Hot Stove roundup: Burnett could be Philly-bound
Derek Jeter's announcement that he will retire after the 2014 season grabbed most of the headlines on Wednesday, but the Hot Stove certainly saw its share of news -- the most prominent involving one of Jeter's former teammates. A.J. Burnett and the Phillies reportedly agreed to a one-year contract worth $16 million on Wednesday. The Phillies have not yet confirmed the deal.
Burnett spent the past two seasons on the other side of the state, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2013, he posted a 3.30 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, while going 10-11.
The move should bolster a Phillies rotation that learned Wednesday it will be without Cole Hamels when the season begins. Hamels will open the 2014 campaign on the disabled list because of discomfort in his left shoulder.
In other Hot Stove news:
• The Dodgers reached a contract agreement with Cuban shortstop Erisbel Arruebarruena. The club has not confirmed the signing and sources told MLB.com there still are physical exams and possible legal and immigration issues to resolve. Los Angeles is also interested in giving current shortstop Hanley Ramirez a contract extension, but with an understanding that Ramirez would move permanently to third base when a shortstop replacement is ready.
• Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said he expects free-agent outfielder Nelson Cruz to sign with another club. Cruz has recently been rumored to be in negotiations with the Mariners.
• The Reds and starter Homer Bailey hope to avoid arbitration and are "still talking about a multiyear" contract, according to general manager Walt Jocketty. Reds pitchers and catchers open Spring Training on Friday.
• The Royals wiped their arbitration slate clean, signing closer Greg Holland to a one-year contract worth $4.675 million.
• Free-agent pitcher Suk-Min Yoon could be close to joining the Orioles. The South Korean tweeted a photo of himself wearing an O's cap late Tuesday night, and it quickly went viral. However, there was no agreement in place as of Wednesday morning.
• The Mets added depth to their bullpen, inking veteran closer Jose Valverde to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Valverde will compete against fellow veteran Kyle Farnsworth and a host of young arms for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen.
• The Indians signed right-hander Kyle Davies to a Minor League deal. The contract does not include an invitation to big league camp.
• Brewers right-hander Donovan Hand cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville. Hand, designated for assignment last week to open a roster spot for reliever Francisco Rodriguez, will report to Major League Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.
• The Cubs waived right-hander Brett Marshall and left-hander Brooks Raley to make room for recently signed starters Jason Hammel and James McDonald. The Reds claimed Marshall and the Twins claimed Raley.