These are some quick notes on some of the big headlines around baseball Monday:
- 12 players around baseball received a $15.3M qualifying offer from their team before Monday’s deadline. Those players are Melky Cabrera (Blue Jays), Nelson Cruz (Orioles), Michael Cuddyer (Rockies), Francisco Liriano (Pirates), Russell Martin (Pirates), Victor Martinez (Tigers), Hanley Ramirez (Dodgers), David Robertson (Yankees), Pablo Sandoval (Giants), Ervin Santana (Braves), Max Scherzer (Tigers), and James Shields (Royals). Players can accept that $15.3M contract and return with their original team, or decline and attempt to sign elsewhere. If the player declines the qualifying offer their previous team receives draft pick compensation while their new team loses a draft pick. Read more about each player’s situation and how the system works on Hardball Talk.
- The Chicago Cubs and Joe Maddon officially agreed to a 5-year contract worth a reported $25M and Maddon was introduced at a press conference on Monday. Read more on theScore, Bleacher Report, SI.com, and the New York Daily News.
- The Twins have announced Paul Molitor as their new manager and will formally introduce him Tuesday at a press conference. Read more on CBSSports.com.
- The Chicago White Sox claimed outfielder J.B. Shuck off waivers from the Indians. Read more on theScore.
- The New York Yankees have begun talks to bring back third baseman Chase Headley. Read more on CBSSports.com.
- The Kansas City Royals exercised their $7M option on reliever Wade Davis. Read more on theScore.
- The Tampa Bay Rays exercised their $2.5M option on reliever Joel Peralta. Read more on theScore.
- Third baseman Aramis Ramirez exercised his $14M mutual option and will return to the Brewers in 2015. Read more on theScore.
- Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, who Tommy John surgery back in May, is not expected to be back until June or July of 2015. Read more on theScore.
- A.J. Burnett has declined his $12.75M player option with the Philadelphia Phillies and is now a free agent. Read more on theScore.
Chris Brown, St. Louis Baseball Today
