Reports indicate that two more free agent outfielders are off the MLB free agent market. Alex Rios and the Kansas City Royals have reportedly agreed on a one-year-deal which is said to be worth $11 million. Meanwhile the Miami Marlins have signed 2014 World Series winner Michael Morse to a two-year deal. Both deals are pending physicals with their clubs.
The 33-year-old Rios fills a hole in the Royals outfield created with Josh Willingham’s retirement, and Nori Aoki’s impending departure via free agency. Rios spent last season with the Texas Rangers where he played in 131 games putting up a .280/.311/.398 slash line with four home runs and 54 RBI. Rios has some speed as he stole 17 bases last year. He is a two-time MLB All-Star, with a career .278/.323/.439 slash line and 165 home runs and 762 RBIs in 1586 games.
CBSsports.com was first with the Rios signing.
alex rios agrees to one-year with royals. $11M.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 16, 2014
The 32-year-old Morse spent 2014 with the Giants, hitting .279/.336/.475 with 16 homers and 61 RBI in 131 games. He is likely to be a full-time first baseman in Miami and provide protection for Giancarlo Stanton in the batting order. His contract is reportedly in the $12 million range.
Confirmed #Marlins have 2 yr deal pending physical w Morse #Marlins @flasportsbuzz @Ken_Rosenthal
— Joe Frisaro (@JoeFrisaro) December 16, 2014
In other baseball news, The San Diego Padres have taken a gamble on oft-injured, but extremely talented starter Brandon Morrow, formerly of the Toronto Blue Jays. Morrow will earn a base salary of $2.5 million plus incentives. He pitched just 33 1/3 innings this year due to a torn tendon sheath in his index finger. In 2012 Morrow posted a 2.96 ERA in 124.2 innings, but mid-way through that campaign a series of injury issues started. Those injury issues have derailed him in each of the last three years.
Source: The #Padres have signed RHP Brandon Morrow to a one-year contract. Team has not confirmed.
— Corey Brock (@FollowThePadres) December 16, 2014
Meanwhile the Los Angeles Dodgers are releasing reliever Brian Wilson. The Team will still owe him $9.5 million this season. After signing a two-year $20 million deal last off-season Wilson threw just 48 innings with a 4.66 ERA and 54/29 K/BB last year. He also suffered through a number of arm issues.
The #Dodgers announce they have designated reliever Brian Wilson for assignment to make room for Brandon McCarthy on the 40-man roster.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 16, 2014
The Rockies have signed infielder Daniel Descalso. Descalso became a free agent when he was non-tendered by the St. Louis Cardinals. The deal is for two years and $3.6 million.
#Rockies sign INF Daniel Descalso to a 2-year deal. Welcome to Colorado @DanielDescalso! pic.twitter.com/F0vSIpntcU
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) December 16, 2014
Gavin Floyd has signed with the Cleveland Indians. Coming off Tommy John Surgery, Floyd had just nine starts for the Braves before having to be shut down with arm issues. He was good when healthy, posting a 2.65 ERA and 45/13 K/BB ratio in 54 innings for Atlanta.
The Indians have signed righty Gavin Floyd to a one-year contract for the 2015 season. Welcome to Cleveland, Gavin! pic.twitter.com/kGJJxm0OVz
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) December 16, 2014
Gavin Floyd gets $4M base plus $6M performance bonuses. #indiams
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 16, 2014
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