How Holmes joined Orioles coaching staff
How Holmes joined Orioles coaching staff
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Darren Holmes was the last of three coaches hired by the Orioles during the offseason, chosen to replace John Wasdin in the bullpen. Perhaps the delay can be blamed on the process that led to his signature on a contract. The Orioles said they weren't going to rush through the interviews and stayed true to their word. The first step was a phone call placed by Holmes to Orioles pitching coach Doug Brocail, which was followed by a series of conversations and face-to-face meetings that brought...
Turner, Elías, Ross sign deals to avoid arbitration (updated)
Turner, Elías, Ross sign deals to avoid arbitration (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals worked out 2020 contracts with Trea Turner, Roenis Elías and Joe Ross before today's deadline, avoiding arbitration with all of their eligible players. Those three were the Nats' only remaining unsigned arbitration-eligible players entering today, the deadline for all such players across the sport to either agree to contract terms or submit competing offers for arbitration. Turner earned by far the biggest raise of the group, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $7.45 million,...
Orioles agree to terms with Givens, Alberto and Mancini
Orioles agree to terms with Givens, Alberto and Mancini
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles have reached agreement with reliever Mychal Givens on a $3.225 million deal for the 2020 season to avoid arbitration, according to an industry source. Outfielder/first baseman Trey Mancini and infielder Hanser Alberto remain unsigned as the 1 p.m. deadline approaches. Negotiations are continuing, but the Orioles are prepared to go to hearings as "file and trial." Givens, 29, led the Orioles with 11 saves and their relievers with 86 strikeouts while earning $2.15 million. He was...
Taylor avoids arbitration with $3.325 million deal
Taylor avoids arbitration with $3.325 million deal
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
The Nationals avoided arbitration with Michael A. Taylor this evening, agreeing to a one-year contract that will pay the outfielder $3.325 million plus incentives in 2020. The deal was announced by the club; terms were confirmed by a source. Taylor was one of four Nationals who was unsigned heading into Friday's deadline for all arbitration-eligible players and teams to either come to terms or submit competing offers to Major League Baseball to then be settled by a three-person judge in...
Will it be starter, utility role or the farm for Richie Martin?
Will it be starter, utility role or the farm for Richie Martin?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When the Orioles signed José Iglesias to be their starting shortstop, it was easy to make the assumption that now the club would send Richie Martin to Triple-A to start the 2020 season. For one, Martin has never played at that level - jumping from Double-A to the majors last year as a Rule 5 pick. He could use the everyday batting reps. Even though his offense improved last year, it was still a challenge for him at the big league level. And Martin can start every day at Triple-A, while for...
Orioles reach deadline day to sign arbitration-eligible players
Orioles reach deadline day to sign arbitration-eligible players
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The deadline for teams to reach agreements with their unsigned arbitration-eligible players is 1 p.m. today and the Orioles still have some unfinished business. They will be exchanging salary figures with Trey Mancini, Hanser Alberto and Mychal Givens unless they can resolve the situation. Hearing dates will be established between Feb. 3-21, with the Orioles vowing to go "file and trial" rather than continue to negotiate. I feel like I've been writing about this subject for months. (Checks...
Orioles sign Castro for 2020 season
Orioles sign Castro for 2020 season
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles have whittled the number of unsigned arbitration-eligible players to three by reaching agreement today with right-hander Miguel Castro on a contract for the 2020 season. Multiple industry sources confirmed the signing. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that Castro and the Orioles settled at $1.05 million to avoid a hearing. The deal reportedly includes awards bonuses. Castro, in his first year of eligibility, earned $569,000 last season. MLBTradeRumors.com projected that he'd...
Three Nationals head into arbitration deadline day
Three Nationals head into arbitration deadline day
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
This is going to be a busy day across baseball. A lot of news is going to come trickling out over the course of many hours as players from every club either agree to terms on 2020 salaries or file for arbitration. Hey, I only said it's going to be busy. I never said it was going to be exciting. Truthfully, this is one of the most annoying days of the baseball year. All the players involved are staying with their current clubs. These aren't free agents, they're merely players with at least...
Diplán outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
Diplán outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Pitcher Marcos Diplán is staying in the Orioles organization. The club announced today that Diplán cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, which likely sets him up as a non-roster invitee to spring training. Diplán, 23, was designated for assignment on Dec. 29 to clear space for pitcher Kohl Stewart, who signed a split contract with the Orioles and had to be placed on the 40-man roster. The Orioles claimed Diplán off waivers from the Tigers on the first day of the...
Joining Nationals' enviable roster was "no-brainer" for Thames
Joining Nationals' enviable roster was "no-brainer" for Thames
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
There's a recurring theme growing among those who have joined the Nationals this winter. All have played on winning teams before, so obviously they were drawn to sign with the team that just won the World Series. But it goes a step beyond that. The Nationals didn't just win last season. They had fun doing it, and they did it as a unified group. And for these newest members of the roster, that extra dynamic - sometimes rare in professional sports - really sealed the deal. "This team, you...