Major League Baseball

Source: Braves keep Sale in fold with $18M option

The Braves have exercised their club option on Chris Sale, who had 165 strikeouts in 125 2/3 innings last season and will make $18 million in 2026, a source told ESPN.

Yankees pick up Hill's option, decline Loaisiga's

The Yankees have exercised left-hander Tim Hill's $3 million club option for next season and declined right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga's $5 million club option, the team announced Wednesday.

MLB sets opening date for spring training slate

MLB's spring training schedule will open Feb. 20 with seven games, including the Yankees against the Orioles in Florida, and the Cubs vs. the White Sox in Arizona.

Ex-Mets coaches join Weiss' new Braves staff

Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and and first base coach Antoan Richardson were added by the Braves to new manager Walt Weiss' staff.

RHP Bieber stays with Blue Jays on $16M option

Pitcher Shane Bieber has opted into his $16 million player option with the Blue Jays for the 2026 season, choosing to forgo free agency.

Sources: Tigers' Flaherty stays put, to make $20M

Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty is not opting out of his $20M contract for 2026, sources told ESPN, and will return to Detroit, where he has played the past two seasons.

Padres vet Darvish out for 2026 after UCL surgery

Padres veteran pitcher Yu Darvish underwent UCL repair surgery on his right elbow and is expected to miss all of the 2026 season.

Sources: Story opts to stay with Red Sox in '26

Veteran shortstop Trevor Story will not opt out of his contract and instead will return to the Boston Red Sox in 2026, sources told ESPN.

⚾ Kicking off way-too-early 2026 Power Rankings

Los Angeles just won the 2025 World Series -- and we're already looking ahead to next year. Where does your favorite team fall?