The Oakland Athletics were the surprise winner for Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, agreeing to a $36 million, four-year contract with the barbour coats slugging outfielder on Monday.
Cespedes can become a free agent at the end of the contract, which is the highest for a Cuban defector. Cespedes' deal tops Jose Contreras' $32 million, four-year contract with the Yankees before the 2003 season.
Cespedes said six teams were interested in signing him: the Marlins, Baltimore, Detroit, Cleveland and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox.
Ortiz, Red Sox agree on deal • David Ortiz and Boston avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract for $14,575,000. The designated hitter hit .309 with 29 homers and 96 RBIs last year.
Pirates closing in on trade for Burnett • The New York Yankees and Pirates have made progress toward a trade that would send pitcher A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh.
The Pirates would pay at least $10 million of the $33 million Burnett — who has struggled to a 34-35 record and 4.79 ERA during three http://www.barbourjacketsshop.com seasons with New York — is owed in the final two seasons of his $82.5 million, five-year contract, a source said.
Janssen has new deal with Blue Jays • Reliever Casey Janssen and Toronto avoided salary arbitration, agreeing on a two-year contract for at least $5.9 million. Janssen was 6-0 with a 2.26 ERA and two saves in 55 appearances last year.
Indians, Garland agree to contract • Cleveland agreed to terms with starter Jon Garland, who went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA in nine starts for the Dodgers last season, on a minor league contract.