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Buying into the future of the franchise and owner Arte Moreno's intervention were just part of what made baseball's best player want to be an Angel for life.

The Red Sox weren't going to let their star lefty get away. But they spent way too much and are taking on a ton of risk.

The Astros to win the AL West? Sure, if you like easy money. How about Yasiel Puig for MVP or the Rangers to win a playoff game? Those are just two of the long shots our writers and reporters are eyeing.

He's as competitive as ever -- just with an earlier bedtime. Those who know him best compare Red Sox Theo to Cubs Theo.

"There's going to be some ups and downs in the 12 years, but the direction was huge for me," Mike Trout said about the Angels and his new deal. "I'm happy and excited for the direction they're going."

"This is my home. I love it. It never crossed my mind that I wasn't going to be an Angel for life," Mike Trout said Sunday.

Right-handed reliever Greg Holland will be the Arizona Diamondbacks' closer, manager Torey Lovullo said Sunday.

Left-hander Eric Lauer will be the Padres' Opening Day starter for Thursday's game against the Giants. Manager Andy Green said Lauer was chosen because his normal day to pitch falls on Thursday.

X-rays on Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez's left leg showed no signs of a broken bone after the All-Star was carted off the field in Sunday's spring training game against the Chicago White Sox.

Mets starter Noah Syndergaard took issue with the team's lack of progress in contract talks with Jacob deGrom and New York's travel plans ahead of Opening Day.

Justin Verlander says his new deal with the Astros is part of a "new wave in baseball" where teams are locking up their star players before letting them hit free agency.

Pitching prospect Touki Toussaint was optioned to Triple-A by the Braves on Sunday, but the team plans to have rookie pitchers Bryse Wilson and Kyle Wright in its opening rotation.

Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo will start the season on injured reserve as he recovers from knee surgery.

With Jason Kipnis injured, the Indians signed veteran infielder Brad Miller.

Pitching prospect Touki Toussaint, reliever Dan Winkler and outfielder Adam Duvall were optioned to Triple-A by the Braves on Sunday.

The San Francisco Giants acquired catcher Erik Kratz from the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday in exchange for minor league infielder C.J. Hinojosa.

Trading away prospects such as Eloy Jimenez and Gleyber Torres was the cost of contending for the Cubs, and now both players are coming into their own.

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.