NEW YORK (AP) — The 15 free agents who have signed, with name, position, former club if different, and contract. The contract information was obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources. AMERICAN LEAGUECHICAGO (1) — Signed Adam Eaton, of, Washington, to an $8 million, one-year contract. KANSAS CITY (3) — Signed Mike Minor, lhp, Oakland, to an $18 million, two-year contract; signed Carlos Santana, 1b, Cleveland, to a $17.5 million, two-year contract; re-signed Greg Holland, rhp, to a $2.75 million, one-year contract. TAMPA BAY (2) — Re-signed Mike Zunino, c, to a $3 million, one-year contract; signed Michael Wacha, rhp, New York Mets, to a $3 million, one-year contract. TORONTO (1) — Re-signed Robbie Ray, lhp, to an $8 million, one-year contract. ___ NATIONAL LEAGUEATLANTA (3) — Re-signed Josh Tomlin, rhp, to $1.25 million, one-year contract; signed Drew Smyly, lhp, San Francisco, to an $11 million, one-year contract; signed Charlie Morton, rhp, Tampa Bay, to a $15 million, one-yer contract. NEW YORK (3) — Marcus Stroman, rhp, accepted $18.9 million qualifying offer; signed Trevor May, rhp, Minnesota, to a $15.5 million, two-year contract; signed James McCann, c, Chicago White Sox, to a $40.6 million, four-year contract. SAN FRANCISCO (2) — Kevin Gausman, rhp, accepted $18.9 million qualifying offer; signed Anthony DeSclafani, rhp, Cincinnati, to a $6 million, one-year contract.

SEATTLE (AP) — Right-hander Chris Flexen and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $4.75 million, two-year contract on Friday. The 26-year-old gets a $600,000 signing bonus, a $1.4 million salary next season and a $2.75 million salary in 2021. The deal includes an $8 million option for 2022 that would become guaranteed if he pitches in 150 innings next season or 300 innings in 2021 and ’22 combined, or has 35 games finished in 2021 or 65 in 2021 and ’22 combined. He was 8-4 with a 4.01 ERA last season with the Doosan Bears in South Korea, striking out 132 and walking 30 in 21 starts. He had a 1.91 ERA over 28 1/3 innings in the postseason as a starter and reliever. Flexen was 3-11 with an 8.07 ERA in 11 starts and 16 relief appearances with the New York Mets from 2017-19. He was 43-31 with a 3.61 in eight minor league seasons with the Mets. “We believe Chris is a terrific addition to our pitching staff,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said. “His maturation as a pitcher and impressive on-field performance in 2020 were both significant. At age 26, he’s a natural fit as we continue to grow our young core.” Seattle opened a roster spot by designating infielder/outfielder Tim Lopes for assignment. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets are sending minor league right-hander Ryder Ryan to the Texas Rangers as the player to be named in a trade for infielder Todd Frazier on Aug. 31. Ryan is a 25-year-old reliever who last pitched at Double-A Binghamton in 2019 because the pandemic wiped out the 2020 minor league season. He was 3-1 with a 3.05 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings with the Rumble Ponies. Ryan was left unprotected for this month's Rule 5 draft and was not selected. New York announced the completion of the deal Friday. Frazier batted .224 with two home runs in 14 games after being acquired by the Mets. He became a free agent after the season. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Manager Terry Francona praised the Cleveland Indians for trying to “do the right thing” with a name change that was inevitable — and necessary. On Friday, Francona complimented the team's decision to drop its name after 105 years, a switch that came after months of internal discussions, meetings with numerous groups and one that will signal a new beginning for the AL club. “I am proud of the fact that we are going to do something that is correct,” Francona said on a Zoom call from his home in Arizona. The team announced its decision on Monday, ending a process that began even before owner Paul Dolan's announcement in July — hours after the NFL's Washington team dropped its controversial name — and said the club would do a thorough review of its name. Dolan told the Associated Press in an interview that the team will remain Indians through at least the 2021 season, and that it would not adopt an interim name until a new one is chosen. Dolan also told AP that Tribe, the team's... [More]

ESPN will open its “Sunday Night Baseball” schedule on April 4 when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox. The game will feature the last two American League MVPs, with the Angels' Mike Trout facing reigning MVP and White Sox first baseman José Abreu. The following week will feature National League MVP Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves have four appearances in the games that have been announced, with the Yankees, Mets and Braves each on three times. The San Diego Padres will make their first “Sunday Night Baseball” appearances since 2007. The first is on April 25 at the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by a May 16 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Other games announced are: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs (April 18), New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies (May 2), Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves (May 9), Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals (May 23), Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a $3 million, one-year contract on Friday to fill a void in the rotation with the departure of Charlie Morton. The 29-year old Wacha has a 60-43 record with a 4.01 ERA over eight seasons. After seven years with the St. Louis Cardinals, he went went 1-4 with a 6.62 ERA with the New York Mets in 2020. Wacha is 4-2 with a 3.34 ERA in six career postseason starts, five coming as a rookie in 2013 when the Cardinals won the National League pennant. He was a National League All-Star in 2015. Morton signed a a $15 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves last month after Tampa Bay declined his $15 million option. The 37-year-old joined the Rays in 2019 and helped Tampa Bay reach the playoffs the past two seasons. The right-hander was 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA during this year’s postseason. The signing also comes one day after the Rays announced that right-hander Brent Honeywell had arthroscopic elbow surgery that is not expected to affect his 2021 season. Wacha was drafted 19th overall by St. Louis out of Texas A&M with one of two compensatory picks the Cardinals received from losing Albert Pujols as a free agent to the Los Angeles Angels. NOTES: The Rays have agreed to terms with RHP Chris Ellis on a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed right-hander Michael Wacha to a $3 million, one-year contract on Friday to fill a void in the rotation with the departure of Charlie Morton. The 29-year old Wacha has a 60-43 record with a 4.01 ERA over eight seasons. After seven years with the St. Louis Cardinals, he went went 1-4 with a 6.62 ERA with the New York Mets in 2020. Wacha is 4-2 with a 3.34 ERA in six career postseason starts, five coming as a rookie in 2013 when the Cardinals won the National League pennant. He was a National League All-Star in 2015. Morton signed a a $15 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves last month after Tampa Bay declined his $15 million option. The 37-year-old joined the Rays in 2019 and helped Tampa Bay reach the playoffs the past two seasons. The right-hander was 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA during this year’s postseason. The signing also comes one day after the Rays announced that right-hander Brent Honeywell had arthroscopic elbow surgery that is not expected to affect his 2021 season. Wacha was drafted 19th overall by St. Louis out of Texas A&M with one of two compensatory picks the Cardinals received from losing Albert Pujols as a free agent to the Los Angeles Angels. NOTES: The Rays have agreed to terms with RHP Chris Ellis on a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ESPN will open its “Sunday Night Baseball” schedule on April 4 when the Los Angeles Angels host the Chicago White Sox. The game will feature the last two American League MVPs, with the Angels' Mike Trout facing reigning MVP and White Sox first baseman José Abreu at 8:30 p.m. ET. The following week will feature National League MVP Freddie Freeman and the Atlanta Braves hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. The Braves have four appearances in the games that have been announced, with the Yankees, Mets and Braves each on three times. The San Diego Padres will make their first “Sunday Night Baseball” appearances since 2007. The first is on April 25 at the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by a May 16 game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Other games announced are: Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs (April 18), New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies (May 2), Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves (May 9), Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals (May 23), Atlanta Braves vs.... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell is confident former MVP Christian Yelich’s 2020 hitting struggles won’t carry over to next season. After winning consecutive NL batting titles in 2018 and 2019 during his first two years with the Brewers, Yelich hit just .205 with 12 homers and 22 RBIs in 58 games. Although his high walk totals gave him a solid .356 on-base percentage, Yelich also struck out in over 30% of his plate appearances. “It’s not going to happen again,” Counsell said Thursday. “Whenever we ask the question, ‘Why did that happen?’ Christian doesn’t have an answer, necessarily. He can’t explain all of it. I can’t explain all of it. I don’t think Christian wanted it to happen. But it did. What it does is it puts your mind to work, and that’s what he’s doing. He’s going to get to work and make sure when we start up that he’s in a good place and ready to go.” Yelich’s slide contributed to the Brewers’ team-wide hitting problems as they went 29-31 but still earned... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers manager Craig Counsell is confident former MVP Christian Yelich’s 2020 hitting struggles won’t carry over to next season. After winning consecutive NL batting titles in 2018 and 2019 during his first two years with the Brewers, Yelich hit just .205 with 12 homers and 22 RBIs in 58 games. Although his high walk totals gave him a solid .356 on-base percentage, Yelich also struck out in over 30% of his plate appearances. “It’s not going to happen again,” Counsell said Thursday. “Whenever we ask the question, ‘Why did that happen?’ Christian doesn’t have an answer, necessarily. He can’t explain all of it. I can’t explain all of it. I don’t think Christian wanted it to happen. But it did. What it does is it puts your mind to work, and that’s what he’s doing. He’s going to get to work and make sure when we start up that he’s in a good place and ready to go.” Yelich’s slide contributed to the Brewers’ team-wide hitting problems as they went 29-31 but still earned... [More]

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dave Roberts isn’t sure whether third baseman Justin Turner or former All-Star pitcher David Price will play with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021. Turner became a free agent in October after the Dodgers won the World Series for the first time since 1988. He tested positive for COVID-19 and was pulled from the deciding Game 6, then violated protocol by going on the field for the postgame celebration — his lone controversy in seven years with the club. Turner batted .307, with 23 RBIs and four home runs in 42 games during last season’s abbreviated 60-game season. He spent time on the injured list with a hamstring strain. In a virtual call with reporters Thursday, Roberts said bringing Turner back is “way up there” as a priority. “What Justin does on the field, in the clubhouse and community, he’s one of the Dodger greats. His body of work is really special, unique,” the manager said. “But it’s a two-way deal, it’s the organization and also Justin and his family. Selfishly,... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — James McCann was released two years ago by the Detroit Tigers, and he says it's the best thing that ever happened to him. “It’s made me the player I am today,” McCann said. The starting catcher for the New York Mets — and a millionaire many times over. McCann signed a $40.6 million, four-year deal with New York this week, filling a critical need for an organization aggressively pursuing upgrades via free agency under new owner Steve Cohen. Even with former Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto also available, the Mets opted to pursue the 30-year-old McCann, who went from unwanted to All-Star in a hurry after Detroit declined to renew his contract following the 2018 season. McCann said Thursday he rededicated himself on both sides of the ball after that, and it showed in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox. He batted .273 with 18 home runs and made his first All-Star team. He followed that in 2020 by hitting .289 with seven homers in 31 games during the pandemic-shortened regular season.... [More]

BOSTON (AP) — Alex Cora is expecting to see the J.D. Martinez of old again in 2021. And the Red Sox manager wouldn't be surprised if Andrew Benintendi and Eduardo Rodríguez bounce back with him. In a call with reporters on Thursday, Cora predicted better things from some of the Boston players who had an off year during the pandemic-shortened season of 2020, when he was serving his sign-stealing suspension and the ballclub stumbled to last place. “I’m not a gambling man, but I’ll bet you $1 that J.D. will have a better season,” Cora said. “I’m watching a lot of games and videos, it was a different hitter. ... I know he recognized toward the end of the season what was wrong with him, but he wasn’t able to take it to the batter’s box.” Martinez finished fourth in AL MVP voting in 2018, when he hit 43 homers and led the league with 130 RBIs while helping the Red Sox win a franchise-record 108 games and the World Series. The team finished third the next year but Martinez was still pretty good,... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays and catcher Mike Zunino agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees $3 million, a deal that includes a club option and could be worth $9 million over two seasons. Zunino's contract, announced Wednesday, includes a $2 million salary for 2021 and a $4 million option for 2022 with a $1 million buyout. The option price would escalate to $5 million if he appears in 80 games next season, $6 million if he appears in 90 games and $7 million if he appears in 100 games or is traded during 2021. Zunino appeared in 28 games, including 25 starts, for Tampa Bay in 2020. The 29-year-old is considered a solid defender and has significant power but has struggled to make contact. He hit .147 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 2020. During the Rays postseason run to the American League pennant, Zunino hit .170 but had four home runs and drove in eight. He became the first player in major league history to hit under .150 in the regular season and then hit multiple homers in the postseason, according to Stats LLC. Tampa Bay declined Zunino’s $4.5 million option for 2021 following the Rays’ World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. The Rays also agreed to minor league contracts with right-handers David Hess and Andrew Kittredge and catcher Joe Odom. All three received invites to major league spring training. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, giving the club a veteran option for the rotation alongside ace Johnny Cueto. The Giants still will look to add another top-tier starter, according to President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi. “He was an early target for us. We've talked a good amount about looking to add some starting pitching to our roster and take some pressure off some of our younger pitchers,” Zaidi said. “DeSclafani is a guy that we think comes with some ceiling. He's got really good stuff, good velocity on the fastball, a lot of characteristics that we look for. Obviously didn't have his best season in 2020 but in 2019 he really had a nice year. That would be a great outcome for us if he can even get back to that level as recently as 2019. We think there's even upside beyond that.” In his sixth season with the Reds, DeSclafani went 1-2 with a 7.22 ERA over nine games — seven... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Left-hander Alex Claudio agreed to a one-year, $1,125,000 contract Wednesday with the Los Angeles Angels, adding the sidearm reliever to their bullpen makeover. Claudio has appeared in 239 games over the past four seasons with Texas and Milwaukee, third most by a pitcher in the majors during that stretch. He led the sport in 2019 with 83 appearances for the Brewers, tying their franchise record. “Having a quality lefty is important, especially in our ballpark with a shorter right field,” new Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. “He has the ability to keep the ball in the ballpark against the opposite side, which is really important. From a mentality and a makeup side, one of the things we’re looking for is competitive guys, and this is as competitive a guy as you’ll see.” Claudio is 15-8 with 13 saves and a 3.44 ERA in his major league career, which began with the Rangers in 2014. He is particularly effective against left-handed batters, who have a .202 career... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays and catcher Mike Zunino agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees $3 million, a deal that includes a club option and could be worth $9 million over two seasons. Zunino's contract, announced Wednesday, includes a $2 million salary for 2021 and a $4 million option with a $1 million buyout. The option price could escalate to $7 million. Zunino appeared in 28 games, including 25 starts, for Tampa Bay in 2020. The 29-year-old is considered a solid defender and has significant power but has struggled to make contact. He hit .147 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 2020. During the Rays postseason run to the American League pennant, Zunino hit .170 but had four home runs and drove in eight. He became the first player in major league history to hit under .150 in the regular season and then hit multiple homers in the postseason, according to Stats LLC. Tampa Bay declined Zunino’s $4.5 million option for 2021 following the Rays’ World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. The Rays also agreed to minor league contracts with right-handers David Hess and Andrew Kittredge and catcher Joe Odom. All three received invites to major league spring training. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DENVER (AP) — Bud Black hears the Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story trade rumors. Bud Black is entertained by the Nolan Arenado and the Trevor Story trade rumors. Just that time of year, the Colorado Rockies manager contended Wednesday in a Zoom call. “My expectation is that they’ll be with us come opening day,” Black said. Black actually thinks that trade rumors, any sort of trade rumors, are a good thing over the offseason because it keeps baseball in the conversation during this time dominated by college football, the NFL and the start of the NBA season. “It’s great for baseball to talk about players and talk about trades and talk about movement, talk about free agency," Black said. "That’s good for the game. It’s great for the game to have that out there and baseball be in the news.” Arenado is scheduled to make $35 million in 2021 as part of a $260 million, eight-year contract he signed with the Rockies in 2019. There's one caveat that could cause potential bidders to balk: The deal includes... [More]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani signed a $6 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, giving the club a veteran option for the rotation. In his sixth season with the Reds, DeSclafani went 1-2 with a 7.22 ERA over nine games — seven starts — spanning 33 2/3 innings in 2020. DeSclafani missed all of 2017 with a right elbow injury but has otherwise been fairly durable, making at least 20 starts in 2015, ‘16, ’18 and '19. The 30-year-old DeSclafani can earn an additional $250,000 in performance bonuses based on innings pitched. He could make $62,500 each for 140, 160, 180 and 200 innings. DeSclafani could help fill a vacancy given the departures of Jeff Samardzija and Drew Smyly from Giants, who missed the playoffs on the season's final day under first-year manager Gabe Kapler. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — When David Ross became the Chicago Cubs manager prior to last season, he knew he might not work with president of baseball operations Theo Epstein for too long. So it wasn't a big surprise when Epstein stepped aside last month and general manger Jed Hoyer took over. “It was definitely something that was on the radar,” Ross said Wednesday. “Both those guys were very open about the possibility of some change and what that might look like. Obviously, it's a little faster than was expected. And Theo's laid out his reasons for that. ... I have a ton of respect for Theo for, literally, making the decision a little earlier than I think he anticipated." More big changes could be coming. The Cubs won the NL Central in Ross's first season, only to get swept by Miami in the first round of the playoffs. They have not advanced in the postseason since 2017. For now, Ross said he's assuming star slugger Kris Bryant will be with the team next season. He hopes starter Jon Lester will be,... [More]