PITTSBURGH — It’s awfully tough at this point to accuse the Pirates of ignoring first base, a disastrously deficient position for them in 2022. What they did Friday also makes a ton of sense from a team identity and leadership standpoint.

By signing Carlos Santana to a one-year free agent deal worth $6.725 million (pending a physical), the ...Read more

SAN DIEGO — The Padres have a solution at first base. Just slide the kid over there.

Yes, I mean Fernando Tatis Jr.

First base is the best spot for both Tatis and the Padres in 2023.

We'd see amazing defense with less risk of injury.

Tatis would cover a whole zip code.

Scoops? He's a shortstop by trade. High throws? He's a springy, 6-foot...Read more

LOS ANGELES —Attorneys for former Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig, who was expected to plead guilty Wednesday to lying to federal authorities investigating an illegal sports-gambling ring, now say they are exploring a possible defense.

Puig was joined by his attorneys, Keri Axel and Jose Nuno, and his agent, Lisette Carnet, Wednesday at the U...Read more

Following the Giants’ marathon meeting with Aaron Judge on Tuesday, the slugger’s free agency is reportedly already nearing its final stages.

San Francisco, thought to be possibly the only team that could lure him away from the Yankees, is expected to make Judge an offer “within the week,” insider Jon Morosi reported Wednesday morning ...Read more

It’s the time of year when we reflect on the people and the things that brought us joy over the past 365 days. From an unexpected playoff run by Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, to a miraculous World Series appearance by the Phillies, to a more perfect Union, to the renaissance of Howie Roseman, it has been an annum of bounty in Philadelphia.

1. ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — Phillies designated hitter Bryce Harper underwent “successful” Tommy John surgery with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Wednesday, according to a team press release. In the release, the Phillies said that Harper is expected to return as designated hitter by the 2023 All-Star break, and could return in right field ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer lost twice Wednesday, when a judge allowed the San Diego woman who accused him of sexual assault to proceed with her lawsuit against him and dismissed his defamation lawsuit against one of her former attorneys.

Under the rulings, issued by U.S. District Court Judge James Selna, Bauer was ordered to ...Read more

The Mets have made no secret of their desire to build a “sustainable winner.” If you’ve been paying attention to sports around the New York area over the last few years, then you’ve probably heard other teams cite the same term as well.

The Rangers hope their top prospect pool will produce more All-Stars en route to winning their first ...Read more

Years ago, a former member of the Phillies' front office was asked whether a certain pitcher could be a viable rotation piece. The longtime baseball man wrinkled his face and shook his head.

"Not in this ballpark," he said.

As the Phillies evaluate this year's crop of free agent and trade candidates in their annual attempt to cobble together a...Read more

Yankees fans are angry. Hal Steinbrenner admitted that himself. However, for those looking for drastic changes to be made to this current lineup, there are not many places to go up from what Brian Cashman already had.

The Bombers have a flawed roster with aging players and lineup inconsistency after their stack of Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo and...Read more

The Phillies have extended the contract of president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski for three years, the team announced Tuesday. Dombrowski, who signed a four-year deal with the Phillies in 2020, is now under contract through the 2027 season.

In 2022, Dombrowski’s second season with the Phillies, he led the team to its first playoff ...Read more

Fifteen months ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge declined to grant a restraining order to the San Diego woman who accused Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer of sexual assault. Does that ruling mean the judge determined Bauer did not commit an assault?

Yes, Bauer and his attorneys say.

No, a U.S. District Court judge says.

The parties are ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — The first wave of the Dodgers' offseason is complete.

And as they march into winter, they have any number of possible roads lying ahead.

Through the opening weeks of free agency, the team has largely shed payroll.

With the expiring contracts of Trea Turner, Craig Kimbrel, David Price and other free agents — not including ...Read more

CHICAGO — My first mention of a tweet appeared July 28, 2009, in a Chicago Tribune story on a Milton Bradley trade rumor.

“It began when White Sox analyst Steve Stone twittered that the Tigers were interested in trading for Bradley, adding the Cubs ‘should fly him in a private jet.’ ”

As a Twitter novice who joined the app that month...Read more

MIAMI — Jeff Conine has been back with the Miami Marlins organization for one day and was already getting involved in the community.

There he was Friday, alongside chairman and principal owner Bruce Sherman, president of business operations Caroline O’Connor, outfielder Avisail Garcia and a slew of volunteers at loanDepot park to help with ...Read more

ATLANTA — One year after Freddie Freeman up and left the Braves, Dansby Swanson can up and leave. (Let’s get this out of the way: Swanson, like Freeman, is represented by Excel Sports Management.) This isn’t to say Swanson will, but he might. As a public service, we offer talking points for your Thanksgiving convocations.

— 1. Swanson ...Read more

LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers had until 5 p.m. Friday to decide whether to tender Cody Bellinger, the 2019 National League MVP, a contract for the 2023 season.

It shouldn't have been much of a decision. Bellinger won that MVP award, solidifying his standing as a superstar, three years ago this week. He's 27 years old. This is the physical prime ...Read more