CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have re-signed free-agent reliever Oliver Perez for next season.Perez appeared in 51 games last season for the Indians, who signed the left-hander in June and added him to one of baseball's best bullpens. Cleveland now needs Perez more than ever after losing closer Cody Allen and elite lefty Andrew Miller as free agents this winter.Perez's deal includes a vesting option for 2020.The 37-year-old Perez went 1-1 with a 1.39 ERA for the three-time defending AL Central champions in 2018. He recorded 15 holds and provided scoreless relief in 46 appearances.Perez spent the first two months of last season in the New York Yankees' organization before he was granted his release and signed by Cleveland. He has also pitched for San Diego, Pittsburgh, the Mets, Seattle, Arizona, Houston and Washington.Perez was originally signed by the Padres in 1999.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have re-signed free-agent reliever Oliver Perez for next season.Perez appeared in 51 games last season for the Indians, who signed the left-hander in June and added him to one of baseball's best bullpens. Cleveland now needs Perez more than ever after losing closer Cody Allen and elite lefty Andrew Miller as free agents this winter.Perez's deal includes a vesting option for 2020.The 37-year-old Perez went 1-1 with a 1.39 ERA for the three-time defending AL Central champions in 2018. He recorded 15 holds and provided scoreless relief in 46 appearances.Perez spent the first two months of last season in the New York Yankees' organization before he was granted his release and signed by Cleveland. He has also pitched for San Diego, Pittsburgh, the Mets, Seattle, Arizona, Houston and Washington.Perez was originally signed by the Padres in 1999.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Relief pitcher Cody Allen and the Los Angeles Angels have finalized a one-year contract for $8.5 million.He can earn an additional $2 million in performance bonuses for games finished as part of the deal announced Sunday: $250,000 each for 35 and 40, and $500,000 apiece for 45, 50 and 55.Allen had a career-high 4.70 ERA for Cleveland last season, going 4-6 with 27 saves in 70 games. The 30-year-old righty is the Indians' franchise leader with 149 saves.The Angels posted a total of 35 saves last year, ranking 12th in the American League. Blake Parker led the team with 14 saves, wasn't offered a contract after the season and signed with Minnesota.Starters Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill joined with the Angels earlier in the offseason.Right-hander Miguel Almonte was designated for assignment. Almonte, 25, was 0-0 with a 10.29 ERA in eight games for the Angels last year.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Relief pitcher Cody Allen and the Los Angeles Angels have finalized a one-year contract for $8.5 million.The Angels announced the signing Sunday.Allen had a career-high 4.70 ERA for Cleveland last season, going 4-6 with 27 saves in 70 games. The 30-year-old righty is the Indians' franchise leader with 149 saves.The Angels posted a total of 35 saves last year, ranking 12th in the American League. Blake Parker led the team with 14 saves, wasn't offered a contract after the season and signed with Minnesota.Starters Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill joined with the Angels earlier in the offseason.Right-hander Miguel Almonte was designated for assignment. Almonte, 25, was 0-0 with a 10.29 ERA in eight games for the Angels last year.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — After seven seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Cody Allen is looking to rebound with a new team.Allen and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $8.5 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by The Athletic, is subject to a successful physical. The agreement includes $2.5 million in available bonuses.A 30-year-old right-hander, Allen had spent his entire career with Cleveland and is the franchise's leader in saves with 149. He struggled last season, posting a career-high 4.70 ERA while going 4-6 with 27 saves in 70 appearances. He split the closer's role after Cleveland traded for Brad Hand on July 19. Allen was 2-2 with six saves and five blown saves his last 19 appearances and had only two save opportunities — which he converted — in his final 13 regular-season games.Allen has a 2.98 career ERA and had five straight... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says closer Cody Allen and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to an $8.5 million, one-year contract.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the agreement was subject to a successful physical. The deal, first reported by The Athletic, includes $2.5 million in available bonuses.Allen, a 30-year-old right-hander, had spent his entire career with the Cleveland Indians and is the franchise's leader in saves with 149. He struggled last season, posting a career-high 4.70 ERA while going 4-6 with 27 saves in 70 appearances.He has a 2.98 career ERA and had five straight seasons of a sub-3.00 ERA from 2013-17.Anaheim signed starters Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill earlier in the offseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Looking to rebuild their bullpen, the Cleveland Indians signed free agent right-hander Justin Grimm to a minor-league contract.Grimm's deal includes an invitation to training camp where the three-time defending AL Central champions will try to patch together a bullpen missing key components from past seasons.The 30-year-old Grimm has gone 20-23 record 4.98 ERA in 306 games major league games. He's been with Texas, the Chicago cubs, Kansas City and Seattle. Grimm was on Chicago's 2016 postseason roster and appeared in three games against the Indians in the World Series.He recorded at least 50 relief appearances with the Cubs over four straight seasons, pitching in a career-high 73 games in 2014.Grimm split last season between the Kansas City and Seattle organizations. He twice went on the disabled list with the Royals.The Indians lost reliever Andrew Miller as a free agent in the offseason. Closer Cody Allen remains unsigned, but the team's career saves leader is unlikely to return.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. LOUIS (AP) — When healthy, Andrew Miller has been one of baseball's top relievers. The St. Louis Cardinals are banking on a return to form.Miller agreed to a $25 million, two-year deal with St. Louis that includes a club option and performance bonuses that could make it worth $36 million over three seasons.The 6-foot-7 left-hander has been dominant for much of this decade, but he went just 2-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 37 games with Cleveland last season while dealing with hamstring, knee and shoulder issues."One of our stated goals this offseason was to improve our bullpen," said John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations. "Andrew Miller is one of the premier relievers in the major league, and his addition certainly strengthens our bullpen."Miller gets $11 million next year and $11.5 million in 2020, and the deal includes a $12 million team option for 2021 with a $2.5 million buyout, The option would become guaranteed if Miller has 110 games as a pitcher in 2019 and '20... [More]

ST. LOUIS (AP) — When healthy, Andrew Miller has been one of baseball's top relievers. The St. Louis Cardinals are banking on a return to form.Miller agreed to terms on a two-year deal with St. Louis, with a vesting option for 2021. The 6-foot-7 left-hander has been dominant for much of this decade, but he went just 2-4 with a 4.24 ERA in 37 games with Cleveland last season while dealing with hamstring, knee and shoulder issues."One of our stated goals this offseason was to improve our bullpen," said John Mozeliak, the Cardinals' president of baseball operations. "Andrew Miller is one of the premier relievers in the major league, and his addition certainly strengthens our bullpen."Terms were not disclosed in Friday's announcement.The Indians acquired Miller in a trade during the 2016 season, and manager Terry Francona used him as a multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen. He was the MVP of the AL Championship Series that year, and Cleveland made it all the way to Game 7 of the World Series... [More]

Paul Goldschmidt and Robinson Cano have already switched teams this offseason, going to the Cardinals and Mets in major trades.As for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper — the jewels of the free agent market — they're still waiting.Patrick Corbin and Josh Donaldson are already signed, but there are plenty of significant free agents still available heading into the winter meetings this week. The market appears less sluggish than a year ago, and Machado and Harper will remain focal points.Here's a look at the top free agents — broken down by position — who are still available. Players are listed with their most recent teams, with their ages in parentheses:LEFT-HANDED STARTERDallas Keuchel, Astros (30)With Corbin off the board , Keuchel may be the top remaining starter on the market. He slipped a bit after his Cy Young-winning performance of 2015, but this past season was encouraging from a health standpoint. He made a career-high 34 starts and posted a 3.74 ERA.Other options: J.A. Happ hasn't... [More]

Paul Goldschmidt and Robinson Cano have already switched teams this offseason, going to the Cardinals and Mets in major trades.As for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper — the jewels of the free agent market — they're still waiting.Patrick Corbin and Josh Donaldson are already signed, but there are plenty of significant free agents still available heading into the winter meetings this week. The market appears less sluggish than a year ago, and Machado and Harper will remain focal points.Here's a look at the top free agents — broken down by position — who are still available. Players are listed with their most recent teams, with their ages in parentheses:LEFT-HANDED STARTERDallas Keuchel, Astros (30)With Corbin off the board , Keuchel may be the top remaining starter on the market. He slipped a bit after his Cy Young-winning performance of 2015, but this past season was encouraging from a health standpoint. He made a career-high 34 starts and posted a 3.74 ERA.Other options: J.A. Happ hasn't... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor has been chosen the club's Man of the Year by the Cleveland chapter of the Baseball Writers of America.Lindor led the Indians to their third straight AL Central championship, batting .277 with 38 home runs and 92 RBIs. The switch-hitter scored 129 runs — tying him for the major league lead — had 25 stolen bases and was named to the All-Star team for the third straight season.Lindor and third baseman Jose Ramirez, also nominated for the award, earned AL Silver Slugger Awards at their respective positions. Ramirez finished third in the AL MVP voting after hitting .270 with 39 homers and 105 RBIs.Reliever Cody Allen won the team's Good Guy Award, which is given in recognition of a player or staff member who understands the media's role in covering baseball. Second baseman Jason Kipnis, outfielder Michael Brantley and pitchers Trevor Bauer, Andrew Miller and Mike Clevinger were also nominated.Allen became the franchise's all-time saves leader last season. The right-hander had 27 saves, bringing his career total to 149. Allen was 4-6 with a 4.70 ERA in 70 appearances.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians have some tough decisions to make this offseason. The one on Carlos Carrasco was simple.Cleveland picked up its $9.75 million contract option for next season on the right-hander, who has developed into one of the AL's most consistent and dominating pitchers over the past few years.The team declined its $3 million option for 2019 on outfielder Brandon Guyer, who battled through injuries last season. He'll get a $250,000 buyout and become a free agent. It's very possible he'll re-sign with the Indians, who value what he brings on and off the field.The 31-year-old Carrasco went 17-10 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 starts last season for the AL Central champions. He also recorded a team-high 231 strikeouts in 192 innings as the Indians became the first team in baseball history to have four pitchers top the 200-strikeout plateau.The team has another option for 2020 on the right-hander, who has gone 35-16 with a 3.33 ERA over the past two seasons."We believe Carlos has established... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Terry Francona's emotions are still raw and real. The postseason pain hasn't subsided just yet.Still feeling a "sting" after another successful season for Cleveland ended in disappointment and well short of a World Series title, Francona tried to explain on Wednesday why his team looked so overmatched against the Houston Astros.Francona didn't have all the answers — and he got annoyed at one point while defending star Jose Ramirez — but if October has taught anything to the two-time Series winner with Boston, it's that only one manager won't get second-guessed when the playoffs end."When you win you're smart, and when you lose you're dumb," Francona said. "That's kind of the way it is. You have one chance to do it, so you do it to the best of your ability and you have the confidence to come answer the questions and move on. But also move on trying to learn from what you didn't do good enough."The Indians weren't close to being good enough against the Astros, who had little... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Terry Francona's emotions are still raw and real. The postseason pain hasn't subsided just yet.Still feeling a "sting" after another successful season for Cleveland ended in disappointment and well short of a World Series title, Francona tried to explain on Tuesday why his team looked so overmatched against the Houston Astros.Francona didn't have all the answers — and he got annoyed at one point while defending star Jose Ramirez — but if October has taught anything to the two-time Series winner with Boston, it's that only one manager won't get second-guessed when the playoffs end."When you win you're smart, and when you lose you're dumb," Francona said. "That's kind of the way it is. You have one chance to do it, so you do it to the best of your ability and you have the confidence to come answer the questions and move on. But also move on trying to learn from what you didn't do good enough."The Indians weren't close to being good enough against the Astros, who had little... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — For the third year in a row, the unmistakable aroma of champagne wafted into the hallway outside the visitor's clubhouse following the final game at Progressive Field.On the Cleveland side, the smell was sour.The Indians were built for one goal: to win their first World Series since 1948. Yet after cruising to a third straight AL Central title, they couldn't get past the first round.October rejects again."We had a good year," said pitcher Trevor Bauer, whose shift from the starting rotation to the bullpen for the postseason maybe best summed up Cleveland's unsatisfying, disjointed season. "We definitely could have gone further. We had a lot of talent here and it didn't go our way."Nothing went Cleveland's way. But beyond being swept by the impressive Houston Astros, who were superior at every level, the Indians barely put up a fight.Postseason push-overs.The Indians were so close in 2016, when they took the Chicago Cubs into extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series.... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors today:THE ONLY SHOW IN TOWNBaseball's biggest rivalry gets the spotlight to itself as the Red Sox try to eliminate the Yankees in Game 4 of their AL Division Series. New York will be trying to rebound from the most lopsided postseason loss in the franchise's distinguished history — a 16-1 drumming Monday night capped by Brock Holt completing the first-ever postseason cycle. The blowout was so bad, backup catcher Austin Romine became the second position player ever to appear on the mound in the playoffs. He gave up Holt's ninth-inning homer.Game 4 may be the final appearance with New York for veteran CC Sabathia, who is expected to make his 23rd career postseason start. He's made 17 of those as a Yankee, going 8-3 with a 3.29 ERA during a span that included a 2009 ALCS MVP. The 38-year-old said Monday he plans to play again next season, though it's uncertain if the upcoming free agent will be back in pinstripes.Rick Porcello will throw for Boston... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Tuesday:THE ONLY SHOW IN TOWNBaseball's biggest rivalry gets the spotlight to itself as the Red Sox try to eliminate the Yankees in Game 4 of their AL Division Series. New York will be trying to rebound from the most lopsided postseason loss in the franchise's distinguished history — a 16-1 drumming Monday night capped by Brock Holt completing the first-ever postseason cycle. The blowout was so bad, backup catcher Austin Romine became the second position player ever to appear on the mound in the playoffs. He gave up Holt's ninth-inning homer.Game 4 may be the final appearance with New York for veteran CC Sabathia, who is expected to make his 23rd career postseason start. He's made 17 of those as a Yankee, going 8-3 with a 3.29 ERA during a span that included a 2009 ALCS MVP. The 38-year-old told ESPN on Monday he plans to play again next season, though it's uncertain if the upcoming free agent will be back in pinstripes.Rick Porcello will throw... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The master plan was for Trevor Bauer to be Cleveland's secret weapon, the October surprise.But that idea, and just about everything else the Indians tried, was tossed away.Bauer's two throwing errors in the seventh inning helped Houston rally for three runs and the Astros overwhelmed the Indians 11-3 in Game 3 to complete a surprising sweep in the AL Division Series.After waiting months for a chance at redemption from blowing a 2-0 lead and losing to the New York Yankees in last year's ALDS, the Indians fell flat in the fall once again.And the majors' longest World Series title drought has aged to 71."We were just outplayed," said center fielder Jason Kipnis, who was moved from his normal spot at second for the second year in a row. "I wish it weren't that simple. It just seems from top to bottom we were out-scouted, out-pitched, out-coached a little bit. They really did just a fantastic job over there of being ready and prepared before the series."I don't think we were... [More]

HOUSTON (AP) — Two Octobers after sparking a reliever revolution, Andrew Miller came up empty.Miller failed to get an out in relief of starter Carlos Carrasco, allowing a go-ahead double to Marwin Gonzalez as the Cleveland Indians lost to Houston 3-1 Saturday and fell into a 2-0 AL Division Series deficit."I wasn't good," Miller said. "I wasn't effective."Miller's ineffectual outing would have been a stunner two years ago, when manager Terry Francona leaned on him for as many as eight outs at a time while Cleveland played all the way to Game 7 of the World Series. It was game-changing when Francona called on Miller as early as the fifth inning that fall, but such aggressive bullpen management has become common around the majors since.Miller hasn't been the same this year, a season that included three stints on the disabled list.Cleveland was clinging to a 1-0 lead with two on and one out in the sixth when Francona called on Miller. Gonzalez immediately drove a two-run double to deep right... [More]