Major League Baseball's hot stove has been relit since the owner-imposed lockout was lifted last week. On Wednesday alone, we saw Matt Chapman traded and Freddie Freeman, Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant and Seiya Suzuki signed. What will Thursday bring? Keep your browser locked in here for all the latest news, notes, and rumors.
The Giants added some rotation depth on Thursday, signing former Tigers southpaw Matthew Boyd to a one-year deal worth $5.2 million, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.
Boyd, 31, is expected to miss the first couple months after undergoing surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon last fall. When healthy, he's proven himself to be an above-average big-league starter. Over the last three years, he's posted a 96 ERA+ and a 3.84 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 324 innings. He has been prone to the home run ball, so it'll be interesting to see if the Giants can help him curb that issue.
Boyd is the third free-agent addition the Giants have made who could impact their rotation, joining Carlos Rodón and Alex Cobb. (The Giants also signed Jakob Junis, but he seems more likely to pitch out of the bullpen.) San Francisco kicked off the offseason by re-signing Alex Wood and Anthony DeSclafani. They did lose Kevin Gausman to the Blue Jays, however.
Mets add Jankowski
The Mets had been rumored to be on the hunt to find a new reserve outfielder. They added a candidate for a bench spot on Thursday, inking veteran Travis Jankowski to a minor-league deal, per a club announcement.
Jankowski, 30, spent last season with the Phillies. He batted .252/.364/.351 (96 OPS+) with a home run and five steals. For his career, he's hit .239/.322/.318 (77 OPS+) in more than 1,100 plate appearances.
Jankowski, a left-handed hitter, could provide the Mets with speed and defense off the bench if he finds his way onto the roster.
