AWARDS
NL Rookie of the Year: Corey Seager (Dodgers)
AL Rookie of the Year: Michael Fulmer (Tigers)
NL Manager of the Year: Dave Roberts (Dodgers)
AL Manager of the Year: Terry Francona (Indians)
NL Cy Young: Max Scherzer (Nationals)
AL Cy Young: Rick Porcello (Red Sox)
NL MVP: Kris Bryant (Cubs)
ALMVP: Mike Trout (Angels)
ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE (AFL)
The Mesa Solar Sox (16-15-1) beat the Surprise Saguaros (17-14-1) in the AFL Champion game 6-1. It’s the Solar Sox third league championship and first since 2003.
Gleyber Torres of the Yankees won the AFL MVP, youngest in league history at age 19. He led the AFL with a .403 batting avg. and 1.158 OPS. Torres is the Yankees #2 prospect and they got him from the Cubs in the Chapman trade.
Austin Nola of the Marlins won the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award which is voted on by the field staff. He was drafted in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB draft. His brother Aaron plays for the Phillies.
NEWS
White Sox 1B Jose Abreu has opted out of the remaining 3 year/$34 million on his guaranteed contract and will enter arbitration for his remaining three years of club control.
The Astros have hired former player Alex Cora as their bench coach. He played in 14 MLB seasons with 6 different teams including winning a World Series with the Red Sox in 2007.
Once again ESPN will air three games on Opening Day April 2nd. Yankees at Rays, Giants at D-Backs and the night game will be Cubs at Cardinals.
Former MLB player Eric Thames is looking at making a return. He has played in Korea the last three seasons including a earning a MVP in 2015. He played in two MLB seasons (2011-2012) with the Blue Jays and Mariners.
More players have announced they will be playing in the World Baseball Classic: Jonathan Lucroy (USA), Felix Hernandez (Venezuela), Robinson Cano (DR).
TRANACTIONS
RHP Jeremy Hellickson (Phillies) and 2B Neil Walker (Mets) both will accept their qualifying offer for 1 year/$17.2 million.
The Astros sign RHP Charlie Morton to a 2 year/$14 million contract and can make up to $5 million in incentives.
The Astros acquired C Brian McCann and cash considerations from the Yankees. The Yankees will receive RHP prospect Albert Abreu (Astros #7 prospect) and RHP prospect Jorge Guzman.
The Astros have signed OF Josh Reddick to a 4 year/$52 million contract.
The Rangers have signed RHP Andrew Cashner to a 1 year/$10 million contract.
The Brewers have claimed OF prospect Adam Walker from the Twins. He was the Twins #15 prospect.
The Royals have resigned C Drew Butera to a 2 year/$3.8 million contract.
The Mariners have acquired INF/OF Richie Shaffer and INF/OF Taylor Motter from the Rays. The Ray will receive 3 minor leaguers. RHP Dylan Thompson (M’s #22 prospect), RHP Andrew Kittredge and 1B Dalton Kelly.
The Mariners have acquired LHP James Pazos from the Yankees. The Yankees will receive RHP prospect Zack Littell.
The Cardinals have signed LHP Brett Cecil to a 4 year/$30.5 million contract with a full no trade clause.
RUMORS
The Nationals have spoken to the White Sox about LHP Chris Sale, nothing serious yet.
The Tigers and Giants have had trade discussions regarding OF J.D. Martinez.
The Mariners almost acquired Red’s SS Zack Cozart at the trade deadline. They are still interested in him.
The Marlins have RHP Kenley Jansen as their #1 free agent target.
The A’s are actively listening to offers on RHP Sonny Gray.
OF/DH Carlos Beltran is now being pursued by both the Yankees and Red Sox.
The Rays have serious interest in bringing back INF/OF Steve Pearce back to Tampa Bay.
The White Sox are listening to offers for everyone including LHP Chris Sale.
The Mariners checked in with the Pirates about OF Andrew McCutchen earlier in the offseason. Talks didn’t go far.
The Astros are showing some interest in 1B/DH Mike Napoli.