STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — While Brian Cashman was descending the outside of a building Friday, the New York Yankees’ general manager came across a message taped to a 10th-floor window from a fan: Please sign Gerrit Cole. Cashman, whose rappelling adventure has become a holiday tradition, …

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Former New York Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild has been hired in the same position by the San Diego Padres. Rothschild is one of several newcomers on rookie manager Jayce Tingler’s staff announced Thursday. Rothschild spent the last nine seasons with the Yankees …

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins and starting pitcher Michael Pineda agreed Thursday to a two-year, $20 million contract to bring the right-hander back after a suspension for a banned diuretic, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated …

NEW YORK (AP) — Gerrit Cole, the top pitcher on the free-agent market, was set to meet with New York Yankees officials in California on Tuesday. General manager Brian Cashman, manager Aaron Boone and new Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake made the trip to speak with the 29-year-old …

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Right-hander Nick Goody and the Texas Rangers agreed to a $915,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. The 28-year-old Goody was acquired on release waivers from Cleveland last week and accepted the assignment Monday. He was 3-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 39 …

NEW YORK (AP) — It’s Bye Bye Birdie for the New York Yankees. First baseman Greg Bird became a free agent Wednesday after he cleared waivers and refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bird, who turned 27 on Nov. 9, debuted on Aug. 13, 2015, and hit .261 with …

NEW YORK (AP) — Nestor Cortes Jr. has been traded from the New York Yankees to Seattle for $28,300 in international signing bonus pool allocation, the remainder of what the Mariners had available to deal. A left-hander who turns 25 on Dec. 10, Cortes was 5-1 with a 5.67 ERA in 32 relief …

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees plan to not pay Jacoby Ellsbury the remaining $26 million due under his contract, contending he violated the deal by getting unauthorized medical treatment. New York’s general manager sent a letter to Ellsbury and his agent, Scott Boras, informing them the …

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Houston Astros owner Jim Crane declined comment Wednesday on Major League Baseball’s investigation into allegations of sign stealing against his team. While walking through the lobby of the luxury hotel where MLB owners were meeting, Crane stopped briefly when …

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees have given up on Jacoby Ellsbury, cutting the oft-injured outfielder with more than $26 million left in his $153 million, seven-year contract. Ellsbury, who has not played since 2017, was released Wednesday to clear a 40-man roster spot as New York added seven …

Patrick Corbin was an exception last offseason. Amid a slow free agent market — some stars didn’t sign until after the start of spring training — Corbin’s search for a new home was over in December when he received a $140 million, six-year contract from Washington. That worked out …

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Shildt began his life in baseball at his mom's side, tagging along with her to work at a Double-A ballpark and picking up odd jobs around the clubhouse. When Shildt was recognized Tuesday night for the career that has followed, the late Lib Shildt was the first thing …

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — After falling short of reaching the World Series for the 10th straight year, the New York Yankees intend to have conversations with top free agent pitchers Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg. "It's a good time to be them," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said …

NEW YORK (AP) — Young sluggers known for their prodigious power, Pete Alonso and Yordan Álvarez knocked the Rookie of the Year voting out of the park. In a rarity for the major league home run leader, Alonso didn't land the biggest blow. Alonso, a star first baseman with the New York …

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington pitcher Stephen Strasburg and Nationals outfielder Juan Soto have been selected as joint winners of the Babe Ruth award as postseason MVP in voting by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. They will be honored at the chapter's 97th …

NEW YORK (AP) — The Yankees failed to make a $17.8 million qualifying offer to Didi Gregorius and will not receive draft-pick compensation if the free-agent shortstop signs with another team. Gregorius, who turns 30 in February, came back from Tommy John surgery in early June and hit .238 …

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Beltrán was back in familiar blue pinstripes Monday, buttoning up a New York Mets uniform while standing next to his new boss, Brodie Van Wagenen. The first-time manager is taking over following a tenuous season at Citi Field, and his plan to calm the clubhouse …

NEW YORK (AP) — Aroldis Chapman is staying with the New York Yankees, amending his contract to a $48 million, three-year deal. The 31-year-old All-Star closer had been owed $15 million in each of the next two seasons as part of an $86 million, five-year contract, and he had the right to …

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Beltrán, two years removed from his playing career and with no managerial experience, has been picked by the New York Mets to replace Mickey Callaway. Beltrán received a three-year contract that includes a club option for 2023. The Mets announced the move …

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington third baseman Anthony Rendon became a free agent Thursday, a day after homering to spark Washington's seventh-inning comeback in Game 7 of the World Series. Houston pitcher Gerrit Cole also went free after warming up in the bullpen but never getting into the …