CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians couldn't afford to keep Francisco Lindor — or let César Hernández go. Weeks after dealing Lindor and starter Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets and cutting $32 million from its payroll, Cleveland signed Hernández to a $5 million contract, one-year after the second baseman's Gold Glove season with the club. Hernández will return for a second season with the Indians, who signed him as a free agent to a $6.25 million, one-year contract late in 2019 after he spent seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Hernández agreed earlier this week to the new deal, which includes a $6 million club option in 2022 with no buyout. The contract was finalized Friday after he completed medical tests. The 30-year-old Hernández was an invaluable addition last season. He led the AL with 20 doubles and helped the Indians secure a wild-card berth. He batted .283 with three homers, 20 RBIs and 35 runs in 58 games of the pandemic-abbreviated season. Defensively, he teamed with... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians couldn't afford to keep Francisco Lindor — or let César Hernández go. Weeks after dealing Lindor and starter Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets and cutting $32 million from its payroll, Cleveland signed Hernández to a $5 million contract, one-year after the second baseman's Gold Glove season with the club. Hernández will return for a second season with the Indians, who signed him as a free agent to a $6.25 million, one-year contract late in 2019 after he spent seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. Hernández agreed earlier this week to the new deal, which includes a $6 million club option in 2022. The contract was finalized Friday after he completed medical tests. The 30-year-old Hernández was an invaluable addition last season. He led the AL with 20 doubles and helped the Indians secure a wild-card berth. He batted .283 with three homers, 20 RBIs and 35 runs in 58 games of the pandemic-abbreviated season. Defensively, he teamed with Lindor to give... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians traded their All-Star shortstop. They're hanging on to their steady second baseman. Free agent César Hernández, who had a strong 2020 season with Cleveland, has agreed to return on a one-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The team and Hernández have an agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, in place and it will become official once medical tests have been completed. Hernandez is playing in Venezuela, and it could be days before the everything is finalized, said the person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is still pending. The signing of Hernández provides some stability to Cleveland's infield, which has a major hole to fill at shortstop following Francisco Lindor's trade to the New York Mets. A switch-hitter, Hernández may move into Lindor's leadoff spot in the lineup. The Indians cleared over $30 million from their payroll in trading Lindor and starter Carlos Carrasco. And while the... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Free agent second baseman César Hernández has agreed to return to the Cleveland Indians on a 1-year contract, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The team and Hernández have an agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, in place and it will become official once medical tests have been completed. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because it could be days before everything is finalized. Hernández had a solid season for the Indians in 2020 after he was signed as a free agent following seven years in Philadelphia. He batted .283 in 58 games, led the AL with 20 doubles and played excellent defense, committing just four errors. His return softens the impact of Cleveland losing All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was traded to the New York Mets earlier this month. The Indians acquired young middle infielders Andres Giménez and Amed Rosario in the Lindor deal and it was expected one of them would play second before Hernández was brought back. The 30-year-old Hernández has a career .277 batting average. He hit a career-high 15 homers in 2018 for the Phillies and led the NL with 11 triples in 2016. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians avoided salary arbitration with catcher Austin Hedges, right-hander Phil Maton and infielder Amed Rosario, agreeing Friday to one-year deals with three players who joined them via trade in the past six months. Hedges will make $3.28 million in 2021, Rosario $2.4 million and Maton $975,000. The salaries of Hedges and Maton are guaranteed. The team began the offseason with seven arbitration eligible players, including All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. But the Indians traded Lindor along with starter Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets for Rosario, infielder Andrés Giménez and two propsects. The 25-year-old Rosario batted .252 in 46 games last season. It’s not clear what the Indians plans are for Rosario, who could be in the mix to replace Lindor. Rosario earned $225,474 prorated from a $608,780 salary. Considered an excellent defensive catcher, the 28-year-old Hedges came to the Indians in July from San Diego as part of the Mike Clevinger deal. Hedges got one hit in 12 at-bats with the Indians in 2020. He made $1,111,111 prorated from a $3 million salary. Also part of the Clevinger deal, Maton will likely have a spot in Cleveland’s bullpen in 2021. The right-hander started well after joining the Indians, but struggled over his last 11 appearances and finished 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA. He earned $211,889 prorated from a $572,100 salary. ___

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets agreed to one-year contracts with eight players Friday to avoid salary arbitration, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Michael Conforto and first baseman-outfielder Dominic Smith. Lindor will earn $22.3 million and Conforto gets $12.25 million in their final years before potentially becoming free agents. Smith agreed to a $2.55 million deal in his first year eligible for arbitration. Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo ($4.7 million) and right-handers Edwin Díaz ($7 million), Seth Lugo ($2,925,00), Miguel Castro ($1,687,500) and Robert Gsellman ($1.3 million) also agreed to one-year deals. Lindor’s is the fourth-biggest one-year contract for an arbitration-eligible player, trailing Mookie Betts ($27 million with Boston last year), Nolan Arenado ($26 million with Colorado in 2019) and Josh Donaldson ($23 million with Toronto in 2018). New York had nine players eligible for arbitration — tied with Pittsburgh for the most among major league teams.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets agreed to one-year contracts with eight players Friday to avoid salary arbitration, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Michael Conforto and first baseman-outfielder Dominic Smith. Lindor will earn $22.3 million and Conforto gets $12.25 million in their final years before potentially becoming free agents, while Smith agreed to a $2.55 million deal in his first year eligible for arbitration. Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo ($4.7 million) and right-handers Edwin Díaz ($7 million), Seth Lugo ($2,925,00), Miguel Castro ($1,687,500) and Robert Gsellman ($1.3 million) also agreed to one-year deals. New York had nine players eligible for arbitration — tied with Pittsburgh for the most among major league teams. The only one who did not reach an agreement by Friday's deadline to exchange proposed salaries was third baseman-outfielder J.D. Davis. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Davis asked for $2,475,000 and the Mets offered him $2.1 million.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets agreed to one-year contracts with eight players Friday to avoid salary arbitration, including shortstop Francisco Lindor, outfielder Michael Conforto and first baseman-outfielder Dominic Smith. Lindor will earn $22.3 million and Conforto gets $12.25 million in their final years before potentially becoming free agents, while Smith agreed to a $2.55 million deal in his first year eligible for arbitration. Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo ($4.7 million) and right-handers Edwin Díaz ($7 million), Seth Lugo ($2,925,00), Miguel Castro ($1,687,500) and Robert Gsellman ($1.3 million) also agreed to one-year deals. New York had nine players eligible for arbitration — tied with Pittsburgh for the most among major league teams. The only one who did not reach an agreement by Friday's deadline to exchange proposed salaries was third baseman-outfielder J.D. Davis. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, Davis asked for $2,475,000 and the Mets offered him $2.1 million.... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians avoided salary arbitration with catcher Austin Hedges, right-hander Phil Maton and infielder Amed Rosario, agreeing Friday to one-year deals with three players who joined them via trade in the past six months. Hedges will make $3.28 million in 2021, Rosario $2.4 million and Maton $975,000. The team began the offseason with seven arbitration eligible players, including All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor. But the Indians traded Lindor along with starter Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets for Rosario, infielder Andrés Giménez and two propsects. The 25-year-old Rosario batted .252 in 46 games last season. It’s not clear what the Indians plans are for Rosario, who could be in the mix to replace Lindor. Rosario earned $225,474 prorated from a $608,780 salary. Considered an excellent defensive catcher, the 28-year-old Hedges came to the Indians in July from San Diego as part of the Mike Clevinger deal. Hedges got one hit in 12 at-bats with the Indians in 2020. He made $1,111,111 prorated from a $3 million salary. Also part of the Clevinger deal, Maton will likely have a spot in Cleveland’s bullpen in 2021. The right-hander started well after joining the Indians, but struggled over his last 11 appearances and finished 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA. He earned $211,889 prorated from a $572,100 salary. ___

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Carrasco got a welcome call from new Mets owner Steven Cohen. “He was so excited. He can’t wait to meet me. I can’t wait to meet him, too,” the pitcher said Tuesday. “The way he talked, the way he said everything is — he looked like a really nice guy.” New York has bulked up since Cohen completed his $2.4 billion purchase of New York from the Wilpon and Katz families on Nov. 6. Carrasco is expecting a postseason contender. “I’m so happy right now. I wish spring training started next week, to meet everyone and start wearing this jersey,” Carrasco said during a news conference. “It’s something really important for me, just wearing this jersey right now.” Carrasco and All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor were acquired from Cleveland last week for infielders Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario plus a pair of minor league prospects: right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene. A right-hander who turns 34 in March, Carrasco missed three months of the 2019 season while... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Francisco Lindor smiled widely for a full 40 minutes, enthralled to join a New York Mets team bulking up under new owner Steven Cohen. “They say it’s probably very contagious,” the Mets' new shortstop said. “I’m living my dream. I’m living the life I always wanted, so I don’t see why not.” Cleveland traded the four-time All-Star to New York along with pitcher Carlos Carrasco on Thursday for infielders Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario plus a pair of minor league prospects, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene. “I’m excited to be with the Mets organization. I’m not against a long term. I’m not against it,” Lindor said in a news conference from Florida, wearing his new team’s royal blue cap. “It has to make sense of both sides.” Lindor said he would not want to negotiate once he starts spring training, preferring to focus then on playing and hopefully winning. He earned $6,481,481 prorated from a $17.5 million salary last year, is eligible for arbitration next... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians drafted and developed Francisco Lindor, who blossomed into an All-Star shortstop and one of baseball's best all-around players. Cleveland chased a World Series title with him. They'll now do it without Lindor. Knowing they could never meet his price, the Indians dealt the four-time All-Star and pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets, who have a new owner willing to spend at baseball's highest levels in order to get his franchise back on top. The cash-strapped Indians sent Lindor and Carrasco to the Mets on Thursday for young infielders Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario, and two minor league prospects: right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene. It's a move Cleveland hopes can keep it competitive and capable of ending baseball’s longest title drought. The Indians knew this day was coming. That didn't make it any easier. “They’re special people in addition to special players,” said Chris Antonetti, the team's president of baseball operations, adding... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians drafted and developed Francisco Lindor, who blossomed into an All-Star shortstop and one of baseball's best all-around players. Cleveland chased a World Series title with him. They'll now do it without Lindor. Knowing they could never meet his price, the Indians dealt the four-time All-Star and pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets, who have a new owner willing to spend at baseball's highest levels in order to get his franchise back on top. The cash-strapped Indians sent Lindor and Carrasco to the Mets on Thursday for infielders Andrés Giménez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene — a move Cleveland hopes can keep it competitive and capable of ending baseball’s longest title drought. The Indians knew this day was coming. That didn't make it any easier. “They’re special people in addition to special players,” said Chris Antonetti, the team's president of baseball operations, adding he cried when informing the players they... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Francisco Lindor is moving to a new city and team that is willing to meet his salary demands. The four-time Cleveland All-Star shortstop — one of baseball's best all-around players — was traded Thursday by the Indians along with pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets, who have a new owner willing to spend at baseball's highest levels. “They did not come cheaply,” Mets president Sandy Alderson said. “What we’re trying to do is create a new reality rather than deal with perception." The cash-strapped Indians sent Lindor and Carrasco to the Mets for infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene — a move Cleveland hopes will keep it competitive and capable of ending baseball's longest World Series title drought. Dealing Lindor, who is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season, was inevitable for the mid-market Indians, who are unable to compete financially with MLB's big spenders and dropped roughly $30 million in... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Francisco Lindor is moving to a new city and team that is willing to meet his salary demands. The four-time Cleveland All-Star shortstop — and one of baseball's best all-around players — was traded Thursday by the Indians along with pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets, who have a new owner willing to spend at baseball's highest levels. The cash-strapped Indians sent Lindor and Carrasco to the Mets for infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene — a move Cleveland hopes will keep it competitive and capable of ending baseball's longest World Series title drought. Dealing Lindor, who is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season, was inevitable for the mid-market Indians, who are unable to compete financially with MLB's big spenders and dropped roughly $30 million in dealing two prominent players and fan favorites. “These are people we care about, not just players, and guys that loved the organization and have... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians traded four-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the New York Mets on Thursday. Cleveland obtained infielders Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario, right-hander Josh Wolf and outfielder Isaiah Greene. Hedge fund owner Steven Cohen bought the Mets on Nov. 6 from the Wilpon and Katz families and pledges to increase spending. The 27-year-old Lindor is one of baseball's best all-around players, capable of winning games with his bat, glove or legs. He's a career .285 hitter and averaged 29 homers, 86 RBIs and 21 steals in his six major league seasons — all in Cleveland. He has also been the face of the Indians' franchise, with an infectious smile and joy for playing that has made him one of Cleveland's most popular athletes. Carrasco is one of the game's best comeback stories, overcoming leukemia to become one of the AL's steadiest starters. The 33-year-old has a 88-73 career record with a 3.73 ERA. Once the Indians’ pandemic-shortened... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets and Noah Syndergaard agreed to a $9.7 million, one-year contract Tuesday for next season, when the injured right-hander hopes to return from Tommy John surgery. The Mets and Syndergaard avoided arbitration by settling on the same salary Syndergaard was set to make in 2020. He ended up earning $3,592,593 when the season was shortened to 60 games by the coronavirus pandemic. Syndergaard had reconstructive right elbow surgery in March, shortly after spring training was suspended by Major League Baseball because of the coronavirus. He missed the entire regular season and should be on track to return in the middle of the 2021 season. The Mets have nine players still eligible to swap arbitration figures Jan. 15 if no deal is reached: hitters Michael Conforto, J.D. Davis, Brandon Nimmo, Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith, along with pitchers Miguel Castro, Edwin Díaz, Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Like so many things in everyday life this year, little went according to plan for the New York Mets. And with a change in ownership pending, more upheaval could be coming soon. After starting 2020 with such high hopes, the Mets finished 26-34 under rookie manager Luis Rojas in a rocky season cut short by the coronavirus. They tied Washington for last in the NL East and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year — even with the field expanded to eight teams per league. “That’s pretty frustrating,” said ace Jacob deGrom, who delivered another stellar performance on the mound. “There’s a lot of disappointment.” With slugger Pete Alonso powering a young corps of rising hitters, a second-half surge last year propelled New York to an 86-76 record and generated optimism. Former star Carlos Beltrán was hired as manager to replace Mickey Callaway, and the Mets set about beefing up their pitching staff in free agency. That's when everything went haywire. Beltrán was let go after... [More]

Phillies second. Jean Segura doubles to right center field. Andrew Knapp doubles, advances to 3rd. Jean Segura scores. Fielding error by Andres Gimenez. Scott Kingery walks. Adam Haseley out on a sacrifice fly to deep left field to Jeff McNeil. Andrew Knapp scores. Roman Quinn singles to right field. Scott Kingery to third. Andrew McCutchen reaches on a fielder's choice to shallow infield. Roman Quinn to third. Scott Kingery scores. Bryce Harper strikes out swinging. Andrew McCutchen picked off.3 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 left on. Phillies 3, Mets 0.Phillies third. Alec Bohm grounds out to shortstop, Andres Gimenez to Dominic Smith. Didi Gregorius flies out to center field to Brandon Nimmo. Jean Segura homers to left field. Andrew Knapp grounds out to shallow infield, Robinson Cano to Dominic Smith.1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 left on. Phillies 4, Mets 0.Mets fourth. J.D. Davis doubles to deep center field. Dominic Smith grounds out to second base, Scott Kingery to Alec Bohm. J.D. Davis to... [More]

Mets first. Jeff McNeil singles to shallow right field. J.D. Davis lines out to deep left center field to Lourdes Gurriel Jr.. Michael Conforto called out on strikes. Todd Frazier singles to shallow center field. Jeff McNeil to second. Dominic Smith singles to left center field. Todd Frazier out at home. Jeff McNeil scores.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Mets 1, Blue jays 0.Blue jays second. Randal Grichuk singles to deep right field. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. homers to left field. Randal Grichuk scores. Jonathan Villar pops out to shallow infield to Todd Frazier. Jonathan Davis walks. Santiago Espinal pops out to shallow infield to David Peterson. Danny Jansen lines out to deep right field to Michael Conforto.2 runs, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Blue jays 2, Mets 1.Blue jays sixth. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. walks. Randal Grichuk walks. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to second. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. walks. Randal Grichuk to second. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to third. Jonathan Villar walks. Lourdes Gurriel Jr.... [More]