MLB 2023 | Yandy's contract will be extended, Chapman is officially a Royal, León' surgery, and more

Major League Baseball (MLB) and other Cuban Players News for the 2022-2023 offseason. A compendium from several sources

Yandy Díaz (Photo: Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

MLB.com's Juan Toribio and Mark Feinsand report that Yandy Díaz and the Rays will extend their contract for three years and $24 million.

In an apparent attempt to avoid arbitration, Tampa Bay agreed to long-term extensions with Jeffrey Springs and Pete Fairbanks earlier this week. In the past month, the on-base machine, who isn't eligible for free agency until 2025, has been unable to reach an agreement with the Rays, but appears likely to avoid arbitration. In 558 plate appearances last season, he batted .296/.401/.423 with nine home runs and three stolen bases.

In a deal worth $3.75 million over one year, the Royals have official signed LHP Aroldis Chapman.

It is expected that Chapman will be the Royals' closer this season. This should be an upset moment for Scott Barlow, given what he has done in the last few seasons. It's possible the 34-year-old left-hander could rebound and turn in a fine ninth inning, but it's more likely he'd be dealt to a contender in July if he does. In 43 appearances for the Yankees last season, he posted an inflated 4.46 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, along with 43/28 K/BB ratios.

In the past week, Astros OF prospect Pedro León underwent surgery for a sports hernia.

Following the procedure, León is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, potentially preventing him from taking part in spring training. He may make his major league debut sometime this summer as one of Houston's top prospects. Across 504 plate appearances for Triple-A Sugar Land, he hit .228/.365/.431 with 17 homers and 38 steals.

It appears that the Marlins are no longer expected to sign free agent first baseman Yuli Gurriel, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

In addition to the Astros and Twins, Heyman mentions the Astros as potential landing spots for the veteran first baseman. This offseason, Houston added veteran slugger José Abreu, but a reunion would benefit both sides, especially if Gurriel is limited to a less prominent role this season. In addition to a disappointing 2022 season, the 38-year-old suffered a right knee injury during the World Series.