MLB Player News

Story officially declined the Rockies' $18.4 million qualifying offer Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

As anticipated, Story will now become a free agent and should be one of the most sought-after hitters on the open market in a deep shortstop class. Story's fantasy outlook could be affected significantly by what team he ultimately signs with, but regardless of where he lands, he'll likely be headed for a downgrade in his projected batting average and power output while he moves on from the friendly hitting confines of Coors Field.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said Tuesday that Crawford will be the team's starting shortstop in 2022, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

Dipoto noted that Crawford's presence would dissuade the Mariners from pursuing free-agent shortstops such as Marcus Semien, Javier Baez or Trevor Story, but any potential additions would seemingly be in line to move to another position to keep Crawford entrenched at his normal spot. Crawford has proven to be a plus defender at shortstop throughout his career, but it wasn't until 2021 that he emerged as a league-average hitter. He wrapped up the past campaign with a .257/.333/.380 slash line to go with 12 home runs, 57 RBI, 82 runs and nine stolen bases, but he could see his production suffer in the latter two categories if the Mariners bring in a more established leadoff option this offseason.

Castillo's contract was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, Mike Persak of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Castillo was traded from the Yankees to the Pirates in late July, and he'll now join Pittsburgh's 40-man roster to prevent him from reaching minor-league free agency. The 24-year-old made 18 appearances in Indianapolis and slashed .278/.414/.500 with three homers, 18 runs and seven RBI.

Correa will decline the qualifying offer from the Astros, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

He also unsurprisingly declined a five-year, $160 million offer from Houston, per a report from Mark Berman of Fox 26, so it seems like he may be signing elsewhere this winter. Correa hit .279/.366/.485 with 26 home runs and 5.8 fWAR in 148 games last season and turned 27 in September, so he couldn't be hitting the open market at a better time.

Seager will decline the Dodgers' qualifying offer, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

This was a forgone conclusion, as Seager is headed for a big payday in free agency. The shortstop options on the open market are as good as ever, with Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Javier Baez and Marcus Semien all available this winter.

Story will decline the Rockies' qualifying offer, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

The Rockies extended the one-year, $18.4 million qualifying offer as a formality. Story seems like a strong candidate to change organizations this offseason as the Rockies have been unable to surround him with quality players.

Velazquez was claimed off waivers by the Angels on Friday.

Velazquez hit .224/.235/.358 in 68 trips to the plate for the Yankees this season. He owns a career 44 wRC+ in 181 plate appearances at the major-league level, so he may face an uphill battle in spring training just to win a bench spot.

Swanson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Tuesday's 7-0 win over the Astros in Game 6 of the World Series.

Swanson extended Atlanta's lead with his two-run blast in the fifth inning, and he fielded the game-winning out as the team clinched the title. He started each of the six games in the World Series and hit .200 with two home runs, three RBI and three runs.

Camargo was added to Atlanta's World Series roster Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

Camargo will replace Ehire Adrianza, who was placed on the paternity list. Adrianza has been limited to bench duty this postseason, and Camargo is likely to fill a similar role.

Adrianza was placed on the paternity list Tuesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

With a maximum of two games left in the World Series, the move presumably ends Adrianza's season. It won't have much of an impact on Atlanta's plans, as Adrianza has been limited to pinch-hitting duties during the postseason, going 1-for-10 at the plate. Johan Camargo will fill that role in his absence.