His .255/.336/.338 slash line last season was good for a nearly average 94 wRC+, a fine mark when paired with above-average defense at shortstop and a decent amount of speed (six steals).

Lindor was traded from Cleveland to the Mets on Thursday along with Carlos Carrasco in exchange for Amed Rosario, Andres Gimenez, Isaiah Greene and Josh Wolf, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Lindor has just one year remaining on his contract, but the Mets will be acquiring one of the best shortstops in baseball for at least that one year, though he is coming off a season in which he posted career worsts across his mediocre .258/.335/.415 slash line.

Reyes (suspension) signed a minor-league deal with the Brewers on Thursday that includes an invitation to spring training, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com reports.

Reyes missed all of the 2020 campaign after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He was originally suspended for 80 games, but that suspension is now considered complete despite last season's schedule being shortened to 60 games. He won't necessarily be a favorite for a major-league roster spot in Milwaukee, even in a bench role, as he's a career .229/.295/.368 hitter through 89 games at the highest level.

Preciado was traded to the Cubs on Monday as part of the trade that sent Yu Darvish and Victor Caratini to San Diego, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic reports.

A 6-foot-4 shortstop from Panama, Preciado has a very high ceiling but has not yet played in an affiliated league, having signed in 2019 at the age of 16 for $1.3 million. He could grow into impact power while sticking at a premium position. Zach Davies, Owen Caissie, Yeison Santana and Ismael Mena were also shipped to Chicago in the deal.

Urena signed a minor-league contract with Toronto on Friday. The deal includes an invite to spring training.

All of Urena's professional game action at any level has come as a member of the Blue Jays' organization, including 91 big-league games in which he hit an uninspiring .253/.300/.336. He spent 2020 with the Orioles' organization but never made the team's big-league roster. The 24-year-old doesn't profile as anything more than a utility infielder, as he's yet to produce an above-average batting line above the High-A level.

Velazquez signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Velazquez was let go by the Orioles in late October after appearing in 40 games with the club in 2020. The shortstop has struggled in the majors over the past few seasons, but he should get the chance to develop in the minors with the Yankees. Given his past experience, the 26-year-old could certainly receive an invitation to major-league spring training in 2021.

Garcia could begin the 2021 season in the minors, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Garcia skipped multiple levels last season and hit a paltry .194/.206/.194 in 68 plate appearances.

Garcia did receive high marks for his defense and for how he handled his slump, but it's pretty clear that he was overmatched at the plate. He walked just once against 26 strikeouts and didn't have an extra-base hit. Reds GM Nick Krall suggested that the team is hoping to add a shortstop this offseason from outside the organization.

Basabe was traded from the Rangers to the Rays on Thursday in exchange for Nate Lowe, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Basabe was one of several prospects who will head to the Rays in exchange for Lowe. The 20-year-old has hit well at every level he's been at so far, most recently recording a .315/.344/.388 with 32 RBI and seven stolen bases in rookie ball in 2019. He improved his defensive versatility in recent years, and he could advance up the minor-league ladder during the 2021 campaign.

Franco was officially diagnosed with biceps inflammation and shoulder soreness, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

He was examined in St. Petersburg and there was no structural damage or long-term concern. Franco won't play winter ball again this season, but he should be ready to go for spring training. This is still mildly concerning, as inflammation could reoccur or get worse when he resumes baseball activities. Assuming he is healthy, Franco should spend the bulk of spring training in big-league camp and could debut this summer.

Arcia agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Brewers on Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

This will be the 26-year-old shortstop's sixth season with the Brewers and penultimate year under team control. He hit .260/.317/.416 with five home runs and two steals in 189 plate appearances last season. His 96 wRC+, .156 ISO and 16.9 percent strikeout rate were all career bests. Despite all that, he had to take a $200,000 pay cut on this contract to avoid being non-tendered.