SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Nolan Arenado asked questions. Lots of them. A staggering amount, according to his agent.Once the third baseman acquired the answers needed, it became clear to Arenado he didn't need to experience the allure of free agency. He wanted to be in Colorado if the Rockies were willing to make the kind of commitment worthy of keeping the four-time All-Star and six-time Gold Glove winner."At the end of the day my heart was here," Arenado said Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a $260 million, eight-year contract.Arenado chose the certainty and potential of the Rockies over the uncertainty of a free-agent market that's been hard to predict in the past couple of seasons. He is sticking with the team that first drafted him in June 2009 in the hope of following Todd Helton's path and being a fixture in Denver for his entire career."Believe me, I educated myself a lot on what I really wanted and I just felt like this was the best thing for me," Arenado said. "I love playing... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Nolan Arenado says he wants to spend his entire major league career with the Colorado Rockies and had no desire to become a free agent after this season."At the end of the day my heart was here," he said Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a $260 million, eight-year contract.Arenado's deal has a $32.5 million average annual value, second behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016.Arenado has a full no-trade provision.He said he wants to emulate Colorado's Todd Helton and the New York Yankees' Derek Jeter by spending his entire big league career with one team.Arenado says the cold free-agent market the past two seasons wasn't a big factor but "obviously it's in your head."Manny Machado waited until last week before getting a $300 million, 10-year deal with San Diego, and Bryce Harper remains on the market."I don't go off what everyone else is doing. I never have," Arenado said.He agreed in January... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Colorado Rockies slugger Nolan Arenado says "at the end of the day my heart was here" and he wants to emulate Todd Helton and Derek Jeter by spending his entire career with one team, explaining why he gave up a chance to become a free agent after this season.The All-Star third baseman's voice quavered when he spoke Wednesday, a day after agreeing to a $260 million, eight-year contract with the Rockies. The deal's $32.5 million average annual value is second behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016.Arenado says the cold free-agent market the past two seasons wasn't a big factor but "obviously it's in your head."Manny Machado waited until last week before getting a $300 million, 10-year deal with San Diego, and Bryce Harper remains on the market.Arenado says: "I don't go off what everyone else is doing. I never have."His deal allows him to opt out after the 2021 season and become a free agent.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado likes where he's at and the direction the Colorado Rockies are headed.So he's staying put. For possibly a long, long time. And for a chance to finish what this team has been brewing.The All-Star third baseman and Rockies agreed to an eight-year contract on Tuesday, and a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the deal is worth $260 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the dollar value hasn't been publicly announced.Arenado's agreement includes a provision that allows him to opt out after three years and become a free agent.Arenado's $32.5 million average annual value is the second-highest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado's deal replaces a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.Arenado, who turns 28 on April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. But there's comfort... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado likes where he's at and the direction the Colorado Rockies are headed.So he's staying put. For possibly a long, long time. And for a chance to finish what this team has been brewing.The All-Star third baseman agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract on Tuesday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.Arenado's agreement includes a provision that allows him to opt out after three years and become a free agent.If the deal is finalized, Arenado's $32.5 million average annual value would be the second-highest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado's deal would replace a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.Arenado, who turns 28 on April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. But there's comfort in remaining... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado likes where he's at and the direction the Colorado Rockies are headed.So he's staying put. For possibly a long, long time. And for a chance to finish what this team has been brewing.The All-Star third baseman agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract on Tuesday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.Arenado's agreement includes a provision that allows him to opt out after three years and become a free agent.If the deal is finalized, Arenado's $32.5 million average annual value would be the second-highest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado's deal would replace a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.Arenado, who turns 28 on April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. But there's comfort in remaining... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado likes where he's at and the direction the Colorado Rockies are headed.So he's staying put. For possibly a long, long time. And for a chance to finish what this team has been brewing.The All-Star third baseman agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract on Tuesday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been finalized.Arenado's agreement includes a provision that allows him to opt out after three years and become a free agent.If the deal is finalized, Arenado's $32.5 million average annual value would be the second-highest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado's deal would replace a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.Arenado, who turns 28 on April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. But there's comfort in remaining... [More]

DENVER (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Colorado Rockies All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado has agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal has not been finalized. The agreement includes a provision that allows Arenado to opt out after three years and become a free agent.If the deal is finalized, Arenado's $32.5 million average annual value would be the second-highest in baseball history behind the $34.42 million for pitcher Zack Greinke in a $206.5 million contract with Arizona that began in 2016. Arenado's deal would replace a $26 million, one-year contract he agreed to Jan. 31.Arenado, who turns 28 on April 16, was on track to be eligible for free agency after this season. He has earned a Gold Glove at third base in each of his six major league seasons. He batted .297 with an NL-leading 38 homers last season, finishing third in MVP voting.Colorado, which has never won the World Series, made its second straight postseason appearance last year. The Rockies on Monday announced a three-year contract extension for manager Bud Black through 2022.___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles DodgersManager: Dave Roberts (fourth season).2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series.Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.Park: Camelback Ranch.First Workout: Feb. 13/19.He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock, RHP Joe Kelly, C Russell Martin, RHP Homer Bailey, 3B Justin Yorchak, LHP Adam McCreery, RHP Jaime Schultz.He's Outta Here: SS Manny Machado, OF Matt Kemp, OF Yasiel Puig, C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Alex Wood, 2B Brian Dozier, RHP Ryan Madson, C Kyle Farmer, 2B Chase Utley, RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson, LHP-RHP Pat Venditte.Going campin': The Dodgers arrive at camp with unfinished business yet again, having lost in the World Series for the second straight year. They won their sixth consecutive NL West title and second straight NL pennant only to fall short in seven... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles DodgersManager: Dave Roberts (fourth season).2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series.Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.Park: Camelback Ranch.First Workout: Feb. 13/19.He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock, RHP Joe Kelly, C Russell Martin, RHP Homer Bailey, 3B Justin Yorchak, LHP Adam McCreery, RHP Jaime Schultz.He's Outta Here: SS Manny Machado, OF Matt Kemp, OF Yasiel Puig, C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Alex Wood, 2B Brian Dozier, RHP Ryan Madson, C Kyle Farmer, 2B Chase Utley, RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson, LHP-RHP Pat Venditte.Going campin': The Dodgers arrive at camp with unfinished business yet again, having lost in the World Series for the second straight year. They won their sixth consecutive NL West title and second straight NL pennant only to fall short in seven... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles DodgersManager: Dave Roberts (fourth season).2018: 92-71, first place, lost to Boston in World Series.Training Town: Glendale, Arizona.Park: Camelback Ranch.First Workout: Feb. 13/19.He's Here: CF A.J. Pollock, RHP Joe Kelly, C Russell Martin, RHP Homer Bailey, 3B Justin Yorchak, LHP Adam McCreery, RHP Jaime Schultz.He's Outta Here: SS Manny Machado, OF Matt Kemp, OF Yasiel Puig, C Yasmani Grandal, LHP Alex Wood, 2B Brian Dozier, RHP Ryan Madson, C Kyle Farmer, 2B Chase Utley, RHP John Axford, RHP Daniel Hudson, LHP-RHP Pat Venditte.Going campin': The Dodgers arrive at camp with unfinished business yet again, having lost in the World Series for the second straight year. They won their sixth consecutive NL West title and second straight NL pennant only to fall short in seven... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Washington defeated outfielder Michael A. Taylor in the first salary arbitration decision this year.Taylor will receive the team's offer of $3.25 million rather than his request of $3.5 million. Arbitrators Mark Burstein, James Darby and Matt Goldberg issued their decision Friday, a day after hearing arguments.Taylor hit .227 with six homers and 28 RBIs last year, down from a .271 average with 19 homers and 53 RBIs in 2017. He had a $2.5 million salary last year.Houston shortstop Carlos Correa also had a hearing Thursday and asked for a raise from $1 million to $5 million. The Astros argued for $4.25 million during the session before arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, James Oldham and Gary Kendellen, who are expected to decide Tuesday.Correa hit .239 with 15 homers and 65 RBIs last season, slowed by a bad back. He batted .315 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs in 2017, helping the Astros win their first World Series title.Oakland closer Blake Treinen's case was heard Friday.... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Washington defeated outfielder Michael A. Taylor in the first salary arbitration decision this year.Taylor will receive the team's offer of $3.25 million rather than his request of $3.5 million. Arbitrators Mark Burstein, James Darby and Matt Goldberg issued their decision Friday, a day after hearing arguments.Taylor hit .227 with six homers and 28 RBIs last year, down from a .271 average with 19 homers and 53 RBIs in 2017. He had a $2.5 million salary last year.Houston shortstop Carlos Correa also had a hearing Thursday and asked for a raise from $1 million to $5 million. The Astros argued for $4.25 million during the session before arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, James Oldham and Gary Kendellen, who are expected to decide Tuesday.Correa hit .239 with 15 homers and 65 RBIs last season, slowed by a bad back. He batted .315 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs in 2017, helping the Astros win their first World Series title.Oakland closer Blake Treinen's case was heard Friday.... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Washington defeated outfielder Michael A. Taylor in the first salary arbitration decision this year.Taylor will receive the team's offer of $3.25 million rather than his request of $3.5 million. Arbitrators Mark Burstein, James Darby and Matt Goldberg issued their decision Friday, a day after hearing arguments.Taylor hit .227 with six homers and 28 RBIs last year, down from a .271 average with 19 homers and 53 RBIs in 2017. He had a $2.5 million salary last year.Houston shortstop Carlos Correa also had a hearing Thursday and asked for a raise from $1 million to $5 million. The Astros argued for $4.25 million during the session before arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, James Oldham and Gary Kendellen.Correa hit .239 with 15 homers and 65 RBIs last season, slowed by a bad back. He batted .315 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs in 2017, helping the Astros win their first World Series title.Eleven players remain scheduled for hearings through Feb. 15, including Astros right-handers... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado produces big numbers whether he steps into the batter's box or up to the negotiating table.The All-Star third baseman and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $26 million deal to avoid arbitration on Thursday, the largest one-year salary for an arbitration-eligible player."It's a great number. Very happy," Arenado wrote in a message to The Associated Press.He and his side met with Rockies owner Dick Monfort and general manager Jeff Bridich to hammer out the historic deal.Josh Donaldson set the previous mark at $23 million with Toronto last season. The 27-year-old Arenado was set to pass that record even if he went to arbitration. Arenado asked for $30 million earlier this month, while the Rockies offered $24 million."Means a lot, we had good dialogue," Arenado said. "Very honest, very straight forward. Everyone has tough skin and sometimes you have to in business and I realized that firsthand. Was great."One short-term solution figured out.On deck, perhaps another... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado produces big numbers whether he steps into the batter's box or up to the negotiating table.The All-Star third baseman and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $26 million deal to avoid arbitration on Thursday, the largest one-year salary for an arbitration-eligible player."It's a great number. Very happy," Arenado wrote in a message to The Associated Press.He and his side met with Rockies owner Dick Monfort and general manager Jeff Bridich to hammer out the historic deal.Josh Donaldson set the previous mark at $23 million with Toronto last season. The 27-year-old Arenado was set to pass that record even if he went to arbitration. Arenado asked for $30 million earlier this month, while the Rockies offered $24 million."Means a lot, we had good dialogue," Arenado said. "Very honest, very straight forward. Everyone has tough skin and sometimes you have to in business and I realized that firsthand. Was great."One short-term solution figured out.On deck, perhaps another... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Nolan Arenado and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $26 million deal to avoid arbitration, the largest one-year salary for an arbitration-eligible player.Colorado announced the deal Thursday.Josh Donaldson set the previous mark at $23 million with Toronto last season. The 27-year-old Arenado was set to pass that record even if he went to arbitration. Arenado asked for $30 million earlier this month, while the Rockies offered $24 million.Arenado has won a Gold Glove at third base in each of his six major league seasons. He is a career .291 hitter with 186 home runs, 616 RBIs and an .886 OPS. He batted .297 with an NL-leading 38 homers last season, finishing third in MVP voting while making $17.85 million. Colorado beat Chicago in the NL wild-card game before being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in the Division Series.Arenado is eligible for free agency after the 2019 season and figures to be the top player on the market next offseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Houston shortstop Carlos Correa and Washington outfielder Michael A. Taylor became the first players of the year to go to salary arbitration hearings.Correa asked for a raise from $1 million to $5 million, and the Astros argued for $4.25 million during Thursday's session before arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, James Oldham and Gary Kendellen.Taylor asked for a hike from $2.5 million to $3.5 million, and the Nationals countered with $3.25 million before arbitrators Mark Burstein, James Darby and Matt Goldberg.Decisions are expected Friday.Correa hit .239 with 15 homers and 65 RBIs last season, slowed by a bad back. He batted .315 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs in 2017, helping the Astros win their first World Series title.Taylor hit .227 with six homers and 28 RBIs last year, down from a .271 average with 19 homers and 53 RBIs in 2017.Eleven players remain scheduled for hearings through Feb. 15, including Astros right-handers Gerrit Cole and Chris Devenski, and Washington... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — AL MVP Mookie Betts, NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and major league home run champion Khris Davis reached high-priced one-year deals to avoid salary arbitration, while slugger Nolan Arenado and pitchers Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino and Aaron Nola were among 15 players still on track for hearings.Betts and the World Series champion Boston Red Sox agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract on Friday, a $9.5 million raise that topped pitcher Max Scherzer's $8.8 million hike from Detroit in 2014.Betts' standard didn't last the day, broken when deGrom and the New York Mets agreed at $17 million, a $9.6 million increase.Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor, eligible for the first time, got an even bigger raise. His salary went up more than $9.9 million, from $643,200 to $10.55 million.Davis and the Oakland Athletics reached a $16.5 million deal, a $6 million raise after he hit 48 home runs with a career-high 123 RBIs.Arenado asked for a record $30 million in arbitration... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — AL MVP Mookie Betts, NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and major league home run champion Khris Davis reached high-priced one-year deals to avoid salary arbitration, while slugger Nolan Arenado and pitchers Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino and Aaron Nola were among 15 players still on track for hearings.Betts and the World Series champion Boston Red Sox agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract on Friday, a record $9.5 million raise for a player in arbitration more than one time that topped pitcher Max Scherzer's $8.8 million hike from Detroit in 2014.Betts' standard didn't last the day, broken when deGrom and the New York Mets agreed at $17 million, a $9.6 million increase.Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor, eligible for the first time, got an even bigger raise. His salary went up more than $9.9 million, from $643,200 to $10.55 million.Davis and the Oakland Athletics reached a $16.5 million deal, a $6 million raise after he hit 48 home runs with a career-high 123 RBIs.Arenado... [More]