Morning Marquee: Houston Astros trade for Evan Gattis

On Thursday, the Houston Astros made a bold move, acquiring catcher Evan Gattis from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a trio of prospects – while retaining the top talent in the loaded farm system. Much of the other news around the league centered around teams and players reaching deals to avoid arbitration.

The Chicago Cubs dealt left-hander Mike Kickham, who was acquired from the San Francisco Giants earlier this offseason, was flipped to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for prospect Lars Huijer in a depth move designed to shore up the pitching talent in the farm system. Other than that, most Cubs-related news was related to a bold statement made by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who promised a division crown for the Cubs in 2015.

The team also avoided arbitration with left-hander Felix Doubront, who was acquired last season from the Boston Red Sox. The southpaw agreed to a one-year, $1.925 million deal to stay in Chicago for 2015 after posting a 3.98 earned run average in four starts for the Cubs in 2014.

The James Shields and Max Scherzer sweepstakes continue – with no clear front-runners yet to emerge. Yankees’ brass offered some intriguing comments on spending and fan expectations, while the Texas Rangers have recently stepped into the spotlight as potential landing spots for impact free agents ahead of next month’s Spring Training.

Here’s more from around the league:

“Cubs, Doubront avoid arbitration with one-year deal” – Cubbies Crib

“Rizzo: ‘Cubs will win the NL Central'” – ESPN Chicago

“Braves will not trade Craig Kimbrel” – MLB.com

“Rangers interested in Geovany Soto” – Houston Chronicle

“O’s Hunter interested in long-term extension” – Call to the Pen

Next: Cubs Convention begins today in Chicago