This week in MLB: Wander Franco vanishes, twice; Yoshinobu Yamamoto lands with Dodgers; Kiner-Falefa signs with Jays

Deadspin Bot|published: Sat 30th December, 07:00 2023

credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports | source: Getty Images

Police unable to find Rays star Wander Franco amid accusations of sex with minor

Wander Franco. source: Getty Images

Local authorities in the Dominican Republic carried out raids on two homes looking for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, according to a report from Dominican newspaper Listin Diario. - Cale Clinton Read More

Reports: White Sox reach 1-year deal with LHP Tim Hill

Sep 10, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tim Hill (25) delivers a pitch during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. credits: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox strengthened their bullpen by agreeing to a one-year, $1.8 million contract with left-handed reliever Tim Hill, multiple media outlets reported Thursday. - Field Level Media Read More

Mariners sign C Mitch Garver to two-year deal

Nov 1, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Mitch Garver (18) celebrates defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks to win the World Series in game five of the 2023 World Series at Chase Field. credits: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Catcher Mitch Garver signed a two-year contract with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.

The deal includes an option for the 2026 season.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Mariners, however multiple media outlets reported it was worth $24 million.

“Mitch is a hitter we had targeted from the start of the offseason,” said Jerry Dipoto, Mariners president of baseball operations. “He’s a proven winner who brings a strong combination of zone discipline, on-base skills, and power to the middle of our lineup, while also adding tough to find depth at key positions.” - Field Level Media Read More

Report: Wander Franco a no-show to answer complaint in D.R.

Aug 6, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco (5) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. credits: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco did not show up Thursday morning to answer a summons in the Dominican Republic pertaining to allegations he engaged in relationships with minors. - Field Level Media Read More

Dodgers sign RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to 12-year deal

Aug 4, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team Japan pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (17) reacts against Korea in a baseball semifinal match during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. credits: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced their 12-year contract with right-handed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Wednesday.

The deal is worth a reported $325 million.

An introductory press conference will be held later Wednesday.

The acquisition of Yamamoto, 25, adds to the offseason haul for the defending National League West Division champs. Yamamoto, a three-time MVP of the Nippon Pacific League, joins former Los Angeles Angels star and two-time MLB MVP Shohei Ohtani. - Field Level Media Read More

Twins sign RHP Josh Staumont to one-year contract

May 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Josh Staumont (63) reacts as he leaves the field during the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Kauffman Stadium. credits: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Twins signed right-hander Josh Staumont to a one-year contract on Wednesday.

Financial terms were not announced for Staumont, who posted a 5.40 ERA and no decisions in 21 appearances (one start) with the Kansas City Royals last season. He was placed on injured reserve on June 7 and missed the remainder of the season following thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. - Field Level Media Read More

Reports: Blue Jays land Isiah Kiner-Falefa on 2-year deal

Aug 28, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa (12) hits a single in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. credits: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Blue Jays and free agent infielder/outfielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa are in agreement on a two-year contract worth $15 million, multiple outlets reported Wednesday. - Field Level Media Read More

Report: White Sox signing C Martin Maldonado

Oct 19, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado (15) during the eighth inning in game four of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Globe Life Field. credits: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago White Sox and catcher Martin Maldonado have agreed on a one-year contract with an option for the 2025 season, MLB Network reported Tuesday night. - Field Level Media Read More

Dodgers sign INF Jonathan Arauz to minor league contract

Sep 14, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Jonathan Arauz (19) is congratulated by teammate for hitting a three run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at Citi Field. credits: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free agent infielder Jonathan Arauz to a minor league contract with the possibility of an invitation to major league spring training in 2024. - Field Level Media Read More