MLB rumors: Dodgers sign David Peralta to fill outfield; Cubs get bullpen help with former ROY Michael Fulmer

Less than a week until spring practice, baseball fans. Here is the date of each team’s spring training report. Now here’s Friday’s hot stove rumors while you wait for baseball to return.

Dodgers sign Peralta

The Dodgers signed veteran outfielder David Peralta to a one-year, $6.5 million contract. reports ESPN. Peralta is a left field only player and will play alongside Trace Thompson and Mookie Betts in the outfield most of the time. Prospect James Outman was supposed to start in left field and will now be moved to the bench or Triple-A.

Peralta, 35, is a former pitcher who turned outfielder in the independent league in 2011. He reached the major leagues in 2014 with rival NL West Diamondbacks and was a consistent offensive producer and sneaky good quarterback for most of the championship. last decade. Last season, Peralta split between the D’Backs and the Rays.

The Cubs sign Fulmer

The Cubs signed veteran right-hander Michael Fulmer. reports The Athletic. Financial terms are unknown, although it is likely to be a one-year deal. Chicago has been very active this offseason – Fulmer is the eighth free agent they’ve signed to a major league contract – and they may be signing another reliever to fill the bullpen.

Fulmer plans to join veterans Brad Boxberger and Rowan Wick and newcomers Adbert Alzolei and Brandon Hughes in manager David Ross’ rescue team. Michael Rucker and Julian Merryweather are also involved in this process. Chicago will have 11 major league veterans as non-roster invitees. Even with Fulmer on board, some places in the bullpen remain open.

Rangers are ready to add an outfielder

Rangers general manager Chris Young said Dallas Morning News he intends to “continue to monitor the far market until spring training and throughout spring training.” Texas has invested heavily in their rotation this offseason, led by Jacob de Grom, though they have yet to add to an offense that ranked 12th in scoring last year. Their left fielders hit .186/.253/.256 in 2023.

While Leodie Taveras believes he has an advantage as a center fielder, Adolis Garcia is the only outfielder the Rangers have locked in. Josh Smith, a born infielder, and speedster Bubba Thompson are in left field. Former ranger Yurikson Profar remains unsigned. Brian Reynolds is the leader in the trading market, although the Pirates have set a high asking price and seem to be sticking to it.

Astros locks up Javier

The Astros signed right-hander Christian Javier to a five-year, $64 million extension.. The contract buys him three remaining arbitration years and two years as a free agent. In 2022, Javier started two combined no-hitters, one against the Yankees in June and one against the Phillies in Game 4 of the World Series. He turned into a real hitter and led baseball with a .170 batting average over last year.