AP sources: Wheeler, Phillies agree to $118M, 5-year deal

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies filled their biggest need quickly. Right-hander Zack Wheeler and the Phillies agreed to a $118 million, five-year contract, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because...

Davis maintains he was unaware of Astros' sign stealing

NEW YORK (AP) — J.D. Davis maintains he was not aware of any electronic sign stealing by the Astros in 2017, when he made his major league debut with Houston. "I wish I would have known because I batted only like .180, .200 or something like that," he said Wednesday after playing the elf during the New...

Cohen to increase stake in Mets; Wilpons remain in control

NEW YORK (AP) — A hedge fund manager whose company paid $1.8 billion in U.S. criminal and civil settlements is in negotiations to increase his stake in the New York Mets, who left open the possibility he eventually could become controlling owner. The team said Wednesday the deal between Sterling Partners...

Brett, Carew, Eckersley among 7 holdovers on Hall committee

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Hall of Famers George Brett, Rod Carew and Dennis Eckersley are among seven holdovers on the Hall of Fame's 16-man modern era committee, which meets Sunday to consider nine players plus former union head Marvin Miller for election. Former Kansas City Royals owner David Glass,...

After rekindling career, d’Arnaud lands big deal with Braves

ATLANTA (AP) — Travis d’Arnaud’s career appeared to be winding down. He missed nearly an entire season after blowing out his elbow. He was cut by the New York Mets and dumped by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, he’s back on track. At age 30, d’Arnaud has a prosperous new lease on...

Mets coach posts video of Céspedes taking batting practice

NEW YORK (AP) — Mets outfielder Yoenis Céspedes is taking batting practice in his effort to return from a slew of lower-body injuries. Minor league instructor and former Mets player Endy Chavez posted and then deleted video on Tuesday of the 34-year-old Céspedes taking swings. That came a few...

Odorizzi, Abreu accept $17.8M offers to stay with teams

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Pitcher Jake Odorizzi accepted a $17.8 million qualifying offer to stay with the Minnesota Twins and first baseman José Abreu took the same amount to remain with the Chicago White Sox as general managers headed home Thursday following their four-day annual meeting. Using the...

Astros’ Verlander, Mets’ deGrom win 2nd Cy Young Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Verlander has a second AL Cy Young Award — and a clear path paved toward Cooperstown. Verlander beat out Houston Astros teammate Gerrit Cole in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America revealed Wednesday night. Verlander got 17 first-place votes to 13...

Jacob deGrom of New York Mets wins second straight NL Cy Young Award

Mets' Alonso, Astros' Álvarez named Rookies of the Year

NEW YORK (AP) — Young sluggers known for their prodigious power, Pete Alonso and Yordan Álvarez knocked the Rookie of the Year voting out of the park. In a rarity for the major league home run leader, Alonso didn't land the biggest blow. Alonso, a star first baseman with the New York Mets, got 29 of...