MLB Player News

The Orioles and the Phillies discussed a package deal that included outfielder Marlon Byrd and first baseman Ryan Howard during the winter meetings, Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports Saturday.

According to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman, the Orioles are one of eight teams on Howard's pre-approved list for trades. An American League team seems like an ideal landing spot for the veteran, who could spend the final two years of his contract as a designated hitter. However, according to Heyman, there's "not a lot there at the moment" between the two clubs.

Howard has two years and a guaranteed $60 million remaining on his contract, with a $23 million option for 2017. He slashed .223/.310/.380 with 23 homers, 95 RBI while also striking out 190 times over 569 at-bats last season

The Phillies and Orioles have talked about first baseman Ryan Howard this week, the New York Daily News reports.

It's unclear how much interest the Orioles have in Howard, a player who has declined in recent years and is owed $25 million in each of the next two seasons as well as a $10 million buyout of his 2017 option. He hit .223/.310/.380 with 23 home runs and 95 RBI in 569 at-bats in 2014.

Teams have contacted the Indians about slugger Carlos Santana, according to FOX Sports reporter Jon Morosi. However, no deal is close.

The 28-year-old Santana is owed $14.25 million over the next two seasons. He has a $12 million team option for 2017, which includes a $1.2 million buyout. 

Santana hit just .231 in 152 games in 2014, but he tied a career-best with 27 home runs and had a career-high 113 walks. He also had 25 doubles and a career-best 85 RBI.

The Blue Jays announced Monday they claimed first baseman/outfielder Chris Colabello off waivers from the Twins. Colabello hit .214 with 13 home runs and 56 RBI in 114 games over the last two seasons for Minnesota.

Twins first baseman Chris Colabello said his injured right thumb is almost healed, according to the Pioneer Press. He will not need surgery after a series of doctor visits.

Colabello said he hopes to start his normal offseason hitting routine in the next few weeks. Colabello was having lingering issues with his right thumb as as a result of getting jammed on a pitch during an April 23 game against the Rays.

The Astros have tendered contracts to all seven arbitration-eligible players prior to Tuesday's deadline, reports the Houston Chronicle. Those players were: Catchers Jason Castro, Carlos Corporan and Hank Conger, outfielder Dexter Fowler, reliever Tony Sipp, designated hitter Chris Carter and shortstop Marwin Gonzalez.

While the Royals talked to the Phillies about first baseman Ryan Howard, Kansas City showed little interest in trading for the veteran slugger, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

The Royals responded to Philadelphia's inquiry by saying, "We're concentrating on pitching."

The Royals are showing interest in acquiring Phillies veteran first baseman Ryan Howard, according to USA Today.

The Phillies are trying to trade Howard and the $60 million remaining on his contract. The Royals are unlikely to take on that much money, but if the Phillies will pay most of the contract, the Royals could be interested in trading for Howard, who turns 35 on Nov. 19.

The Royals have had internal discussions about acquiring Howard, according to the report. They believe Howard could replace Billy Butler as the team's DH and be the 20-homer, 75-RBI threat they need to get back to the World Series.

Although, a source told the Philadelphia Daily News that Howard isn't considered the top option for the Royals. Trading for Howard could be an option down the road, if the team's first few options don't pan out.

White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu won the AL Rookie of the Year award unanimously, drawing all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America. Abreu, 27, who defected from Cuba last offseason, batted .317/.383/.581 with 35 doubles, 36 homers and 107 RBI.

Abreu is the first White Sox player to win the award since shortstop Ozzie Guillen in 1985.

The Phillies met Monday with the agent for Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas, according to CSNPhilly.com. The two sides have been in talks since Tomas worked out for the Phillies in September.

"There are several teams that I could say are frontrunners, but yes (the Phillies are one of them)," Jay Alou said at the general managers' meetings Monday. "We continue to speak. I know they have things in-house they want to take care of. We’ve been talking. I respect (general manager) Ruben (Amaro Jr.) a lot and he respects me."

The Phillies are expected to make an offer for Tomas, but no formal offer has been made yet, according to Alou. The Padres, Tigers, Mets and Giants are some of the other teams showing interest in Tomas.

Tomas is a power-hitting corner outfielder. Alou said his client has "a lot more" power than White Sox slugger Jose Abreu, who hit 36 home runs as a rookie in 2014.

"With the way home runs are going, this is a guy who can hit 40," Alou said. "He can miss balls and hit them out. Tomas is a very impressive hitter. I represent Jose Bautista and he hits a lot of home runs. I’ve never seen a guy hit them as far (as Tomas)."