MLB Player News

Cooper (wrist) is hopeful that he'll be healthy by spring training, but is yet to resume any "functional activity," according to President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill, Wells Dusenbury of The Sun Sentinel reports.

Cooper underwent surgery on his right wrist tendon in late August after hitting the disabled list with a sprain in July. The 27-year-old still has a few months to get back into the swing of things, though his availability this spring is vital in securing an Opening Day roster spot. In just 14 games with the big-league team last year, he went 7-for-33 with two RBI.

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.

Bour was non-tendered by the Phillies on Friday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Bour was booted off the 40-man roster earlier in the month to make space for a prospect prior to the Rule 5 draft, and he'll search for work elsewhere following the Phillies' latest move. The 30-year-old first baseman slashed .227/.341/.404 with 20 home runs and 59 RBI over 141 games in 2018.

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.

Flores was non-tendered by the Mets on Friday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.

The 27-year-old super-utility infielder had a rocky tenure with the Mets, falling in and out of favor with the field staff, and once being a part of a trade to the Brewers that later got nixed. He hit .267/.319/.417 with 11 home runs in 429 plate appearances in 2018 and has a career .265/.309/.471 slash line against southpaws. The arbitration process was likely going to overvalue Flores, so this move makes sense from that standpoint. He should be scooped up on a major-league contract by a team lacking infield depth.

Joseph signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the LG Twins of the KBO on Monday, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports.

Joseph spent most of the 2018 season with Triple-A Round Rock, hitting .284/.353/.549 with 21 homers across 84 games for the Express. Across parts of two major-league seasons -- most recently in 2017 -- Joseph compiled a .247/.297/.460 with 43 homers in 249 games.

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.

Beaty was added to the Dodgers' 40-man roster Tuesday.

A 25-year-old corner infielder, Beaty plays primarily first base, so there will be a lot of pressure on his bat in the coming years. He has been at least 10 percent better than league average at every stop, but may not hit for enough power to profile as an everyday player. Last year he hit .277/.378/.406 with one home run in 31 games at Triple-A.

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.