MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Jason Kipnis joined the Chicago Cubs this spring for a shot at the second base job. He also realizes the role he plays in helping develop 22-year-old prospect Nico Hoerner.“I think he’s a stud. He’s going to be one. He’s a young guy with a lot of talent and I don’t want to get in the way of him progressing in this game, or getting better,” Kipnis said at spring training this week.The two-time All-Star spent his entire nine-year career in Cleveland, amassing nearly 100 postseason at-bats, including the Indians run to the 2016 World Series when they lost in seven games to the Cubs.Kipnis, who signed a $1 million minor league deal Feb. 11 as a non-roster invitee to camp, said he remembers coming up himself as a top prospect just trying to make his way.“I’ve had good mentors, and bad ones. Ones that didn’t help at all and made it even harder. I just know that’s not how it should work,” said Kipnis, from Northbrook, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.Kipnis, Hoerner, Daniel Descalso... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts isn't convinced bringing in more high-priced free agents during the offseason would have boosted Chicago."Just because you spent a lot of money doesn't mean you're going to win. We've seen that in our own organization our last couple of years," Ricketts said Monday. "The fact is, it's not about how much you spend, it's about where you spend it and getting the right guys on board."Star third baseman Kris Bryant said last weekend the Cubs have the financial ability to keep their All-Star core together "if they want to."“Where we place our resources is a baseball decision,” Ricketts said, referring to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer.Ricketts insisted the $208 million luxury tax threshold isn't holding the Cubs back."Those aren't defining the decisions in the front office, but they are always a consideration in the front office," Ricketts said, adding later, "We had the highest baseball budget in the (National)... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Theo Epstein claims there are "no hard feelings on either side" in the relationship between the Chicago Cubs and Kris Bryant.Bryant's grievance against the team was denied by arbitrator Mark Irvings, who ruled the players’ association did not prove Chicago’s reasons for holding the third baseman in the minors at the start of the 2015 season were a pretext to push back his eligibility for free agency."I've had a good text exchange with KB, checking in here recently, and whether it's the trade rumors or the grievance matter, there are no hard feelings on either side," Epstein, the president of baseball operations for the Cubs, said Tuesday. "He's excited to report to camp later this week. He's excited for the 2020 season… He's looking forward to getting started and continue what's been a great relationship."A three-time All-Star and the 2016 NL MVP, Bryant is eligible for free agency after the 2021 season.Also Tuesday, the Cubs agreed to a minor league contract with second... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Minnesota TwinsManager: Rocco Baldelli (second season). 2019: 101-61, first place, lost to Yankees in Division Series.Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.Park: Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sports Complex. First Workout: Feb. 12/17.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, RHP Kenta Maeda, RHP Homer Bailey, RHP Tyler Clippard, C Alex Avila, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Matt Wisler, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, LHP Blaine Hardy.He's Outta Here: RHP Brusdar Graterol, RHP Kyle Gibson, 1B C.J. Cron, 2B Jonathan Schoop, C Jason Castro, LHP Mart�n P�rez, RHP Ryne Harper, RHP Trevor Hildenberger, RHP Sam Dyson.Going campin': The high-priced addition of the big-swinging, slick-fielding Donaldson boosted an already deep lineup that produced a major league record 307 home runs last season. Then came the agreement this week... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Francisco Lindor's status with the Indians has been slightly upgraded.Team president Chris Antonetti said Wednesday he's more confident the All-Star shortstop will be in Cleveland's lineup to start the season after the Indians didn't receive a trade proposal to their liking over the past few weeks.Antonetti did not disclose any specifics about what has been offered for Lindor, a four-time All-Star and one of baseball's best all-around players. Cleveland has him under contract through the 2021 season, but the Indians have been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him to a long-term deal. There appears to be little chance he will re-sign.Antonetti believes Lindor will be around for at least a little while.“I still have every expectation that Francisco will be our shortstop opening day,” Antonetti said on a conference call. “I’m more confident today in saying that, as more of the offseason has passed. But that’s still our expectation.”Lindor's uncertain future hangs over... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Second baseman César Hernández can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses for plate appearances as part of his $6.25 million, one-year contract with the Cleveland Indians.The 29-year-old would get $50,000 for 525 plate appearances and $100,000 each for 575 and 625 under the deal announced Dec. 29.Hernández had spent his entire professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, but they declined to offer him a 2020 contract in his third year of arbitration eligibility. The switch-hitter batted .279 with 14 home runs and 71 RBIs last year.Hernández has a .277 career average with 46 homers in seven major league seasons. He has played in 161 games each of the past two years.Cleveland sought a second baseman after declining a $16.5 million option on Jason Kipnis, who became a free agent.———More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Second baseman César Hernández and the Cleveland Indians finalized a $6.25 million, one-year contract Sunday.The sides agreed to terms early last week, pending a physical.The 29-year-old Hernández had spent his entire professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, but they declined to offer him a 2020 contract in his third year of arbitration eligibility. The switch-hitter batted .279 with 14 home runs and 71 RBIs last season. He has played in 161 games each of the past two years.The Indians were in the market for a second baseman after not picking up veteran Jason Kipnis' contract option for 2020.Hernández is a .277 career hitter with 46 homers in seven major league seasons. To make room for him on the roster, catcher Eric Haase was designated for assignment. ——-More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Free agent second baseman Cesar Hernandez has agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Cleveland Indians, a person familiar with with negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday.Hernandez, who spent the past seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, must past a physical this week before the deal is announced.The person who spoke on condition anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. ESPN.com was first to report the agreement.The Indians were in the market for a second baseman after not picking up veteran Jason Kipnis' contract option for 2020.The 29-year-old Hernandez became available when the Phillies chose not to offer him a contract. He batted .279 with 14 homers and 71 RBIs in 161 games last season.Hernandez is a career .277 hitter.With Hernandez expected to sign, the Indians will likely keep Jose Ramirez at third base. The club considered sliding Ramirez over to the right side of the infield and pair him with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose name continues to be bounced around in trade rumors.Hernandez has played at least 127 games in each of the past five seasons.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Free agent second baseman Cesar Hernandez has agreed to a one-year, $6.25 million contract with the Cleveland Indians, a person familiar with with negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday.Hernandez, who spent the past seven seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, must past a physical this week before the deal is announced.The person who spoke on condition anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks. ESPN.com was first to report the agreement.The Indians were in the market for a second baseman after not picking up veteran Jason Kipnis' contract option for 2020.The 29-year-old Hernandez became available when the Phillies chose not to offer him a contract. He batted .279 with 14 homers and 71 RBIs in 161 games last season.Hernandez is a career .277 hitter.With Hernandez expected to sign, the Indians will likely keep Jose Ramirez at third base. The club considered sliding Ramirez over to the right side of the infield and pair him with All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose name continues to be bounced around in trade rumors.Hernandez has played at least 127 games in each of the past five seasons.

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon became a free agent Thursday, a day after homering to spark Washington's seventh-inning comeback in Game 7 of the World Series.Houston pitcher Gerrit Cole also went free after warming up in the bullpen but never getting into the season finale.And Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the World Series MVP, could be joining them in the next few days. He has the right to opt out of his contract, which has $100 million over four years remaining.Baseball's business season starts shortly after the final out."I think it's hard to kind of fast-forward," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "Seasons end really fast. I don't care if you get all the way to the seventh game of the World Series. It's all of a sudden — boom! — it's over."Cole, Rendon and Strasburg all are represented by Scott Boras, known for slow, methodical negotiations. Last winter, he reached outfielder Bryce Harper's $330 million, 13-year contract with Philadelphia on Feb. 28.Cole,... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians officially exercised starter Corey Kluber's $17.5 million contract option for next season.Team president Chris Antonetti said last month that the Indians would pick up Kluber's option. The club formally made the move Thursday while declining options on second baseman Jason Kipnis and reliever Dan Otero for 2020.Kluber, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, didn't pitch for the Indians after May 1, when the right-hander sustained a broken arm when he was hit by a comebacker. He was nearing a return in the minor leagues before an oblique injury ended his comeback.The 33-year-old Kluber is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.The Indians have parted ways with Kipnis, a two-time All-Star. He had a $16.5 million option for next season. Antonetti hasn't ruled out possibly re-signing the 32-year-old, who has been with Cleveland his entire career.Also, left-hander Oliver Perez will make $3 million next season. The reliever had a vesting option for 2020 that was triggered by games pitched, subject to a successful physical.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians wasted no time on one of their biggest offseason decisions: Bringing back Corey Kluber was a no-brainer.Cleveland said it intends to exercise Kluber’s $17.5 million contract option for next season, when the two-time Cy Young Award winner is expected to be healthy _ and maybe rejuvenated _ following an injury-shortened 2019.Kluber made only seven starts before a line drive in Miami broke his right arm. The 33-year-old endured months of inactivity and rehab and was nearing a return when a strained oblique muscle set him back.On Wednesday, team president Chris Antonetti announced the team’s decision on Kluber. And while the move wasn’t unexpected, the timing was unusual because the Indians typically take their time with major moves.The difference this time is that it’s Kluber, who has been one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers the past six years. His track record gives the Indians confidence he’ll bounce back _ and maybe be as good as ever.Kluber’s been a workhorse,... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians are exercising ace Corey Kluber’s $17.5 million option for next season.Kluber was limited to just seven starts after breaking his right arm on May 1, when he was hit by a line drive during a start in Miami. The two-time Cy Young Award winner was nearing a return in September before straining an oblique muscke. The team hopes the long layoff will allow Kluber to come back stronger in 2020.Team president Chris Antonetti made the announcement about Kluber’s contract during a season-ending media availability Wednesday.Cleveland could have bought out the option year for $1 million. The Indians have an $18 million option for 2021 with a $1 million buyout.Antonetti also said the team is declining options on second baseman Jason Kipnis ($16.5 million) and reliever Dan Otero ($1.5 million). Kipnis, who has been with the club for eight seasons, gets a $2.5 million buyout. Otero receives a $100,000 buyout.Kluber’s injury was one of many sustained this season by Cleveland, which managed to win 93 games but missed the playoffs for the first time since 2015.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians made one stirring comeback after another through a season scattered with adversity, misfortune, and unexpected challenges.Their last one fell short.They're stubbornly sitting out the postseason for the first time since 2015."We were on the run, and I just wanted to play in the playoffs," right-hander Mike Clevinger said after the Indians lost Sunday in Washington, concluding their taxing 2019 season with a five-game losing streak. "We didn't want that to come to an end. I wanted to pitch in October."Not this time.The Indians were officially eliminated from the playoffs on Friday, but only after they had exhausted themselves while overcoming injuries and fighting in a vain attempt to catch the homer-hammering Minnesota Twins, who clubbed Cleveland out of its three-year reign atop the AL Central.In truth, the Indians, who finished with 93 wins, played from behind since last winter when owner Paul Dolan's decision to chop payroll hollowed manager Terry Francona's... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Cleveland Indians star José Ramírez hit a grand slam in his first plate appearance after missing a month with a broken hand, then followed with a three-run drive in his second.Batting left-handed, Ramírez lofted a 3-1 pitch from Chicago White Sox right-hander Carson Fulmer into the right field stands with two outs in the first inning for a 4-0 lead Tuesday night.Ramírez homered again in third, this time from the right side of Héctor Santiago for an 8-0 advantage. His 22nd homer went deep into the left-field stands and gave him a career-high seven RBIs. He homered from both sides in a game for the fourth time.Ramírez was activated from the 10-day injured list prior to the game. Ramírez, who turned 27 last week, broke a bone in his right hand on Aug. 24 against Kansas City. He had surgery two days later."I'm not 100 percent on my wrist, but still I feel a big improvement and I'm ready to play," Ramírez said through a translator before the opener of the three-game series in... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Cleveland Indians star José Ramírez hit a grand slam in his first plate appearance after missing a month with a broken hand.Ramírez lofted a 3-1 pitch Tuesday night from White Sox right-hander Carson Fulmer into the right field stands with two outs in the first inning to give the Indians a 4-0 lead. Roberto Pérez added a solo shot off Hector Santiago in the second to make it 5-0 as Cleveland pushes for an AL wild card.Ramírez was activated from the 10-day injured list prior to the game. Ramírez, who turned 27 last week, broke a bone in his right hand Aug. 24 against Kansas City. He had surgery two days later."I'm not 100 percent on my wrist, but still I feel a big improvement and I'm ready to play," Ramírez said through a translator before the opener of the three-game series in Chicago.The two-time All-Star hit .254 with 20 homers and 75 RBIs in his first 126 games this season. He was on a tear before getting hurt, hitting .320 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs in 46 games in July... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Cleveland Indians star José Ramírez hit a grand slam in his first plate appearance after missing a month with a broken hand.Ramírez lofted a 3-1 pitch Tuesday night from White Sox right-hander Carson Fulmer into the right field stands with two outs in the first inning to give the Indians a 4-0 lead. Roberto Pérez added a solo shot off Hector Santiago in the second to make it 5-0 as Cleveland pushes for an AL wild card.Ramírez was activated from the 10-day injured list prior to the game. Ramírez, who turned 27 last week, broke a bone in his right hand Aug. 24 against Kansas City. He had surgery two days later."I'm not 100 percent on my wrist, but still I feel a big improvement and I'm ready to play," Ramírez said through a translator before the opener of the three-game series in Chicago.The two-time All-Star hit .254 with 20 homers and 75 RBIs in his first 126 games this season. He was on a tear before getting hurt, hitting .320 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs in 46 games in July... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — José Ramírez returned to Cleveland's starting lineup Tuesday night, giving the Indians another power bat to help with their push for an AL wild card.Ramírez was activated from the 10-day injured list. The third baseman, who turned 27 last week, broke a bone in his right hand Aug. 24 against Kansas City. He had surgery two days later."I'm not 100 percent on my wrist, but still I feel a big improvement and I'm ready to play," Ramírez said through a translator.Ramírez was batting sixth for the opener of a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.The two-time All-Star hit .254 with 20 homers and 75 RBIs in his first 126 games this season. He was on a tear before getting hurt, hitting .320 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs in 46 games in July and August."The idea is that he can hopefully play a lot," manager Terry Francona said. "Pitchers have to respect who he is."It's one less position we have to pick and choose or kind of platoon or whatever we've been doing in a couple of positions."Cleveland was a half-game back of Tampa Bay for the second AL wild card entering play Tuesday.The Indians have been hit hard by injuries all year long. Second baseman Jason Kipnis underwent season-ending surgery Tuesday, also for a fractured hamate bone in his right hand.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians third baseman José Ramírez took batting practice Thursday for the first time since breaking his right hand last month and is hoping to return before the end of the regular season.Ramírez had surgery for a broken hamate bone Aug. 26, and the expected recovery window had him slated for game action in early October. The last day of the regular season is Sept. 29.Cleveland manager Terry Francona said there's no new timeline for Ramírez's return, but it was encouraging that Ramírez felt good after swinging from both sides of the plate.Ramírez is batting .254 with 20 home runs and 75 RBIs despite a sluggish start. He hit .325 with 15 homers, 47 RBIs and a 1.045 OPS in the 53 games before the surgery.The club is already without second baseman Jason Kipnis for the rest of the season, also because of a broken right hamate bone.Cleveland is four games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central and a half-game behind Tampa Bay for the second AL wild card. The Indians trail Oakland by 2 ½ games for the top wild card.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — A broken right wrist ended Jason Kipnis' regular season. He hopes it didn't also end his tenure with the Cleveland Indians.Kipnis has spent his entire professional career with the organization since being drafted in 2009, but the Indians are unlikely to pick up his $16.5 million option for next year, which would make him a free agent for the first time at age 32."Going into the unknown can be a little frightening at first, but most players go through it eventually," Kipnis said Wednesday at Progressive Field. "I've been lucky enough to play this long for the same organization — and even luckier that it's been Cleveland."It's been a thrill to be here. I've loved this city from Day One. It will be missed. It will be hard to part ways. There will always be part of me here. But the unknown can also be exciting, too."The two-time All-Star second baseman spoke with the media three days after fracturing his right hamate bone while batting against Minnesota. He doubled in his final... [More]