Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney added a Gold Glove Award to his trophy case after going 141 games without an error. In October he received the Fielding Bible Award for his defense.
Texas starter Yu Darvish will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic this spring, choosing instead to focus on preparing for next season. The Rangers also allowed pitchers Koji Uehara and Yoshinori Tateyama to become free agents.
Tattooed reliever Brandon League re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers to a three-year deal worth $22.5 million. His 2012 teammate outfielder Shane Victorino has drawn interest from a number of teams including the Reds, Rangers, Red Sox, and Indians.
Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma will return to Seattle after signing a two-year $14 million deal. He will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic. The Mariners also released infielder Munenori Kawasaki.
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Travis Ishikawa was optioned to Triple-A Nashville.
Lefty reliever Hisanori Takahashi was cut by the Pittsburgh Pirates after being picked up off waivers from the Angels in August.
The Astros are reportedly interested in signing 38-year-old Hideki Matsui as a designated hitter. Matsui has not stated whether he will continue to play or retire.
Drew Morita, a Yonsei from the island of Kaua‘i now living in San Francisco, grew up rooting for the Oakland A’s but is now a loyal San Francisco Giants fan.
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