DETROIT (AP) — Infielder Gordon Beckham agreed to a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers and was invited to major league spring training.If Beckham is added to the 40-man roster, he would get a one-year contract paying $700,000 while in the majors and $138,000 while in the minors. Beckham played in only 33 major league games over the past two seasons with the Seattle Mariners.Catcher Hector Sanchez also agreed to a minor league deal.Pitcher Casey Mize, taken by the Tigers with the No. 1 pick in last year's amateur draft, also was among 20 players invited to major league camp, the Tigers said Tuesday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ATLANTA (AP) — All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis took a significant pay cut to remain with the Atlanta Braves, even coming off one of the best seasons of his career.Markakis and the Braves agreed Tuesday to a deal that is worth a guaranteed $6 million and includes a club option for 2020.The 35-year-old Markakis became a free agent after completing a $44 million, four-year deal that he signed with the Braves for the 2015 season when he left the Baltimore Orioles.In another sign of the dwindling demand for veteran free agents, Markakis generated only minor interest on the open market. His deal includes a $4 million salary this season, and Atlanta has a $6 million option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout.Markakis said remaining with the Braves was his primary objective. He brushed off the big cut in salary."I'm not mad at all," he said. "I play a kids' game and get paid a lot of money. How can I be disappointed in that?"The Braves won the NL East title for their first playoff appearance since... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Infielder Gordon Beckham agreed to a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers and was invited to major league spring training.If Beckham is added to the 40-man roster, he would get a one-year contract paying $700,000 while in the majors and $138,000 while in the minors. Beckham played in only 33 major league games over the past two seasons with the Seattle Mariners.Catcher Hector Sanchez also agreed to a minor league deal.Pitcher Casey Mize, taken by the Tigers with the No. 1 pick in last year's amateur draft, also was among 20 players invited to major league camp, the Tigers said Tuesday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sonny Gray knows what he's getting into even before he arrives in Cincinnati.His father tried out for the Reds and failed to make the cut, but remained a huge fan. Gray attended his first major league game at Great American Ball Park, and he knows about the town's affinity for a unique style of chili.The starter also knows that Great American is akin to Yankee Stadium, where he struggled mightily last season. Gray agreed to a trade from the Yankees anyway, along with a $38 million, four-year contract adding $30.5 million in guaranteed money from 2020-22.The deal announced Monday includes a $12 million club option for 2023 that could increase the value to $50 million for five seasons and has additional performance bonuses for innings and escalators."The relationships just felt right," Gray said during a conference call Tuesday.The Reds made their third offseason move to upgrade their troublesome rotation on Monday, sending infield prospect Shed Long and a high pick in this... [More]

DALLAS (AP) — The Texas Rangers have found a veteran to play third base after the retirement of Adrian Beltre.Free agent Asdrubal Cabrera has agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Rangers, according to a person familiar with the deal. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal was pending a successful physical for the 33-year-old infielder.Texas also announced a $1 million, one-year contract with right-hander Zach McAllister, a deal allows him to earn an additional $200,000 for games as a pitcher: $100,000 each for 50 and 60.Cabrera split last season, his 12th in the majors, with the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies.After playing 90 games at second base for the Mets, Cabrera was traded July 27 to Philadelphia, where he also played shortstop and third base. In 147 games overall, he hit .262 with 23 homers and 75 RBIs, his most since 2011 when he had career highs of 25 homers and 92 RBIs in the first of his two consecutive... [More]

DALLAS (AP) — The Texas Rangers have found a veteran to play third base after the retirement of Adrian Beltre.Free agent Asdrubal Cabrera has agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Rangers, according to a person familiar with the deal. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal was pending a successful physical for the 33-year-old infielder.Texas also announced a $1 million, one-year contract with right-hander Zach McAllister, a deal that also includes performance bonuses.Cabrera split last season, his 12th in the majors, with the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies.After playing 90 games at second base for the Mets, Cabrera was traded July 27 to Philadelphia, where he also played shortstop and third base. In 147 games overall, he hit .262 with 23 homers and 75 RBIs, his most since 2011 when he had career highs of 25 homers and 92 RBIs in the first of his two consecutive All-Star seasons as Cleveland's shortstop.Beltre... [More]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Sonny Gray knows what he's getting into even before he arrives in Cincinnati.His father tried out for the Reds and failed to make the cut, but remained a huge fan. Gray attended his first major league game at Great American Ball Park, and he knows about the town's affinity for a unique style of chili.The starter also knows that Great American is akin to Yankee Stadium, where he struggled mightily last season. Gray agreed to a trade from the Yankees anyway, along with a contract extension that could keep him in Cincinnati for the next four years."The relationships just felt right," Gray said during a conference call Tuesday.The Reds made their third offseason move to upgrade their troublesome rotation on Monday, sending infield prospect Shed Long and a high pick in this year's amateur draft to the Yankees in exchange for the 29-year-old Gray and left-hander Reiver Sanmartin. New York then sent Long to Seattle for 21-year-old outfielder Josh Stowers.The deal was completed... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis took a significant pay cut to remain with the Atlanta Braves, even coming off one of the best seasons of his career.Markakis and the Braves agreed Tuesday to a deal that is worth a guaranteed $6 million and includes a club option for 2020.Markakis became a free agent after completing a $44 million, four-year deal that he signed with the Braves for the 2015 season when he left the Baltimore Orioles.In another sign of the dwindling demand for veteran free agents, Markakis generated only minor interest on the open market. His deal includes a $4 million salary this season, and Atlanta has a $6 million option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout.General manager Alex Anthopoulos said Markakis did have better offers but was intent on remaining with the Braves, who won the NL East title for their first playoff appearance since 2013 and have one of baseball's most exciting young rosters."He was clear that we were his first choice," Anthopoulos said.... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Athletics have claimed right-hander Parker Bridwell off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.The 27-year-old Bridwell went 1-0 with a 17.55 ERA in five games with the Angels last season. He was 1-1 with an 8.68 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Salt Lake. He missed four months over two stints with an inflamed right elbow.Bridwell was claimed off waivers by the Yankees in November before returning to the Angels on another claim a month later. He was then designated for assignment last week before being claimed by the A's on Tuesday.Bridwell is 11-3 with a 4.60 ERA in 28 appearances, including 21 starts, in three seasons in the majors.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DALLAS (AP) — The Texas Rangers have found a veteran to play third base after the retirement of Adrian Beltre.Free agent Asdrubal Cabrera has agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Rangers, according to a person familiar with the deal. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal was pending a successful physical for the 33-year-old infielder.Cabrera split last season, his 12th in the majors, with the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies.After playing 90 games at second base for the Mets, Cabrera was traded July 27 to Philadelphia, where he also played shortstop and third base. In 147 games overall, he hit .262 with 23 homers and 75 RBIs, his most since 2011 when he had career highs of 25 homers and 92 RBIs in the first of his two consecutive All-Star seasons as Cleveland's shortstop.Beltre announced his retirement in November with 3,166 hits in 21 big league seasons, the last eight with the Rangers.Texas acquired young... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves agreed Tuesday to one-year contract to bring back All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis, who took a significant pay cut coming off one of the best seasons of his career.The deal is worth a guaranteed $6 million and includes a club option for 2020.Markakis became a free agent after completing a $44 million, four-year deal that he signed with the Braves for the 2015 season when he left the Baltimore Orioles.In another sign of the dwindled demand for veteran free agents, Markakis generated little interest on the open market and settled for a $4 million salary this season. Atlanta has a $6 million option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout.The agreement solidifies the lineup for the defending NL East champions, whose major acquisition of the offseason was free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson.A Georgia native, the 35-year-old Markakis is coming off the first All-Star appearance of his 13-year career. He earned both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors last season, hitting... [More]

ATLANTA (AP) — The Braves have agreed to one-year contract to bring back All-Star outfielder Nick Markakis, a deal worth a guaranteed $6 million.Markakis' deal, announced Tuesday, includes a $4 million salary this year and $6 million club option for 2020 with a $2 million buyout.The agreement solidifies the lineup for the defending NL East champions, whose big acquisition of the offseason was free agent third baseman Josh Donaldson.The 35-year-old Markakis is coming off one of the best seasons of his 13-year career and first All-Star appearance. A Georgia native, he took a significant pay cut to remain with the Braves, who signed him to a $44 million, four-year contract before the 2015 season.Markakis earned both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors last year, hitting .297 with 14 homers and 93 RBIs while starting all 162 games in right field.___Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/paul%20newberry___For more AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/apf-Baseball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says free agent infielder Asdrubal Cabrera has agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Texas Rangers.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal is pending a successful physical for the 33-year-old Cabrera, who split last season with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.Texas is looking for a starting third baseman. Adrian Beltre retired after last season with 3,166 hits in 21 big league seasons, the last eight with the Rangers.Cabrera played second base for the New York Mets last season before getting traded to Philadelphia, where he also played shortstop and third base. He is a .269 career hitter over 12 seasons that include time with Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Washington.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — Wilmer Flores endeared himself to New York Mets fans when he got emotional during a game in 2015 after believing media reports he had been traded.About 3½ years later, a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks suits him just fine.Flores and the Diamondbacks finalized a one-year contract on Monday, guaranteeing the infielder $4.25 million. He gets a $3.75 million salary this year as part of the deal, which includes a $6 million team option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout."I've always liked playing in Arizona. It's one of my favorite stadiums," said Flores, who is close friends with Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta. "When they called and had interest in me, I wanted to go there."Flores became a free agent last month when the Mets didn't offer a 2019 contract.A versatile 27-year-old, Flores hit .267 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs last year, playing first, second and third base. He made $3.4 million.Flores is a career .262 hitter with 68 homers and 253 RBIs in parts of six seasons,... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina plans to begin playing spring training games in mid-March as he recovers from recent knee surgery.The longtime star had a minor cleanup procedure on his left knee last month."Right now, I'm probably 50 percent with my knee," Molina said Monday at the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up fan event. "I keep working on my rehab down there in Jupiter (Florida). We're planning to be 100 percent ready.""Right now, I'm squatting about 10 percent. I have to keep working. I doubt in February I'll catch in the bullpen. My knee was pretty bad. It had been bothering me for a long time. Last year was way hard for me. I was doing well with my bat so we decided to get surgery," he said.The 36-year-old Molina is a nine-time All-Star, has won nine Gold Gloves and is a two-time World Series champion. The Cardinals have reached the playoffs nine times with Molina, but have missed the postseason the last three years."It feels like forever," he said.St. Louis made a couple... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Wilmer Flores endeared himself to New York Mets fans when he got emotional during a game in 2015 after believing media reports he had been traded.About 3½ years later, a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks suits him just fine.Flores and the Diamondbacks finalized a one-year contract on Monday, guaranteeing the infielder $4.25 million. He gets a $3.75 million salary this year as part of the deal, which includes a $6 million team option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout."I've always liked playing in Arizona. It's one of my favorite stadiums," said Flores, who is close friends with Diamondbacks outfield David Peralta. "When we they called and had interest in me, I wanted to go there."Flores became a free agent last month when the Mets didn't offer a 2019 contract.A versatile 27-year-old, Flores hit .267 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs last year, playing first, second and third base. He made $3.4 million.Flores is a career .262 hitter with 68 homers and 253 RBIs in parts of six seasons,... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Sonny Gray's unsuccessful stretch with the Yankees ended when New York traded the pitcher to Cincinnati after the 29-year-old right-hander agreed to a contract with the Reds that added $30.5 million from 2020-22.New York received infield prospect Shed Long and a high pick in this year's amateur draft, then flipped Long to Seattle for 21-year-old outfielder Josh Stowers. The Yankees sent the Reds left-hander Reiver Sanmartin in the moves Monday.Coming off a last-place finish in the NL Central, the Reds have added Gray, Tanner Roark and Alex Wood to their rotation in offseason trades.Cincinnati and New York agreed to a deal Friday, pending a window for Gray to reach a long-term deal. Gray and the Yankees settled on a $7.5 million, one-year contract on Jan. 11 that avoided salary arbitration. He had been eligible for free agency after this season, and his new deal raises his guarantee to $38 million over four seasons. The new contract includes a 2023 club option.Gray was 15-16... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that pitcher Sonny Gray has agreed to a contract with Cincinnati adding $30.5 million from 2020-22, a deal that allows the New York Yankees to complete his trade to the Reds.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the trade had not been announced.New York and Cincinnati had agreed to the trade Friday, pending a window for Gray to reach a long-term deal. Gray had agreed Jan. 11 to a $7.5 million, one-year contract with the Yankees that avoided salary arbitration. He had been eligible for free agency after this season, and his new deal would raise his guarantee to $38 million over four seasons.In exchange for the 29-year-old right-hander, New York discussed getting infield prospect Shed Long from the Reds along and a high pick in this year's amateur draft.Gray was 15-16 with a 4.52 ERA overall for New York, which acquired him from Oakland in July 2017. He was dropped from the rotation last... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Infielder Wilmer Flores and the Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized a one-year contract that guarantees $4.25 million.Flores gets a $3.75 million salary this year as part of the deal, which includes a $6 million team option for 2020 with a $500,000 buyout. Flores can earn performance bonuses based on plate appearances.He became a free agent last month when the New York Mets didn't offer a 2019 contract.A versatile 27-year-old, Flores hit .267 with 11 home runs and 51 RBIs last year, playing first, second and third base. He made $3.4 million.Flores endeared himself to Mets fans when he got emotional during a game against San Diego on July 29, 2015, believing media reports he had been traded to Milwaukee. The proposed swap for Carlos Gomez fell through, and two days later Flores hit a game-ending 12th-inning homer to beat Washington.To clear a roster spot, Arizona left-hander Jared Miller was designated for assignment Monday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Relief pitcher Cody Allen and the Los Angeles Angels have finalized a one-year contract for $8.5 million.He can earn an additional $2 million in performance bonuses for games finished as part of the deal announced Sunday: $250,000 each for 35 and 40, and $500,000 apiece for 45, 50 and 55.Allen had a career-high 4.70 ERA for Cleveland last season, going 4-6 with 27 saves in 70 games. The 30-year-old righty is the Indians' franchise leader with 149 saves.The Angels posted a total of 35 saves last year, ranking 12th in the American League. Blake Parker led the team with 14 saves, wasn't offered a contract after the season and signed with Minnesota.Starters Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill joined with the Angels earlier in the offseason.Right-hander Miguel Almonte was designated for assignment. Almonte, 25, was 0-0 with a 10.29 ERA in eight games for the Angels last year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports