>>Cubs Make Trade with Rays
(Chicago, IL) — The Chicago Cubs are active to begin the offseason. The team traded for utility player Miles Mastrobuoni from the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday. The Cubs sent minor league pitcher Alfredo Zarraga to St. Petersburg to complete the trade. The 27-year-old Mastrobuoni made his MLB debut last season, and he went three-for-16 with one stolen base in eight games with the Rays. In other team news, catcher Willson Contreras rejected his qualifying offer from the Cubs, making him a free agent. Additionally, Chicago added prospects Kevin Alcantara, Ben Brown, Brennen Davis, and Ryan Jensen to its 40-man roster yesterday.
>>Cardinals Bring Prospect Thomas To 40-Man
(St. Louis, MO) — The St. Louis Cardinals are ensuring one of their top prospects isn’t poached in the upcoming Rule Five Draft. The team added left-handed pitcher Connor Thomas to its 40-man roster yesterday, meaning he won’t be eligible for the draft. The 24-year-old is the number-24 prospect in the Cardinals system, and he was named the Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Year this week. Thomas was 6-and-12 with a 5.47 ERA in 28 games for Triple-A Memphis this past season.