MLB Player News

Arcia was added to the Brewers' 40-man roster Friday.

This is strictly to protect Arcia from the Rule-5 draft. He is the top prospect in a suddenly lush Brewers farm system, but the team won't burn a year of control by bringing him up early in 2016. There is no doubt that he is the shortstop of the future in Milwaukee, but he probably won't debut until late-2016 or early-2017.

Wendle was added to the 40-man roster Friday.

Wendle put up an impressive campaign with Triple-A Nashville in 2015, slashing .289/.323/.442 with 10 homers. The procedural move was likely done to protect him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft, but it's possible Wendle sees some time in the majors next season.

Sardinas was traded to the Mariners on Friday for outfielder Ramon Flores, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports.

With the Brewers acquiring Jonathan Villar from the Astros on Thursday, Sardinas suddenly became expendable, opening the door for a trade that better suits both clubs' 40-man rosters. The 22-year-old infielder played in 36 games with Milwaukee this season, recording a pitiful .196/.240/.216 line in 97 at-bats. Still, what Sardinas lacks in hitting he more than makes up for in defensive prowess and he will more than likely push incumbent Ketel Marte for occasional starts at shortstop next season. He shouldn't be considered a fantasy option in anything other than deep AL-only leagues to start next season, but he could factor into the Mariners infield if any injury sidelines Marte or Robinson Cano for any extended time.

Diaz was added to the 40-man roster Thursday.

Diaz was promoted to Triple-A Memphis late in the season after recording a .264/.324/.421 line in 375 at-bats for Double-A Springfield. The Cardinals likely made this move in order to protect Diaz from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, but he could be a candidate to make the 25-man roster in the coming years considering St. Louis invested heavily in the 25-year-old when they signed him out of Cuba prior to the 2014 season.

Tejada (fractured right fibula) might get non-tendered by the Mets, ESPN New York reports.

Tejada made $1.88 million in 2015 and could earn $3 million if he goes to arbitration. New York may be reluctant to pay that much to a backup shortstop, who has broken his fibula twice. However, Tejada is coming off a rebound campaign and $3 million isn't way above the norm for a back up middle infielder, so a call on his status may not come until right before the arb deadline.

Jackson signed a minor league deal with the Phillies on Wednesday, Todd Zolecki of MLB.com reports.

Jackson briefly spent some time with the Angels this season, failing to record a hit in 14 at-bats. He did slash a decent .295/.372/.378 line with the Royals' and Angels' Triple-A affiliates last season, so it's possible Jackson could work his way onto the major league roster with a decent showing during spring training, but he probably won't present much fantasy value until he earns more playing time.

Pennington signed a two-year contract with the Angels on Tuesday.

The veteran switch-hitter posted a .579 OPS in 105 games between Toronto and Arizona last season, his worst mark in seven major league seasons. However, Pennington's signing fills a utility need for the Angels, allowing Taylor Featherston to return to Triple-A to play everyday.

Crawford signed a six-year contract extension with the Giants on Tuesday.

The Giants have rewarded Crawford following his offensive breakout in 2015, reportedly giving him $75 million and a full no-trade clause. Crawford more than doubled his previous career high in home runs from 2014 (10), smacking 21 while trimming his strikeout rate to 21.2 percent last season. While there's reason to think the power will decline in 2016 (16.2% HR/FB last season), Crawford is an excellent defender at a premium position, and even with regression built in, is an easy top-10 shortstop for 2016.

Correa won the American League Rookie of the Year Award on Monday, becoming the first Astros player to win the award since Jeff Bagwell in 1991, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Correa hit .279 with 22 doubles, 22 home runs, 68 RBI and 14 stolen bases in only 99 games for Houston. Among AL rookies, he ranked first in homers, slugging (.512) and OPS (.857), while ranking second in RBI and on-base percentage (.345) and third in batting average. The 21-year-old garnered 17 first-place votes to edge Francisco Lindor, who had 13.

Jackson elected free agency Monday after clearing outright waivers.

Jackson spent the majority of the season in Triple-A, slashing a respectable .295/.372/.378 with both the Royals and Angels affiliates. The 27-year-old second basemen has yet to have an extended stay in the majors, but it's possible he could work his way into a utility role with a strong spring wherever he lands.