Phillies Make Rendon Top Target
The Philadelphia Phillies are said to have made free agent third baseman Anthony Rendon, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, their top priority after signing Zack Wheeler earlier this week.
Signing Rendon would put the Phillies over the luxury tax threshold for the first time in franchise history, yet unidentified sources have said the team is willing to do just that as they try to make their first playoff appearance since 2011 .
They are also keeping tabs on Josh Donaldson and Didi Gregorius as potential backup plans if Rendon were to sign elsewhere.
Yankees and Gardner Working Deal
Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reports that the Yankees and outfielder Brett Gardner are working on a new contract to keep the veteran in pinstripes for a 13th season.
Gardner, 36, hit a career-high 28 home runs in 2019 and with fellow outfielder, Aaron Hicks, out for the start of the season of it seems the two sides have a mutual desire to get a deal done.
Lyles Joins the Ranges
Jeff Passan of ESPN reports that the Texas Rangers have signed Jordan Lyles to a two-year $16 million contract. The right-hander made 28 starts split between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Milwaukee Brewers last season and had a 4.15 ERA, 4.64 FIP, and 1.319 WHIP.
In addition, the team officially announced that they have signed free-agent right-hander Kyle Gibson to a three-year deal worth $28MM in guaranteed money and $3MM more available in incentives according to Jon Heyman via Twitter.
Cubs Getting Bullpen Help
Free-agent Dan Winkler and the Chicago Cubs have reached a one year contract after the righty elected free agency after being outrighted by the San Francisco Giants reports Robert Murray of the Athletic.
The deal is a split major league and minor league deal as noted by Jon Heyman. The Cubs may also be looking to bring back Brandon Morrow on a minor league deal reports Bruce Levine of 670 The Score/CBS Chicago Twitter.
