Hot Stove roundup: Rodney switching coasts
Former Tampa Bay closer headed to Seattle; Marmol signs with Marlins
The Hot Stove saw a flurry of activity Thursday involving relievers, most notably closer Fernando Rodney reportedly agreeing to a two-year contract with the Mariners worth at least $14 million.
Rodney was the top bullpen arm on the market entering Thursday. Over the past two seasons with the Rays, he collected 85 saves and posted a 1.91 ERA. Seattle has not confirmed the deal, which won't be official until he passes a physical.
Meanwhile, the Marlins and Carlos Marmol reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million. A former All-Star closer with the Cubs, Marmol transitioned to a middle-relief role last season after a trade to the Dodgers. The veteran is expected to compete for a setup role this year. Miami added further depth to its bullpen in Chaz Roe, who agreed to a Minor League contract that includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
The Cardinals were also in on the action, signing veteran Pat Neshek to a Minor League deal with an invitation to big league camp.
In other news from around the league:
• Despite interest from at least a dozen teams, the Nationals are in no rush to trade second baseman Danny Espinosa, writes MLB.com's Bill Ladson. Although Espinosa is coming off a down year, Washington still has faith in Espinosa and will give him every chance to make the club this season.
• The D-backs inked outfielder Mark Trumbo to a one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.
• The Cubs and second baseman Darwin Barney won't be going to arbitration after agreeing to a one-year contract. The deal leaves right-handed starter Jeff Samardzija as Chicago's only arbitration-eligible player.
• Catcher Matt Wieters and the Orioles also avoided arbitration by coming to terms on a one-year deal.
• Infielder Brett Wallace was designated for assignment by the Astros in a move to open a roster spot for pitcher Jerome Williams, who agreed to a one-year pact this week. Houston has 10 days to trade Wallace, outright him to the Minor Leagues or release him.
• Tampa Bay signed five players to Minor League contracts with invitations to Major League Spring Training: infielder Wilson Betemit, outfielders Justin Christian and Jeremy Moore, catcher Eddy Rodriguez and right-hander Juan Sandoval.