MLB Player News

Ohtani and the Angels avoided arbitration for this year and the next by agreeing to a two-year, $8.5 million contract Monday.

The agreement gives both sides stability for the near future, which could prove quite important given that Ohtani's outlook is rather uncertain. He's yet to truly establish himself as the two-way phenom he was billed as when he came over from Japan in 2018, as he was shut down from pitching just 10 starts into his rookie season and didn't throw at all the next year due to Tommy John surgery. A pair of awful outings on the mound to open 2020 made him just a hitter for the rest of the season, but that didn't go at all well as he struggled to a .190/.291/.366 line. If his struggles continue this year, he could look overpaid even at his modest salary, but if his breakout finally arrives he could wind up leaving quite a bit of money on the table.

Ozuna signed a four-year, $65 million contract with Atlanta on Friday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

Ozuna appeared in all 60 games for Atlanta during the abbreviated 2020 season, and he'll return to the team on a multi-year deal in 2021. The 30-year-old slashed .338/.431/.636 with 18 home runs and 56 RBI last year but played 39 games as a designated hitter. However, he could serve as the primary left fielder for Atlanta in 2021 if the designated hitter isn't approved in the National League. Ozuna's contract contains a fifth-year option that would increase the deal to $80 million.

Choi will earn $2.45 million this season after winning his arbitration case Friday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Choi will make significantly more than the $1.85 million the Rays had offered. He won his case despite hitting a mediocre three homers last season and producing a barely above-average 103 wRC+, the product of a .230/.331/.410 slash line. Choi lines up to continue his platoon role this year.

Stanton has scaled back his weightlifting this offseason in an effort to stay healthy, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

Stanton has spent a combined 202 days on the injured last combined across the last two seasons with knee and hamstring injuries. While the shift in offseason work may not change Stanton's ability stay healthy, it's encouraging that both he and the Yankees' training staff are looking for different ways to help him remain on the field. Even with the recent frustrating campaigns, Stanton flashed his power upside during the Yankees' 2020 postseason run by slugging six home runs in only 31 plate appearances.

Belt (heel) may not be ready for Opening Day, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Belt underwent heel surgery in October, and Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said Thursday that it wasn't a certainty that he would be ready for Opening Day. If he'd be forced to miss time to begin the season, Tommy La Stella should shift to first base. Belt appeared in 51 games for the Giants last year and posted a career-best .309/.425/.591 slash line with nine home runs and 30 RBI.

Pederson agreed to a contract with the Cubs on Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN.com, the agreement is for one year and $7 million. Pederson struggled during 2020 with a .682 OPS before hitting well during the playoffs, but he also had an .818 OPS over the previous five seasons for the Dodgers. The 28-year-old mostly operated as a platoon player for Los Angeles since 2016, and that trend could continue in Chicago. However, former Cub Kyle Schwarber was an everyday starter in left field, and Pederson could be plugged directly into that role. He came into the league seeing most of his time in center field before transitioning to the corner outfield for the past few seasons.

Brantley signed a two-year, $32 million contract with the Astros on Wednesday, Mark Berman of Fox 26 reports.

Brantley was pursued by several teams during free agency and was believed to be close to a deal with the Blue Jays earlier Wednesday, but he'll return to Houston on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old should reclaim his role as a top option in left field and at designated hitter after slashing .309/.370/.497 with 27 home runs and 112 RBI over his past two seasons with the Astros.

Brantley and the Blue Jays are not yet in agreement on a contract, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

Contrary to a previous report, Brantley and the Blue Jays have not yet reached a deal. The Blue Jays remain interested in the 33-year-old, but the two sides are still in the negotiation process.

Brantley signed a three-year contract with the Blue Jays on Wednesday, Hazel Mae of Sportsnet reports.

The financial terms of the deal haven't yet been disclosed. Brantley will join George Springer in Toronto just one day after Springer inked a six-year deal with the team. Brantley spent the past two seasons with the Astros and appeared in 46 games during the abbreviated 2020 season, slashing .300/.364/.476 with five home runs and 22 RBI. The 33-year-old has had an OPS above .800 in each of the past four seasons and will attempt to build on his success with the Blue Jays in 2021.

Canha signed a one-year, $6.925 million contract with Oakland on Friday to avoid arbitration, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports.

The 31-year-old receives a sizable raise from his $4.8 million figure for 2020 as he enters his final season of arbitration eligibility. Canha had a .246/.387/.408 slash line with five homers, 33 RBI and four stolen bases in 59 games last season.