Teheran's extension keeps Hot Stove buzzing
Braves lock up young starter; Rangers reach deals with Moreland, Hanson
Several more teams reported to Spring Training on Friday, and the Hot Stove was still as busy as ever.
Some of the biggest news of the day came out of Atlanta, where the Braves and Julio Teheran agreed to a six-year, $32.4 million extension that includes an option for the 2020 season.
"We are excited to sign Julio to a long-term contract," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "He is one of the best young pitchers in the National League and one of our core of players we expect to be together for a number of years."
Here's a look at some of the other top stories:
• The Rangers and designated hitter Mitch Moreland avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2.65 million.
• Texas also signed free-agent pitcher Tommy Hanson to a one-year contract. The deal is worth $2 million plus incentives.
• The Cardinals confirmed that right-hander Jake Westbrook is retiring after 13 years in the Major Leagues. Westbrook, 36, was 7-8 with a 4.63 ERA in 21 games for St. Louis last season.
• Jeff Samardzija would not discuss the possibility of a long-term contract with the Cubs or his name being mentioned in trade rumors.
"We're not really going to talk about that," Samardzija said. "We're worried about the season and getting ready to compete and win some ballgames. We don't want any distractions, whether it's with [contract talk] or with trade talks or this or that. For me, it's a no comment.
"Like I've said before, [I want to] put no doubt in anyone's minds about who I am and what I can be for this organization."
• Angels owner Arte Moreno confirmed that the club is in talks with Mike Trout on a long-term contract. The team would like to sign the 22-year-old center fielder to a long-term deal shortly after Opening Day, so they don't have to go through the complex arbitration process next year and his new contract doesn't count against the team's Collective Balance Tax payroll until 2015.
• The Nationals and right-hander Josh Roenicke agreed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.