NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have agreed to a $19 million, two-year contract with free agent catcher Wilson Ramos, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.The agreement signals an end to the Mets' pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto. Instead, New York turned to a two-time All-Star coming off a strong year with the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal has not been announced and is pending a physical.He would get $8.25 million next year and $9.25 in 2020, and the Mets would have a $10 million option with a $1.5 million buyout.The 31-year-old Ramos batted .306 with 15 home runs and an .845 OPS last season, ranking fifth among catchers in Wins Above Replacement at 2.4, via Fangraphs.New York officials met last week with Ramos at the winter meetings in Las Vegas and with Yasmani Grandal, another free agent catcher, in Arizona. Ramos became the priority for the Mets, partly because... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have agreed to a $19 million, two-year contract with free agent catcher Wilson Ramos, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.The agreement signals an end to the Mets' pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto. Instead, New York turned to a two-time All-Star coming off a strong year with the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal has not been announced and is pending a physical.The 31-year-old Ramos batted .306 with 15 home runs and an .845 OPS last season, ranking fifth among catchers in Wins Above Replacement at 2.4, via Fangraphs.New York officials met last week with Ramos at the winter meetings in Las Vegas and with Yasmani Grandal, another free agent catcher, in Arizona. Ramos became the priority for the Mets, partly because of compensation required for signing Grandal, who turned down a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers.... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have agreed to a $19.5 million, two-year contract with free agent catcher Wilson Ramos, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.The deal likely signals an end to the Mets' pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto. Instead, New York will turn to a two-time All-Star in Ramos who is coming off a strong year with the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal has not been announced and is still pending a physical.The 31-year-old Ramos batted .306 with 15 home runs and an .845 OPS last season, ranking fifth among catchers in Wins Above Replacement at 2.4, via Fangraphs.New York officials met last week with Ramos at the winter meetings in Las Vegas and with Yasmani Grandal, another free agent catcher, in Arizona. Ramos became the priority for the Mets, partly because of compensation required for signing Grandal, who turned down a $17.9 million qualifying offer... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says the New York Mets have agreed to a $19.5 million, two-year deal with free agent catcher Wilson Ramos.The deal likely signals an end to the Mets' pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto. Instead, New York will turn to a two-time All-Star in Ramos who is coming off a strong year with the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal has not been announced and is still pending a physical.Ramos batted .306 with 15 home runs and an .845 OPS last season. He made the All-Star team but missed the game with a hamstring injury. The 31-year-old also tore his right ACL late in the 2016 season while with the Washington Nationals.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — In a story Dec. 15 about Yonder Alonso's trade to the Chicago White Sox, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Alonso is married to the sister of star slugger Manny Machado. Machado is married to Alonso's sister.A corrected version of the story is below:Indians send 1B Alonso to White Sox for outfielder Alex CallIndians' offseason makeover keeps going with trade of 1st baseman Yonder Alonso to White SoxCLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have made another offseason move, trading first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Chicago White Sox.Cleveland gets 24-year-old outfielder Alex Call in a deal made official Saturday. Call has yet to make his major league debut. The Indians also rid themselves of Alonso's entire $8 million salary for 2019.It's been a busy week for the three-time AL Central champions, who traded slugger Edwin Encarnacion and infielder Yandy Diaz and re-acquired first baseman Carlos Santana in a three-team trade on the final day of the winter meetings... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — In a story Dec. 15 about Yonder Alonso's trade to the Chicago White Sox, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Alonso is married to the sister of star slugger Manny Machado. Machado is married to Alonso's sister.A corrected version of the story is below:AP source: White Sox acquire 1B Alonso in trade with IndiansAP source: Chicago White Sox acquire first baseman Yonder Alonso in trade with Cleveland IndiansBy JAY COHENAP Sports WriterCHICAGO (AP) — First baseman Yonder Alonso was traded to the Chicago White Sox by the Cleveland Indians on Friday in a deal between AL Central rivals that could have broad implications for both teams the rest of the offseason.A person familiar with the trade confirmed it on condition of anonymity because the clubs had not yet announced the swap. Stadium first reported Alonso was headed to the White Sox.Chicago sent minor league outfielder Alex Call to Cleveland for Alonso, who hit .250 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 145 games this year... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Free agent first baseman Matt Adams has an agreement to return to the Washington Nationals, pending a successful physical exam.A person familiar with the deal confirmed to The Associated Press that Adams and the Nationals agreed to a $4 million, one-year contract with a mutual option for 2020. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club had not made an announcement.Adams was traded by Washington to St. Louis in August for $50,000. He hit .158 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 27 games with the Cardinals.The 30-year-old Adams is expected to split time at first base again with Ryan Zimmerman. The agreement was first reported by the Athletic.Getting Adams is the latest move this offseason for Washington, which signed left-handed starter Patrick Corbin and catcher Kurt Suzuki, traded for catcher Yan Gomes and is waiting to see what happens with star outfielder Bryce Harper.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — First baseman Justin Bour and the Angels have finalized a $2.5 million, one-year contract, giving Los Angeles depth while Albert Pujols recovers from surgery.Bour can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances under the deal announced Saturday: $125,000 each for 350, 400, 450 and 500.The 30-year-old hit 20 homers and drove in 59 runs with the Marlins and Phillies last season. He played 112 of his 141 games with Miami before an August trade to Philadelphia.Bour didn't find a regular spot with Philadelphia down the stretch. The Phillies wouldn't have a spot for him this year, either, after moving Rhys Hoskins back to first base and signing corner outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a $50 million, three-year contract during the winter meetings.Bour batted .227, missing time late with an oblique strain. He's hit 83 home runs over the last four years.He earned $3.4 million last season after beating Miami in salary arbitration, and then became a free agent last month when Philadelphia didn't offer a 2019 contract.Pujols, who turns 39 next month, is working back from surgery on his left knee and right elbow and hasn't yet swung a bat. He had season-ending knee surgery in August followed by the elbow procedure in September to remove bone spurs.He's likely to see more games at designated hitter while two-way star Shohei Ohtani recovers from Tommy John surgery.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have made another offseason move, trading first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Chicago White Sox.Cleveland gets 24-year-old outfielder Alex Call in a deal made official Saturday. Call has yet to make his major league debut. The Indians also rid themselves of Alonso's entire $8 million salary for 2019.It's been a busy week for the three-time AL Central champions, who traded slugger Edwin Encarnacion and infielder Yandy Diaz and re-acquired first baseman Carlos Santana in a three-team trade on the final day of the winter meetings in Las Vegas."We've had a couple of goals going into the offseason and that's foremost trying to make sure we have a team that's capable of winning the American League Central in 2019 but also position the organization for sustained success beyond that," Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. "There are a couple ways to do that. One is to infuse young, controllable talent into the organization. The second... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Boston should be happy to pay this tax bill.The World Series champion Red Sox owe $11,951,091 in luxury tax for having baseball's top payroll, according to final calculations by the commissioner's office obtained by The Associated Press. The only other team that owes is the Washington Nationals, who must pay $2,386,097, their second straight year with a bill.Because Boston was more than $40 million over the tax threshold, it became the first team to incur a new penalty put in place for the 2018 season: the top Red Sox selection in next June's amateur draft will be dropped 10 places. Boston's top pick had been projected to be No. 33 overall before the penalty.Boston has owed tax in the years of three of its four titles this century, paying $3,148,962 in 2004 and $6,064,287 in 2007. The Red Sox stayed under the tax threshold when they won in 2013. The only other championship teams to owe since the tax began in 2003 were the 2009 New York Yankees at $25.7 million and the 2016... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have made another offseason move, trading first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Chicago White Sox.Cleveland gets 24-year-old outfielder Alex Call in a deal made official Saturday. Call has yet to make his major league debut. The Indians also rid themselves of Alonso's entire $8 million salary for 2019.It's been a busy week for the three-time AL Central champions, who traded slugger Edwin Encarnacion and infielder Yandy Diaz and re-acquired first baseman Carlos Santana in a three-team trade on the final day of the winter meetings in Las Vegas."We've had a couple of goals going into the offseason and that's foremost trying to make sure we have a team that's capable of winning the American League Central in 2019 but also position the organization for sustained success beyond that," Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said. "There are a couple ways to do that. One is to infuse young, controllable talent into the organization. The second... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have made another offseason move, trading first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Chicago White Sox.Cleveland gets 24-year-old outfielder Alex Call in a deal made official Saturday. Call has yet to make his major league debut. The Indians also rid themselves of Alonso's entire $8 million salary for 2019.It's been a busy week for the three-time AL Central champions, who traded slugger Edwin Encarnacion and infielder Yandy Diaz and re-acquired first baseman Carlos Santana in a three-team trade on the final day of the winter meetings in Las Vegas.Cleveland may not be done. The club has considered trading either ace Corey Kluber or All-Star Trevor Bauer. The Indians have outfield needs and are looking to rebuild their bullpen.Alonso batted .250 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in his only season with the Indians, who signed him as a free agent last December.This deal between AL Central rivals could have broad implications for both teams the rest of the offseason.Chicago... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have made another offseason move, trading first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Chicago White Sox.In exchange, Cleveland gets 24-year-old outfielder Alex Call, who has yet to make his major league debut. The Indians also got rid of Alonso's entire $8 million salary for 2019.It's been a busy week for the three-time AL Central champions, who traded slugger Edwin Encarnacion and infielder Yandy Diaz and re-acquired first baseman Carlos Santana in a three-team trade on the final day of the winter meetings in Las Vegas.Cleveland may not be done. The club has considered trading either ace Corey Kluber or All-Star Trevor Bauer. The Indians have outfield needs and are looking to rebuild their bullpen.Alonso batted .250 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in his only season with the Indians, who signed him as a free agent last December.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — First baseman Yonder Alonso was traded to the Chicago White Sox by the Cleveland Indians on Friday in a deal between AL Central rivals that could have broad implications for both teams the rest of the offseason.A person familiar with the trade confirmed it on condition of anonymity because the clubs had not yet announced the swap. Stadium first reported Alonso was headed to the White Sox.Chicago sent minor league outfielder Alex Call to Cleveland for Alonso, who hit .250 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 145 games this year during his only season with the Indians.Cleveland reacquired first baseman and designated hitter Carlos Santana from Philadelphia in a three-team trade on Thursday, making Alonso expendable. The White Sox deal moves Alonso's $8 million salary for 2019 off the Indians' payroll, giving them more flexibility if they want to keep their deep rotation intact.Chicago already has Jose Abreu at first base, but he played in just 128 games last season due to injuries... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Chicago White Sox have acquired first baseman Yonder Alonso in a trade with the Cleveland Indians.Chicago sent minor league outfielder Alex Call to Cleveland for Alonso, who hit .250 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 145 games this year during his only season with the Indians.The person spoke Friday night on condition of anonymity because the teams had not announced the swap. Stadium first reported Alonso was headed to the White Sox.Cleveland reacquired first baseman and designated hitter Carlos Santana from Philadelphia in a three-team trade on Thursday, making Alonso expendable. The trade saves the Indians money, perhaps giving them a better chance to keep their deep rotation together.Chicago already has Jose Abreu at first base, but he played in just 128 games last season due to injuries and could see more time at DH with the addition of Alonso. The 31-year-old Alonso also is married to the sister of star slugger Manny Machado, a rumored target for the White Sox in free agency.___AP Sports Writer Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed to this report.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Chicago White Sox have acquired first baseman Yonder Alonso in a trade with the Cleveland Indians.Chicago sent minor league outfielder Alex Call to Cleveland for Alonso, who hit .250 with 23 homers and 83 RBIs in 145 games this year during his only season with the Indians.The person spoke Friday night on condition of anonymity because the teams had not announced the swap. Stadium first reported Alonso was headed to the White Sox.Cleveland reacquired first baseman and designated hitter Carlos Santana from Philadelphia in a three-team trade on Thursday, making Alonso expendable. The trade likely saves the Indians some money, perhaps giving them a better chance to keep their deep rotation together.Chicago already has Jose Abreu at first base, but he played in just 128 games last season due to injuries and could see more time at DH with the addition of Alonso. The 31-year-old Alonso also is married to the sister of star slugger Manny Machado, a rumored target for the White Sox in free agency.___AP Sports Writer Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed to this report.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Athletics third baseman Matt Chapman had surgery Friday on his left shoulder, his second operation this offseason.Dr. William Workman performed a distal clavicle resection procedure on Chapman's shoulder, the team said Friday. The Gold Glove Award winner is expected to begin swinging a bat in six weeks.The team said Chapman felt discomfort in the shoulder during offseason workouts. Chapman also had surgery on his right thumb Oct. 16 and was expected to recover fully from that operation by spring training.Chapman batted .278 with 24 home runs in a breakout season. He won his first Gold Glove and finished seventh in AL MVP voting.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DETROIT (AP) — Shortstop Jordy Mercer and the Detroit Tigers have finalized a $5.25 million, one-year contract agreed to at the winter meetings this week.He can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses for games played as part of the deal announced Friday: $100,000 each for 120 and 125 and $50,000 for 130.Mercer had spent his entire seven-season big league career with Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old hit .251 with six homers and 39 RBIs in 117 games this year, down from 14 homers and 58 RBIs in 145 games in 2017. He spent the second half of August on the disabled list this year because of a strained left calf.He has additional award bonuses for finishing among the top five in MVP voting, making the All-Star team, earning World Series or League Championship Series MVP, or winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeurys Familia and the Mets finalized a $30 million, three-year contract on Friday, bringing the reliever back to New York, where he figures to serve as a setup man for newly acquired closer Edwin Diaz.Familia gets a $2 million signing bonus payable on equal installments on July 1 and Dec. 10 next year. He has salaries of $6 million in 2019 and $11 million in each of the final two seasons. The Mets will defer $1 million of his 2020 salary, payable on Jan. 15, 2022. They will defer the same amount of his 2021 pay, payable on July 1, 2022.He gets a $500,000 performance bonus in any season he has 50 games finished. He would get a $1 million assignment bonus if traded.The 29-year-old righty agreed to the deal Wednesday, subject to a successful physical.Diaz was acquired from Seattle in a trade along with All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano.Before leaving the winter meetings Thursday, new general manager Van Wagenen said the Mets liked Familia because of his "age, performance,... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox answered one of their offseason questions on Friday, agreeing to a $2.5 million, one-year contract with catcher James McCann.The White Sox had an opening at the position after trading Omar Narvaez to Seattle on Nov. 30 for reliever Alex Colome. They also lost Kevan Smith when he was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Angels in October.Zack Collins and Seby Zavala are coming up through the minors, but the addition of McCann allows the White Sox to move slowly with the catching prospects. They also have Welington Castillo on their major league roster.A person with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed to The Associated Press the deal for McCann on condition of anonymity because the contract is pending a physical. Yahoo Sports first reported the agreement.The 28-year-old McCann hit .220 with eight homers and 39 RBIs in 118 games last season with Detroit. The rebuilding Tigers didn't offer him a contract for the 2019 season, making him a free agent.McCann was selected by the White Sox in the 31st round of the 2008 draft, but he decided to go to the University of Arkansas instead. He then was drafted by the Tigers in the second round in 2011.McCann made his major league debut in September 2014 and spent his first five seasons with Detroit, batting .240 with 40 homers and 177 RBIs in 452 games. He set career highs with 13 homers and 49 RBIs in 2017.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports