CHICAGO (AP) — Left-hander Dallas Keuchel's $20 million option for 2023 in his contract with the Chicago White Sox would become guaranteed if he pitches 320 regular-season innings in 2021-22 combined, including at least 160 in 2022, and he passes a physical at the end of the 2022 season.Keuchel's $55.5 million, three-year deal, announced Dec. 30, calls for salaries of $18 million in each of the next three seasons and a $20 million team option for 2023 with a $1.5 million buyout. Including the option, the contract would be worth $74 million over four years.He has a full no-trade provision through Oct. 31, then a provision through Oct. 31, 2021, allowing him to block trades to 10 teams without his consent. For the remainder of the contract, he has a provision allowing him to block trades to five teams without his consent.The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner with Houston, Keuchel would get $100,000 for winning a Cy Young, $90,000 for finishing second in the voting, $80,000 for third, $70,000... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Robert is locked in with the Chicago White Sox — for the next six years at least, and possibly for the opening day lineup, too.The White Sox and their prized young outfielder agreed Thursday to a $50 million, six-year contract, clearing the way for Robert start the season in the majors.The deal, which includes club options for 2026 and 2027, removes the incentive for the White Sox to keep the 22-year-old Cuban off their opening day roster to limit his service time and delay his eventual free agency.“People are understandably focused on what, potentially, this means for our opening day roster,” Hahn said. “I understand the focus on the 2020 season. But it’s really just much more about the long term and having Luis Robert patrolling center field for hopefully at least the next eight years in a White Sox uniform.”Robert said through an interpreter he is “100% convinced” he will start the season in the majors and is relieved he won’t have to worry about beginning the year... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Robert is locked in with the Chicago White Sox — for the next six years at least, and possibly for the opening day lineup, too.The White Sox and their prized young outfielder agreed Thursday to a $50 million, six-year contract, clearing the way for Robert start the season in the majors.The deal, which includes club options for 2026 and 2027, removes the incentive for the White Sox to keep the 22-year-old Cuban off their opening day roster to limit his service time and delay his eventual free agency.“People are understandably focused on what, potentially, this means for our opening day roster,” Hahn said. “I understand the focus on the 2020 season. But it’s really just much more about the long term and having Luis Robert patrolling center field for hopefully at least the next eight years in a White Sox uniform.”Robert said through an interpreter he is “100% convinced” he will start the season in the majors and is relieved he won’t have to worry about beginning the year... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and Luis Robert agreed Thursday to a $50 million, six-year contract, clearing the way for the prized outfielder to open the season in the majors.The deal, which also includes club options for 2026 and 2027, removes the incentive for the White Sox to keep the 22-year-old Cuban off their opening day roster to limit his service time and delay his eventual free agency.“I risked everything when I left Cuba to pursue this dream, and now I know the whole process and all my sacrifices will be rewarded,” Robert said in a statement. “My next step is to keep working as hard as ever, but now with more dedication and desire to help my team achieve our ultimate goal of winning championships.”Robert combined to hit .328 with 32 home runs, 92 RBIs, 108 runs and 36 stolen bases last season at Class A, Double-A and Triple-A. He was the first minor leaguer since Joc Pederson in 2014 with at least 30 homers and 30 steals and the first White Sox prospect to do it since at... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and Luis Robert agreed Thursday to a $50 million, six-year contract, clearing the way for the prized outfielder to open the season in the majors.The White Sox can add the 22-year-old Cuban to their opening day roster if they think he is ready rather than hold him in the minors because of service time issues.“I risked everything when I left Cuba to pursue this dream, and now I know the whole process and all my sacrifices will be rewarded,” Robert said in a statement. “My next step is to keep working as hard as ever, but now with more dedication and desire to help my team achieve our ultimate goal of winning championships.”Robert combined to hit .328 with 32 home runs, 92 RBIs, 108 runs and 36 stolen bases last season at Class A, Double-A and Triple-A. He was the first minor leaguer since Joc Pederson in 2014 with at least 30 homers and 30 steals and the first White Sox prospect to do it since at least 1988. Robert ranked among the minor league leaders... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Looking at the Chicago White Sox, Dallas Keuchel saw a team on the rise, a solid catching situation and a clubhouse with a positive reputation.There also was a hidden bonus.“Just being on the South Side, the black and white, really bodes well not only, I think, for my skillset, but for also my clothing apparel as well,” Keuchel said.Chicago finalized a $55.5 million, three-year contract with Keuchel on Monday, adding an accomplished left-hander to the mix of young pitching talent on the White Sox.The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner will earn $18 million in salary each of the next three seasons. The White Sox hold a $20 million option for 2023 with a $1.5 million buyout.“We view this as the next logical step in our process, one that was a high priority for us entering this offseason," general manager Rick Hahn said, “and that being adding someone who not only helps stabilize the rotation, but someone who is going to be a key contributor inside the clubhouse as well."Keuchel,... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and former AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel finalized a $55.5 million, three-year contract on Monday.Keuchel will earn $18 million in salary each of the next three seasons. The White Sox hold a $20 million option for 2023 with a $1.5 million buyout.The 31-year-old left-hander won the AL Cy Young Award with the Houston Astros in 2015 but struggled to find work last offseason as a free agent. He signed a roughly $13 million, one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in June and went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA for the NL East champions. The long-bearded veteran joins catcher Yasmani Grandal and slugger Edwin Encarnación as major additions to the White Sox this offseason. Grandal signed a $73 million, four-year contract with Chicago last month, and Encarnación agreed last week to a $12 million, one-year deal.The White Sox also brought back slugger Jose Abreu on a $50 million, three-year deal, acquired outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers and added... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a $12 million, one-year contract with veteran slugger Edwin Encarnación, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.Encarnación is due $11 million in salary next season and a $1 million signing bonus, with the White Sox holding an option for the 2021 season. Encarnación hit 34 home runs in 109 games for Seattle and the Yankees last season. The three-time All-Star led the American League with 21 homers when the Mariners dealt him to New York in June. But the Yankees declined an option for next season after he was limited by oblique problems down the stretch.Encarnación batted .249 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 44 regular-season games with the Yankees. He hit .308 while New York pounded Minnesota in the AL Division Series, but slumped badly in the AL Championship Series against Houston.Encarnación, turns 37 on Jan.... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a $12 million, one-year contract with veteran slugger Edwin Encarnación, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday night.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.Encarnación is due $11 million in salary next season and a $1 million signing bonus, with the White Sox holding an option for the 2021 season. Encarnación hit 34 home runs in 109 games for Seattle and the Yankees last season. The three-time All-Star led the American League with 21 homers when the Mariners dealt him to New York in June. But the Yankees declined an option for next season after he was limited by oblique problems down the stretch.Encarnación batted .249 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 44 regular-season games with the Yankees. He hit .308 while New York pounded Minnesota in the AL Division Series, but slumped badly in the AL Championship Series against Houston.Encarnación, turns 37 on Jan.... [More]

The Chicago White Sox and left-hander Dallas Keuchel have agreed to a $55.5 million, three-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday night because the agreement had not been announced. Keuchel's deal includes a vesting option for 2023 that would bring the total value to $74 million.The 31-year-old Keuchel won the AL Cy Young Award with the Houston Astros in 2015 but struggled to find work last offseason as a free agent. He signed a roughly $13 million, one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in June and went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA for the NL East champions. The long-bearded veteran joins catcher Yasmani Grandal as a big-money addition to the White Sox this offseason. Grandal signed a $73 million, four-year contract with Chicago last month. The White Sox also brought back slugger Jose Abreu on a $50 million, three-year deal, acquired outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers and added lefty starter Gio... [More]

The Chicago White Sox and left-hander Dallas Keuchel have agreed to a $55 million, three-year deal, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday night because the agreement had not been announced. Keuchel's deal includes a vesting option for 2023 that would bring the total value to $74 million.The 31-year-old Keuchel won the AL Cy Young Award with the Houston Astros in 2015 but struggled to find work last offseason as a free agent. He signed a roughly $13 million, one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves in June and went 8-8 with a 3.75 ERA for the NL East champions. The long-bearded veteran joins catcher Yasmani Grandal as a big-money addition to the White Sox this offseason. Grandal signed a $73 million, four-year contract with Chicago last month. The White Sox also brought back slugger Jose Abreu on a $50 million, three-year deal, acquired outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers and added lefty starter Gio Gonzalez... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The White Sox boosted their starting rotation, finalizing a $5 million, one-year contract with two-time All-Star Gio González that includes a 2021 club option.The deal announced Friday calls for a $4.5 million salary in 2020 and gives the White Sox a $7 million option for 2021 with a $500,000 buyout. He can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses in 2020 based on starts: $250,000 each for 15, 20, 25 and 30.The 34-year-old left-hander finally will get a chance to pitch for the team that took him with the No. 38 overall pick in the 2004 amateur draft. Chicago dealt González to Philadelphia following the 2005 season as part of the trade that sent Aaron Rowand to the Phillies for Jim Thome, then reacquired González a year later along with Gavin Floyd for Freddy García. The White Sox traded González to Oakland for Nick Swisher in January 2008.González debuted with the Athletics in 2008 and is 130-99 with a 3.68 ERA over 12 years with Oakland (2008-11), Washington... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — A mostly dreary winter meetings lacking spectacular swaps will be remembered as the Scott Boras show.Baseball's most prominent agent dominated each of the three full days of meetings with a nine-figure contract, deals for Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon that totaled $814 million.Just two trades were announced: The San Francisco Giants acquired shortstop Zack Cozart and infield prospect Will Wilson from the Los Angeles Angels for a player to be named or cash, and the Chicago White Sox obtained outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers for outfield prospect Steele Walker."I think it's hard to say that there hasn't been a trend," new Boston Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said. "It's important not to get too focused on artificial timetables. You want to be prepared to do something when you think it's going to help you, but you don't want to force anything."The podium and dais remained in nearly pristine condition, hosting just one player announcement:... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Gerrit Cole quickly ended Stephen Strasburg's tenure as baseball's highest-paid pitcher.Cole agreed to a $324 million, nine-year contract with the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced. Cole's deal established marks for pitchers in total dollars, topping the $245 million, seven-year contract Stephen Strasburg finalized a day earlier to remain with the World Series champion Washington Nationals. Its $36 million average is a record for any player, beating the $35.5 million in outfielder Mike Trout's $426.5 million, 12-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels that started last season. Cole gets an even $36 million annually and can opt out after the 2024 season. He also has a full no-trade provision.After finalizing the agreement for 31-year-old Strasburg, agent Scott Boras predicted he would go even high for Cole, a 29-year-old right-hander.Cole... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Gerrit Cole quickly ended Stephen Strasburg's tenure as baseball's highest-paid pitcher.Cole agreed to a $324 million, nine-year contract with the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced. Cole's deal established marks for pitchers in total dollars, topping the $245 million, seven-year contract Stephen Strasburg finalized a day earlier to remain with the World Series champion Washington Nationals. Its $36 million average is a record for any player, beating the $35.5 million in outfielder Mike Trout's $426.5 million, 12-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels that started last season. Cole gets an even $36 million annually and can opt out after the 2024 season. He also has a full no-trade provision.After finalizing the agreement for 31-year-old Strasburg, agent Scott Boras predicted he would go even high for Cole, a 29-year-old right-hander.Cole... [More]

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox acquired right fielder Nomar Mazara from the Texas Rangers for minor league outfielder Steele Walker on Tuesday night.The clubs announced the deal at baseball’s annual winter meetings.The 24-year-old Mazara has tantalizing power but produced mixed results over his first four big league seasons. The 6-foot-4 slugger batted .268 with 19 home runs, 66 RBIs and a .786 OPS this year.“He looks like he's 7 foot every time I see him in the box,” White Sox manager Rick Renteria said earlier Tuesday. “Runs extremely well for a big guy. Can defend. Good arm. Brings a lot of qualities to the plate. Can pop one in the seats as quickly as anybody.”Mazara projects to make about $5.5 million in arbitration and is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.Walker was a second-round draft pick out of the University of Oklahoma in 2018. He batted .284 with 10 homers and 62 RBIs across two Class A teams in his first full pro season.“He is a really good hitter, with both power and an advanced approach, and has an aggressive, winning on-field makeup,” said Jon Daniels, Texas’ president of baseball operations.___Follow Jake Seiner: https://twitter.com/Jake_Seiner___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

HOUSTON (AP) — George Springer hit a career-high three homers, Justin Verlander posted his MLB-leading 20th win and the Houston Astros clinched their third straight AL West title in grand fashion, routing the Los Angeles Angels 13-5 on Sunday.A crowd at Minute Maid Park that was cheering from Verlander's first pitch got even louder as Springer homered three times in the first four innings. The Astros kept breaking away and improved to 102-54, a half-game ahead of the New York Yankees for the best record in the majors.After the final out, the Astros held a bouncing group hug in the middle of the diamond and posed for a team picture. It hasn't been determined who they will face in the playoffs as they try for their second World Series championship in three years.Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series, had two chances to tie the big league record for home runs in a game. He popped up with the bases loaded in the fifth and grounded out in the seventh.Verlander (20-6) yielded six hits and... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — George Springer hit a career-high three homers, Justin Verlander posted his MLB-leading 20th win and the Houston Astros clinched their third straight AL West title in grand fashion, routing the Los Angeles Angels 13-5 on Sunday.A crowd at Minute Maid Park that was cheering from Verlander's first pitch got even louder as Springer homered three times in the first four innings. The Astros kept breaking away and improved to 102-54, a half-game ahead of the New York Yankees for the best record in the majors.After the final out, the Astros held a bouncing group hug in the middle of the diamond and posed for a team picture. It hasn't been determined who they will face in the playoffs as they try for their second World Series championship in three years.Springer, the MVP of the 2017 World Series, had two chances to tie the big league record for home runs in a game. He popped up with the bases loaded in the fifth and grounded out in the seventh.Verlander (20-6) yielded six hits and... [More]

Astros fifth. Yordan Alvarez called out on strikes. Yuli Gurriel homers to right field. Carlos Correa strikes out swinging. Robinson Chirinos singles to right field. Josh Reddick walks. Robinson Chirinos to second. George Springer flies out to deep center field to Delino DeShields.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Astros 1, Rangers 0.Astros sixth. Jose Altuve called out on strikes. Michael Brantley flies out to right field to Nomar Mazara. Alex Bregman homers to left field. Yordan Alvarez homers to center field. Yuli Gurriel grounds out to third base, Nick Solak to Danny Santana.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 0 left on. Astros 3, Rangers 0.Rangers seventh. Nomar Mazara homers to left field. Danny Santana doubles to right field. Nick Solak called out on strikes. Rougned Odor strikes out swinging. Delino DeShields flies out to right center field to Josh Reddick.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 3, Rangers 1.Astros seventh. Carlos Correa lines out to shortstop to Elvis Andrus. Robinson Chirinos triples to left field. Josh Reddick flies out to shallow right field to Nomar Mazara. George Springer singles to shortstop. Robinson Chirinos scores. Jose Altuve reaches on a fielder's choice to second base. George Springer out at second.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Astros 4, Rangers 1.

Rangers second. Nick Solak grounds out to third base, Matt Chapman to Matt Olson. Nomar Mazara flies out to deep center field to Mark Canha. Danny Santana singles to left field. Rougned Odor homers to center field. Danny Santana scores. Delino DeShields walks. Jose Trevino pinch-hitting for Jeff Mathis. Jose Trevino singles to right field. Delino DeShields scores. Shin-Soo Choo strikes out swinging.3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Rangers 3, Athletics 0.Athletics third. Josh Phegley grounds out to shallow infield, Nick Solak to Danny Santana. Marcus Semien singles to left field. Ramon Laureano singles to left field. Marcus Semien to second. Matt Chapman homers to left field. Ramon Laureano scores. Marcus Semien scores. Matt Olson reaches on error. Fielding error by Nick Solak. Khris Davis strikes out swinging. Mark Canha flies out to shallow center field to Delino DeShields.3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Athletics 3, Rangers 3.Athletics fourth. Chad Pinder singles to left field.... [More]