Hot Stove roundup: Kershaw deal highlights busy day
Wednesday was a landmark day in Major League Baseball, as the Dodgers and left-hander Clayton Kershaw agreed to the largest contract in the game's history for a pitcher, according to a baseball source.
The deal for Kershaw, a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner, is for seven years and $215 million with an opt-out clause after five years.
MLB.com's Richard Justice writes the contract shows that, along with signing free agents and taking on big contracts via trades, the Dodgers also take care of their own.
In a sign that Spring Training and Opening Day is near, MLB released game times for the 2014 season.
Other news and notes from Wednesday:
AL East
The Red Sox reached a one-year deal with reliever Burke Badenhop.
The Orioles agreed to a contract with outfielder Tyler Colvin and also signed righty Alfredo Aceves to a Minor League deal.
MLB.com's Barry Bloom sat down with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner.
Despite being indefinitely suspended, Rays prospect Josh Sale is grateful for Tampa Bay's support.
Toronto's Aaron Sanchez, MLB.com's No. 9 right-handed pitching prospect, is taking things one step at a time as he tries to ascend to the Majors.
AL Central
Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu impressed on the first day of the White Sox hitters minicamp. Left-hander Chris Sale is ready to lead.
The Royals and right-hander Brad Penny reportedly agreed to a Minor League deal.
Minnesota's Ryan Pressly will pitch in honor of his father, who died of cancer on Nov. 1.
AL West
Seattle and outfielder Michael Saunders agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration.
The Rangers did the same with reliever Neal Cotts.
Mariners right-hander Taijuan Walker is prepping for a Major League rotation spot.
MLB.com's Phil Rogers writes that Derek Holland's loss is a major setback for the Rangers.
The Astros are looking for a new Spring Training facility. Houston also announced its Minor League managers will remain the same.
NL East
Former manager Charlie Manuel is reportedly returning to the Phillies as a senior adviser to the general manager.
Philadelphia reliever Mike Adams might not be ready for Opening Day.
The Mets and shortstop Ruben Tejada agreed to a one-year deal to avoid arbitration.
Braves reporter Mark Bowman answers fan questions in his Inbox. Nationals reporter Bill Ladson does the same here.
The Nationals extended their contract with Double-A Harrisburg for four years.
Marlins prospect Nick Wittgren has closer potential.
NL Central
The Cubs signed Chris Coghlan to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training.
Cubs prospects are taking part in a week-long development program.
Milwaukee signed veteran lefty Zach Duke to a Minor League deal with a Spring Training invite. Brewers pitching prospect David Goforth is returning to the bullpen and could get his own spring invite.
The Pirates can't overlook their hole at first base, writes MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince.
The Reds announced five more Spring Training invites, including Robert Stephenson -- MLB.com's seventh-best right-handed pitching prospect.
Cardinals reporter Jenifer Langosch answers questions in this Inbox.
NL West
The D-backs and righty Josh Collmenter agreed to a two-year deal to avoid arbitration.
The Rockies agreed to a one-year deal with lefty Franklin Morales to avoid arbitration.
Colorado's Jon Gray, MLB.com's No. 4 right-handed pitching prospect, is determined.
Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, reportedly 42 pounds lighter, is joining Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League playoffs.
Arizona's Archie Bradley was named MLB.com's top right-handed pitching prospect. Fellow D-backs prospect outfielder Keon Broxton is working hard in Australia.