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While things in major league free agency have been slow in recent days, teams have been active in their search to add veteran players on minor league deals. Here's a look at some of the notable players who have inked minor league contracts in the last few days.
Indians sign Francoeur, Atchison
The Indians signed both Jeff Francoeur and Scott Atchison to minor league deals on Monday, giving both players invitations to major league spring training.
Francouer, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, hit .204 with 3 HR and 17 RBI in time split between the Royals and Giants in 2013, and will likely provide outfield depth for the Indians throughout the season. He could start with Triple-A Columbus, or be a bench option for the team if he performs well in spring training. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, he will earn $1 million if he makes the major league roster.
Atchison, who turns 38 in March, was non-tendered by the Indians after posting a 3-3 record and 4.37 ERA in 50 appearances last season. He is a veteran of seven major league seasons with the Mariners, Red Sox and Mets, and will compete for a spot in Cleveland's bullpen this spring.
Mariners sign Quintero
The Mariners re-signed catcher Humberto Quintero to a minor league deal that includes a spring training invite, according to a team announcement.
Quintero, 34, hit .224 with 2 HR and 4 RBI in 22 games with Seattle last season after being released by the Phillies. The eleven-year major league veteran will provide depth behind Mike Zunino, Jesus Sucre, and Jesus Montero, and could start at Triple-A Tacoma.
Mets sign Teagarden
The Mets signed catcher Taylor Teagarden to a minor league deal that includes a spring training invite, according to a team announcement.
Teagarden, 30, appeared in only 23 games for the Orioles in 2013, hitting .167 with 2 HR and 5 RBI. He will head to camp looking to become the Mets' backup catcher behind Travis D'Arnaud, and will likely compete with Anthony Recker. In parts of six major league seasons, Teagarden is a lifetime .206 hitter with 20 HR and 63 RBI.
Royals sign Hernandez
The Royals agreed to a minor league contract with Ramon Hernandez, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. The veteran catcher will head to spring training in competition with Brett Hayes and Francisco Pena in competition for the Royals' backup job behind Salvador Perez.
Hernandez, who was an AL All-Star in 2003, appeared in only 17 games with the Dodgers last season, hitting .208 with 3 HR and 6 RBI before being released. He spent some time with the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate later in the season, capping off what amounts to a lost season. In fifteen major league seasons, Hernandez, is a lifetime .263 hitter with 169 HR and 757 RBI.
Pirates re-sign Andino
The Pirates announced that they have re-signed infielder Robert Andino to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.
Andino, 29, was traded to the Pirates at the trade deadline after struggling with the Mariners earlier in the season. He saw time in 25 games with Triple-A Indianapolis, hitting .302 with 9 RBI. The former Oriole will provide infield depth behind Clint Barmes and Jordy Mercer for the Buccos this season.
Padres sign Nady
The Padres signed outfielder Xavier Nady to a minor league deal that includes a spring training invite, according to Corey Brock of MLB.com. Nady returns to the team with whom he started his major league career from 2000 to 2005.
Nady, 35, hit .296 with 15 HR and 65 RBI in 124 games split between the Royals' and Rockies' Triple-A affiliates last season, and last appeared in the majors with the Nationals and Giants in 2012. For his eleven-year major league career, Nady is the owner of a lifetime .270 average with 101 HR and 406 RBI.
Marlins re-sign Slowey
The Marlins have re-signed right-hander Kevin Slowey to a minor league deal, as first reported by Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
Slowey, 29, was 3-6 with a 4.11 ERA in 20 appearances (14 starts) with Miami last season, and will return to the team with a chance at cracking the rotation once again. The former Twin is 42-35 with a 4.58 ERA for his major league career.
Tigers sign Exposito
The Tigers have signed catcher Luis Exposito to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to major league spring training, according to a major league source.
Exposito, who turns 27 in January, hit .224 with 4 HR and 23 RBI in 64 games with the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate last season, and has nine games of major league experience with Baltimore. He will provide depth behind Alex Avila for Detroit, and could compete with Bryan Holaday for the team's backup job.
