CINCINNATI (AP) — Free agent outfielder Nicholas Castellanos agreed to a $64 million, four-year deal Monday in the Cincinnati Reds' latest big-money move to emerge from years of losing, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the club hadn't announced the deal, which would allow Castellanos to opt out and become a free agent after the 2020 season.It's the fourth significant move by the Reds, who have been among the most active teams in free agency since they wrapped up their sixth consecutive losing season. Cincinnati has committed $174 million to new players, including the two biggest free agent deals in club history.The Reds signed second baseman Mike Moustakas to a $64 million, four-year deal and added left-handed starter Wade Miley on a $15 million, two-year deal. Japanese All-Star outfielder Shogo Akiyama got a $21 million, three-year deal.The Reds' biggest weakness last season was offense. They... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After four playoff appearances, including two trips to the World Series, in four years with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rich Hill was a 39-year-old free agent coming off another elbow surgery.Unlikely to return until at least June, Hill wanted to find a team to get him back to the World Series. The Minnesota Twins came calling, seeking Hill for just for that reason.“He’s coming back from an injury, but I think we feel the reward is significant because, qualitatively, he has been a stellar pitcher when he’s been healthy,” Minnesota general manager Thad Levine said. “He’s pitched down the stretch in very tough situations and he’s pitched in the postseason, so I think we’re viewing him as a guy that has every bit a chance to start in a playoff series and that’s important for us.”Hill signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Twins. Speaking to reporters at the team’s annual fan festival this weekend, Hill said he will start throwing next week with a goal of joining the... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun acknowledges the possibility this might be his final season."There’s at least a chance this is my last fan fest as a player," the 36-year-old said Sunday during the Brewers’ annual winter fan festival and convention. "You definitely get a little nostalgic and think about how quickly it goes by. I’ve thought about it a little bit, but for me, the goal is always to stay fully present and try to be the best version of myself as a player this year, and then figure out the future when I get through the season."Braun is entering the final year of a five-year, $105 million contract. His 13-year career thus far has has included the highs of winning the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2011 and the lows of serving a 65-game suspension in 2013 when an investigation linked him to the Biogenesis scandal.When Braun returned from that suspension in 2014, a series of issues with his back and thumb plagued Braun of the power he'd flashed... [More]

DENVER (AP) — There was left-hander Kyle Freeland discussing his new, pause-free delivery. And there was shortstop Trevor Story hinting at agreeing to a $27.5 million, two-year deal that he really wasn't at liberty to discuss since it's not official yet. But there was no Nolan Arenado. And there was no media availability with general manager Jeff Bridich, either, during the Colorado Rockies fan fest Saturday at Coors Field.Manager Bud Black recently reached out to Arenado, who said this week he felt a level of "disrespect" from the front office in the wake of trade rumors and the team not being active in player acquisition this winter.Black left a message.Still, he fully believes that once the Rockies get to spring training, the situation will work itself out."Things are going to be fine," Black said. “Players, they stay united. ... It's a group of players that is pretty bonded, pretty united.”The notion that Arenado could be dealt began to bubble last month at the winter meetings in San... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers would rather earn a World Series trophy on their own than accept any scraps from the Houston Astros or Boston Red Sox, the teams that beat them in 2017 and '18.Despite being eager to focus on the upcoming season, several Dodgers publicly for the first time expressed annoyance at the Astros for the sign-stealing system used during the 2017 season, when Houston beat them in seven games in the World Series.“They cheated and they got away with it,” utilityman Kiké Hernández said Saturday during the team's annual FanFest outside Dodger Stadium. “I don't think it hurts more now than it did three years ago when we lost the Series.”Hernández said the Dodgers “had our doubts” about the Astros in 2017.“Everybody warned us. A lot of people told us to worry about them,” Hernández said. “We just thought it was just rumors, but I guess not.”Two weeks ago, Major League Baseball released the findings of its investigation, which concluded the Astros used a center-field... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A group of Los Angeles Dodgers fans is making plans to vent its frustration at the Houston Astros about baseball's sign-stealing scandal.Houston and the Dodgers don't play each other during the upcoming regular season, so Pantone 294 is snapping up tickets to the Los Angeles Angels' home opener against the Astros on April 3 in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Times reported. The group regularly organizes trips to support the Dodgers on the road.“Spirits are great, man,” utilityman Kiké Hernández said Saturday about the fans. “Positive vibes.”Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner joined several of his teammates in expressing frustration at the Astros for stealing signs during the 2017 season, when Houston beat them in seven games in the World Series.“It sucks for the fans as well. It sucks for a lot of people,” Turner said during the team's annual FanFest at Dodger Stadium.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A group of Los Angeles Dodgers fans is making plans to vent its frustration at the Houston Astros about baseball's sign-stealing scandal.Houston and the Dodgers don't play each other during the upcoming regular season, so Pantone 294 is snapping up tickets to the Los Angeles Angels' home opener against the Astros on April 3 in Anaheim, the Los Angeles Times reported. The group regularly organizes trips to support the Dodgers on the road.“Spirits are great, man,” utilityman Kike Hernandez said Saturday about the fans. “Positive vibes.”Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner joined several of his teammates in expressing frustration at the Astros for stealing signs during the 2017 season, when Houston beat them in seven games in the World Series.“It sucks for the fans as well. It sucks for a lot of people,” Turner said during the team's annual FanFest at Dodger Stadium.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox and their long-frustrated fans say they're primed and pumped for the team to contend in 2020.The White Sox haven’t made the playoffs since 2008 and have endured seven straight losing seasons, but there was an optimistic buzz at the team's sold-out fan convention Saturday after a splashy offseason.“It hard not to be excited and feel that energy they’re giving us,” fourth-year manager Rick Renteria told the crowd. “Obviously, it’s our job to put it from paper to the field and accomplish those things you want us to accomplish.”The AL Central title — and more — may be within reach as the White Sox emerge from a rebuild and an offseason filled with free agent signings.“Our guys are telling our young players, 'Hey it’s time to go,’” Renteria said. “We don’t have time to mess around. We have a window of opportunity. Let’s take it. That’s where we’re at.”Renteria has been cautious with his words and patient with young players the past three seasons. Chicago... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers would rather earn a World Series trophy on their own than accept any scraps from the Houston Astros or Boston Red Sox, the teams that beat them in 2017 and '18.Despite being eager to focus on the upcoming season, several Dodgers publicly for the first time expressed annoyance at the Astros for the sign-stealing system used during the 2017 season, when Houston beat them in seven games in the World Series.“They cheated and they got away with it,” utilityman Kike Hernandez said Saturday during the team's annual FanFest outside Dodger Stadium. “I don't think it hurts more now than it did three years ago when we lost the Series.”Hernandez said the Dodgers “had our doubts” about the Astros in 2017.“Everybody warned us. A lot of people told us to worry about them,” Hernandez said. “We just thought it was just rumors, but I guess not.”Two weeks ago, Major League Baseball released the findings of its investigation, which concluded the Astros used a center-field... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Johan Camargo has a second chance to be the Atlanta Braves' starting third baseman.Camargo's renewed motivation to make the most of this opportunity comes after hard lessons learned in a demotion to the minors last season. His commitment shows with a renewed commitment to conditioning this offseason that has impressed his manager, Brian Snitker, and his teammates.“I want to be back, that's why,” Camargo said Saturday at the team's fan event at the newly renamed Truist Park.The Braves are looking for a new starter at third base after failing to re-sign Josh Donaldson, who landed a four-year deal with Minnesota.Atlanta filled Donaldson's vacated cleanup role by signing outfielder Marcell Ozuna to an $18 million, one-year deal. Camargo will compete with Austin Riley at third base this spring.The 26-year-old Camargo's edge is experience. He held the starting job most of the 2018 season, when he hit .272 with 19 homers and 76 RBIs.“He was great,” first baseman Freddie Freeman... [More]

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Jameson Taillon has plenty of experience when it comes to rehabbing from injuries.The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander has had two Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgeries during his professional career. He's also undergone surgeries to repair a sport hernia and remove cancerous tissue from his scrotum.“I guess rehab is in my blood now,” Taillon said.Yet Taillon continues to be upbeat while the midst of his latest rehab. He underwent his latest Tommy John procedure in August that will cause him to miss the 2020 season.“I’m not happy go lucky about this, just to be happy go lucky,” Taillon said Saturday during the Pirates’ annual fan festival at PNC Park. “I really believe I have more to give and more to accomplish in my career. That is why I stay upbeat. I know there are better things to come.”The 28-year-old Taillon began a throwing program Monday in his hometown of Houston, playing catch from 60 feet.He emerged as the Pirates’ ace in 2018 when he had a 14-10 record and... [More]

DENVER (AP) — All-Star shortstop Trevor Story and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $27.5 million, two-year contract that avoids an arbitration hearing, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday night because the agreement was pending a physical and had not been announced. Story can become a free agent following the 2021 World Series. When players and teams exchanged proposed 2020 salaries in salary arbitration two weeks ago, he asked for $11.5 million and Colorado offered him $10.75 million.A slick fielder and power hitter, the 27-year-old Story had 35 home runs and 23 stolen bases last season — making him the second shortstop in major league history with multiple 30-20 seasons. Alex Rodriguez is the other.Story also set career highs in runs (111), batting average (.294) and on-base percentage (.363) in 2019.A first-round draft pick in 2011, Story is a career .276 hitter since making his debut in April 2016.... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — José Abreu has known nothing but losing since he joined the Chicago White Sox.Six years, six losing seasons. Six consistent performances by the Cuban slugger, and six empty Octobers.Perhaps more than anyone else, Abreu is ready for the other side of Chicago's long-running rebuilding plan.“We weren't born to lose, but we know that losing is part of the game," he said. “In this process, we were aware of the cost that we had to (pay) to get to this point now. I think we learned a lot from all those losses, from all those years. I think all those losses are going to make us better for this year and for the future, too."The White Sox are talking playoffs again after winning just 72 games in 2019. Abreu is a big reason why, but it goes way beyond the first baseman's AL-leading 123 RBIs last season.Abreu's sterling reputation around the game helped Chicago reel in a couple of high-profile free agents over the winter. Left-hander Dallas Keuchel paid tribute to Abreu's leadership... [More]

Washington Nationals “face of the franchise” Ryan Zimmerman agreed to terms on a $2 million contract for 2020 that includes the possibility of earning $3 million more in incentives.The parameters of the deal were described to The Associated Press on Friday by a person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement was still pending a physical exam.The incentives are based on the number of games the first baseman plays and how many plate appearances he gets.The person also said the 35-year-old Zimmerman was given a full no-trade clause.He already had gotten a $2 million buyout when the Nationals declined their $18 million option for next season.The new agreement was first reported by The Washington Post.When Zimmerman became a free agent, he figured he either would be back with the Nationals — or out of baseball.“I think I’ve made my intentions pretty clear,” Zimmerman said in December. “It’s either play some more here or play more golf.”He was the... [More]

DENVER (AP) — All-Star shortstop Trevor Story and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $27.5 million, two-year contract that avoids an arbitration hearing, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday night because the agreement was pending a physical and had not been announced. Story can become a free agent following the 2021 World Series. When players and teams exchanged proposed 2020 salaries in salary arbitration two weeks ago, he asked for $11.5 million and Colorado offered him $10.75 million.A slick fielder and power hitter, the 27-year-old Story had 35 home runs and 23 stolen bases last season — making him the second shortstop in major league history with multiple 30-20 seasons. Alex Rodriguez is the other one.Story also set career highs in runs (111), batting average (.294) and on-base percentage (.363) in 2019.A first-round draft pick in 2011, Story is a career .276 hitter since making his debut in April... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers didn't have any more to say regarding his role as a whistleblower.Fiers declined Friday to answer questions about revealing the sign-stealing scam that has engulfed Major League Baseball, instead saying he simply wanted to focus on the future. He spoke a day ahead of an A's fan event, his first public appearance since divulging the Houston Astros used electronics to illicitly steal signs from opposing catchers in 2017.“I don't want this to be a distraction to them. I want them to be ready for the season," Fiers said. “For me it's all about getting ready for the season, playing baseball and not being a distraction to this team.”Fiers said he would take “baseball questions." As for the cheating scam and its aftermath, “I'm not talking about that right now," he said.“We're moving forward," he reiterated several times without saying whether he expected to face scrutiny with his decision to disclose the Astros' cheating.Fiers told The... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers didn't have any more to say regarding his role as a whistleblower.Fiers declined Friday to answer questions about revealing the sign-stealing scam that has engulfed Major League Baseball, instead saying he simply wanted to focus on the future. He spoke a day ahead of an A's fan event, his first public appearance since divulging the Houston Astros used electronics to illicitly steal signs from opposing catchers in 2017.“I don't want this to be a distraction to them. I want them to be ready for the season," Fiers said. “For me it's all about getting ready for the season, playing baseball and not being a distraction to this team.”Fiers said he would take “baseball questions." As for the cheating scam and its aftermath, “I'm not talking about that right now," he said.“We're moving forward," he reiterated several times without saying whether he expected to face scrutiny with his decision to disclose the Astros' cheating.Fiers told The... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins set a major league record for home runs last season. They created a bigger buzz with their recent signing of star third baseman Josh Donaldson to a $92 million, four-year contract — the richest in club history for a free agent. Still, the defending AL Central champions carry with them a pressing question. Is their starting pitching going to be strong enough to not only help them get back to the postseason but play deeper into October this time?With spring training less than three weeks away, diminishing the likelihood of another acquisition, the Twins have publicly expressed confidence in their rotation for 2020.“As it stands right now, I feel really good about the group we have and the ability to build around that,” president of baseball operations Derek Falvey said. He added: “We never say never to anything, but we feel like we have a lot of good guys in the mix.”Twins starters in 2019 ranked 11th in the majors in ERA (4.11) and sixth in innings... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Oakland Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers didn't have any more to say regarding his role as a whistle-blower.Fiers declined Friday to answer questions about revealing the sign-stealing scam that has engulfed Major League Baseball, instead saying he simply wanted to focus on the future. He spoke a day ahead of an A's fan event, his first public appearance since divulging the Houston Astros used electronics to illicitly steal signs from opposing catchers in 2017.“I don't want this to be a distraction to them, I want them to be ready for the season," Fiers said. “For me it's all about getting ready for the season, playing baseball and not being a distraction to this team.”Fiers said he would take “baseball questions." As for the cheating scam and its aftermath, “I'm not talking about that right now," he said.“We're moving forward," he reiterated several times without saying whether he expected to face scrutiny with his decision to disclose with the Astros' cheating.Fiers... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Luis Rojas never expected to be the man behind the microphone.Eleven days earlier, he was preparing for his second spring training as the Mets' relatively anonymous quality control coach. Now he was a major league manager, just like his dad, tasked with lifting New York's perennial No. 2 team to its first World Series title since 1986.“I will lead this team into success,” he promised.Carlos Beltrán's news conference at Citi Field on Nov. 4 was a coronation, held in the spacious Foxwoods Club high above the diamond. Beltrán's tenure lasted just 84 days, cut short by his role in the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal. Rojas' introduction in the more Spartan news conference room near the clubhouse felt like the hastily arranged handover it was.Rojas' mother, Lucie, sat in the front row.“Thank you for raising us right, for teaching us what was right and wrong since early,” he told her, repeating his words in Spanish.Then he turned his attention to Felipe Alou, his 84-year-old... [More]