Shun Yamaguchi has been designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays to create room for Joel Payamps. Yamaguchi, a starter, posted an 8.06 ERA last season. The 2 wins out of 6 starts also didn't help him. In total, Yamaguchi appeared in 25.2 innings over 17 games last season, with a -0.7 WAR. Not good. On the other hand, Joel Payamps was signed as a minor league free agent late in the season then DFA'd by the Red Sox to clear room for Garrett Richards, Martin Perez, and Hirokazu Sawamura. Although the Sox tried to sneak him through the waiver wire, he fell into the trap that the Blue Jays set. Appearing in 2 games for the Diamondbacks, he pitched 3 innings. Not enough to give him a WAR.
Hyeon-Jong Yang is looking for a contract in the MLB. The award-winning KBO pitcher ended negotiations with his team, the Kia Tigers, to seek an MLB contract. As of now, he has not been signed.
Tony Wolters and Brian Goodwin have been signed to minor league deals by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Jake Marisnick is now a member of the Chicago Cubs.
David Phelps is back with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Shane Carle has agreed to a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds.
Ben Gamel has been signed to a minor league deal with the Cleveland Baseball Team.
Greg Bird has signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies.
Kyle Garlick has been claimed off of waivers by the Minnesota Twins. To make room on the 40-man, they have designated Brandon Waddell for assignment.
Hirokazu Sawamura has found his way to the USA and has signed with the Red Sox on a 2 year contract. Sawamura is 32, and because NPB stats aren't the same, he has no WAR. He was terrible with the Yomiuri Giants, but when he was traded to the Chiba Lotte Marines mid-season, he shined. This is a very good move and a move that Red Sox fans will use to drown their sorrows over what just happened.
Andrew Benintendi has officially been traded to the Kansas City Royals in a 3-team trade that sent Franchy Cordero and 2 players to be named later to the Red Sox, as well as Khalil Lee to the New York Mets. The Mets have sent the Red Sox minor league pitcher Josh Winckowski and a player to be named later in return for cash considerations.
