Cubs Bringing Back Hammel, Winter Meetings Underway

(San Diego, CA) -- The Cubs are bringing free-agent pitcher Jason Hammel back to their rotation. FOX Sports reports the two sides have agreed to a two-year, $20-million deal. The Cubs dealt Hammel and right-hander Jeff Samadzija to Oakland in July. Hammel went 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts for Chicago last season.

MLB Winter Meetings In Progress

(San Diego, CA) -- Representatives for the Cardinals are in San Diego this week for Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings. GM John Mozeliak and the other 29 general managers will meet with players, agents and each other to discuss potential trades and free-agent signings.

White Sox Reportedly Acquire Samardzija

(San Diego, CA) -- The Athletics have reportedly shipped starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija to the White Sox. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports the teams have agreed to a deal, but he did not say what Oakland will receive in return. The 29-year-old Samardzija split time between the A's and Chicago Cubs last season and went combined 7-13 with a 2.99 ERA.

"USA Today" reports the White Sox have signed closer David Robertson. According to the report, the four-year pact is worth over $40-million. Robertson saved 39 games and posted a 3.08 ERA with the Yankees last season.

The White Sox claimed catcher Rob Brantly off of waivers from the Marlins on Monday. Brantly hit .255 with four homers and 37 RBI in 101 games in Triple-A last season. The Sox now have five catchers on their 40-man roster.