Here’s the morning rundown on the biggest news items from around Major League Baseball for Friday, December 5th:
- In the biggest news of the day, and really the whole offseason, the Diamondbacks pulled off a huge shocker and signed free agent pitcher Zack Greinke to a six-year deal worth $206.5 million, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal.
- In other free agent pitching news, right hander John Lackey agreed to a two-year contract worth $32 million with the Chicago Cubs, also as first reported by Ken Rosenthal.
- In minor news, the Washington Nationals have signed Oliver Perez to a two-year contract worth $7 million, as first reported by Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.
- According a tweet by Bob Nightengale, the St. Louis Cardinals are showing interest in free agent right hander Jeff Samardzija.
- According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Washington Nationals have emerged as the favorite for Darren O’Day and a deal is expected in the next few days.
- Finally, the Miami Marlins announced that they have officially signed home run king Barry Bonds to be their new hitting coach.