We’re nonetheless proper in the course of the early a part of the MLB offseason the place issues are painfully sluggish. Each infrequently, we’ll see a giant free agent signing this early within the offseason — Blake Snell with the Dodgers final yr involves thoughts — however for essentially the most half, it is the foundation-laying portion of the offseason for groups. 

We’ll collect the information and rumors for the day proper right here. 

Cubs signal high quality reliever

The Cubs have agreed to signal right-handed reliever Phil Maton to a two-year deal, The Athletic studies. 

Maton, 32, had a 2.79 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 81 strikeouts in 61 ⅓ innings final season. Not like many strikeout pitchers nowadays, Maton does not throw laborious, sitting lower than 90 miles per hour. He induces whiffs together with his cutter, sinker, and curveball and excels at limiting laborious contact. 

The Cubs discovered a superb bullpen final season in patchwork vogue, however a number of of their high-leverage arms have hit free company, together with Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz whereas Andrew Kittredge was traded again to the Orioles. 

As issues stand, it seems Maton will be part of Daniel Palencia and Porter Hodge within the late innings for the Cubs.

D-backs carry again backup catcher

The Diamondbacks have introduced again catcher James McCann on a one-year deal, the membership introduced. The veteran was a free agent till March 21 final season and signed with the Braves, solely to be launched on June 22 after which signal with the Diamondbacks the next day. 

In 42 video games with the D-backs, McCann hit .260/.324/.431 (107 OPS+) with 5 homers, 17 RBI and 1.0 WAR. He stays a high quality defender and is an effective backup for starter Gabriel Moreno.