NEW YORK (AP) — The 135 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. For players with minor league contracts, terms for major league contract base salaries are in parentheses: AMERICAN LEAGUEBALTIMORE (3) — Signed Freddy Galvis, ss, Cincinnati, to a $1.5 million, one-year contract; re-signed Wade LeBlanc, lhp, to a minor league contract $700,000); signed Matt Harvey, rhp, Kansas City, to a minor league contract ($1 million). BOSTON (3) — Signed Kiké Hernández, of-inf, Los Angeles Dodgers to a $14 million, two-year contract; signed Garrett Richards, rhp, San Diego, to a $10 million, one-year contract; re-signed Martin Pérez, lhp, to a $5 million, one-year contract. CHICAGO (2) — Signed Adam Eaton, of, Washington, to an $8 million, one-year contract; signed Liam Hendriks, rhp, Oakland, to a $54 million, four-year contract. CLEVELAND (3) — Re-signed... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — First baseman and designated hitter Mitch Moreland finalized a $2.5 million, one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics on Thursday. Following the departure of slugger Khris Davis to Texas in a trade this month, Moreland projects to get at-bats on an Oakland team that has made the playoffs each of the past three years. The 35-year-old hit .265 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs in 42 games between Boston and San Diego last season. He could be a strong candidate to give first baseman Matt Olson a break. Moreland earned $925,926 in prorated pay last year from a $2.5 million salary. Oakland designated right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn for assignment to open a roster spot. Blackburn had two stints with the A’s last year but pitched just once, starting the second game of a doubleheader against Seattle on Sept. 26. He allowed seven runs, five hits and two walks in 2 1/3 innings and was the loser in a 12-3 defeat. The 27-year-old right-hander made his big league debut with Oakland in 2017 and is 5-7 with a 5.69 ERA in 18 starts and three relief appearances in four seasons. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees have finalized a $5.15 million, one-year contract for the outfielder to return for a 14th season. New York also finalized its deal with left-hander Justin Wilson on Tuesday that also could be worth $5.15 million for two seasons. Both deals are likely to be worth $4 million for one season but had complicated structures that could lower their 2021 evaluation for the luxury tax. To clear roster spots, right-hander Luis Severino was put on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery last Feb. 27, and outfielder Greg Allen was designated for assignment. Gardner gets a $1 million signing bonus payable within 30 days of approval by the commissioner's officer and a $1.85 million salary this year. His agreement includes a $2.3 million player option for 2022. If Gardner declines the option, the Yankees would have a $7.15 million option for 2022 with a $1.15 million buyout. The 37-year outfielder is the last player remaining... [More]

With spring training in full swing, third baseman Travis Shaw returned to the Milwaukee Brewers while former All-Star third baseman Jake Lamb and pitchers Ian Kennedy and Julio Teheran found new teams. Shaw signed a minor league contract with the Brewers on Tuesday, giving them one more option for their unsettled situation at third base. Shaw was invited to spring training. “I think he fits into a need that we have,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “He has an opportunity to earn something. That’s how it was presented to Travis, and I think that’s what excited him about the opportunity.” Kennedy, 36, signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers, and will be in major league spring training with a chance to be compete for a spot in their bullpen. Lamb signed a $1 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves that is not guaranteed. The signing adds another veteran bat to an already deep competition for bench spots in spring training. The 30-year-old Teheran got a minor league... [More]

MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins were about to take the field Tuesday for the initial full-squad workout of spring training, and manager Don Mattingly was eager to get his first look at a team trending upward and filled with players still growing into the job. That included shortstop Miguel Rojas, who turns 32 Wednesday. “I'm going to quit setting the bar on Miggy,” Mattingly said. “Every time you say that’s as good as he can get, he gets better.” Rojas has been with the Marlins since 2015, longer than any other player. He's a perfect fit for the small-budget franchise because he's an overachiever, and thus a sound investment. He's also the undisputed clubhouse leader who knows there's still work to be done for a team that last year made a surprising run to its first postseason berth since 2003. “We're getting picked again to be last in the division,” Rojas said with a smile. “That chip on the shoulder is still going to be there.” That chip has long helped to drive Rojas, who broke into the... [More]

Travis Shaw is back in Milwaukee to give the Brewers one more option for their unsettled situation at third base. The Brewers announced Tuesday that Shaw has signed a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league camp. “I think he fits into a need that we have,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “He has an opportunity to earn something. That’s how it was presented to Travis, and I think that’s what excited him about the opportunity.” If added to the 40-man roster, Shaw would get a one-year contract paying $1.5 million while in the major leagues and $250,000 while in the minors. He could earn $1.5 million in performance bonuses for plate appearances: $50,000 each for 250, 275 and 300, $75,000 apiece for 325, 350 and 375, $125,000 for 400, $150,000 for 425, $250,000 for 450 and $300,000 each for 475 and 502. If not added to the roster by March 15, Shaw would be released unless put on within 72 hours of a formal request. Shaw, who turns 31 on April 16, last played for... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The year-ago buzz around the Minnesota Twins created by signing Josh Donaldson to the franchise's richest free agent contract was quickly quelled by the global pandemic that pared down the schedule and emptied ballparks. Then, just one week into the abbreviated season, the third baseman's problematic right calf flared up. Donaldson missed a full month, returned for the stretch run and aggravated the muscle right before the postseason. His debut with the Twins was all of 28 games. This spring training, the 35-year-old has a fresh start for what he and the team are optimistic about being a complete season of power hitting, patient at-bats and superb defense at the hot corner. Donaldson, in a video conference call Tuesday with reporters after the team's first full-squad workout in Fort Myers, Florida, said he felt like his limited action was a “fluke ordeal” attributable to the four-month coronavirus pause prior to the midsummer restart. “As tough as it is for me to kind... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. 's payday from baseball’s longest contract is not quite what it appears. The 22-year-old star shortstop signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with the San Diego Padres, the third-highest deal in the sport's history. But the son of the only major leaguer to hit two grand slams in one inning will be giving up a percentage of his fortune to Big League Advance, a company founded in 2016 by former minor league pitcher Michael Schwimer to invest in prospects making low salaries. Think of it along the lines of stock traders buying Apple in the company's early years. Tatis agreed to receive money from BLA when he was just a budding prospect in exchange for part of his future salary. Only a small percentage of minor leaguers make it to the major leagues, and even a smaller chunk sticks long enough for the big paydays of salary arbitration and free agency. And Big League Advance develops computer programs to try to predict future All-Stars and then tries to invest... [More]

Juan Soto and Trea Turner both will be key cogs in the Washington Nationals lineup this season, 20-something hitting stars who are coming off top-seven finishes in NL MVP voting. They also are both keen on improving their defense — Turner at shortstop, Soto as he moves from left field to right. And both could be cornerstones for the club’s future if they eventually agree to long-term deals, which the Nationals have tried to make happen, so far unsuccessfully. Turner, 27, has two years left before he can become a free agent; Soto, still just 22, has four. Both were asked Tuesday via video conference after Washington’s first full-squad workout in West Palm Beach, Florida, about their contract status and thoughts about the future. Soto was coy — “I just try to come here and play baseball; I don’t think about any of that,” he said -- and Turner was, well, more forthcoming. “I would love to play here, and any time that guy is on your team, I definitely don’t want him on the other team. So let’s... [More]

Attention to detail has always been J.D. Martinez’s best weapon at the plate during his 10-year major league career. He’s been meticulous about his swing since his minor league days, constantly watching and breaking down film of his swing before, after and even during games in order to make the smallest of tweaks between at-bats. But when Major League Baseball — in reaction to the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal — put in protocols last spring that restricted players’ access to in-game video, it stunted the regimen of the Red Sox slugger and others around the league. “I think it definitely hurt me a bit,” Martinez said Tuesday from Boston's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Florida. “I think, obviously, I had to change my routine. Something I wasn’t used to." The effect was stark. After signing a five-year, $110 million contract with Boston in 2018, Martinez hit a career-high .330 with 43 home runs and 130 RBIs during an All-Star first season in helping the Red Sox win the World... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Taijuan Walker is taking a back seat on his new team — to Mr. Met. A day after the Mets finalized his $23 million, three-year contract, Walker said he was aced out of his preferred jersey number by the rotund mascot with the baseball-shaped head. “I was 44 growing up, and I finally got it with the Mariners in 2016,” Walker said Tuesday. “And then I ended up getting traded at the end of the year, and when I got traded to the Diamondbacks, Paul Goldschmidt was No. 44. So I was, OK, I'm never going to get that again." So Walker thought: “What number can wear that not a lot of people in the league have it?" He chose 99. “And I think the only way I don’t wear 99 is if I get traded to the Yankees," he said. "So I was, OK, 99 is a safe bet and live with that.” “And then, of course, last year I got traded to Toronto and (Hyun Jin) Ryu wears 99. So, I was like, OK, well, that didn't work out. So I'm wearing 00. Something different, again.” “And, of course, this year, Mr. Met is 00. So I just went back to wearing 99.” The only previous Mets No. 99 was Turk Wendell from 1997-2001, according to Baseball Reference. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is looking to another stretch of solitary confinement after this year's postseason. On the day of New York's first full-squad spring training workout. Judge talked about the experience of playoff elimination for four straight years. He just wants to disappear. “I usually don’t talk to too many people for a couple weeks after the season is over with,” Judge said after Tuesday. “That’s where I kind of decompress, get away from things, don’t even think about baseball. I don’t even want to see it on TV.” New York lost to Houston in the 2017 and 2019 AL Championship Series, to Boston in the 2018 AL Division Series and to Tampa Bay in the 2020 AL Division Series. The Yankees have not won the World Series since 2009. “Every year I put my heart and soul into this game,” Judge said. “And to my teammates, and to this city and this organization. So that’s why every year it hurts. When we lose, then I feel like I let the city down, I feel like I let my... [More]

Attention to detail has always been J.D. Martinez’s best weapon at the plate during his 10-year major league career. He’s been meticulous about his swing since his minor league days, constantly watching and breaking down film of his swing before, after and even during games in order to make the smallest of tweaks between at-bats. But when Major League Baseball — in reaction to the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal — put in protocols last spring that restricted players’ access to in-game video, it stunted the regimen of the Red Sox slugger and others around the league. “I think it definitely hurt me a bit,” Martinez said Tuesday from Boston's spring training facility in Fort Myers, Florida. “I think, obviously, I had to change my routine. Something I wasn’t used to." The effect was stark. After signing a five-year, $110 million contract with Boston in 2018, Martinez hit a career-high .330 with 43 home runs and 130 RBIs during an All-Star first season in helping the Red Sox win the World... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Trevor Story’s priority list this season includes being a more vocal leader, taking his base stealing to another level, crushing early count fastballs and honing his footwork in the field. Not near the top of the list: Fretting about his long-term future with the Colorado Rockies. That's outside his base path. The hard-swinging, smooth-fielding shortstop is in the last year of his deal and said he hasn't engaged in talks with the Rockies. He brings star power to a franchise that recently traded its biggest name, eight-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado, to St. Louis. Story appears in line for a hefty payday, too, after San Diego and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. finalized a $340 million, 14-year contract. “I’m focused on personally being the best teammate I can be,” Story said Tuesday as the Rockies began full-squad workouts in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I try not to look too far ahead. "I’m trying to be where my feet are, which is right here in spring training with the Rockies.”... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees have finalized a $5.15 million, one-year contract for the outfielder to return for a 14th season. New York also finalized its deal with left-hander Justin Wilson on Tuesday that also could be worth $5.15 million for two seasons. Both deals are likely to be worth $4 million for one season but had complicated structures that could lower their 2021 evaluation for the luxury tax. To clear roster spots, right-hander Luis Severino was put on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery last Feb. 27, and outfielder Greg Allen was designated for assignment. Gardner gets a $1 million signing bonus and a $1.85 million salary this year. His agreement includes a $2.3 million player option for 2022. If Gardner declines the option, the Yankees would have a $7.15 million option for 2022 with a $1.15 million buyout. The 37-year outfielder is the last player remaining from the Yankees’ last World Series title in 2009. He had a one-year... [More]

The numbers were eye-popping. At least, they were eye-popping to everyone except Ke'Bryan Hayes. His ability to handle his business at third base was never in doubt. Winning three Gold Gloves in the minors offered all the proof required. Yet there were still questions — at least externally — about how the Pittsburgh Pirates' top prospect would adjust at the plate after middling numbers at best during his rise through the team's farm system. Hayes answered all of them during a blistering September, hitting .376 with five home runs, three triples and 17 doubles on his way to a sixth-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His .682 slugging percentage was more than 200 points higher than his best year in the minors. “I mean I feel like I’ve always had the power,” Hayes said Tuesday. "I just feel like I wasn’t putting my body in a consistent position to hit the ball hard. I feel like I’ve always had stretches where I’ll hit the ball really hard, but it would be for a game or two and then... [More]

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto and manager Scott Servais are doing damage control with players who were directly mentioned or referenced by former team CEO Kevin Mather in an online video that led to his resignation. The message over the past two days to those affected has been: you have every right to be upset. “We are very open with our players and urge them to be the same. And if they want to be angry, they should be, frankly. They should be insulted,” Dipoto said Tuesday. “But at the same time, they are collectively driven toward what we’re trying to do here as a team.” The video posted over the weekend showed Mather expressing his views of the club’s organizational strategy and making controversial remarks about players during a recent online event. He took insensitive shots at a former All-Star from Japan and a top prospect from the Dominican Republic for their English skills. He also admitted the team may be manipulating service time for some of its young players.... [More]

Atlanta manager Brian Snitker expects to approach key pinch-hit situations with renewed confidence this season as he looks at the Braves' newly bolstered bench. More depth was added on Tuesday when the Braves finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with third baseman Jake Lamb that is not guaranteed. The signing adds another veteran bat to an already deep competition for bench spots in spring training. Lamb, a 2017 All-Star with the Arizona Diamondbacks, was with the Braves for their first full-squad workout and will compete for a bench spot. He could provide insurance for Austin Riley, who is expected to start at third base, but he was signed for his left-handed bat as a pinch-hitter. Snitker hopes Lamb can produce off the bench the way Matt Joyce in 2019 and Eric Hinske from 2010-12 were effective with their left-handed swings. “You get late in a game and you need a double-switch, he can be a very valuable asset much like Matt Joyce did a couple years ago,” Snitker said Tuesday. “He... [More]

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto and manager Scott Servais are doing damage control with players who were directly mentioned or referenced by former team CEO Kevin Mather in an online video that led to his resignation. The message over the past two days to those affected has been: you have every right to be upset. “We are very open with our players and urge them to be the same. And if they want to be angry, they should be, frankly. They should be insulted,” Dipoto said Tuesday. “But at the same time, they are collectively driven toward what we’re trying to do here as a team.” The video posted over the weekend showed Mather expressing his views of the club’s organizational strategy and making controversial remarks about players during a recent online event. He took insensitive shots at a former All-Star from Japan and a top prospect from the Dominican Republic for their English skills. He also admitted the team may be manipulating service time for some of its young players.... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brett Gardner and the New York Yankees have finalized a $5.15 million, one-year contract for the outfielder to return for a 14th season. New York also finalized its $5.15 million, one-year deal with left-hander Justin Wilson on Tuesday. To clear roster spots, right-hander Luis Severino was put on the 60-day injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery last Feb. 27, and outfielder Greg Allen was designated for assignment. Gardner gets a $1 million signing bonus and a $1.85 million salary this year. His agreement includes a $2.3 million player option for 2022. If Gardner declines the option, the Yankees would have a $7.15 million option for 2022 with a $1.15 million buyout. The 37-year outfielder is the last player remaining from the Yankees’ last World Series title in 2009. He had a one-year contract for 2020 with a $2 million signing bonus and a $10 million salary that became $2,962,963 in prorated pay. Gardner became a free agent after the Yankees declined a $10... [More]