Christian Walker agrees to $60 million, 3-year contract with Astros, AP source says

Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker and the Houston Astros agreed Friday to a $60 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was subject to a successful...

Kyle Tucker says he is open to long-term deal with Cubs after trade from Astros

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Tucker played his first major league games at Wrigley Field when the Houston Astros visited the Chicago Cubs in April. It was cold, he said, and a lot of fun. “Those fans love their Cubs," Tucker said. "That’s kind of how it felt from, you know, the visiting...

Cubs acquire All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the Astros

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros on Friday, paying a big price for one of baseball's best hitters. The Cubs sent third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top...

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, AP source says

Brent Strom hired as Pittsburgh Pirates assistant pitching coach

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Brent Strom didn't want his lengthy coaching career to end on a sour note after Arizona dismissed the longtime pitching guru in October. A chance to write a happier ending awaits in Pittsburgh. The Pirates hired Strom as assistant pitching coach on...

Astros ballpark to be renamed Daikin Park from Minute Maid Park on Jan. 1

HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros' home will get a new name on Jan. 1, becoming Daikin Park under an agreement through the 2039 season the team announced Monday. The stadium opened as Enron Field in 2000 as part of a 30-year, $100 million agreement but the name was removed in March...

For MLB teams chasing October glory, building a bullpen is a vital — and confounding — exercise

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — For a World Series that was supposed to feature an epic battle between sluggers Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, guys like Mark Leiter Jr., Luke Weaver, Alex Vesia and Anthony Banda sure got a lot of face time. This year's Fall Classic provided further proof that a...

Alex Bregman has elbow surgery to remove a bone chip

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Third baseman Alex Bregman had surgery to remove a bone chip from his right elbow. Agent Scott Boras revealed the operation during a news conference Wednesday at the general managers meetings. “He’s had his procedure. He’s going to be back...

Dodgers' World Series-ending win averages 18.6 million; series averages 15.81 million for 5 games

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Dodgers' 7-6 victory over the Yankees in Game 5 for their eighth World Series title and second in five years averaged 18.6 million viewers on Fox, Fox Deportes and streaming, according to Nielsen. That is the most-watched game in the Fall Classic since Game 7...

Soto, Burnes, Buehler, Fried among 136 who become free agents with 64 more awaiting pending options

NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Juan Soto, pitchers Corbin Burnes, Walker Buehler and Max Fried and first baseman Pete Alonso were among 136 players who became free agents Thursday morning. Third baseman Alex Bregman, outfielder Anthony Santander and shortstop Willy Adames also went...