MLB Player News

Velazquez signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees on Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.

Velazquez was let go by the Orioles in late October after appearing in 40 games with the club in 2020. The shortstop has struggled in the majors over the past few seasons, but he should get the chance to develop in the minors with the Yankees. Given his past experience, the 26-year-old could certainly receive an invitation to major-league spring training in 2021.

Garcia could begin the 2021 season in the minors, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. Garcia skipped multiple levels last season and hit a paltry .194/.206/.194 in 68 plate appearances.

Garcia did receive high marks for his defense and for how he handled his slump, but it's pretty clear that he was overmatched at the plate. He walked just once against 26 strikeouts and didn't have an extra-base hit. Reds GM Nick Krall suggested that the team is hoping to add a shortstop this offseason from outside the organization.

Basabe was traded from the Rangers to the Rays on Thursday in exchange for Nate Lowe, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

Basabe was one of several prospects who will head to the Rays in exchange for Lowe. The 20-year-old has hit well at every level he's been at so far, most recently recording a .315/.344/.388 with 32 RBI and seven stolen bases in rookie ball in 2019. He improved his defensive versatility in recent years, and he could advance up the minor-league ladder during the 2021 campaign.

Franco was officially diagnosed with biceps inflammation and shoulder soreness, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

He was examined in St. Petersburg and there was no structural damage or long-term concern. Franco won't play winter ball again this season, but he should be ready to go for spring training. This is still mildly concerning, as inflammation could reoccur or get worse when he resumes baseball activities. Assuming he is healthy, Franco should spend the bulk of spring training in big-league camp and could debut this summer.

Arcia agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Brewers on Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

This will be the 26-year-old shortstop's sixth season with the Brewers and penultimate year under team control. He hit .260/.317/.416 with five home runs and two steals in 189 plate appearances last season. His 96 wRC+, .156 ISO and 16.9 percent strikeout rate were all career bests. Despite all that, he had to take a $200,000 pay cut on this contract to avoid being non-tendered.

Camargo signed a one-year, $1.36 million contract with Atlanta on Wednesday.

Camargo was a strong non-tender candidate during the offseason, but he'll now avoid arbitration with his new contract. The utility man posted a career-worst .200/.244/.367 slash line during the abbreviated 2020 season while striking out at a 27.6 percent clip.

Franco (sore right biceps) has returned to the United States to be evaluated by Rays team doctors, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. The club is hopeful it is not a serious injury.

The game's top prospect was playing in the Dominican Winter League but had been sidelined for a week due to the injury, so the Rays are bringing him back stateside to evaluate the seriousness of the injury. He hit .350/.435/.500 with a homer and a stolen base through the first five games. If Franco is fully healthy this spring, he could put himself in position for a first-half call-up, but if this injury turns out to be serious, that could delay his arrival in 2021.

Franco hasn't played in the Dominican Winter League since Friday due to an arm injury, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

The 19-year-old was hitting well with a .935 OPS through five games before suffering the injury. The specifics of the issue remain unclear, but the organization is likely exercise plenty of caution with Franco this offseason due to his status as one of the top prospects in baseball.

Perdomo was added to the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster Friday.

Perdomo was part of Arizona's taxi squad in 2020, but he failed to make his major-league debut during the abbreviated season. As one of the team's top prospects, it's unsurprising to see him protected from the upcoming Rule 5 draft as part of the 40-man roster.

Marcano was added to the Padres' 40-man roster Friday.

The move means Marcano won't be available for selection in the upcoming Rule 5 draft. It may have been a stretch for any team to select him, given that he's never played above Low-A, but the Padres evidently believe he has enough potential that they didn't want to take the risk.