NEW YORK (AP) — Right-hander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing Friday to a $40 million, four-year contract.Severino's deal includes a team option for 2023 that could make the agreement worth $52.25 million for five seasons. If the option is not exercised, Severino would be eligible for free agency after the 2022 season.Severino gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million in 2019, $10 million in 2020, $10.5 million in 2021 and $11 million in 2022. The team option is for $15 million with a $2.75 million buyout."He's a great pitcher, and I hope he's here for a long time," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before the deal was announced.He had been scheduled for the final salary arbitration hearing of the year on Friday morning at St. Petersburg, Florida. Severino had asked for a raise from $604,975 to $5.25 million in his first season of arbitration eligibility and the Yankees had offered $4.4 million.By agreeing to a long-term contract with ... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Yoenis Cespedes says he thinks he'll be able to play at some point this season.Recovering from surgery on both heels, the New York Mets slugger told reporters through a translator at spring training Friday he is finally pain-free. He has been working out and plans to begin throwing next week, but there's no timetable for when the 33-year-old left fielder will start running or hitting — and he's not sure when he might return to the lineup.The team has said Cespedes is expected to be sidelined until at least July. Mets manager Mickey Callaway said this week he hopes Cespedes can contribute "late in the season."The oft-injured Cespedes, who said he's been frustrated and bored while recovering, has been limited to 119 games since signing a $110 million, four-year contract after the 2016 season.He had separate operations to remove calcification and bone spurs from both heels, the first last August and the second in late October.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Yoenis Cespedes says he thinks he'll be able to play at some point this season.Recovering from surgery on both heels, the New York Mets slugger told reporters through a translator at spring training Friday he is finally pain-free. He has been working out and plans to begin throwing next week, but there's no timetable for when the 33-year-old left fielder will start running or hitting — and he's not sure when he might return to the lineup.The team has said Cespedes is expected to be sidelined until at least July. Mets manager Mickey Callaway said this week he hopes Cespedes can contribute "late in the season."The oft-injured Cespedes, who said he's been frustrated and bored while recovering, has been limited to 119 games since signing a $110 million, four-year contract after the 2016 season.He had separate operations to remove calcification and bone spurs from both heels, the first last August and the second in late October.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Forget about this bullpen obsession for a moment. Believe it or not, plenty of big league teams are still anchored by well-armed rotations.In this age of openers and closers, with relievers starting games and starters rarely finishing them, it might seem starting pitchers have been devalued by executives all over baseball.Dallas Keuchel, the 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner, is a 31-year-old free agent still looking for a job. Same for fellow lefty Gio Gonzalez, a two-time All-Star one season removed from going 15-9 with a 2.96 ERA in 201 innings.Meanwhile, short relievers like Zack Britton ($39 million), Jeurys Familia ($30 million), Kelvin Herrera ($18 million) and Joakim Soria ($15 million) had no trouble getting multiyear deals this winter.Doesn't anyone remember what Koufax and Drysdale did for the Dodgers?Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz with the Braves?"At the end of the day, your starting staff is the backbone of your team," Washington ace Max Scherzer sai... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Tucker Barnhart read about the Reds' interest in Miami catcher J.T. Realmuto and hoped that they wouldn't be able to swing a deal for the All-Star. Having endured the hardest part of a rebuild, he wanted to be in Cincinnati for a turnaround.Barnhart got his wish. Realmuto was dealt to Philadelphia — another team seemingly on the rise after major changes — and Barnhart got to stay with the Reds and handle a rotation that's been overhauled.After four straight 90-loss seasons, the Reds are trying to become competitive in the NL Central."I want to be a part of the finished product of the rebuild that was started when I came up in '14. It's continued since. I want to be a part of the winning," Barnhart said. "Hopefully, that starts now."Barnhart thought he would be an important part of the rebuild when the Reds gave him a $16 million, four-year contract that runs through 2021 and includes a club option for 2022. He was coming off a 2017 season in which he became... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Corey Seager never really wanted to know what the next step was in his rehab process after the young Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop had the kind of elbow surgery more common for pitchers, then hip surgery as well last season."I never wanted to look forward because I never wanted to get antsy, 'Oh why are we not doing this yet?'" Seager said Friday. "I just never knew when something was going to happen, so what I did that day was what I did that day."With the two-time defending NL champion Dodgers getting ready for their first full-squad workout Tuesday, and the regular season opener six weeks away, even Seager knows what comes next. While excited about getting back in games at some point soon, he is still trying to maintain some sense of that stay-in-the-day mentality.Manager Dave Roberts said the target date for Seager remains opening day, but the real goal is to get him fully healthy. The Dodgers don't want to get overanxious with their two-time All-Star and t... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Yelich had waited around long enough. He was ready to get back to work.The reigning NL MVP arrived at the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training facility Friday morning, four days before the team's first scheduled full-squad workout, set to build on a memorable 2018 season."It's nice to get out here a couple of days early, get everything set up and organized," Yelich said. "I'm ready to start playing some baseball again."Thanks to the Brewers' deep postseason run, Yelich's offseason was shorter than he's used. Because of his personal success, much of the time he'd normally spend resting, recovering and preparing for the next season was spent fulfilling other duties and obligations, such as a trip to New York to accept the MVP award.Still, Yelich insists that he, and the team, will be ready to go when the regular season gets underway late next month."Just to be back in this room and get those feelings of spring training ... I think there's a lot of excitement at t... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Right-hander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing Friday to a $40 million, four-year contract.Severino's deal includes a team option for 2023 that could make the agreement worth $52.25 million for five seasons. If the option is not exercised, Severino would be eligible for free agency after the 2022 season.Severino gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million in 2019, $10 million in 2020, $10.5 million in 2021 and $11 million in 2022. The team option is for $15 million with a $2.75 million buyout."He's a great pitcher, and I hope he's here for a long time," Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before the deal was announced.He had been scheduled for the final salary arbitration hearing of the year on Friday morning at St. Petersburg, Florida. Severino had asked for a raise from $604,975 to $5.25 million in his first season of arbitration eligibility and the Yankees had offered $4.4 million.Severino has a 41-25 career record with a... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Tucker Barnhart read about the Reds' interest in Miami catcher J.T. Realmuto and hoped that they wouldn't be able to swing a deal for the All-Star. Having endured the hardest part of a rebuild, he wanted to be in Cincinnati for a turnaround.Barnhart got his wish. Realmuto was dealt to Philadelphia — another team seemingly on the rise after a rebuild — and Barnhart got to stay with the Reds and handle a rotation that's been overhauled. After four straight 90-loss seasons, the Reds are trying to become competitive in the NL Central."I want to be a part of the finished product of the rebuild that was started when I came up inBarnhart thought he would be an important part of the rebuild when the Reds gave him a $16 million, four-year contract that runs through 2021 and includes a club option for 2022. He was coming off a 2017 season in which he became only the third catcher in franchise history to win a Gold Glove.Last season, Barnhart batted .248 and set caree... [More]

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals agreed with reliever Drew Storen on a minor league contract Friday that includes an invitation to big league spring training.Storen would have a $1.25 million salary in the major leagues if he is added to the 40-man roster, and he would have the chance to earn additional performance bonuses.The right-hander missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery in December 2017, but he'd been effective throughout his career. The 31-year-old is 29-18 with a 3.45 ERA over 470 appearances with the Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds.His best season came in 2011, when he was 6-3 with a 2.75 ERA and 43 saves for Washington. Storen was 4-2 with a 4.45 ERA in 58 appearances for Cincinnati during the 2017 season.The Royals have been stockpiling low-risk, high-reward relievers as they attempt to rebuild one of the majors' worst bullpens. They also signed left-hander Jake Diekman this week.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell apologized Friday for the "hurt" and "pain" he caused his ex-wife but didn't detail what prompted a 40-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy."My past behaviors were wrong and unacceptable," he said.Russell met with the media Friday for the first time since being suspended last fall, a penalty that he accepted without appeal. Russell spoke for nearly 20 minutes at Cubs camp, ahead of position players joining spring training workouts early next week.The suspension followed allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Russell missed the final 11 regular-season games plus a wild-card playoff loss to Colorado. He will be eligible to return in early May, barring postponements."I don't want to get into any specifics, but what I do want to say is I am accountable for my past actions," Russell said. "I'm not proud of the person I was, but I do want to own this issue and take responsibility for the hurt and... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — With spring training underway, Philadelphia Phillies president Andy MacPhail is certain his team is built to win right now.As for adding someone like outfielder Bryce Harper or third baseman Manny Machado, he's not fueling any speculation."There's been no shortage of brainpower devoted to trying to size up players that are available to us and what they bring," MacPhail said. "We are uniquely poised right now because they are some great talents out there. They could go to any club and make a significant difference."MacPhail said the goal is to win immediately and set up the Phillies to have a long window to compete for championships."(Owner) John Middleton wants to win, all of our ownership group wants to win," MacPhail said. "Really for that matter all 29 different owners want to win.""I think the thing that separates John is that if we won this year he'd want to win just as much next year and the year after that. That why it's important to us to make sure we ... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Two seasons after Tommy John surgery interrupted his minor league career, Chris Paddack hopes he's on the cusp of winning a job in the San Diego Padres' rotation.The 23-year-old seems to have as good a chance as anyone to win one of the final three spots with the rebuilding Padres, based on his drive and his impressive performance last season after returning from reconstructive elbow surgery."I'd be lying if I didn't say my goal is to make the starting rotation," said Paddack, who is ranked No. 5 among the organization's deep list of prospects. "Being a right-hander in this organization, it's wide open. I want to do everything I can mentally and physically to earn my spot. At the end of the day, your teammates and coaches are going to remember who you are as a person. I feel like that beats any reward, goal or accomplishment out there. That's something that doesn't collect dust."Paddack, who is on the 40-man roster, is in his first camp with the big league club."... [More]

Spring training has started, yet two of baseball's biggest stars, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, are sitting at home.For those who think this is a strong indication that the national pastime is headed toward another paralyzing labor dispute, do not fret.There's too much money at stake — on all sides — to let that happen.It's certainly troubling that somewhere between 60 and 100 viable free agents (depending on how you count) are still without jobs as teams reported to camp this week in Florida and Arizona.Sluggers Harper and Machado, along with 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner Dallas Keuchel and closer Craig Kimbrel, are the most notable players still looking for work. Not surprisingly, their absence prompted some high-profile grumbling from players who are gainfully employed, such as Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander."System is broken," he wrote on Twitter. "You're telling me you couldn't sign Bryce or Manny for 10 years and go from there?"Certainly, the next labor agreement will ... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Switch-hitting, versatile infielder Yangervis Solarte has reached agreement on a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.If added to the 40-man roster, he would get a one-year contract with a $1.75 million salary while in the major leagues and would have a chance to earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.He will provide infield depth for manager Bruce Bochy. Solarte played every infield position last season for the Blue Jays, making 83 starts at third base and 28 at second."We're excited to have him," Bochy said of Solarte, who still must pass a physical for the deal to be finalized. "He's a good player, can play a lot of positions. He's a pro. He's a nice addition to this ballclub because he gives you the versatility, depth."San Francisco dealt with significant injuries to first baseman Brandon Belt, second baseman Joe Panik and third baseman Pablo Sandoval last season and all missed extended time. Sandoval is recovering from August surgery to repair a torn right hamstring, while Belt has had repeated concussions and underwent season-ending right knee surgery in September.The 31-year-old Solarte batted .226 with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs in 122 games last season for Toronto. He played in the NL West the previous three-plus years with the Padres."We'll look at every opportunity to get his bat out there," Bochy said.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Switch-hitting, versatile infielder Yangervis Solarte has reached agreement on a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.If added to the 40-man roster, he would get a one-year contract with a $1.75 million salary while in the major leagues and would have a chance to earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.He will provide infield depth for manager Bruce Bochy. Solarte played every infield position last season for the Blue Jays, making 83 starts at third base and 28 at second.San Francisco dealt with significant injuries to first baseman Brandon Belt, second baseman Joe Panik and third baseman Pablo Sandoval last season and all missed extended time. Sandoval is recovering from August surgery to repair a torn right hamstring, while Belt has had repeated concussions and underwent season-ending right knee surgery in September.The 31-year-old Solarte batted .226 with 17 home runs and 54 RBIs in 122 games last season for Toronto. He played in the NL West the previous three-plus years with the Padres.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell says he's sorry for the "hurt and the pain" he caused his ex-wife but didn't detail what prompted a 40-game suspension under Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy.Russell met with the media Friday for the first time since being suspended last fall, a penalty that he accepted without appeal. Russell spoke for nearly 20 minutes at Cubs camp, ahead of position players joining spring training workouts early next week.The suspension followed allegations made by ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Russell missed the final 11 regular-season games plus a wild-card playoff loss to Colorado. He will be eligible to return in early May, barring postponements.Russell said his "past behaviors were wrong and unacceptable."The 25-year-old Russell said, "I don't want to get into any specifics, but what I do want to say is I am accountable for my past actions. I'm not proud of the person I was, but I do want to own this issue and take responsibili... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Right-hander Luis Severino avoided an arbitration hearing with the New York Yankees, agreeing Friday to a $40 million, four-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.Severino's deal includes a team option for 2023 that could make the agreement worth $52.25 million for five seasons. If the option is not exercised, Severino would be eligible for free agency after the 2022 season.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement is subject to a successful physical.Severino gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million in 2019, $10 million in 2020, $10.5 million in 2021 and $11 million in 2022. The team option is for $15 million with a $2.75 million buyout.He had been scheduled for the final salary arbitration hearing of the year on Friday morning at St. Petersburg, Florida. Severino had asked for a raise from $604,975 to $5.25 million in his first season of arbitration eligibility and the Yankees had offered $4.4 millio... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Francisco Liriano had a handful of offers during free agency that were basically the same. Teams wanted him to come to spring training on a minor league contract.Realizing he was not getting a major league deal, he returned to the team where he had his best run during his 13-year career. The 35-year-old left-hander agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Feb. 4, one week before spring training.In a three seasons between 2013 and 2015, Liriano was a combined 35-25 with a 3.26 ERA in 86 starts. He was the winning pitcher in the 2013 NL wild-card game — the Pirates' first postseason appearance since 1992 — when he limited Cincinnati to one run in seven innings."To be honest, that's one of the best games I remember," Liriano said before pitchers and catchers worked out Friday. "I have a lot of good memories in Pittsburgh. Hopefully, it will continue this year, too. Hopefully, we can make the playoffs. You never know. You've got to go out there and play a... [More]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Detroit beat pitcher Michael Fulmer in the last salary arbitration case this year, leaving players with a 6-4 final record in decisions.Fulmer was awarded a raise from $575,200 to $2.8 million by Matt Goldberg, Robert Herzog and Elizabeth Neumeier, who heard the case Wednesday. Fulmer had asked for $3.4 million.The decision was withheld until Friday, when right-hander Luis Severino and the Yankees had been scheduled for a hearing.Fulmer was the 2016 AL Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2017. A right-hander who turns 26 on March 15, Fulmer was 3-12 with a 4.69 ERA in 132 1/3 innings last year. He didn't pitch for the Tigers between July 14 and Aug. 24 because of a left oblique strain, then didn't pitch after Sept. 15 because of a torn right lateral meniscus.Players had a winning record for the third time in four years but just the fifth time since 1996 and 11th time since arbitration started in 1974.Three starting pitchers won — Cleveland's Trevor Bau... [More]