The Washington Nationals and free agent reliever Rafael Soriano have agreed on a two-year, $28 million contract, tweets Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports.

Source: Rafael Soriano agrees to two-year, $28M deal with Nationals. Deal contains vesting option for third year. Story coming on Y! Sports.

January 15, 2013 2:14 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@JeffPassan

Jeff Passan

Soriano, 33, opted out of his contract with the Yankees last season after going 2-1 with a 2.26 ERA and 42 saves in 67 2/3 innings. He should find himself in the closer role with his new team, as his veteran presence should take some pressure of youngsters Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen, and give the Nationals a strong bullpen as they fight to repeat as division champs in the N.L. East.

The contract also includes a vesting option for a third year, if Soriano finishes more than 120 games in 2013 and 2014 combined.

The post Rafael Soriano Agrees With Washington appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

It looks like J.J. Putz will remain in Arizona as Diamondbacks signed the veteran hurler to a one-year extension on Monday.

The deal announced by the team on Twitter and reported by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, is worth $7 million, and keeps Putz put through 2014 as the D’backs had already exercised its $6.5MM club option for 2013.

OFFICIAL: #Dbacks agree on 1-year extension thru 2014 with closer J.J. Putz #Thunderstruck

January 14, 2013 5:59 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@Dbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks

The 35-year old pitched to a 2.82 ERA, 10.8 K/9, 1.8 BB/9 and 45.7 percent ground-ball rate with 32 saves for Arizona last season, and will provide some much much-needed leadership and stability for the Arizona bullpen.

In 518 2/3 Major League innings between the Mariners, Mets, White Sox and Diamondbacks, Putz has a 3.04 ERA, 9.5 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 with 183 saves.

Putz also has a 2.48 ERA and 77 saves over the past two seasons with Arizona.

The post Diamondbacks sign J.J. Putz to one-year extension appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

After non-tendering Jeff Karstens in late November, the Pittsburgh Pirates have avoided arbitration with the right-hander by signing him to a one-year major league contract. The deal, pending a physical, is believed to be worth $2.5 million says Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Now online at @PittsburghPG: #Pirates bring back @karstens27 on one-year deal to solidify rotation. http://t.co/SQGkvqGW

January 14, 2013 7:56 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@BrinkPG

Bill Brink

It’s a bit of a surprise to see him back, as the 30-year-old is a bit banged up, missing time with shoulder, groin and hip injuries in 2012.

Limited by injuries last season, Karstens went 5-4 with a 3.97 ERA. Still, when healthy, he posted a 3.97 ERA in 90 2/3 innings, mostly as a starter.

Karstens earned $3.1M in 2012, and likely would have earned a raise through the arbitration process, so this is a good value for the Pirates who be expecting him to compete for one of two remaining starting spots in the Pirates’ rotation.

Originally acquired from the New York Yankees in a deal that sent Xavier Nady and Domaso Marte to the Bronx, Karstens is 23-35 with a 4.31 ERA in five seasons with Pittsburgh.

The post Pirates bring back Jeff Karstens appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

The Toronto Blue Jays avoided arbitration by signing outfielder Colby Rasmus to a one–year, $4.675MM deal according to MLB.com’s Gregor Chisholm on Monday.

#BlueJays avoid arbitration with outfielder Colby Rasmus by signing him to a one-year contract worth $4.675-million.

January 14, 2013 3:32 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@gregorMLB

Gregor Chisholm

The 26-year old remains under team control through 2014 after a season in which he hit 23 home runs, 75 RBIs and posted a .223/.289/.400 batting line.

He has a .243 average with 76 homers and 246 RBIs in four big league seasons with St. Louis and the Blue Jays who acquired him in July 2011.

Rasmus, who made $2.7 million last year, was one of four prominent Blue Jays’ players who were eligible for salary arbitration this off-season

There was a stretch from late May through early July that Rasmus was one of the best hitting outfielders in the game. He posted a .299 average before succumbing to a groin injury during the final month of the season, which appeared to impact his ability not only at the plate but in the field as well.

Luckily for the Jays he is expected to be healthy by the start of Spring Training.

The post Jays ink Colby Rasmus appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

The O’s stayed busy on Monday, signing another one of their arbitration eligible players, as they inked left-handed pitcher Brain Matusz to a projected $1 million salary.

This according to multiple sources, including Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

Orioles also are close to agreeing to a deal with Brian Matusz, according to an industry source. That one isnt done yet.

January 14, 2013 3:03 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@danconnollysun

Dan Connolly

That number is a $350K pay cut from $1.35 million he made in 2012.

Not surprising as the Super 2 player was a bit of a disappointment last season after going 6-10 with a 4.87 ERA in 34 games —16 starts.

However, the 25-year old was eventually switched to the bullpen and excelled, posting a 1-0 record with a 1.35 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 18 regular-season games.

Matusz was one of Baltimore’s seven remaining arb-eligible players, and after the team’s earlier signing of Tommy Hunter, have five more to go.

The post Baltimore extends Matusz appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

Baltimore Orioles’ pitcher Tommy Hunter tripled his salary on Monday, after signing a one-year contract worth $1.82MM according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

#Orioles have avoided arbitration with RHP Tommy Hunter. Agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.82 million. Down to 7 arb eligible guys

January 14, 2013 3:02 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@danconnollysun

Dan Connolly

The O’s avoided Hunter’s first year of arbitration by agreeing to the deal.

The 26-year old right-hander was 7-8 with a 5.45 ERA in 33 games (20 starts) last season, but was more effective as a reliever, winning all three of his decisions while pitching to a 3.71 ERA.

He was 3-0 with a 0.71 ERA in his last 10 games and was a big part of the Orioles’ push down the stretch that earned the team’s first playoff appearance since 1997.

Hunter has a career 4.77 ERA in five years between Baltimore and first with Texas where he was the Rangers’ first-round selection in the 2007 draft.

The post O’s avoid arbitration by signing Tommy Hunter appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

Things have slowed down quite a bit since the New Year, but the rumor mill churned out a nugget on Monday when Denver Posts’ Rockies’ beat writer Troy Renck tweeted that Colorado maybe interested in comeback pitcher Brandon Webb.

Also #Rockies remain interested in free agent Brandon Webb, who's moving closer to setting a date to throw for teams

January 13, 2013 7:44 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@TroyRenck

Troy Renck

Webb, 33, was derailed by a shoulder injury and never fully regained the command of what was one of baseball’s most devastating sinking fastballs. One that earned him the 2006 NL CY Young award.

The last time Webb pitched in the big leagues was with the Arizona Diamondbacks on opening day in 2009. Ironically, it was against the Rockies.

Among the places that Webb could have choosen to make his return, Coors Field in Colorado has to be the worst because of its high-elevation and hitter friendly confines. Even at the farm level.

Nevertheless, Webb will gamble, and the Rox will provide him one last try at a legitimate shot.

The post Webb gets shot with Rockies appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

The Justin Upton saga continues. Apparently the Mariners and the Diamondbacks agreed to a trade for the 25-year-old slugger, but Upton, who has the Mariners as one of four teams on his no-trade list, nixed the deal. Ken Rosenthal gave the details on Twitter.

Sources: #Mariners offered four players for #DBacks' Upton. One of Walker/Hultzen/Paxton, plus Franklin and Furbush, then Pryor or another.

January 10, 2013 9:01 pm via Tweetbot for MacReplyRetweetFavorite

@Ken_Rosenthal

Ken Rosenthal

Upton rejected deal, and by doing so, one source said, "saved Jack Z's job." Package from #Mariners to #DBacks first reported by @ScottMCBS.

January 10, 2013 9:01 pm via Tweetbot for MacReplyRetweetFavorite

@Ken_Rosenthal

Ken Rosenthal

That would have been quite the haul of prospects for the Diamondbacks, and might not have been a popular move for the Mariners. Though this has to be pretty frustrating for the Mariners front office, who have been working very aggressively this winter to upgrade the team’s offense.

But, Upton – as well as other sluggers – might not be too crazy about the idea of going to play half their games in spacious Safeco Field.

This doesn’t mean Upton can’t change his mind though. The deal could still go through if he has a change of heart and accepts the move.

In the meantime, another A.L. West team looks to be out of Upton talks, according to beat writer Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

Hearing Rangers don't expect to re-engage Arizona after Upton rejected Seattle deal. Rangers made final offer before Seattle deal; moving on

January 10, 2013 9:50 pm via TweetDeckReplyRetweetFavorite

@Evan_P_Grant

Evan Grant

This goes to show, though, that the Diamondbacks are very serious about trading Upton. The Braves remain a possibility, and a reunion with his big brother B.J. might make the most sense if the M’s and Rangers are out.

The post Justin Upton Rejected Deal to the Mariners appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post has reported that free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche will rejoin the Nationals on a two-year deal.

Source: The Nats have agreed to terms with Adam LaRoche on a two-year deal.

January 8, 2013 12:09 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@AdamKilgoreWP

Adam Kilgore

Buster Olney of ESPN.com adds the financial details, noting that it’s a guaranteed $24 million over two seasons with an option for a third year.

LaRoche details: $10m in 2013, $12m in 2014, $2m buyout on 2015 option. 2/24

January 8, 2013 1:17 pm via Mobile Web (M5)ReplyRetweetFavorite

@Buster_ESPN

Buster Olney

LaRoche explored the free agent market in search of a three-year deal, but apparently no one was willing to commit that many years to the 33-year-old slugger, despite the fact that he had a career year in 2012. He hit .271 with 33 homers and drove in an even 100 RBI. The sure-handed LaRoche also won his first Gold Glove in 2012.

Now that they’ve got LaRoche back in tow, expect Washington to get more aggressive in shopping Michael Morse. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that several teams are interested.

Source: #Nationals speaking to 5-6 teams about Morse. Earning $7M this season, then eligible for free agency.

January 8, 2013 1:05 pm via Twitter for MacReplyRetweetFavorite

@Ken_Rosenthal

Ken Rosenthal

The Nats will reportedly be seeking a lefty reliever and prospects for the versatile Morse, who clubbed 18 homers last season in a part time role.

The post LaRoche Will Return to the Nats appeared first on MLBRumorBlog.com.

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced the one-year deal they signed with pitcher J.P. Howell back on Friday.

The deal is worth $2.85 million, plus $1.2 million in performance bonuses, according to the team’s web site.

OFFICIAL: #Dodgers have signed free-agent left-handed reliever J.P. Howell to a one-year contract.

January 7, 2013 8:30 pm via webReplyRetweetFavorite

@Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers

The long-time Rays lefty has been a key part of the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen since the 2008 season, and despite the two sides keeping the door open on Howell returning for one more year, they went their separate ways. It’s unclear if Tampa even made an offer.

Howell comes to LA after overcoming a 2010 surgery on his left shoulder, forcing him to miss that season, but rebounded nicely in 2012 when he set a franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings (27 1/3).

The 29-year old was pursued by several suitors this offseason and posted a 3.04 ERA in 55 appearances last year.

Returning to Los Angeles will be a sort of homecoming for Howell who originally attended the University of Southern California before transferring to the University of Texas.

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