After pen implodes, Giants spend big for relief in Mark Melancon
The Giants, who suffered a bullpen meltdown in 2016, are ponying up record dough for a closer who has notched 98 saves the past two seasons.
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Sources: Giants, closer Melancon reach deal
Closer Mark Melancon and the Giants have agreed to a four-year, $62 million contract, pending a physical, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney.
Chapman: Want 6 years; Cubs are not interested
Closer Aroldis Chapman says he wants six years, but he thinks the Cubs have not shown any interest.
Japanese MVP Otani eyes MLB move after 2017
Japanese pitcher and slugger Shohei Otani says he could move to Major League Baseball after the 2017 season.
Dodgers sign left-hander Hill to 3-year deal
The Dodgers have signed Rich Hill, who was considered one of the top free-agent starters on the market, to a three-year deal.
Jays sign Pearce to two-year, $12.5M contract
The Blue Jays have agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with free agent Steve Pearce.
Under Armour, Fanatics' uniform deal announced
The on-field deal between MLB, Under Armour and Fanatics is scheduled to begin in 2020 and run for 10 years, but sources say it could start before that should Majestic decide to bow out early.
White Sox may speed efforts to deal Chris Sale
When Chicago shopped Chris Sale in July, the price was high. Now the team is ready to deal because some think the lefty's mechanics are problematic.
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Melancon joins the Giants
Winter Meetings Daily: Is Trumbo's time with Orioles over?
The MLB winter meetings are on in our nation's capital, and rumors are swirling across baseball. Here is what our writers are hearing today.
Red Sox reconsidering their potential Papi replacements
Now that Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday are off the market, the Red Sox are mulling their alternatives at DH, including familiar face Mike Napoli.
Holliday better fit than Encarnacion for in-between Yanks
With New York going through a transition period, nabbing Matt Holliday on a one-year deal made more sense than a multiyear pact for Edwin Encarnacion.
Number of DH jobs shrinks with Holliday deal for Yankees
The decision to sign Matt Holliday could be bad news for Edwin Encarnacion and some of the other big bats still on the market.
Five teams with the most work to do at the winter meetings
Even with a deal for Rich Hill rumored to be near completion, the Dodgers are one of the teams with the longest to-do lists for their week in D.C.
Behind the scenes at the winter meetings
Sleep will be hard to come by, but there will plenty of eating, talking, wheeling and dealing. Here's what an exec's life is like in the "big suites."
No surprise John Schuerholz, Bud Selig put in Hall of Fame
The latest version of the veterans committee voted in the first GM to win the World Series in both leagues and another commissioner -- but no players.
Winter meetings shopping guide: Let's make a deal in D.C.
With a weak free-agent class, GMs across baseball will be eyeing star-studded swaps, which could mean a frenzy of trades in our nation's capital. And there are big names on the shelves.
MLB Roundup: Recent deals have set the market for power hitters
With the signings of Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday, and many players available for trade, free-agent sluggers may find it tough to ink big deals.
Could Tyson Ross be part of Cubs' winter meetings plan?
The Cubs always are looking to pick up extra arms for their rotation. Is rolling the dice on Tyson Ross a move they should consider?
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MLB Rumor Central
Beltran adds more than offense to Astros
The Astros' potent offense got another boost with the signing of Carlos Beltran, but that wasn't the only reason they wanted him in their clubhouse.
Beltran signs with Astros
Sources:Â New CBA reduces players'Â meal money
The new collective bargaining agreement drops from $105 to $30 per day the meal allowance for MLB players, according to league sources.
Dodgers head to winter meetings with questions to answer
They need a closer -- and better health -- for '17, but the Dodgers head to D.C. also looking to improve a lineup that was awful against lefties.
Mets may trade outfielder this week, considering Zack Wheeler for pen
With much of his heavy lifting already complete, Mets GM Sandy Alderson may look to tweak his outfield and bullpen at this week's winter meetings.
MLB Roundup: Agents still angry over labor deal
Players' union head Tony Clark is under fire for his handling of the new CBA. Plus a rundown of the hot stove and news from around the league.
Breaking down all 30 MLB front offices
With the winter meetings around the corner, you need a different kind of scorecard for who's calling the shots and stocking their rosters.
D-backs bring framing into focus with catching switch
Arizona's decision to bring in Jeff Mathis had everything to do with an understanding of the benefits a smooth receiver can have on a pitching staff.
Winter meetings roundtable: Busy week in Washington?
Which team will make the most noise at the winter meetings? Will some of the biggest names in baseball find new homes? Our experts predict what will happen in D.C. next week.
MLB Roundup: Padres' recent moves show accelerated rebuilding process
By not tendering Tyson Ross and trading Derek Norris, San Diego's payroll is rapidly shrinking as are its chances of competing the next few seasons.
As Cardinals fans chirp, John Mozeliak is listening
Will St. Louis make a splash at the winter meetings? Maybe, maybe not. But as frustrated Redbirds fans sound off, their GM hears the growing uproar.
Skip the red flags, these pitchers are poised for big seasons in 2017
Think Rich Hill is too risky? That Dallas Keuchel's dominance is done? That Drew Smyly's a bad trade target? Guess again. Each provides reasons to believe.
Zobrist named grand marshal of his hometown's holiday parade
The mayor of Franklin, Tenn. declared Saturday "Ben Zobrist Day" in honor of their hometown hero.
Cubs casting wide net with eyes on pitching upgrades
With more bats than arms throughout their system, the Cubs' winter focus is on pitchers. Will the champs surrender a young hitter to get a deal done?
Winter meetings checklist for all 30 teams
The champs need a closer. The Dodgers must find Clayton Kershaw a wingman. Here's what's on the agenda as the winter meetings hit D.C.
Could teams actually pay a 92 percent luxury tax under the new CBA? Yes -- and no.
How much could penalties for spending big cost the teams with MLB's highest payrolls? Here's the math, using the Dodgers and Yankees as case studies.
Why teams should think twice about signing these key free agents
Mark Melancon a lights-out closer? Dexter Fowler a star in center field? These players might seem like gems on the market, but there are reasons why GMs should beware.
Yanks both rebuilding and reloading this winter. Wait ... what?
You know that youth movement in the Bronx that began at the trade deadline? It's still on. But so is a possible spending spree at the winter meetings.
Agent: New CBA deal 'increases the likelihood of a work stoppage in five years'
A union memo underscores questions about negotiating mistakes that could not only hurt players this offseason, but could lead to future labor strife.
A key Cub to St. Louis? Bold December predictions
What's coming in December? Predicting big deals and bigger trades, but the biggest surprise could be Dexter Fowler doing something Cubs fans will hate.
Nationals keep hot stove burning, bring Derek Norris back
The Nationals shored up their catching corps in a deal for Derek Norris, but that isn't the only move to expect from GM Mike Rizzo.
Forecasting the fallout from the new CBA
From big-market teams spending less to notable free agents having trouble finding a home, the new deal will have an immediate impact this offseason.
What key CBA changes mean for baseball
MLB's new labor agreement shifts everything from draft-pick compensation to how the disabled list works. Here's what matters most.
Midsummer bummer? The All-Star Game now means nothing
The new CBA means the All-Star Game no longer decides World Series home-field advantage. How will we ever live without a July exhibition that counts?
Insider Roundtable: How to make deals in a weak market
Conventional wisdom says it's a weak market this offseason. So what's a GM to do when there's no potential game-changing free agent to sign? Our experts explore the options.
Top targets, fallback options for all 30 teams
Every club has a wish list, but competition will be fierce for top-shelf free agents. Who is eyeing the biggest stars and what's the backup plan?
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Hot-stove essentials
Now
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Jimmy Rollins made his last appearance for the White Sox June 8 before being cut loose. But he's looking to play again in 2017.
Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer
The Cubs will increase the cost of season tickets from 6 to 31 percent next year depending on location. The average ticket increase will be 19.5 percent. Club box infield seats will increase the most.
ESPN Fantasy Sports @ESPNFantasy
How does Mark Melancon's move to the Giants impact the closer landscape? @karabellespn checks in: bit.ly/2gvebdA [in]
Adam Rubin ESPN Staff Writer
Sandy Alderson expects to test Jose Reyes in the outfield during spring training. The Mets did not want to try that in-season last year. Alderson said the Mets will be doing that with minor leaguers this year as well so they are more flexible when they get to the majors.
Adam Rubin ESPN Staff Writer
Sandy Alderson said David Wright is in California working with his surgeon's physical therapists and is ready to begin baseball activity this month. Asked who the Mets' third baseman is in 2017, Alderson unequivocally said: "David Wright."
Adam Rubin ESPN Staff Writer
Sandy Alderson says he has met with agents and teams on Monday. On the free agents, he is reviewing the entire "menu," but is focused on relief pitching. With respect to trading an outfielder, Alderson said the talks are still preliminary, but he doesn't believe he will need to eat salary as part of a trade to boost the return.
Adam Rubin ESPN Staff Writer
Curtis Granderson and Carlos Villanueva were elected by the MLB Players' Association Executive Board to serve two-year terms as Association Player Representatives. That's the highest elected position among the union membership, according to the MLBPA. Matt Harvey and Andrew Miller were elected as Alternate Association Player Representatives.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Sources: Orioles perceive they are not close in talks with Mark Trumbo, and are prepared to move on to other options.
Andrew Marchand ESPN Senior Writer
Aroldis Chapman told ESPN's Marly Rivera he wants a six-year contract. I would be shocked if the Yankees gave him that. I'm not even sure they would go five years, but we'll see.
Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer
For all the talk of DH replacement, the Red Sox's highest priority is finding a setup man. Too soon to say, though, if it will come via trade or free agency. Red Sox exploring all avenues.
Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer
Rich Hill credited Red Sox pitching guru Brian Bannister and ex-Sox scouting director Jared Porter for helping to turn around career in 2015. Bannister taught Hill to pitch off his curveball and introduced him to spin rate. Porter encouraged him to move on the rubber. Two years later, Hill signs 3-yr, $48M deal with Dodgers.
Matt Marrone ESPN.com
Southpaw starting pitcher Rich Hill gets a hug from his 5-year-old son Brice at the winter meetings after re-signing with the Dodgers.
Adam Rubin ESPN Staff Writer
Although it seems to make sense on the surface that the Red Sox would be interested in one of the Mets' lefty-hitting outfielders, don't look for a trade to occur. Boston is not eager to take on either the contract for Jay Bruce ($13 million) or Curtis Granderson ($15 million).
Mark Saxon ESPN Staff Writer
The World Baseball Classic released a list of 30 confirmed players for the tournament and the only Cardinals player on the list is Yadier Molina, who will compete for Team Puerto Rico. The Dominican Republic no doubt would like Carlos Martinez to pitch for their team, but the Cardinals probably wouldn't be too keen on that given his career-high 195 innings last year.
Matt Marrone ESPN.com
Rich Hill puts the Dodgers uniform back on after he re-signs with L.A. After, an emotional Hill has to pause several times as he addresses the media and answers questions.
Scott Lauber ESPN Staff Writer
Rich Hill, native of Milton, Mass. and ex-#RedSox pitcher, emotional and choked up during press conference to announce 3-year, $48 million deal with Dodgers. Long, winding path to get here for 36-year-old lefty.
Doug Padilla ESPN Staff Writer
Rich Hill, when talking about his family, during his press conference to announce his three-year, $48 million deal with the Dodgers: ?"This is a great day for us, something we knew could always be a possibility."?
Doug Padilla ESPN Staff Writer
The Dodgers take over the press conference room at the winter meetings to discuss the Rich Hill signing.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Aroldis Chapman is looking for a 6-year deal, he tells @MarlyRiveraESPN. espn.com/espn/now?nowId…
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
This is speculation at this point, but makes sense as TEX looks for CF help: The Royals have told other teams they'll listen on Lorenzo Cain
ESPN.com's SweetSpot @espn_sweet_spot
After pen implodes, Giants spend big for relief in Mark Melancon es.pn/2haH6aC