LAS VEGAS (AP) — Half a loaf is better than none for New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway when it comes to Robinson Cano.New York's new second baseman has been criticized at times for not running hard to first base when he hits infield grounders. Callaway says the 36-year-old is just protecting his body in a way that makes sense."I think Robbie deserves the leeway on that," Callaway said Tuesday at the winter meetings. "And the reason is not because he got out, he's frustrated, that's not the reason he does that. He does it so he can play 155 games, which he's done every year. He's smart. He knows the game. You're not going to see him hit a ball and loaf when there's a chance for it to be a hit. He understands when that ball leaves that fielder's hand, destiny is going to happen. And so he knows how to do that part of it."Cano will hit third in the lineup, Callaway said.An eight-time All-Star, Cano was obtained from the Seattle Mariners on Dec. 3 along with relief pitcher Edwin Diaz for... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Andrew McCutchen moving into Philadelphia's outfield, more talk about a megadeal involving Noah Syndergaard and J.T. Realmuto and veteran pitcher Ivan Nova on the go.The winter meetings picked up a bit Tuesday, but any big deals for the likes of Corey Kluber, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper remained on deck.There were reports the Baltimore Orioles, finally, were close to hiring a manager in Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde. But the O's said those stories were premature and they wouldn't make a decision before leaving Las Vegas."We don't have a manager," newly hired general manager Mike Elias said.The World Series champion Red Sox made a move, too — with their lineup. AL MVP Mookie Betts will shift out of the leadoff spot and bat behind Andrew Benintendi, manager Alex Cora said."I think we're going to maximize Mookie in a different spot. Flip-flop them, Beni leading off and Mookie hitting second. Talked to him, it makes sense," Cora said."And I know Beni's OK with it.... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Oakland Athletics and catcher Chris Herrmann have agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract.General manager David Forst had put getting a catcher among his top to-do items, and the A's found one Tuesday at the winter meetings.The 31-year-old Herrmann played 36 games for Seattle last season, batting .237 with two homers and seven RBIs. He had a $1.3 million salary.Houston claimed him off waivers from the Mariners last month, then failed to offer a 2019 contract and allowed him to become a free agent.A lefty hitter, he can make an additional $100,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 200, 250, 300 and 350 plate appearances.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Right-hander Ivan Nova was acquired by the Chicago White Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday for minor league pitcher Yordi Rosario and $500,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation.A 31-year-old right-hander, Nova was 9-9 with a 4.19 ERA in 29 starts this season, striking out 114 in 161 innings. He is 78-64 with a 4.26 ERA in nine seasons with the New York Yankees (2010-16) and Pirates (2016-18).Chicago was looking for a starter since touted rookie Michael Kopech had Tommy John surgery in September."We think he's going to be able to eat up some innings and pitch effectively for us," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "I think the front office was doing their due diligence in trying to acquire someone of Nova's status and stature, and all the reports from everybody we've spoken to, this kid's a good pick up for us."Nova has a $8.5 million base salary next year in the final season of a $26 million, three-year contract, then can become a free agent.Renteria... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton have finalized a $5.25 million contract that includes up to $1 million in performance bonuses and a mutual option for 2020.The Royals hope that spacious Kauffman Stadium will allow Hamilton to better use his speed than the bandbox of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, where he spent his first six seasons with the Reds.His deal, announced Tuesday, calls for a $4.25 million salary next year and a $7.5 million mutual option with a $1 million buyout He can earn $100,000 each for making 325 plate appearances and every additional 25 through 550.The 28-year-old made his big league debut in 2013, then proceeded to have four consecutive seasons in which he stole at least 50 bases. That number dipped to 34 last season, when the switch-hitting Hamilton hit .236 with four homers and 29 RBIs as the Reds' everyday center fielder.The Reds ultimately did not tender Hamilton a contract after paying him $4.6 million... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The champion Boston Red Sox aren't looking to cut the biggest payroll in the big leagues.After exceeding all three luxury tax thresholds paid off in a World Series title, the Red Sox anticipate going over the levels again next year even though they're increasing.Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski dismissed reports he is trying to trade some high-priced players, such as pitcher Rick Porcello."I've heard those tweets," he said Tuesday at the winter meetings. "We're not looking to move anybody. We're not driven to move anybody."Boston had the highest payroll for the first time in the free agent era. The Red Sox luxury tax payroll as of Aug. 31 was nearly $239 million, and Dombrowski said he thinks the Red Sox will be over $246 million next season.The Red Sox re-signed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi last week to a $68 million, four-year contract.Last season, Boston far exceeded the $197 million luxury tax threshold, the $217 million level for the first surcharge... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):4:04 p.m.The big-budget Boston Red Sox aren't looking to cut payroll after winning the World Series.Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is dismissing reports that he's trying to trade some high-priced players, such as pitcher Rick Porcello."We're not looking to move anybody. We're not driven to move anybody," he said.The Red Sox had the highest payroll in the majors for the first time in the free agent era. It was nearly $239 million in late August on Boston's way to a team-record 108 wins in the regular season.Dombrowski says he thinks the team payroll will be over $246 million next year.___3:55 p.m.The Oakland Athletics have reached agreement with catcher Chris Herrmann on a $1 million, one-year contract.General manager David Forst had put getting a catcher among his top to-do items, and the A's found one at the winter meetings.The 31-year-old Herrmann played 36 games for Seattle... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):3:26 p.m.The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman Patrick Wisdom to the Texas Rangers for infielder/outfielder Drew Robinson.The 27-year-old Wisdom made his major league debut last season, hitting .260 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 32 games. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Memphis, hitting .288 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs.The 26-year-old Robinson batted .183 with three homers and nine RBIs in 47 games for Texas. He is from Las Vegas, where this trade was announced during the winter meetings.___3:19 p.m.Former Texas pitcher Brandon McCarthy has been hired by the Rangers as special assistant to the general manager.McCarthy ended his 14-year career by going 6-3 in 15 starts for the Braves last season. He pitched three years for Texas early in his career.The Rangers say the 35-year-old McCarthy will be involved in all aspects of pitching development at the major and minor league level.___2:02... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Seattle manager Scott Servais hopes his team can find success rebuilding with youth much the way the AL West rival Oakland Athletics have done.A flurry of offseason trades by general manager Jerry Dipoto sent lots of stars out of the Pacific Northwest in the past month."We've made a few changes, but we had to make a decision organizationally where we were at," Servais said Tuesday at the winter meetings. "We weren't quite good enough to get into the playoffs the last three years even though we won a lot of ballgames. So maybe taking a step back, a little bit younger, readjust the core and see where that takes us."Gone is the core of Seattle's roster: ace James Paxton, All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, along with infielders Robinson Cano and Jean Segura. Catcher Mike Zunino, right-handers Juan Nicasio, outfielder Guillermo Heredia and lefty setup man James Pazos, too."The James Paxtons and the Mike Zuninos. Then certainly Robbie and Jean, what can you say about Eddie Diaz?" Servais... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):2:02 p.m.Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais hopes his team can find success rebuilding with youth much the way the AL West rival Oakland Athletics have done.A flurry of offseason trades by general manager Jerry Dipoto sent so many stars out of the Pacific Northwest in the past month.Gone is the core of Seattle's old lineup: ace James Paxton, infielder Robinson Cano, catcher Mike Zunino. Infielder Jean Segura and right-handers Juan Nicasio and Edwin Diaz. Outfielder Guillermo Heredia and lefty setup man James Pazos, too.Whew! See why Mariners fans might understandably be a little apprehensive about the transformation, even after an 89-73 season that failed to end a nearly two-decade playoff drought — they were third in the AL West and missed the playoffs for a 17th straight season."We've made a few changes, but we had to make a decision organizationally where we were at," Servais said at the winter... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):1:22 p.m.All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $50 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, is subject to a successful physical.The 32-year-old McCutchen was an All-Star each season from 2011-15, topping .300 in batting average from 2012-14. He was the NL MVP in 2013.McCutchen spent nine years with Pittsburgh before he was traded to San Francisco last winter. He was dealt to the New York Yankees on Aug. 31 and hit .255 with 20 homers and 65 RBIs in 155 games overall this year.McCutchen has 223 homers, a .287 average and 790 RBIs in 10 major league seasons.Philadelphia remains interested in Bryce Harper, the top free agent on the market, but has a surplus of outfielders, including Odubel... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $50 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, is subject to a successful physical.The 32-year-old McCutchen was an All-Star each season from 2011-15, topping .300 in batting average from 2012-14. He was the NL MVP in 2013.McCutchen nine years with Pittsburgh before he was traded to San Francisco last winter. He was dealt to the New York Yankees on Aug. 31 and hit .255 with 20 homers and 65 RBIs in 155 games overall this year.McCutchen has 223 homers, a .287 average and 790 RBIs in 10 major league seasons.Philadelphia remains interested in Bryce Harper, the top free agent on the market, but has a surplus of outfielders, including Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams, Aaron Altherr and Roman Quinn.Rhys Hoskins is moving from... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton have agreed to a $5.25 million contract for next season that includes up to $1 million in incentives.The Royals hope that spacious Kauffman Stadium will allow Hamilton to better use his speed than the bandbox of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, where he spent his first six seasons with the Reds.His deal, announced Tuesday, includes a mutual option for 2020.The 28-year-old Hamilton made his big league debut in 2013, then proceeded to have four consecutive seasons in which he stole at least 50 bases. That number dipped to 34 last season, when the switch-hitting Hamilton hit .236 with four homers and 29 RBIs as the Reds' everyday center fielder.The Reds ultimately did not tender Hamilton a contract after paying him $4.6 million in the second year of arbitration. The Royals now control him through the 2019 season and Kansas City now has three of the top eight base-stealers in the majors last season.The... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):11:55 a.m.Troy Tulowitzki has been released by the Toronto Blue Jays, who owe the oft-injured shortstop $38 million for the remaining two years of his contract.Now 34, Tulowitzki has not played in the major leagues since July 2017. He was limited that year to 66 games because of a hamstring and right ankle injury. The ankle required surgery last spring and he missed the entire season.Tulowitzki was taken by Colorado with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft and became a five-time All-Star. The Rockies agreed after the 2010 season to a $157.75 million, 10-year contract that added $132 million over seven seasons, then traded him in July 2015 to Toronto in the deal that brought shortstop Jose Reyes to Colorado.While Tulowitzki helped the Blue Jays reach that year's AL Championship Series, he slumped the next year and then was derailed by injuries.___11:35 a.m.Right-hander Ivan Nova has been... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $50 million, three-year contract.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, is subject to a successful physical.McCutchen was an All-Star each season from 2011-15 and spent nine years with Pittsburgh before he was traded to San Francisco last winter. He was dealt to the New York Yankees on Aug. 31 and hit .255 with 20 homers and 65 RBIs in 155 games overall this year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Right-hander Ivan Nova has been acquired by the Chicago White Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates for minor league pitcher Yordi Rosario and $500,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation.A 31-year-old right-hander, Nova was 9-9 with a 4.19 ERA in 29 starts this season, striking out 114 in 161 innings. He is 78-64 with a 4.26 ERA in nine seasons with the New York Yankees (2010-16) and Pirates (2016-18).Nova has a $8.5 million base salary next year in the final season of a $26 million, three-year contract, then can become a free agent.A 19-year-old right-hander, Rosario was 1-4 with a 2.57 ERA in 11 starts and three relief appearances last year in the Dominican Summer League and Arizona Rookie League. He struck out 70 in 56 innings.The trade was announced Tuesday at the winter meetings.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Buster Posey's recovery from right hip surgery might limit how much the San Francisco All-Star catches during spring training and at the start of the season.Posey had surgery in late August to repair a torn labrum in the hip and remove an impingement."Certainly with a guy like Buster coming off the major surgery it might impact his spring training workload and maybe even his early season workload, but for now all the indications are positive that he'll be 100 percent," new Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi said at the winter meetings.The 31-year-old Posey played in just 105 games and his power numbers dipped with the hip affecting him all year. He batted .284 with five home runs and 41 RBIs.Right-hander Jeff Samardzija is beginning a throwing program after he was limited to 10 starts and 44 2/3 innings in 2018 because of recurring shoulder problems. Center fielder Steven Duggar, who suffered a season-ending left shoulder injury in late August from a hard,... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Deal the New York Yankees in for the Manny Machado tournament. And J.T. Realmuto? A lot of teams already are sitting at that table.The baseball winter meetings began in earnest along the Vegas Strip on Monday, and clubs slowly started to show their cards.Noah Syndergaard and Zack Wheeler are attracting trade interest, the Mets say. Corey Kluber and Madison Bumgarner keep popping up in swap speculation. But still no indication of where hometown slugger Bryce Harper might go.A couple of moves got done — speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton sprinted to the Kansas City Royals, pitcher Tyson Ross went to Detroit.The Yankees, as usual, were on the prowl.Always ramping up the rivalry with the champion Boston Red Sox, the Yankees linked themselves to Machado. General manager Brian Cashman said he's been talking to the infielder's agent."So we are definitely focused in the marketplace on those areas of need and he, obviously, is available and solves that area of need," Cashman said.... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):5:33 p.m.The Texas Rangers have claimed infielder Carlos Asuaje off waivers from San Diego.Asuaje was designated for assignment Friday after spending parts of the past three seasons with the Padres, hitting .240 in 175 games. He also played at Triple-A El Paso last season, hitting .314 in 47 games.The 27-year-old Asuaje has played mostly second base in the major leagues, but has seen time at third base and left field as a pro. He has a .289 career batting average in the minors.Asuaje was an 11th-round pick by Boston in 2013 and was traded to San Diego two years later in the deal involving closer Craig Kimbrel.___4:15 p.m.Harold Baines knows there a lot of fans questioning whether his credentials are worthy of the Hall of Fame. He's not sweating that."Well, they can't take it away from me now, even if they don't think I should be there," he told The Associated Press.Baines was elected to Cooperstown... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says he has been talking about Manny Machado with the infielder's agent.New York shortstop Didi Gregorius is expected to miss at least half of next season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, leaving the team in search of an infielder."I've had several conversations with Dan Lozano about Manny Machado," Cashman said Monday at the winter meetings. "So we are we are definitely focused in the marketplace on those areas of need and he, obviously, is available and solves that area of need. So, not going to deny we've had a conversation. Or two."Cashman said last month that Machado would have to explain his comments that he isn't "Johnny Hustle" and his failure to run hard on the bases, which became glaring in the postseason. Cashman would not say whether he plans to meet with Machado.Bryce Harper, the other top free agent, appears to be of little interest to the Yankees, at least publicly. Asked whether he had met with the Las Vegas... [More]