Giants add veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed, ending chance of Brandon Crawford return  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The San Francisco Giants signed veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed to a minor-league deal Monday in a move that was more about the subtext than the actual news.

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.

ALEK MANOAH UNPLUGGED: Blue Jays pitcher candidly unpacks his struggles and shares his verve for the future  —  DUNEDIN — It's a quiet, almost blissful Sunday morning at the Blue Jays player development complex.  —  STORY CONTINUES BELOW  —  This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Twins To Acquire Manuel Margot  —  The Twins and Dodgers are reportedly in agreement on a trade sending outfielder Manuel Margot, infield prospect Rayne Doncon and cash from Los Angeles to Minnesota in exchange for minor league shortstop Noah Miller.  The Dodgers originally received $4MM …

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 …

Shohei Ohtani will make Los Angeles Dodgers' debut Tuesday  —  Shohei Ohtani will make his Los Angeles Dodgers spring training debut on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, who share the facility at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona.  —  Ohtani will be the designated hitter as he plays …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …