PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired one of the top prospects in baseball, adding catcher Gabriel Moreno and veteran outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. in a Friday swap that sent slugger Daulton Varsho to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 22-year-old Moreno made the majors last year with the Blue Jays, hitting .319 with a homer in 69 at-bats. The 29-year-old Gurriel is a five-year veteran who hit .291 with five homers and 32 doubles last season.
The Blue Jays get the versatile Varsho, who was arguably the best player on the Diamondbacks last season. The 26-year-old Varsho hit a career-high 27 homers in 2022. He is an excellent defender in the outfield who also has the ability to play catcher.
Moreno and Gurriel are both right-handed hitters, which allows the D-backs to balance their left-handed heavy lineup.
Varsho is a left-handed hitter and was part of Arizona's group of young, talented outfielders that includes Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Stone Garrett and Pavin Smith.
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Giants sign OF Conforto
Outfielder Michael Conforto has agreed to a $36 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants, a deal that includes an opt out after the first season, a person with direct knowledge of the pact said Friday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the contract is pending a successful physical. Conforto missed all of last season following right shoulder surgery.
The Giants lost out on shortstop Carlos Correa earlier in the week when a concern with his surgically repaired right ankle arose during the medical evaluation process. Correa's $350 million, 13-year deal fell through, and he agreed instead with the New York Mets on a $315 million, 12-year contract.
Conforto had surgery performed in April by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. The 29-year-old spent his first 6 1/2 major league seasons with the New York Mets before becoming a free agent after the 2021 season. He turned down an $18.4 million qualifying offer from the Mets in November last year.
Kimbrel heading to Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies and Craig Kimbrel agreed to terms Friday night on a one-year, $10 million contract, a source confirmed. The deal was not announced and team officials were unable to discuss it because it’s pending a physical.
Kimbrel, 34, was once the most electric closer in baseball, with a blazing fastball and buckle-the-knees curveball. That isn’t the case anymore. The Los Angeles Dodgers removed him from the closer role late last season and didn’t include him on the roster for a divisional-round series against the San Diego Padres.
But Kimbrel still recorded 22 saves in 27 chances and posted a 3.75 ERA in 63 games. He also dominated in the ninth inning for the Chicago Cubs in 2021, posting a 0.49 ERA and striking out 64 of 137 batters before getting traded across town to the White Sox.
Cubs, Smyly agree to deal
CHICAGO — Drew Smyly is staying with the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to a $19 million, two-year contract.
A person familiar with the negotiations confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the contract was pending a successful physical.
Smyly has an opt out after the 2023 season. The left-hander will make $8 million next year and $8.5 million in 2024. There is a $10 million mutual option for 2025 with a $2.5 million buyout.
The 33-year-old Smyly went 7-8 with a 3.47 ERA in 22 starts for Chicago this year.