The Houston Astros and Yuli Gurriel have agreed to a one-year contract with an option for 2022 that guarantees $7 million, a cut of nearly 20% from his 2020 deal.

Gurriel's 2020 contract called for an $8.3 million salary and wound up being worth $3,074,074 prorated.

His new deal includes a $6.5 million salary for 2021 and an $8 million club option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout.

Pablo Sandoval has signed a Minor League contract with the Atlanta Braves.

The veteran reported to the Braves' alternate training site in Gwinnett, Georgia.

The San Francisco Giants released Sandoval last week.

The Oakland Athletics are expected to sign Jake Lamb once he qualifies for free agency on Monday.

Lamb was designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. He was hitting .116/.240/.140 in 18 games.

The A's will be without Matt Chapman for the remainder of the season following hip surgery.

The San Francisco Giants requested release waivers on Pablo Sandoval Thursday.

Sandoval, 34, who was in his second stint with the Giants, is hitting .220 with one home run and six RBIs this season.

In an Instagram post, Sandoval wrote that, "it's been an honor and privilege to play for you. My heart will forever be in San Francisco."

The San Francisco Giants have signed Justin Smoak to a minor league deal.

Smoak was released by the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday.

The Giants will send Smoak, 33, to their alternate site.

The Chicago Cubs have optioned Jose Martinez to create a roster spot for Billy Hamilton.

Chicago claimed Hamilton off waivers from the New York Mets on Monday.

Martinez, an infielder/outfielder, is 0-for-14 since coming over in a trade with Tampa Bay on Aug. 30.

The Chicago Cubs are preparing for a postseason run.

They have signed Pedro Strop to a Minor League deal and also claimed Billy Hamilton off waivers from the New York Mets.

Strop, 35, had signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds this past offseason. He was released in August.

Hamilton, 29, was designated for assignment by the Mets last week.

J.D. Martinez, who has an opt-out in his contract with the Boston Red Sox after the season, says the number of variables this year make him not want to test free agency.

The coronavirus pandemic and 60-game shortened season has led to an unstable market and questions about player evaluation this year.

"I don't know how [player evaluation] is going to happen," Martinez said. "I honestly feel like I would not want to be a free agent during this time for that reason. You just don't know. Everything is up in the air for guys like that. It's weird."

Martinez, 33, has struggled this season for the Red Sox, hitting .218/.305/.387 with three homers, 17 RBIs and 12 doubles in 124 at-bats.

He signed a five-year, $110 million deal with Boston prior to the 2018 season, with opt-outs after 2019, '20 and '21.

The Houston Astros have released Fernando Rodney.

Rodney had been in Houston's 60-man player pool on a Minor League deal.

The 43-year-old had a 4.05 ERA in 33 1/3 regular season innings for the Washington Nationals last year.