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The MLB Daily Dish is a daily feature we're running here at MLBDD and rounds up roster-impacting news, rumors, and analysis. Have feedback or have something that should be shared? Hit us at @mlbdailydish on Twitter.
Good morning baseball fans!
Baltimore's weekend started off on a good note, as the club agreed to re-sign free agent first baseman Chris Davis to a seven-year, $161 million deal Saturday morning:
The agreement completes a negotiation dance between the O's and Davis that has been ongoing since November, ending speculation that the slugger could leave Baltimore for another rumored suitor like the Astros, Blue Jays or Cardinals. Davis' signing means that the O's will not be signing Yoenis Cespedes, despite the team making him a 5-year offer in the last few days.
Not long after the Orioles signed Davis, the Royals made a notable move, signing Ian Kennedy to join their starting rotation:
Kennedy slots into a new-look Royals' rotation alongside Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura, Kris Medlen and Chris Young, filling the hole left by Johnny Cueto'sdeparture for the Giants. He is the third free-agent pitcher to sign a deal in the 5-year, $70-80 million ranger this winter, joining Wei-Yin Chen (Marlins) and Mike Leake(Cardinals).
The Mets are still open to signing Yoenis Cespedes if he is willing to take a short-term deal.
Multiple teams have expressed interest in Justin Upton, but about a month before Spring Training begins, he has yet to join a club.
Rebuilding tends to be looked down upon, but it is necessary and should not be considered an issue, SB Nation's Grant Brisbee notes.
The Cubs are hoping to have their own television network by the time their current deal expires in 2020:
The Chicago Cubs are confident that in-market streaming for some of their games in 2016 will be available while still keeping an eye on launching their own television network after their current deals expire.
St. Louis is seeking catching depth in the event Yadier Molina is not healthy by Opening Day.
Chris Davis will receive a notable tax break on his new contract:
Chris Davis will receive huge tax break on the deferrals since he lives in Texas.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 16, 2016
Now that Davis is under contract, the organization could consider upgrading its starting rotation.
Designated hitter in the National League? It remains a possibility:
Mozeliak says there is "more momentum" in discussions with GMs and owners for the DH coming into the National League. #MLB #cardinals
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) January 16, 2016
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Today in Baseball History: On this day in 1970, Willie Mays is named the Player of the Decade for the 60s by Sporting News.