INDIANAPOLIS — The Yankees pulled off the first big trade of this year’s winter meetings, reaching a tentative agreement Tuesday on a three-team, seven-player swap that would bring them all-star center fielder Curtis Granderson from Detroit.
New York would send right-hander Ian Kennedy to Arizona, and left-handed reliever Phil Coke and outfield prospect Austin Jackson to Detroit.
The Tigers would ship all-star pitcher Edwin Jackson to the Diamondbacks, and Arizona would send young pitchers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth to the Tigers. Schlereth, a left-hander who starred at Highlands Ranch High School and is a son of former Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, went 1-4 with a 5.89 ERA in 21 relief appearances in 2009.
The Nationals surprised many by reaching a preliminary agreement on a $6 million, two-year contract with 38-year-old catcher Ivan Rodriguez, who must pass a physical. The 14-time all-star figures to be a backup and mentor to 25-year-old Jesus Flores.
Seattle finalized its $36 million, four-year contract with Chone Figgins, who is likely to become the Mariners’ third baseman and No. 2 hitter behind Ichiro Suzuki.
The Cardinals completed a $7.5 million, one-year deal with pitcher Brad Penny, who can earn an additional $1.5 million in bonuses.
Among players eligible for salary arbitration, the White Sox agreed to a $14 million, three-year deal with third baseman Mark Teahen, and the Braves designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment.
