MLB Player News

Santana agreed to a three-year, $60 million deal with the Phillies on Friday, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

After spending his first 11 seasons as a professional within the Indians' organization, Santana will move on to a new home following this signing. It was clear that Cleveland wasn't going to be able to offer Santana this kind of contract, and after the first baseman declined the club's $17.4 million qualifying offer in November, it became apparent that he would be playing for a new team come 2018. On the surface, this move is a tad puzzling, considering the Phillies already seemed to have their first baseman of the future in the majors in Rhys Hoskins. However, it would appear as though the top prospect will likely move to the outfield in order to make room for Santana, as he saw time in left field during 30 of his 50 appearances in the big leagues in 2017. As for Santana, the switch-hitting 31-year-old is coming off another quality season, slashing .259/.363/.455 with 23 home runs and 79 RBI in 154 games last year.

Manager Bruce Bochy said he expects Shaw (shoulder) to begin next season with Triple-A Sacramento, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Bochy noted that he believes Shaw is getting close to making his big-league debut. The 24-year-old held his own following a promotion to Triple-A in May last year, hitting .289/.328/.530 with 18 homers and 50 RBI in 88 games. He's one of the team's top prospects and should make his debut later in 2018 if he continues to perform well in the upper minors.

Stassi agreed to a minor-league deal with Minnesota on Thursday, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.

Stassi played in 51 big-league games with the Phillies last season, but slashed just .167/.278/.295 with two home runs and seven RBI in 78 at-bats. He will look to get a fresh start with Minnesota, and although he will likely begin the season at Triple-A Rochester, the 28-year-old could find himself back in the majors during the summer if he's able to hit in the minors.

Diaz is being evaluated in Cleveland for a right groin strain, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Diaz was playing for Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Winter League when he picked up the injury. The severity of the issue remains unclear, leaving his status for the remainder of winter ball up in the air. More should be known following his evaluation.

Tellez was added to the 40-man roster Monday.

Tellez will be ineligible to be selected in the Rule 5 draft now that he's on Toronto's 40-man roster. He had an underwhelming season at Triple-A Buffalo in 2017. Over 122 games, he hit .222 with a .628 OPS, and he'll likely spend several months at Triple-A to begin 2018.

Blandino was added to the Reds' 40-man roster Monday to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

Blandino reached Triple-A Louisville during the 2017 season. Upon his arrival he slashed .270/.390/.444 over 63 games. Although he hit well last season, the Reds may want the 25-year-old shortstop to spend a bit more time with Louisville before giving him a taste of the majors in 2018.

Cooper was traded to the Marlins along with Caleb Smith in exchange for Michael King and international signing bonus money.

Cooper opened the 2017 season in the Brewers organization, where he was playing at Triple-A Colorado Springs. After being acquired by the Yankees, he played 13 games with the big club. During his major league debut he went 14-for-43 (.326) at the dish and posted an .821 OPS.

Gillaspie was added to the White Sox's 40-man roster on Monday to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

Gillaspie was traded from Tampa Bay in exchange for reliever Dan Jennings this past season. It's hard to envision Gillaspie turning into a useful fantasy piece at this point, as few players hurt their stock more in 2017 than the 24-year-old first baseman. He has plus power, but has not been able to hit for a high average of late. The White Sox will likely be able to find playing time for him at some point in 2017, however, and his power could be of use in really deep leagues.

Santana has officially declined the Indians' qualifying offer prior to Thursday's deadline, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Santana will now head to free agency, with Cleveland receiving draft-pick compensation should he decide to sign elsewhere. The 31-year-old is coming off another steady year of production, hitting .259/.363/.455 with 23 homers, 79 RBI and 90 runs scored in 154 games for the Indians.

Cabrera is the leading candidate to start at third base for the Mets in 2018, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.

Cabrera bounced around the Mets' infield last year, appearing in 30 or more games at second base, shortstop and third base. While he's expected to start somewhere around the infield in 2018 after the Mets picked up his option, it appears New York would prefer to use him at the hot corner while looking elsewhere for a fill-in at second base. The 32-year-old has hit a respectable .280 with a .798 OPS, 37 homers and 121 RBI over the past two seasons (276 games) with the Mets.