TOKYO (AP) — Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto isn't letting trade rumors become a distraction either at home or in Japan, where he is currently part of an MLB All-Star tour.Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill has dismissed talk about trading Realmuto, but the catcher's agent, Jeff Berry, predicted his client will be with a different team by spring training."It's not a discussion for me to have, honestly," Realmuto said Friday. "It's not my decision whether I get traded or not. It's up to the Marlins. Whatever they want to do with me, that's up to them. So for me, there is really no discussion to be had. My job is to show up and play baseball."Hill declined to say whether Realmuto informed the Marlins he won't sign a long-term contract with them.The Astros, Angels, Athletics, Braves, Mets and Nationals are among the teams seeking an upgrade behind the plate."To be honest, I am trying not to think about that too much right now," Realmuto said. "I'm just out here trying... [More]

TOKYO (AP) — Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto isn't letting trade rumors become a distraction either at home or in Japan, where he is currently part of an MLB All-Star tour.Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill has dismissed talk about trading Realmuto, but his agent, Jeff Berry, predicted that his client will be with a different team by spring training."It's not a discussion for me to have, honestly," Realmuto said Friday. "It's not my decision whether I get traded or not. It's up to the Marlins. Whatever they want to do with me, that's up to them. So for me, there is really no discussion to be had. My job is to show up and play baseball."Hill declined to say whether Realmuto informed the Marlins he won't sign a long-term contract with them.The Astros, Angels, A's, Braves, Mets and Nationals are among the teams seeking an upgrade behind the plate."To be honest, I am trying not to think about that too much right now," Realmuto said. "I'm just out here trying to have a... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Major League Baseball and its players' union likely will not decide until the eve of spring training whether to change rules in an effort to increase action on the field next year.Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem said Thursday as the annual general managers' meetings ended that there was no consensus for change yet. More discussions will take place when owners gather next week in Atlanta, the union's executive board convenes in late November and major league executives go to Las Vegas for the winter meetings in mid-December.Topics being discussed include the increased use of defensive shifts, the decrease in innings thrown by starting pitchers and technology that aids sign stealing. A possible 20-second pitch clock and alterations to rules for waivers, trade deadlines and disabled lists also are being talked about by a tradition-bound sport resistant to change."We're an entertainment product. Certainly, we want to play the game in a way that's compelling for our audience,... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Cincinnati outfielder Scott Schebler and Texas pitcher Matt Bush just missed the cutoff for salary arbitration eligibility, while Chicago Cubs pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. and Toronto pitcher Joe Biagini earned the final spots.The Major League Baseball Players Association said Thursday the cutoff for eligibility this winter is 2 years, 134 days of major league service, up from 2 years, 123 days last year. The top 22 percent of players by service time with at least two years but less than three are eligible for arbitration as long as they had at least 86 days this year. They join the older group of 3- to 6-year players.Players and teams are scheduled to exchange proposed salaries on Jan. 11, and hearings for those lacking agreements will be scheduled for Jan. 28 to Feb. 15 in St. Petersburg, Florida.Twenty-five players are eligible as so-called super-2s. New York Yankees pitcher Luis Severino tops the list of service time at 2 years, 170 days, and the group also includes... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Aside from that fearsome left-handed swing everybody knew, Willie McCovey provided an example of humility in how he lived for many of his San Francisco Giants teammates year after year."McCovey was our leader," Gaylord Perry said as his fellow Hall of Famer was remembered in a celebration of his life Thursday at AT&T Park.McCovey died Oct. 31 at age 80 after suffering from ongoing health issues.Hall of Famers, former teammates and winners of the Willie Mac Award named for him attended on a picture-perfect day. McCovey's 44 was written into the infield dirt next to his position at first base.The San Francisco Fire Department paid tribute with a spraying show from a boat in his namesake McCovey Cove in the bay beyond the right-field arcade. Bouquets of flowers were left on McCovey's statue across the water.A first baseman and left fielder who won NL Rookie of the Year in 1959 and MVP 10 years later, McCovey was a .270 career hitter with 521 home runs and 1,555 RBIs... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Mallex Smith was made a promise by Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto when he was acquired for a second time by the Mariners after an initial tenure that lasted less than two hours."Dipoto didn't guarantee anything, but he said I at least have 78 minutes," Smith joked. "We'll see."Smith is back with the Mariners as part of a five-player deal between Seattle and Tampa Bay on Thursday that landed the Rays catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia.The swap continued a lengthy trade history between the teams and came as a surprise to Zunino, who said he had recent conversations with Seattle manager Scott Servais looking ahead to 2019."I was shocked. To see your name in trade talks, let alone this early in the offseason, was beyond my expectations," Zunino said.Smith, 25, stole a career-best 40 bases this year and was caught 12 times. He hit .296, tied for the major league lead with 10 triples and had 40 RBIs. He is not eligible for free agency until after the 2022... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Months before the start of spring training, the New York Yankees' injury list is lengthening.Catcher Gary Sanchez had surgery on his left shoulder Thursday, which could slow him during spring training but is not likely to keep him out of the lineup on opening day."His shoulder has bothered him off and on since '17," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday. "He's been treated conservatively with it. He had an injection towards the end of '17. He had two in '18. He just resumed workouts and still felt a little bit lingering from it."Cashman made the announcement at the general managers' meetings, hours after the Yankees finalized an $8 million, one-year contract with CC Sabathia. The 38-year-old left-hander said 2019 will be his final season.New York announced last month that Didi Gregorius will miss much of next season after Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in the shortstop's right elbow.An All-Star in 2017 who slumped badly this year, Sanchez... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Mallex Smith was made a promise by Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto when he was acquired for a second time by the Mariners after an initial tenure that lasted less than two hours."Dipoto didn't guarantee anything, but he said I at least have 78 minutes," Smith joked. "We'll see."Smith is back with the Mariners as part of a five-player deal between Seattle and Tampa Bay on Thursday that landed the Rays catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia.The swap continued a lengthy trade history between the teams and came as a surprise to Zunino, who said he had recent conversations with Seattle manager Scott Servais looking ahead to 2019."I was shocked. To see your name in trade talks, let alone this early in the offseason, was beyond my expectations," Zunino said.Smith, 25, stole a career-best 40 bases this year and was caught 12 times. He hit .296, tied for the major league lead with 10 triples and had 40 RBIs. He is not eligible for free agency until after the 2022... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Mallex Smith was made a promise by Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto when he was acquired for a second time by the Mariners after an initial tenure that lasted less than two hours."Dipoto didn't guarantee anything, but he said I at least have 78 minutes," Smith joked. "We'll see."Smith is back with the Mariners as part of a five-player deal between Seattle and Tampa Bay on Thursday that landed the Rays catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia.The swap continued a lengthy trade history between the teams and came as a surprise to Zunino, who said he had recent conversations with Seattle manager Scott Servais looking ahead to 2019."I was shocked. To see your name in trade talks, let alone this early in the offseason, was beyond my expectations," Zunino said.Smith, 25, stole a career-best 40 bases this year and was caught 12 times. He hit .296, tied for the major league lead with 10 triples and had 40 RBIs. He is not eligible for free agency until after the 2022... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Speedy outfielder and leadoff hitter Mallex Smith has been acquired by the Seattle Mariners from the Tampa Bay Rays for catcher Mike Zunino and outfielder Guillermo Heredia as part of a five-player deal.The deal was announced Thursday at the baseball general managers' meetings."Bringing Mallex back home to Seattle is exciting for us all," Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a statement. "His combination of speed, base running impact, defense and on-base abilities are unique in today's game. We believe his breakout 2018 performance reflects the many ways his skills will positively impact the Mariners for years to come."Smith, 25, stole a career-best 40 bases this year and was caught 12 times. He hit .296, tied for the major league lead with 10 triples and had 40 RBIs. He is not eligible for free agency until after the 2022 season. He signed with San Diego in 2012, was traded to Atlanta in December 2014 and was dealt to the Mariners in January 2017 and sent... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — The agent for free agent Bryce Harper and many of baseball's top players claims rebuilding teams have become a "competitive cancer" that caused this season's 4 percent attendance drop.As the sport's officials start to consider possible rules changes to spark offense and speed up play, Scott Boras acidly critiqued several clubs that were among the 17 to draw fewer fans this year than last.Boras pointed out Louisiana State's baseball team had a higher average attendance for its 37 home games than the Miami Marlins did for their 81 — 10,786 to 10,014."The fans of Florida have certainly brought the MIA to Miami," he said Wednesday in a courtyard outside the general managers' meetings.He claimed when "the divisional clubs come to Minnesota, it's gotten so bad that only one of the Twins shows up."And he criticized the Toronto Blue Jays, who had the biggest decrease in the major leagues this year, falling by 878,000 fans to 2.33 million."They've lost near a third of their... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — The agent for free agent Bryce Harper and many of baseball's top players claims rebuilding teams have become a "competitive cancer" that caused this season's 4 percent attendance drop.As the sport's officials start to consider possible rules changes to spark offense and speed pace, Scott Boras acidly critiqued several clubs that were among the 17 to draw fewer fans this year than last.Boras pointed out Louisiana State's baseball team had a higher average attendance for its 37 home games than the Miami Marlins did for their 81 — 10,786 to 10,014."The fans of Florida have certainly brought the MIA to Miami," he said Wednesday in a courtyard outside the general managers' meetings.He claimed when "the divisional clubs come to Minnesota, it's gotten so bad that only one of the Twins shows up."And he criticized the Toronto Blue Jays, who had the biggest decrease in the major leagues this year, falling by 878,000 fans to 2.33 million."They've lost near a third of their... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Months before the start of spring training, the New York Yankees' injury list is lengthening.Catcher Gary Sanchez will have surgery on his left shoulder in the next week, which could slow him during spring training but is not likely to keep him out of the lineup on opening day."His shoulder has bothered him off and on since '17," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday. "He's been treated conservatively with it. He had an injection towards the end of '17. He had two in '18. He just resumed workouts and still felt a little bit lingering from it."Cashman made the announcement at the general managers' meetings, hours after the Yankees finalized an $8 million, one-year contract with CC Sabathia. The 38-year-old left-hander said 2019 will be his final season.New York announced last month that Didi Gregorius will miss much of next season after Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in the shortstop's right elbow.An All-Star in 2017 who slumped badly... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Months before the start of spring training, the New York Yankees' injury list is lengthening.Catcher Gary Sanchez will have surgery on his left shoulder in the next week, which could slow him during spring training but is not likely to keep him out of the lineup on opening day."His shoulder has bothered him off and on since '17," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday. "He's been treated conservatively with it. He had an injection towards the end of '17. He had two in '18. He just resumed workouts and still felt a little bit lingering from it."Cashman made the announcement at the general managers' meetings, hours after the Yankees finalized an $8 million, one-year contract with CC Sabathia. The 38-year-old left-hander said 2019 will be his final season.New York announced last month that Didi Gregorius will miss much of next season after Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in the shortstop's right elbow.An All-Star in 2017 who slumped badly... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Gary Sanchez will have surgery on his left shoulder this week, but the Yankees catcher is expected to be ready by opening day.New York general manager Brian Cashman said Wednesday at the GM meetings that Sanchez would be operated on by Dr. Christopher Ahmad. The procedure is to remove loose debris from Sanchez's non-throwing shoulder. The recovery is expected to be about three months.Sanchez was an All-Star two seasons ago but had a disappointing 2018, batting .186 with 18 homers and 53 RBIs. He was limited by a groin injury for much of the season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — CC Sabathia says 2019 will be his final season in the major leagues."This will be it," the 38-year-old left-hander said in a video posted on Twitter on Wednesday after the New York Yankees finalized his $8 million, one-year contract.Sabathia and New York had reached the agreement Tuesday, subject to a successful physical.A six-time All-Star and the 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner, Sabathia went 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA in 29 starts this year. He had surgery on his right knee after the 2010 season, in July 2014, after the 2016 season and again last month. Sabathia pitches with a brace on the knee and needs periodic injections there during the season.He is 246-153 in 18 major league seasons with a 3.70 ERA and 2,986 strikeouts, including 129-80 in a decade with the Yankees. His new deal boosts his pay from New York to $229 million.Sabathia signed a $161 million, seven-year contract with the Yankees before the 2009 season and led New York to its first World Series title since... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson is expected to be ready for spring training following surgery on his left wrist.The Braves said Wednesday Swanson had a procedure on Monday to remove a "loose body" in the wrist.The 24-year-old Swanson hit .238 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI in 136 games last season. He was left off the National League Division Series roster against the Los Angeles Dodgers after tearing a ligament in his left hand late in the season. His hand and wrist were examined at the time.Charlie Culberson filled in at shortstop in the NL Division Series loss to the Dodgers.Swanson is expected to enter the 2019 season as the starter. General manager Alex Anthopoulos said after the season he is happy with the team's infield.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — CC Sabathia is staying with the New York Yankees for an 11th season, agreeing to an $8 million, one-year contract,New York announced the agreement Wednesday after a successful physical. The deal does not include any performance bonuses.The 38-year-old left-hander went 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA in 29 starts this year. He had surgery on his right knee after the 2010 season, in July 2014, after the 2016 season and again last month. Sabathia pitches with a brace on the knee and needs periodic injections there during the season.He is 129-80 for the Yankees, and his new deal boosts his pay from New York to $229 million over 11 seasons.Sabathia signed a $161 million, seven-year contract with the Yankees before the 2009 season and led New York to its first World Series title since 2000, then used the leverage of an opt-out provision after the 2011 season to get a new deal that added a $25 million salary for 2016 with a $25 million team option for 2017.Sabathia took a cut to $10... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Agent John Boggs stood in the lobby at the hotel hosting the general managers' meetings and talked about last winter, when dozens of free agents remained unsigned after spring training began, causing prices to plummet as opening day approached."It's the greatest thing for the owners because they've got a lot of players that are wanting to play and have a lot of game left in them, and all of a sudden are just sitting there dying to get an opportunity again, and so it's a gigantic Macy's basement sale," he said. "I hope it is an aberration because I think there's a lot of good players that are being deprived of getting an opportunity to continue their careers."As the offseason starts, teams and agents aren't sure whether the market will revert to its previous pace or whether clubs will try to wait out players again.Miami's efforts to trade Giancarlo Stanton and Shohei Ohtani's decision to leave Japan for the major leagues created roadblocks after the 2017 season."I... [More]

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) — Andrew Friedman knew he was getting a player who didn't hustle all the time when he traded for Manny Machado. Still, the Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations was willing to acquire the four-time All-Star infielder because his good points outweighed the bad."He got booed in Baltimore three weeks before we traded for him," Friedman said Tuesday at the general managers' meetings. "It's not like it was a secret. I think it's never a fun thing to watch, at least from my perspective and vantage point, but I do think it's important to dig further into that, and I think there are times when guys do that and they don't really care. And I think there are other times where guys do it and they really do care, and by care I mean the effort they put into their work, the type of teammate they are, and Manny checks all those boxes."Machado is among the top two free agents on the market along with outfielder Bryce Harper after a 3½ -month stay with the Dodgers. The... [More]