NEW YORK (AP) — AL MVP Mookie Betts, NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and major league home run champion Khris Davis reached high-priced one-year deals to avoid salary arbitration, while slugger Nolan Arenado and pitchers Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino and Aaron Nola were among 15 players still on track for hearings.Betts and the World Series champion Boston Red Sox agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract on Friday, a $9.5 million raise for an arbitration-eligible player that topped pitcher Max Scherzer's $8.8 million raise from Detroit in 2014.Betts' record didn't last the day, broken when deGrom and the New York Mets agreed at $17 million, a $9.6 million increase.Davis and the Oakland Athletics reached a $16.5 million deal, a $6 million raise after he hit 48 home runs with a career-high 123 RBIs.Arenado asked for a record $30 million in arbitration from Colorado and was offered $24 million. He will top the record for a salary for an arbitration-eligible player, a $23 million deal... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — AL MVP Mookie Betts, NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and major league home run champion Khris Davis reached high-priced one-year deals to avoid salary arbitration, while slugger Nolan Arenado and pitchers Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino and Aaron Nola were among 15 players still on track for hearings.Betts and the World Series champion Boston Red Sox agreed to a $20 million, one-year contract on Friday, a $9.5 million raise for an arbitration-eligible player that topped pitcher Max Scherzer's $8.8 million raise from Detroit in 2014.Betts' record didn't last the day, broken when deGrom and the New York Mets agreed at $17 million, a $9.6 million increase.Davis and the Oakland Athletics reached a $16.5 million deal, a $6 million raise after he hit 48 home runs with a career-high 123 RBIs.Arenado asked for a record $30 million in arbitration from Colorado and was offered $24 million. He will top the record for a salary for an arbitration-eligible player, a $23 million deal... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Suspended shortstop Addison Russell and the Chicago Cubs agreed Friday to a $3.4 million, one-year contract, a relatively small $200,000 raise for a player whose relationship with the team appeared strained after a domestic violence suspension.Russell accepted a 40-game suspension last October for violating baseball's domestic violence policy following allegations made by his ex-wife. He missed the final 11 regular-season games plus the wild-card playoff loss and will be eligible to return May 3, barring postponements.Russell will lose pay during the suspension. He can earn an additional $600,000 in roster bonuses if he is on the active roster for up to 150 days.Kris Bryant agreed to a $12.9 million, one-year deal, a raise from $10.85 million. Also agreeing to one-year deals were Javier Baez ($5.2 million), Kyle Schwarber ($3.39 million) and pitchers Kyle Hendricks ($7.405 million), Carl Edwards Jr. ($1.5 million) and Mike Montgomery ($2.44 million).The Cubs won 95 games... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Suspended shortstop Addison Russell and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a $3.4 million, one-year contract, a relatively small $200,000 raise for a player whose relationship with the team appeared strained after a domestic violence suspension.Russell accepted a 40-game suspension last October for violating baseball's domestic violence policy following allegations made by his ex-wife. He missed the final 11 regular-season games plus the wild-card playoff loss and will be eligible to return May 3, barring postponements.Russell will lose pay during the suspension. He can earn an additional $600,000 in roster bonuses if he is on the active roster for up to 150 days.Kris Bryant agreed to a $12.9 million, one-year deal, a raise from $10.85 million. Also agreeing to one-year deals were Javier Baez ($5.2 million), Kyle Schwarber ($3.39 million) and pitchers Kyle Hendricks ($7.405 million), Carl Edwards Jr. ($1.5 million) and Mike Montgomery ($2.44 million).___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Suspended shortstop Addison Russell and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a $3.4 million, one-year contract, a relatively small $200,000 raise for a player whose relationship with the team appeared strained after a domestic violence suspension.Russell accepted a 40-game suspension last October for violating baseball's domestic violence policy following allegations made by his ex-wife. He missed the final 11 regular-season games plus the wild-card playoff loss and will be eligible to return May 3, barring postponements.Russell will lose pay during the suspension. He can earn an additional $600,000 in roster bonuses if he is on the active roster for up to 150 days.Kris Bryant agreed to a $12.9 million, one-year deal, a raise from $10.85 million. Also agreeing to one-year deals were Javier Baez ($5.2 million), Kyle Schwarber ($3.39 million) and pitchers Kyle Hendricks ($7.405 million), Carl Edwards Jr. ($1.5 million) and Mike Montgomery ($2.44 million).___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Closer Brandon Morrow likely will miss the start of the season for the Chicago Cubs following arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow last month.Chicago president of baseball operations Theo Epstein revealed Thursday that Morrow's operation took place on Nov. 6. The Cubs waited to make an announcement because Morrow's recovery will impact how they fill out the bullpen."That's why we weren't broadcasting it," a smiling Epstein said. "We'll have to set things up a little bit differently the first few weeks of the season. And it kind of underscores the need for depth and late-game options early in the year. I think for him, it will be a positive. It will completely address the issues that were bothering him last year. ... It can really help him be strong late in the season as well."Chicago also hired Tommy Hottovy as pitching coach to replace the departed Jim Hickey.Morrow led Chicago with 22 saves and had a 1.47 ERA in 35 games after signing a $21 million, two-year contract... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton and 2017 All-Stars Avisail Garcia and Jonathan Schoop became free agents Friday when they were among 43 players cut loose by teams that failed to offer 2019 contracts, but the Chicago Cubs hung onto shortstop Addison Russell despite his 40-game domestic violence suspension that extends until May.Cubs president of president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called the decision a procedural step and said it "does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future" with them."It does however reflect our support for him as long as he continues to make progress and demonstrates his commitment to these important issues," Epstein added.Russell accepted the suspension following allegations made by his ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Though Russell has denied the allegations, he apologized to Reidy and his family for "my past behavior.""Since accepting my suspension, I've had time to reflect on my past behavior and think about the next steps I need... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton and 2017 All-Stars Avisail Garcia and Jonathan Schoop became free agents Friday when they were among 43 players cut loose by teams that failed to offer 2019 contracts, but the Chicago Cubs hung onto shortstop Addison Russell despite his 40-game domestic violence suspension that extends until May.Cubs president of president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called the decision a procedural step and said it "does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future" with them."It does however reflect our support for him as long as he continues to make progress and demonstrates his commitment to these important issues," Epstein added.Teams had a deadline Friday to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters.The 28-year-old Hamilton hit .236 with four homers and 29 RBIs this year for last-place Cincinnati as his stolen bases dropped to 34, and the Reds did not want to pay the raise he would get in arbitration from his $4.6... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs offered suspended shortstop Addison Russell a 2019 contract while maintaining Friday his future with the team is not certain.Russell is serving a 40-game domestic violence suspension following allegations by his ex-wife.President of president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called the decision a "procedural step" and said it "does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future" with them."It does however reflect our support for him as long as he continues to make progress and demonstrates his commitment to these important issues," Epstein added.Teams had a deadline Friday to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters.Russell accepted a 40-game suspension last October for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. The decision followed allegations made by his ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Though Russell has denied the allegations, he apologized to Reidy and his family for "my past behavior."Russell had a $3.2 million salary... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have offered suspended shortstop Addison Russell a 2019 contract while maintaining his future with the team is not uncertain.Russell is serving a 40-game domestic violence suspension following allegations by his ex-wife.President of president of baseball operations Theo Epstein says in a statement Friday the "procedural step" by the Cubs "does not represent the finish line nor rubber-stamp his future" with them.Teams had a deadline Friday to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters.Russell accepted a 40-game suspension last October for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy. The decision followed allegations made by his ex-wife Melisa Reidy. Though Russell has denied the allegations, he apologized to Reidy and his family for "my past behavior."Russell had a $3.2 million salary last season. His unpaid suspension includes the 11 regular-season games he missed after being placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Russell will be eligible to return on May 3 against St. Louis, barring any postponements.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:OPENER FOR THE OPENERThe Brewers will begin their NL Division Series against the Rockies with a bullpen game at Miller Park. Manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday he had not decided on the order of his relievers. The group will almost certainly include All-Star left-hander Josh Hader, though Colorado will have a tough test start to finish — Milwaukee led the majors with a 1.98 bullpen ERA in September.Colorado counters with Antonio Senzatela, a right-hander who is 6-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 23 games, including 13 starts. It will be the postseason debut for the 23-year-old.THE ACE AWAITSThe Braves and Dodgers open their NLDS in Los Angeles, and Atlanta has a chance to jump ahead before facing Clayton Kershaw in Game 2. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to hold back his ace left-hander and will instead start Hyun-Jin Ryu in Game 1. The left-handed Ryu was 7-3 with a 1.97 ERA in 15 starts this season.Mike Foltynewicz is up for the Braves. The... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell accepted a 40-game suspension Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife.Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the ban and said MLB had completed its investigation into the accusations made by Melisa Reidy. Russell has denied the allegations, which Reidy detailed in a blog post in September.Russell's unpaid suspension includes the 11 regular-season games he missed after being placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Russell will be eligible to return on May 3 against St. Louis, barring any postponements, and he will not appeal the suspension. He will also participate in an evaluation and treatment program.Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he's not sure what the odds are of Russell playing another game for the Cubs."Domestic violence is everyone's problem," he said. "Because of that, we all have an obligation to be part of the solution as... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:OPENER FOR THE OPENERThe Brewers will begin their NL Division Series against the Rockies with a bullpen game at Miller Park. Manager Craig Counsell said Wednesday he had not decided on the order of his relievers. The group will almost certainly include All-Star left-hander Josh Hader, though Colorado will have a tough test start to finish — Milwaukee led the majors with a 1.98 bullpen ERA in September.Colorado counters with Antonio Senzatela, a right-hander who is 6-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 23 games, including 13 starts. It will be the postseason debut for the 23-year-old.THE ACE AWAITSThe Braves and Dodgers open their NLDS in Los Angeles, and Atlanta has a chance to jump ahead before facing Clayton Kershaw in Game 2. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decided to hold back his ace left-hander and will instead start Hyun-Jin Ryu in Game 1. The left-handed Ryu was 7-3 with a 1.97 ERA in 15 starts this season.Mike Foltynewicz is up for the Braves.... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs expect to make changes after an early playoff exit. Just not in the manager's office.Joe Maddon will return as skipper for a fifth season, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said Wednesday."He's the manager of this team and I'm very happy about that," Epstein said.Maddon has one year left on his contract. Though there are no ongoing discussions about an extension, Epstein insisted they have a "terrific" working relationship."We don't agree all the time about baseball issues, and that's the way it should be," Epstein said. "I don't want a yes man as the manager."Maddon has a 387-261-1 record with playoff appearances in each of his four seasons in Chicago. The Cubs have more wins during that span than any other team, with three trips to the NLCS and a World Series championship in 2016 that ended a drought dating to 1908.Chicago finished 95-68 this season, blowing a five-game lead over Milwaukee in the NL Central before losing a tiebreaker to the... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell accepted a 40-game suspension Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife.Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the ban and said MLB had completed its investigation into the accusations made by Melisa Reidy. Russell had denied the allegations, which Reidy detailed in a blog post in September.Russell's unpaid suspension includes the 11 regular-season games he missed after being placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Russell will be eligible to return on May 3 against St. Louis, barring any postponements, and he will not appeal the suspension. He will also participate in an evaluation and treatment program.Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he's not sure what the odds are of Russell playing another game for the Cubs."Domestic violence is everyone's problem," he said. "Because of that, we all have an obligation to be part of the solution as... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs infielder Addison Russell accepted a 40-game suspension Wednesday for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy after a series of allegations made by his ex-wife.Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the ban and said MLB had completed its investigation into the accusations made by Melisa Reidy. Russell had denied the allegations, which Reidy detailed in a blog post in September.Russell's unpaid suspension includes the 11 regular-season games he missed after being placed on administrative leave Sept. 21. Russell will be eligible to return on May 3 against St. Louis, barring any postponements, and he will not appeal the suspension. He will also participate in an evaluation and treatment program.The Cubs' season ended Tuesday with a 2-1, 13-inning defeat to the Colorado Rockies in the NL wild-card game. Russell was not active for the game.MLB has said it began an investigation last year after allegations against Russell first became public.Reidy posted... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Major League Baseball has no timetable for finishing its investigation of domestic violence allegations against Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell by his ex-wife, Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday night."Right now, we're kind of going day by day," Manfred said. "That's the best I can do for you. The most important thing is to take our time, make sure we have all the facts, and make sure we try to make a decision at a point in time that it doesn't affect roster decisions and things like that."Manfred said it's "conceivable" a decision is announced before the end of the playoffs, though he would not say if it's likely. He spoke prior to the wild-card game between Chicago and Colorado.Russell has denied the accusations. He was placed on administrative leave Sept. 21 after his ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, re-iterated claims of domestic abuse. He was not on the wild-card roster.MLB has said it began an investigation last year after allegations first became public.Reidy posted... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred says Major League Baseball has no timetable for finishing its investigation of domestic violence allegations against Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell by his ex-wife.Manfred says the league wants to "make sure we have all the facts." He says it's "conceivable" a decision is announced before the end of the playoffs, though he would not say if it's likely. Manfred spoke prior to Tuesday's wild-card game between Chicago and Colorado.Russell has denied the accusations. He was placed on administrative leave Sept. 21 when after ex-wife, Melisa Reidy, re-iterated claims of domestic abuse. He was not on the wild-card roster.___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell will miss the rest of the regular season while Major League Baseball investigates domestic violence allegations from his ex-wife.MLB and the players' association have agreed to extend his administrative leave by four days through Sunday. Russell was first placed on administrative leave Sept. 21.Melisa Reidy has alleged years of physical and emotional abuse, which he has denied.Russell can challenge the leave before an arbitrator. He continues to be paid his $3.2 million salary.Chicago has clinched its fourth straight postseason appearance. The 24-year-old infielder is batting .250 with five homers and 38 RBIs. He was an All-Star two years ago and helped the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CHICAGO (AP) — Manager Joe Maddon says it would not be a distraction if shortstop Addison Russell plays again for the Chicago Cubs.Maddon has "no idea" if he will and knows "nothing about the process ... playing itself out." He spoke prior to Tuesday's game against Pittsburgh.Russell has not been with the team since Major League Baseball placed him on administrative leave Friday following a blog post attributed to Melissa Reidy containing allegations of emotional and physical abuse while they were married. Reidy also suggested on Instagram last year Russell was unfaithful and a friend of hers accused him of hitting his wife in a post later deleted.Russell has denied the accusations. The leave could be extended for seven-day periods if the union agrees.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports