MLB Player News

The Dodgers have agreed to send Alex Verdugo, Connor Wong, and Downs to the Red Sox in exchange for Mookie Betts and David Price, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Downs spent most of the 2019 season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga, hitting .269/.354/.507 with 19 home runs, 78 runs scored and 75 RBI in 479 plate appearances. The 21-year-old also stole 23 bases for the Quakes. Downs was considered expendable while playing below elite middle infield depth within the Dodgers' organization, according to Jim Bowden of The Athletic. The change of scenery early in the shortstop's career may provide Downs with a more favorable opportunity to climb the minor league ladder during his next few seasons.

Herrera joined the Yankees as a non-roster invitee Monday.

Herrera has appeared in 149 career big-league games, spending time with the Reds, Royals and Marlins. He hasn't found much success at the plate, hitting .225/.286/.316 with three homers. His ability to play both middle infield spots and center field theoretically helps him toward earning a bench role, but his bat appears to be too weak for that to happen on a contending team.

Gordon is expected to play all over the diamond in 2020, Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle reports.

With Shed Long expected to take over as Seattle's primary second baseman, it sounds like Gordon will fill more of a utility role during the 2020 campaign. Gordon spent most of his time at the keystone in 2019 but also has big-league experience at shortstop and center field. The 31-year-old, who hit .275/.304/.359 with three home runs and 22 stolen bases last season, could see time in the outfield to open the upcoming campaign with Mitch Haniger unlikely to be ready for Opening Day after undergoing core surgery.

Pena will take part in the Astros' big-league camp this spring, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Pena capped off a productive sophomore campaign for High-A Fayetteville by hitting .317/.378/.467 in 167 at-bats. The shortstop that's been praised for his defensive ability and speed has improved at the plate with every minor-league promotion thus far. The highly rated prospect will spend a few weeks with the big-league coaching staff but is still a few seasons away from actually contending for a roster spot.

Tejada signed a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training with the Blue Jays on Friday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The 30-year-old went hitless in nine plate appearances with the Mets last season, but he spent most of the year at Triple-A and performed well with a .326/.404/.471 slash line in 73 games. Toronto has its future middle infield in the majors with Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette, but Tejada could carve out a role as a veteran utilityman with a strong showing in spring training.

Nelson was traded from the Marlins to the Yankees along with cash considerations Wednesday in exchange for Stephen Tarpley.

Nelson spent the entirety of 2019 at High-A Jupiter but experienced very little success. In 121 games, he slashed .228/.279/.296 with just four home runs. That comes after he generated an even poorer .211/.262/.280 line in 62 games at the same level in 2018.

Correa and the Astros agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal Friday, avoiding arbitration, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Correa won his arbitration case in 2019, earning $5 million. He went on to hit .279/.358/.568 with 21 homers in just 75 games in an injury-filled age-24 season.

Urena was claimed off waivers by the Orioles on Friday.

Urena was designated for assignment by Toronto at the end of the 2019 calendar year after hitting .243 with four RBI over 30 contests in the big leagues. The utility infielder could have a better chance of seeing consistent playing time as part of a rebuilding Baltimore squad.

Lindor and the Indians avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $17.5 million deal, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

The contract is the second-highest ever for a player in his second season of arbitration eligibility, trailing only Mookie Betts' $20 million contract from last season. It's still a bargain given Lindor's impressive talent, as he hit .284/.335/.518 with 32 homers and 22 steals while playing strong defense at shortstop last season.

Urena was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Monday.

The 23-year-old has gotten into 91 games at the major-league level over the last three seasons, hitting a modest .252/.300/.336. Given his age, he still has plenty of time to prove that he's more than just a utility infielder, but he's yet to convince that he's even worthy of that title. By removing him from the roster, the Blue Jays clear a spot for the newly signed Travis Shaw.