Kendall to K.C, ChiSox sign Putz

Jason Kendall got a $6 million, two-year contract from the Kansas City Royals and J.J. Putz agreed to a $3 million, one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox on Friday as players and teams kept making moves following the winter meetings.

Tampa Bay finalized its trade with Atlanta, acquiring right-hander Rafael Soriano and agreeing to a $7.25 million, one-year contract with the reliever. And Washington completed its $6 million, two-year contract with 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

Kendall is a .290 hitter over his 14-year career. The 35-year-old made three All-Star teams from 1996-00 but hit just .241 with two homers and 43 RBI last season with Milwaukee. Soriano became a free agent after the season, then surprised the Braves by accepting salary arbitration.

Among lower-level free agents, three right-handers agreed to minor league contracts: Elmer Dessens with the New York Mets ($700,000 in majors, $90,000 in minors), Josh Towers with the Los Angeles Dodgers ($700,000/$100,000) and Ryan Speier with the Nationals ($425,000/$90,000).

As today’s deadline approached for teams to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters, at least four arbitration-eligible players agreed to deals.

Infielder Augie Ojeda ($825,000) and right-hander Blaine Boyer ($750,000) reached one-year agreements announced by the Diamondbacks. Players agreeing to deals that were not announced were Atlanta outfielder Matt Diaz ($2.55 million), Pittsburgh infielder Ronny Cedeno ($1,125,000) and Texas infielder Esteban German ($600,000 in majors, $200,000 in minors).

Approximately 186 arbitration-eligible players were without deals heading into today and dozens figure to become free agents Sunday because teams won’t offer contracts.