TEst 4

The fun of a fantasy draft is competing with other managers for each pick. But what if you just got to choose your team uncontested? This is Eric Karabell's "perfect draft."

Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber will start on Opening Day for Cleveland for the fifth consecutive season, matching a franchise record.

In a surprise move, the Chicago Cubs are sending infielder/outfielder Ian Happ -- a mainstay with the club the past two seasons -- down to Triple-A Iowa.

The Chicago White Sox think Eloy Jimenez is going to be a big-time slugger.

Yankees left-hander Phillip Diehl was traded to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for outfielder Mike Tauchman just hours after Diehl took CC Sabathia's spot in the team barber's chair, making him think news of the trade was a prank.

Michael Reed, who batted .342 with a .453 OBP in the minors last season, was traded from the Twins to the Giants, who are in need of an impact outfielder.

Left-hander Chris Sale said the Red Sox's pursuit of "trying to win every year" is why he decided to skip free agency and sign an extension to stay in Boston.

The transient and thrifty existence of a minor leaguer has led Rays reliever Jack Labosky to live in a renovated school bus with his girlfriend.

Astros pitcher Justin Verlander, who was due to be a free agent after the 2019 season, has agreed to a $66 million extension through the 2021 season, sources told ESPN.

Jason Hammel, who was told that he made the Rangers' roster as a long reliever, has instead opted to retire after discussing it with his family.

Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett, who hit .310 with 23 homers and 92 RBIs while making his first All-Star team last season, will miss 8-12 weeks with a groin strain.

Rays starting third baseman Matt Duffy will start the season on the injured list with a hamstring injury.

Outfielder Cameron Maybin, who was arrested earlier this month on a DUI charge, was released by the San Francisco Giants on Friday.

Outfielder Melky Cabrera and pitcher Francisco Liriano, who both signed minor league deals with the Pirates this offseason, have made the Opening Day roster.

Jed Hoyer let us sit in with him as his Cubs played in the Cactus League this week. Our question: What is a front-office executive looking for?

Left-hander Chris Sale and the Boston Red Sox have signed a five-year contract extension. The $145 million deal also includes an opt-out after three years and a vesting sixth-year option worth at least $20 million, sources told ESPN.

Lee Mazzilli, who is serving as a guest hitting instructor at Yankees camp, was released from the hospital on Friday, two days after he was struck in the head by a ball during batting practice.

Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Jason Kipnis will not be ready for Thursday's Opening Day game against the Twins, the team announced.

Alex Bregman's decision to sign a long-term contract with the Astros was not impacted by the second slow free-agent market.

Astros pitcher Justin Verlander is due to be a free agent after the 2019 season.