MLB Player News

The Mariners agreed in principle Monday to acquire Santana from the Phillies, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The trade won't be confirmed until all players involved have passed their physicals, but Sherman relays that the Mariners will also acquire J.P. Crawford, while Jean Segura is the principal piece heading to Philadelphia. Santana's departure should pave the way for Rhys Hoskins to reclaim an everyday role at first base in Philadelphia, while the move to Seattle allows the veteran to serve as a designated hitter and corner-infield option. Though he's always liable to be a drain in the batting-average category, Santana retains exceptional plate discipline and above-average pop as he heads into his age-33 campaign. He's supplied no fewer than 18 home runs and an on-base percentage no worse than .352 in any of the past eight seasons.

Cron agreed to a one-year, $4.8 million contract with Minnesota on Friday, avoiding arbitration.

Cron was scooped up off waivers by the Twins after being designated for assignment by the Rays. He should add much-needed power to Minnesota's lineup in 2019 after launching 30 homers a year ago.

Duenez was non-tendered by the Royals on Friday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

He posted a 120 wRC+ at Double-A last year in his age-21/22 season, but only hit 10 home runs in 80 games. Duenez is a first baseman, so while his bat would probably play at some positions, the bar is much higher given his defensive limitations. Flanagan reports that Duenez is expected to re-sign with Kansas City on a minor-league deal.

Cron was claimed off waivers by the Twins on Monday.

Cron was scooped up by the Twins after being designated for assignment by Tampa Bay last week. The 28-year-old, who hit .253/.323/.493 with 30 homers across 140 games in 2018, will likely slide in as Minnesota's primary first baseman following the retirement of Joe Mauer.

Cron was removed from the Rays' 40-man roster Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Cron cranked 30 home runs over 140 games for the Rays in 2018, but he's been moved off the 40-man roster with the team deciding he's not worth $5-plus million for 2019. Tampa Bay could pull off a trade, or he could be claimed off waivers or simply head to free agency.

Wade was added to the Twins' 40-man roster Tuesday, Aaron Gleeman of Baseball Prospectus reports.

The Twins added the outfielder to the 40-man roster in order to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. Wade put up solid numbers at Double-A over the past two years, but he was a bit older than the competition at that level. He also scuffled a bit upon a promotion to Triple-A, hitting .229 with four home runs and 21 RBI in 352 plate appearances. He has excellent contact rates throughout his professional career, however, and his walk rate sat above 10 percent at most stops in the minors. If the 24-year-old can hit a bit better at the start of the season, he could find his way to Target Field, though his lack of a truly standout tool limits his upside.

Guerrero's time at the Arizona Fall League will end early as the prospect left to attend a family matter Tuesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Guerrero couldn't manage to hit a home run in 19 games in Arizona, but otherwise did nothing to quell the hype that surrounds him. The 19-year-old hit an impressive .351/.409/.442 with seven doubles in the AFL.

Dixon was claimed off waivers by the Tigers on Friday.

Dixon made his major-league debut with the Reds in 2018, though he struggled to a .178/.218/.356 line with five homers in 74 games. The 26-year-old also appeared in 49 games with Triple-A Louisville, slashing .346/.389/.570 with six homers. Dixon should get an opportunity to compete for a utility role in spring training.

Voit went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and two strikeouts in Sunday's 10-2 loss at Boston.

Voit finished the regular season by homering in three straight games, and also has at least one RBI in his last five games. The 27-year-old broke out with the Yankees this season and ended the regular season slashing .322/.398/.671 with 15 home runs in only 143 at-bats.

Cron went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a walk in Saturday's win over the Blue Jays.

Cron deposited a Ryan Borucki fastball into the seats in the bottom of the second. He's reached the 30-homer benchmark in his career-best campaign, during which he's posted 74 RBI, scored 67 runs and slashed .256/.324/.497 while leaning heavily on production versus southpaws (a standout .381 wOBA and .905 OPS in that split heading into this contest). Cron, who turns 29 in January, should at least retain that type of role heading into his second year of arbitration in 2019 yet might get a chance to earn more depending on Tampa Bay's roster construction.