Rays Give Zunino Extension 

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, Mike Zunino and the Rays have reached an extension that will run through 2020 and have an option for an additional year. The deal is said to be worth $4.5 million for the 2020 season. Zunino, 28, split time with Travis d’Arnaud last season in his first season in the Trop. He hit .165/.232/.312 over the course of 90 games, but remains one of the stronger defenders in baseball behind the dish.

Dick Mountain Gets Bad News

Former Dodgers’ starter Rich Hill underwent an arm procedure this off-season, according to Bill Plunkett of The Orange Country Register. Hill confirmed on Monday that he underwent elbow surgery following the 2019 season. The procedure – known as ‘primary revision’ – addresses re-injury to the ulnar collateral ligament for pitchers who previously underwent the Tommy John ligament-replacement surgery.

Hill previously had Tommy John surgery in 2011.

Hill, 39, has spent the last three-plus seasons at Chavez Ravine pitching to a 3.16 ERA in 361 innings for the Dodgers. Hill’s story of his journey from Indy-League baseball to the Major Leagues is well documented, but a procedure to repair damage to his UCL, considering he has already had Tommy John Surgery, could put his career in serious jeopardy.

Jays Sign Cole

A.J. Cole agreed to sign a minor-league deal with the Blue Jays and received an invite to Major League camp, according to Shi David of Sportsnet. Cole, 27, has posted a career 4.86 ERA over five seasons.

Cole was most recently with the Indians in 2019 where he posted a 3.81 ERA in 25 games as a reliever. He accumulated 30 strikeouts over 26.0 innings and walked only eight.

Short Hops and Quick Hits

The Oakland A’s announced the signing of eight players including right-hander Zach Lee, he spent the entire 2019 season in the Mets farm system. They also re-signed former Mets legend Eric Campbell.

Gold Glover Yolmer Sanchez was designated for assignment by the White Sox. He was due to make around $6 million through arbitration. Other players designated for assignment on Monday include Red Sox LHP Brian Johnson, Reds’ RHP Jimmy Herget, and Reds’ OF Brian O’Grady.

The Marlins officially released lefty Wei-Yin Chen, but will still have to pay him $22 million in 2020.

Tigers acquired RHP Dario Agrazal from the Pirates and the Mariners traded for LHP Nestor Cortes from the Yankees.