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.

Mets manager Terry Collins said Monday even if the team doesn't acquire a shortstop, he won't name Wilmer Flores the starting shortstop. He said beleaguered infielder Ruben Tejada will be in the mix this spring as well.

Collins has a slightly different view than general manager Sandy Alderson, who said Sunday the likelihood of Flores being the starting shortstop are increasing.

"Where we are today, that's the likelihood but that doesn't mean it'll happen," Alderson said, per NJ.com. "If you look around at all the possibilities, is it more likely than not? Probably."

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.

Not much has changed regarding the Mets' search for a shortstop since the GM meetings in November. Wilmer Flores is still penciled in as the starting shortstop and the likelihood of that remaining the case is increasing.

"Where we are today, that's the likelihood but that doesn't mean it'll happen," general manager Sandy Alderson said Sunday, per NJ.com. "If you look around at all the possibilities, is it more likely than not? Probably."

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.

The Nationals are one of several teams to have checked in on second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera, according to The Washington Post. 

Cabrera spent the second half of 2014 in Washington, and has expressed a desire to remain with the club. The Nationals are said to be in pursuit of a middle infielder. Shortstop Ian Desmond is in the final year of his contract, and it's unclear if the team wants to go with Danny Espinosa at second. The 29-year-old Cabrera hit .241/.307/.387 over 553 at-bats last year.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto is "doing great" this offseason, according to MLB.com. Votto struggled with a distal strain of his quad near his left knee. General manager Walt Jocketty said the team is "getting good reports" on Votto's progress. Votto hit .255/.390/.409 over 220 at-bats last season.