Sanders Turns Down Deal

Deion Sanders was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants. The outfielder had a $3.25 million salary last season and turned down a one-year, $2.25 million offer for next season.

Replacement players who made it up to the major leagues after the baseball strike were told the players’ association intends to deny them membership.

If they don’t become union members, they would lose out on licensing money, but would still receive medical insurance.

Reliever Jeff Montgomery and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a $4.75 million, two-year contract with a club option for 1998.

Catcher Charlie O’Brien agreed to two-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays worth $1,125,000.

Right-handed pitcher Mike Maddux decided to stay with the Boston Red Sox, agreeing to a one-year contract.

Right-hander Tom Candiotti returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing to a two-year contract. Kevin Tapani was designated for assignment.

The Dodgers apparently are working on a deal that would send shortstop Jose Offerman to Kansas City, a source told The Associated Press.

Outfielder Chris Jones, who led N.L. pinch-hitters with a .400 average last season (10-for-25), agreed to a $337,500, one-year deal with the New York Mets.