Mariners Moose Tracks, 12/20/24: Josh Fleming, Framber Valdez, and Max Kepler

Friday links!

Good morning, foLLks, and happy Friday! We have a fresh batch of links before the weekend hits.

In Mariners news:

• The Mariners signed lefty Josh Fleming to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Fleming has spent time in the bigs every year since 2020, with the Rays and Pirates.
• A 40-man move!

Around the league:

• Per Jeff Passan at ESPN, the Astros are telling other teams that despite moving Kyle Tucker earlier this month, they are planning on keeping ace Framber Valdez. ($)
• Ken Rosenthal at The Athletic reports that free agent pitcher Michael Lorenzen and his agent are selling him as a two-way player in a bid to circumvent the current roster limits on pitchers ($).
• The Nationals brought righty Michael Soroka aboard on a one-year deal.

• The Diamondbacks signed outfielder - and one-time top prospect - Cristian Pache to a minor league deal.
• Speaking of outfielders, the Phillies brought in a new one, too.

• Righty Roansy Contreras was claimed off waivers by the Reds from the Rangers.
• Sammy Sosa put out a new statement, reconciling with the Cubs. The organization is planning on inviting him to this year’s Cubs Convention.