The Twins have rarely competed for top talent on the free-agent market. The signing of Carlos Correa to a franchise-record contract could alter perceptions of the franchise, and if that happens, it will be due mostly to the Correa deal, a long-running, sharp-winding negotiation that required chief baseball officer Derek Falvey to play the role ...Read more

NEW YORK — The Baseball Writers’ Association election of Scott Rolen to the Hall of Fame this week created a goodly share of controversy and consternation among the baseball populace, and once again it got me to wonder why it’s become so complicated.

Call me a “small Hall” or “exclusivity” guy if you will, but in voting on the ...Read more

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Rays are working on a contract extension for another arbitration-eligible player, corner infielder Yandy Diaz.

The sides are closing in a on a three-year, $24 million contract with a 2026 option, as MLB.com first reported, and the deal could be finalized by Tuesday.

Diaz is scheduled for an arbitration hearing, ...Read more

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s decision time in the city. The same momentous, once-in-a-lifetime decision that keeps playing round and round in these parts.

It first arrived here with Tropicana Field’s conception in 1986. And then again, briefly, with a proposed waterfront stadium in 2007. And now the latest stadium decision could plausibly ...Read more

NEW YORK — The squirrel has found his nut.

Jeff McNeil has agreed to a four-year, $50 million extension with the Mets, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The contract reportedly includes a fifth-year team option that could bring the deal to $63.75 million.

The 30-year-old slashed .326/.382/.454 with nine homers and 62 RBIs en route to his ...Read more

PITTSBURGH — The news that Andrew McCutchen had signed with the Pirates was incredible and predictably and rightfully was received with open arms and enthusiasm from fans and observers of all shapes and sizes and from all corners of Pirates nation.

McCutchen is the most popular Pirates player probably since Willie Stargell played. He is the ...Read more

ARLINGTON, Texas — Robert Oppenheimer had an easier time developing a bomb than a slew of well-meaning pros who have worked for the Texas Rangers for decades have had developing pitching.

To address the weakest part of their organization the Rangers have thrown every available resource to fix an issue that essentially ended Jon Daniels’ ...Read more

BALTIMORE — The Orioles have spent much of the past two months seeking to double the number of additions they’ve made to their rotation this offseason. On Thursday, they finally did.

Baltimore acquired Oakland Athletics left-handed pitcher Cole Irvin and minor league right-hander Kyle Virbitsky for infield prospect Darell Hernaiz, they ...Read more

NEW YORK — Scott Rolen was the only member of the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot to be granted induction by the writers, and next year he’ll be joined by one of the only men on the planet who can credibly claim to be a better third baseman than he was.

Along with that defensive maestro (whose 3,166 hits will make him a shoo-in) there will be some...Read more

SAN DIEGO — The attorney for Mike Clevinger says the former Padres pitcher "emphatically denies" accusations of domestic violence and child abuse, one day after the mother of his young daughter detailed what she said were several acts of abuse last summer.

Olivia Finestead posted to Instagram on Tuesday that Clevinger choked and slapped her ...Read more

CHICAGO — We don’t need to wait until the MLB investigation is completed to know Mike Clevinger is done in Chicago.

The newly signed White Sox pitcher, who is under investigation after allegations of domestic violence and child abuse by the mother of his 10-month-old-daughter, denied the disturbing accusations through attorney Jay Reisinger...Read more

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Jeffrey Springs had an impressive season for the Rays in 2022, transitioning from reliever to key starter.

Wednesday, the left-hander was rewarded for that performance, and future projections, signing a four-year, $31 million contract that covers the 2023-26 seasons. With a 2027 option, innings-pitched incentives, ...Read more

SAN DIEGO — Where there once was "Sunshine" for the Padres, recollections of tie-dyed, free-wheeling pitcher Mike Clevinger and a delivery resembling a rugby scrum gave way to ominous clouds.

The mother of Clevinger's 10-month-old daughter leveled allegations of domestic violence and child abuse on her Instagram story Tuesday morning. Olivia ...Read more

ST. LOUIS — During a recent Adam Wainwright media session that would have made for one compelling podcast, the 41-year-old veteran spoke at length about the sense he will leave the Cardinals in a good place when he walks away after this upcoming season.

The comment forced Wainwright to admit there was a span, specifically during three ...Read more

SAN DIEGO — Maybe Gary Sheffield can make one last push.

The former Padre hit a new high on the Hall of Fame ballot revealed Tuesday, hitting 55 percent in his ninth year of eligibility. The nine-time All-Star will get more crack at crossing the 75% threshold before his case is moved to the committee process.

Sheffield had appeared on 40.6% ...Read more