The 2015 MLB Winter Meetings has reached the halfway point and there have been no shortage of trades, free agent signings, and aborted trades. Here is a recap of what happened on day two.
Atlanta Braves and Arizona Diamondbacks pull off blockbuster deal
The first major trade of the winter meetings occurred on day two, when the Atlanta Braves traded All-Star pitcher Shelby Miller to Arizona in exchange for a three-player package that included the 2015 number one draft pick, Dansby Swanson. It is an impressive haul for Atlanta, and only time will tell if it is a smart deal for Arizona.
New York Yankees acquire Starlin Castro
The New York Yankees were not to be outdone, as they made a trade of their own, albeit smaller. They acquired second baseman Starlin Castro from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for relief pitcher Adam Warren and infielder Brendan Ryan. Castro is a five-year MLB veteran who has a career .285 batting average, with 62 home runs and 363 RBIs. The move gives the Yankees a 26-year-old second baseman to go along with their 26-year-old shortstop Didi Gregorious.
Ben Zobrist signs with Chicago Cubs
Free agent infielder Ben Zobrist was speculated all day to be close to signing with a team, with the most notable offer that was reported being from the New York Mets. In the end, he settled for a four-year contract with the Chicago Cubs. The contract will pay Zobrist $56 million and will also provides a no-trade clause. The deal is complete once Zobrist passes a physical.
Other notable news
Colorado Rockies sign two free agent pitchers
The Colorado Rockies signed two veteran pitchers on Tuesday, as the team announced contracts with Jason Motte and Chad Qualls. Both deals are for two years, with Motte getting $10 million and Qualls receiving $6 million.
St. Louis Cardinals acquire Jedd Gyorko
The St. Louis Cardinals traded away former World Series hero Jon Jay to the San Diego Padres in exchange for infielder Jedd Gyorko. The deal is a good one for both teams, as the Cardinals get someone who can be insurance in case they have another injury filled season.
Shawn Kelley signs with Washington
Free agent relief pitcher Shawn Kelley signed a contract with the Washington Nationals. The signing may be a signal that Jonathan Papelbon may be on his way out. Papelbon made news in September for getting in a physical altercation in the dugout with Bryce Harper.