Latest Professional baseball News

FILE - In this July 26, 2020, file photo, Texas Rangers starting pitcher Corey Kluber pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning of a baseball game in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, declined the $18 million contract option on Kluber, who lasted just one inning in his only start before a shoulder injury ended his season. Kluber gets a $1 million buyout, and the club has said it is interested in re-signing Kluber to a less expensive deal. (AP Photo/Louis DeLuca, File)

Lester, Kluber, Hand boost free agent total to 175

Oct. 30, 2020 9:46 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Jon Lester, Corey Kluber and Brad Hand were among 15 more major leaguers who became free agents Friday when teams declined their 2021 options, many the victims of budget cuts following a regular season without fans due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also cut loose were Milwaukee...

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Hector Neris reacts after winning a baseball game against the New York Mets, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Phillies clear out 'pen, decline options on Neris, Phelps

Oct. 30, 2020 9:07 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies have declined options on relievers Héctor Neris, David Phelps and David Robertson, clearing out the bullpen after it posted the highest ERA in the majors. Philadelphia also said Friday that right-hander Heath Hembree, left-hander Adam Morgan and...

Dodgers decline option on RHP Jimmy Nelson

Oct. 30, 2020 8:16 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jimmy Nelson’s $2 million option was declined Friday by the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing the right-hander to become a free agent. Nelson is owed a $500,000 buyout. It’s been a rough three years for Nelson, who had a career year with the Brewers in 2017, posting a 3.49 ERA...

FILE - In this Dec. 10, 2009 file photo, billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen attends a benefit in New York. Major League Baseball owners voted Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, to approve the sale of the New York Mets to Cohen. The sale from the Wilpon and Katz families values the franchise at between $2.4 billion and $2.45 billion, a record for a baseball team. The sale is likely to close within 10 days. (AP Photo/File)

Sale of Mets to Steve Cohen approved; Wilpon era nears end

Oct. 30, 2020 8:08 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The Wilpon family's control of the New York Mets neared its end after 34 years when Major League Baseball owners voted Friday to approve the sale of the team to billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen. The vote was 26-4, a person familiar with the meeting told The Associated Press,...

FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Brad Hand delivers to Pittsburgh Pirates' Josh Bell during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Cleveland. The Cleveland Indians have declined contract options on Brad Hand and first baseman Carlos Santana for next season, decisions that will initially cut $27 million from the team's payroll. (AP Photo/Phil Long, File)

Indians decline options on closer Hand, 1B Santana for 2021

Oct. 30, 2020 8:05 PM EDT

CLEVELAND (AP) — Brad Hand's solid season didn't earn him another one with the Indians. Feeling the financial pinch from a shortened season, Cleveland declined Hand's $10 million contract option on Friday and also chose not to exercise options for either first baseman Carlos Santana ($17.5 million) or...

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Jon Lester option declined by Cubs, lefty becomes free agent

Oct. 30, 2020 7:54 PM EDT

CHICAGO (AP) — Jon Lester’s $25 million mutual option for 2021 was declined Friday by the Chicago Cubs, completing a $155 million, six-year contract and allowing the 36-year-old left-hander to become a free agent. Lester is owed a $10 million buyout: $2 million on each Dec. 31 from 2022 through...

The Latest: No bodychecking in OHL, sports minister says

Oct. 30, 2020 7:52 PM EDT

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world: ___ Ontario’s minister of sport said in a speech that the Ontario Hockey League will not have bodychecking this season. Lisa MacLeod told the Empire Club of Canada that removing purposeful physical contact is a necessity for...

Mets claim Nick Tropeano, Jacob Barnes off waivers

Oct. 30, 2020 6:54 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The Mets started reworking their roster Friday even before the arrival of new owner Steven Cohen, claiming Nick Tropeano off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Jacob Barnes off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels in moves that added a pair of 30-year-old right-handers. Tropeano was 1-0...

Marlins decline $4 million option for Kintzler for 2021

Oct. 30, 2020 6:33 PM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — The Miami Marlins declined their $4 million option for 2021 on reliever Brandon Kintzler, who gets a $250,000 buyout. Kintzler had a 2.22 ERA and 12 saves in 24 games this year, and helped the Marlins reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003. He pitched three scoreless innings in the...

FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2020, file photo, Chicago White Sox' Edwin Encarnacion reacts during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati. About 50 players would be eligible for free agency if their options are declined by Sunday, among them the White Sox designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster, File)

White Sox decline options on Encarnación, González

Oct. 30, 2020 6:27 PM EDT

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox have declined a $12 million option for designated hitter Edwin Encarnación and a $7 million option for left-hander Gio González. The team announced the moves Friday, making both players free agents. Encarnación's deal did not include a buyout, while...

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