CHICAGO (AP) — Cubs closer Brandon Morrow likely will miss the start of the season following arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow last month.President of baseball operations Theo Epstein says the operation took place Nov. 6.Signed to a $21 million, two-year contract last December, Morrow led the Cubs with 22 saves and had a 1.47 ERA in 35 games. He did not pitch after July 15 because of a bone bruise in his right elbow.Epstein says Morrow still felt discomfort, leading to the decision for surgery. Morrow is expected to start throwing in early February.The Cubs announced Thursday they hired Tommy Hottovy as pitching coach to replace the departed Jim Hickey.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chris Owings has agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, five days after the utilityman was cut loose by Arizona.Owings can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances as part of the deal announced Wednesday: $50,000 each for 325 and each additional 25 through 500, and $100,000 for 550.The 27-year-old Owings hit .206 in 106 games this year. He made 33 starts in right field, 10 in center, nine at third, eight and second and three in left. He had 12 homers and 51 RBIs in 2017.Owings had a $3.4 million salary this year, was eligible for salary arbitration and likely would have received a raise. But the Diamondbacks failed to offer a 2019 contract by last Friday's deadline.He is eligible for free agency after the 2019 season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco's career has taken some dramatic turns, re-routed by elbow surgery, a therapeutic trip to the bullpen and several freakish injuries.He persevered, blossoming into a special pitcher — and person — for the Cleveland Indians.They're going to keep him around.The three-time AL Central champions and Carrasco agreed Thursday to a $47 million, four-year contract, a deal that includes $37.25 million in new guaranteed money and could keep him in a Cleveland uniform through the 2023 season.Carrasco, who has won 35 games over the past two seasons, will make $9.75 million next season, the same as his prior deal, and $10.25 million in 2020 — the same amount as the club's previous option for that season. The Indians added on two more seasons at $12 million each, and Cleveland holds a 2023 option for $14 million with a $3 million buyout.For the cash-conscious Indians, the 31-year-old Carrasco is invaluable.He's a core member of one of baseball's best rotations, which could... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians have signed starter Carlos Carrasco to a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season.Carrasco's deal includes a club option for 2023. Financial terms were not immediately available.The right-hander went 17-10 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 starts last season for the AL Central champions. He finished with a career-high 231 strikeouts as the Indians became the first team to have four pitchers reach 200 strikeouts in the same season.The 31-year-old Carrasco has developed into one of the league's elite starters, and the Indians wanted to lock him up for the future.Cleveland is still toying with trading either Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer to address their outfield needs.Carrasco is 79-62 with a 3.71 ERA in 207 career games. The Indians acquired him from Philadelphia in the July 2009 blockbuster that involved ace Cliff Lee.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Add Patrick Corbin to the All-Star starting staff the Washington Nationals have assembled.A person familiar with the deal said the left-handed Corbin has agreed to a six-year contract with the Nationals, pending a physical exam. Another person familiar with the terms said the contract is for $140 million.The people confirmed the details of the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because nothing had been announced by the team.Corbin's contract would include $10 million in deferred money, one of the people said.Corbin, who has played his entire major league career for the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins a rotation in Washington that already includes three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Corbin was an NL All-Star selection in 2013 and this year; Scherzer has been picked for each of the past six Midsummer Classics; Strasburg has made it three times.The 29-year-old Corbin is coming off his best season in the majors,... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals struck gold in their search for a big hitter, acquiring slugging first baseman Paul Goldschmidt in a blockbuster trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.Eager to push for the playoffs after a three-year absence, St. Louis sent pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, minor league infielder Andy Young and a 2019 draft pick to Arizona.A six-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner at 31, Goldschmidt was among the top players available in the trade market. He hit .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBIs last season."We've been busy this offseason working to upgrade our lineup, and today we are excited to announce the acquisition of one of the game's premier players," Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said in a statement.Goldschmidt has a $14.5 million salary next year, receives a $1 million assignment bonus for the trade and will be eligible for free agency after next season. The Cardinals have a history of acquiring... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chris Owings has agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, five days after the utilityman was cut loose by Arizona.Owings can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses as part of the deal announced Wednesday.The 27-year-old Owings hit .206 in 106 games this year. He made 33 starts in right field, 10 in center, nine at third, eight and second and three in left. He had 12 homers and 51 RBIs in 2017.Owings had a $3.4 million salary this year, was eligible for salary arbitration and likely would have received a raise. But the Diamondbacks failed to offer a 2019 contract by last Friday's deadline.He is eligible for free agency after the 2019 season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals struck gold in their search for a big hitter, getting All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a multiplayer trade Wednesday.Eager to push for the playoffs after a three-year absence, the Cardinals sent pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, minor league infielder Andy Young and a 2019 draft pick to Arizona.A six-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner at 31, Goldschmidt was among the top players available in the trade market. He hit .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBIs last season and has often finished high in the NL MVP voting."We've been busy this offseason working to upgrade our lineup, and today we are excited to announce the acquisition of one of the game's premier players," Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said in a statement.Goldschmidt has a $14.5 million salary next year, receives a $1 million assignment bonus for the trade and will be eligible for free agency after next season.... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — The St. Louis Cardinals have struck gold in their search for a big hitter, getting All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a multiplayer trade.The Cardinals sent pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, minor league infielder Andy Young and a 2019 draft pick to Arizona in the deal Wednesday.A six-time All-Star at 31, Goldschmidt was among the top players available in the trade market. He hit .290 with 33 home runs and 83 RBIs last season and has often finished high in the NL MVP voting.St. Louis has missed the playoffs for three straight years, its longest absence since 1997-99. Goldschmidt has a $14.5 million salary next year, receives a $1 million assignment bonus for the trade and will be eligible for free agency after next season. The Cardinals believed they needed a boost in the middle of their lineup to compete with the likes of Milwaukee and the Cubs in the NL Central.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Add Patrick Corbin to the All-Star starting staff the Washington Nationals have assembled.A person familiar with the deal said the left-handed Corbin has agreed to a six-year contract with the Nationals, pending a physical exam. Another person familiar with the terms said the contract is for $140 million.The people confirmed the details of the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Tuesday because nothing had been announced by the team.Corbin's contract would include $10 million in deferred money, one of the people said.Corbin, who has played his entire major league career for the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins a rotation in Washington that already includes three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Corbin was an NL All-Star selection in 2013 and this year; Scherzer has been picked for each of the past six Midsummer Classics; Strasburg has made it three times.The 29-year-old Corbin is coming off his best season in the majors,... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Left-hander Matt Moore and the rebuilding Detroit Tigers finalized a $2.5 million, one-year contract on Tuesday that allows him to earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses."Matt is a veteran left-handed starting pitcher with a solid three-pitch mix that we see competing for a spot in our rotation next season," Tigers general manager Al Avila said. "He has the ability to effectively use the whole strike zone with his arsenal, and we're excited for him to join our organization."Moore would earn $100,000 each for 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 27 and 30 starts, and $200,000 for 32 starts.The 29-year-old was 3-8 with a 6.79 ERA for Texas in 12 starts and 27 relief appearances last season.He is 54-56 with a 4.56 ERA over eight seasons with Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Texas. The Rays drafted him in the eighth round in 2007 out of high school in New Mexico and he was 17-4 and an All-Star for Tama Bay in 2013.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Add Patrick Corbin to the All-Star starting staff the Washington Nationals have assembled.A person familiar with the deal said the left-handed Corbin has agreed to a six-year contract with the Nationals, pending a physical exam. Another person familiar with the terms said the contract is for $140 million.The people confirmed the details of the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday because nothing had been announced by the team.Corbin, who has played his entire major league career for the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins a rotation in Washington that already includes three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Corbin was an NL All-Star selection in 2013 and this year; Scherzer has been picked for each of the past six Midsummer Classics; Strasburg has made it three times.The 29-year-old Corbin is coming off his best season in the majors, going 11-7 with a 3.15 ERA while pitching 200 innings for the second time in his career.He... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — Left-hander Matt Moore and the Detroit Tigers finalized a $2.5 million, one-year contract on Tuesday that allows him to earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses.The 29-year-old pitcher has a chance to compete for a rotation spot after going 3-8 with a 6.79 ERA for Texas in 12 starts and 27 relief appearances.He is 54-56 with a 4.56 ERA over eight seasons with Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Texas. The Rays drafted him in the eighth round in 2007 out of high school in New Mexico and he was 17-4 and an All-Star for Tama Bay in 2013.Moore would earn $100,000 each for 10, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 27 and 30 starts, and $200,000 for 32.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says All-Star pitcher Patrick Corbin has agreed to a six-year contract with the Washington Nationals, pending a physical exam.The person confirmed the length of the agreement to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday because nothing had been announced by the team.The left-handed Corbin, who left the Arizona Diamondbacks, joins a Nationals starting rotation that already includes three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.The 29-year-old Corbin is coming off his best season in the majors, going 11-7 with a 3.15 ERA while pitching 200 innings for the second time in his career. He was considered the top starter available in an elite free-agent class that includes right fielder Bryce Harper, the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year and 2015 NL MVP for the Nationals.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Wearing red Santa's helper hats, Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz got right to work for the New York Mets — as elves, handing out presents to school kids during the team's holiday party at Citi Field.A day after the club added the star second baseman and ace closer, new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen offered a gift to all Mets fans, too."We did not make this move to have it be our last move," Van Wagenen vowed Tuesday.Chimed in Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon: "I think there's a lot more that's going to happen."Still too early to tell if that means something major, such as a swing at free agent slugger Bryce Harper. That was the buzz on radio talk station WFAN, where the seven-player trade with Seattle drew strong, mixed reaction from Mets rooters.Van Wagenen, however, seemed to throw shade on the notion that pitcher Noah Syndergaard was going anywhere. Despite recent speculation the Mets might trade him, the GM said it would take "very special circumstances for... [More]

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers and left-hander Matt Moore have agreed to a one-year contract.Detroit announced the move Tuesday, adding a 29-year-old pitcher with a chance to compete for a spot in the rotation in 2019.Moore was 3-8 last season with a 6.79 ERA and 86 strikeouts in 12 starts and a career-high 39 appearances. His career record is 54-56 with a 4.56 ERA over eight seasons with Tampa Bay, San Francisco and Texas. The Rays drafted him in the eighth round in 2007 out of high school in New Mexico and he was 17-4 and an All-Star for them in 2013.The rebuilding Tigers chose not to tender contracts for right-handed pitcher Alex Wilson and catcher James McCann last week.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

BOSTON (AP) — Free agent Nathan Eovaldi was the star of the Red Sox 2018 World Series highlight video, and he didn't even have to attend the red carpet premiere.The erstwhile starter, who pitched six innings in relief in the team's 18-inning, Game 3 loss, received a huge cheer whenever his name was mentioned by the dignitaries who shared the stage with the four World Series trophies the team has won since 2004. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was cheerfully heckled with shouts of "Bring him back!"Acquired at midseason to bolster the Red Sox rotation, Eovaldi was 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA down the stretch for Boston. He made just one start in the playoffs before helping out the battered bullpen in the Game 5 clincher of the AL Division Series against Houston.He pitched one inning of relief in each of the first two games of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. And then, entering Game 3 in the 12th inning, he went the rest of the way to take the load off the rest of... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Mariners fans have waited longer than any supporters in North America for a return to the postseason.General manager Jerry Dipoto is asking Seattle to wait a little bit more.Dipoto continued a whirlwind reshaping of the Mariners' roster Monday by sending Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to the Mets and Jean Segura, James Pazos and Juan Nicasio to Philadelphia. In exchange, Seattle received a bundle of prospects and freed up significant salary space for after the 2020 season."This is what a reset looks like," Dipoto said.Dipoto believes the flurry of moves he's made in the past few weeks can get the Mariners into contention by 2021, calling the strategy a "step back" rather than a rebuild, even though it could take longer than a couple of seasons for Seattle to return to relevancy.The Mariners have been the busiest team in baseball, making wholesale changes to begin the offseason. Salary and experience are being swapped for youth and hope, with an eye on opening a competitive... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aiming for an instant upgrade after two failing seasons, the New York Mets and their rookie general manager turned to a most familiar face.The Mets made a splash — that much was certain — when they acquired eight-time All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano and major league saves leader Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners in a seven-player trade Monday.In his first big move as Mets GM, Brodie Van Wagenen brought the 36-year-old Cano back to New York. Van Wagenen previously was an agent and represented the former Yankees slugger.The rebuilding Mariners also sent $20 million to the Mets for outfielder Jay Bruce, reliever Anthony Swarzak and three prospects: former first-round draft picks Justin Dunn and Jarred Kelenic, plus right-hander Gerson Bautista.Mets fans were strongly split on the deal.Some applauded the trade as a chance for a team three years removed from the World Series to quickly head back in that direction. The Mets went 77-85 this year despite a rotation that... [More]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies acquired two-time All-Star shortstop Jean Segura from the Seattle Mariners for veteran slugger Carlos Santana and infielder J.P. Crawford on Monday.The Phillies also get left-hander James Pazos and righty Juan Nicasio in the trade."Shortstop was an area we didn't get a lot of production," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. "Segura moves the needle for us as far as win expectancy."Segura hit .304 with 10 homers, 63 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and had a .341 on-base percentage last season. He is signed through 2022 and is owed $60 million. He also got a $1 million bonus for approving the deal.It was the second major deal of the day for the Mariners. They also sent second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz to the New York Mets for five players, including two top prospects and outfielder Jay Bruce."Carlos Santana has been among the most durable players in the big leagues over the last eight years and has been a fixture in the middle... [More]