Astros Keep Key Bullpen Piece
Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports that the Astros have re-signed right-handed reliever Joe Smith to a two-year deal for $8 million.
Smith, former Mets side-armer, had a 1.80 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 4.40 K/BB ratio in 25 innings for the Astros in 2019. The 35-year-old has a 2.98 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 695 career innings.
The bullpen market has been picked over pretty good at this point, with Dellin Betances and Will Harris as the top two arms left.
Brewers Add Outfielder
The Brewers have signed outfielder Avisail Garcia according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports the deal is for two years and $20 million guaranteed with an option for a third year that becomes mutual if he hits the 550 plate appearance mark in 2021.
Garcia, 28, hit .282/.332/.464 with 25 doubles, career-high 20 home runs, 72 RBIs, and career-high 10 stolen bases in 125 games for the Rays in 2019. The right-handed hitter is slated to be the Brewers starting left fielder.
Rangers Announce Slew of Signings
The Rangers announced four minor league signings on Monday including former Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart. They also signed right-hander Arturo Reyes and re-signed Tim Dilliard and Matt Bush.
Rangers also made their signing of lefty Joely Rodriguez official, he received a two-year deal worth $5.5 million. The 28-year-old was reportedly up yo 100 MPH pitching in Japan this past season.
Reds Bring in Starting Pitching Help
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Reds have signed veteran left-hander Wade Miley to a two-year, $14 million deal with a $10 million club option for the 2022 season.
Miley, 33, had a 3.98 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 2.30 K/BB in 167 innings for the Astros in 2019. He posted a 2.0 bWAR, his highest since 2015 (2.4).
Cardinals Looking at Multiple Options
It’s been a quite offseason for the Cardinals after locking up Adam Wainwright very early on, but that may not continue to be the case.
Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News notes that the Cardinals ave emerged as a team having interest in Korean lefty Kwang-Hyun Kim.
They’re also still engaged in trying to retain outfielder Marcell Ozuna per Mark Saxon of The Athletic. Ozuna hit .241/.328/.472 with 29 homers and 89 RBIs.
Romo Returns to Twins
Jesse Sanchez MLB.com reports that veteran right-handed reliever Sergio Romo is returning to the Twins on a one-year deal. The contract also has a $5 million club option for the 2021 season.
The 36-year-old had a 3.43 ERA and 60 strikeouts over 60 1/3 innings combined between the Twins and Marlins this past season.
