Sources: Cody Bellinger, Cubs agree on 3-year, $80 million deal  —  Center fielder Cody Bellinger and the Cubs are in agreement on a three-year, $80 million contract, sources told ESPN, ending a prolonged free agency with a return engagement after his excellent 2023 season with Chicago.

MLB union says 2-second cut to pitch clock too soon for some pitchers  —  Major League Baseball's move to slice two seconds off the pitch clock with runners on base is too much, too soon, according to players' association head Tony Clark.  The clock is shortening to 18 seconds from 20 with men …

Free-agent utility man Kiké Hernández is down to four teams.  Here's how he'd fit with each  —  Free-agent super-utility man Kiké Hernández is choosing between four teams, according to sources briefed on his discussions.  The finalists, in no particular order …

With improved command, Boyle eyes spot in A's rotation  —  MESA, Ariz. — For most of his professional career, Joe Boyle had been tabbed by scouts as a likely future reliever due to some serious command issues.  His performance last season, however, might have changed that perception.

Blue Jays need the best of George Springer in fourth year of mega contract  —  DUNEDIN — As much as the highest-paid player on a team can find himself in such a place, it's almost as if George Springer has slipped under the radar in the early days of spring training.  —  STORY CONTINUES BELOW

Yankees' Alex Verdugo responds to scorching comments from ex-Red Sox star Jonathan Papelbon  —  TAMPA.  Fla. − At his introductory New York Yankees press event in December, Alex Verdugo praised manager Aaron Boone's “fire” and “fight” for his players.

Jackie Robinson statue cleats heading to Negro Leagues Baseball Museum  —  WICHITA, Kan. — The bronze cleats from a Jackie Robinson statue that was cut at the ankles and stolen last month will be donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, League 42's executive director told ESPN on Friday.

If not Masyn Winn, who?  Cardinals discuss shortstop depth, whether there's enough: Cardinals Extra  —  Video by Allie Schallert, aschallert@post-dispatch.com  —  JUPITER, Fla. — When it comes to their starting shortstop, the Cardinals have not hidden their intentions or even tried to change …

Clippers |  Kawhi Leonard, Terance Mann help Clippers hold off Grizzlies  —  Leonard scores 24 points, Terance Mann has a season-high 23 points and 12 rebounds and the Clippers grab the lead for good with 1:35 left to cap a 101-95 road win  —  MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On the second night …

Major League Baseball's Wardrobe Malfunction  —  The league unveiled new uniforms for this season that were supposed to blend cutting-edge tech with fashion.  Instead, they've generated widespread backlash—and some rather embarrassing images.  —  Major League Baseball had grand ambitions …

Tim Anderson, Marlins agree to 1-year, $5M deal, sources say  —  Shortstop Tim Anderson and the Miami Marlins are in agreement on a one-year, $5 million contract, sources told ESPN on Thursday.  —  Anderson, 30, joins Miami following a season to forget in 2023.

Sources: Pirates, Mitch Keller agree to five-year extension  —  Right-hander Mitch Keller and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in agreement on a five-year, $77 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN, locking up another young core player as the team continues to try to return to the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.

Eric Hosmer, one-time All-Star with Royals, announces retirement  —  Eric Hosmer, a four-time Gold Glove winner who helped lead the Kansas City Royals to the 2015 World Series title, announced his retirement Wednesday.  —  Hosmer, 34, made the announcement on social media while promoting …