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Free-agent center fielder Austin Jackson signed a one-year contract on Sunday with the Chicago White Sox, confirmed MLB Roster Moves on Twitter.  

Jon Heyman of the MLB Network reported the deal is for $5 million. 

Jackson, 29, spent the first half of 2015 with the Seattle Mariners before being traded to the Chicago Cubs. He hit .267/.311/.385 with nine home runs and 48 RBI in 136 games.

He won’t bring power to the White Sox, but he will make up for that with a good glove in the outfield and above-average speed. He hit at least 10 triples in each of his first three seasons, leading the league twice. He’s also been successful on 106 of his 146 career stolen-base attempts.

The White Sox were 24th in MLB in both stolen bases and fielding percentage last season, while last year’s starting center fielder, Adam Eaton, was among the worst in baseball with a minus-1.1 defensive WAR, per ESPN.com.

Dan Szymborski of ESPN thinks Chicago made a good move by bringing in the center fielder:

Jackson broke into the league in 2010 with the Detroit Tigers and finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting behind Neftali Feliz. He was traded to the Mariners in 2014 before eventually joining the Cubs.

His average has dropped the past three years, as he has averaged .265 since 2013 after hitting .280 his first three seasons. Per Mike Axisa of CBSSports.com, Jackson has become a liability against right-handed pitchers, but it’s not time to give up on him:

At this point there’s no real reason to play Jackson against right-handed pitchers. They’ve chewed him up for years. Jackson has managed to hit .290/.345/.408 (113 OPS+) against lefties the last two seasons though, so he remains a viable platoon bat. Plus he still plays outstanding defense.

Jackson is still only 28 years [old], so he’s in what should be the prime years of his career. If nothing else, his defense and ability to hit lefties make him a quality fourth outfielder. He’s still young enough that he could get his career back on track and return to being an everyday player as well.

Jackson became expendable in Chicago after the Cubs signed free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, who was with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015.

Maybe a fresh start with the White Sox will help Jackson get back on track. He proved early in his career he can be consistent for a full season, and if that’s the case in 2016, this could turn out to be one baseball’s better offseason deals.

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Kansas City Royals setup man Kelvin Herrera’s home in the Dominican Republic was robbed during the offseason.

The fireballing right-hander took to Twitter on Friday, complaining about the lack of police response to the case, which began in January.

Herrera wrote his post in Spanish, but an editor who speaks the language loosely translated his words, per Matt Snyder of CBS Sports:

Last January, my home in Tenares, DR, was broken into by delinquents while my family and I were not home. The delinquents robbed us of everything of value, including my championship rings from the 2014 American League [Championship], 2013 World Baseball Classic, rings from Escogido and many other things that had incalculable sentimental value. Two months later, the police of Tenares, the town where I was born and raised and never turned my back on, has done absolutely nothing; they don’t have a lead or a suspect, and the situation is frustrating.

Via this message, I’m calling upon the authorities, especially mayor Ermes Rodriguez and the municipal police director Martin Almonte, to wake up and help end the delinquency (crime).

Thankfully, the 26-year-old—who had a 153 ERA+ and 64 strikeouts in 69.2 innings last year, per Baseball-Reference.com—did not lose his 2015 World Series ring in the robbery because the team will not hand out the rings until Opening Day, per Snyder.

Josh Vernier of Kansas City’s 610 Sports Radio and Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com provided updates after Herrera addressed the situation during spring training:

It’s good news that Herrera and his family were not home, and at least they got some sentimental items back.

However, it sounds as though they may never see some items that meant a lot to them again. Perhaps the police can find out who committed the crime, and the upcoming MLB season can provide a distraction for Herrera in the meantime.

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Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer said he is open to signing a long-term deal with the team.

Continue for updates.

Hosmer Leaving Contract Talks Open

Tuesday, March 1

According to Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, Hosmer seems to be weighing his options a few months after the Royals won their second World Series in franchise history.

“It’s not like if [general manager] Dayton [Moore] came knocking on my door to talk about [a long-term contract] I would say no. Of course not,” Hosmer said, per Flanagan. “But also, having just won a championship, it’s not like you go making any demands to Dayton, either.”

The Royals have had trouble keeping high-priced free agents over the years, even losing No. 1 starter James Shields following a World Series appearance in 2014. However, Hosmer shot down any notion that he’s biding his time before heading to a major market, per Flanagan:

That’s just outside perspective. I don’t play this game to be in commercials for hair products. I’m playing to try to win championships. Sure you want to give yourself the best opportunity in terms of financially, but at the same time, you want to give yourself the best chance to get to the playoffs.

If this group stays together, the best opportunity is right here.

The group includes third baseman Mike Moustakas, who broke into the majors in 2011 with Hosmer, as well as center fielder Lorenzo Cain, closer Wade Davis and shortstop Alcides Escobar. Each player contributed to the championship run, and each could become a free agent following the 2017 season.

Hosmer seems to hope the entire core stays together so Kansas City can build something special, per Flanagan.

“You create those opportunities by what you do on the field,” he said. “You look at what Golden State is [in the NBA]. I don’t know if that’s necessarily a top market, but you got Steph Curry and his team, and they will make everyone remember them for a long time.”

Hosmer, who hit .297 with 18 home runs and 93 RBI in 2015, is a fan favorite and will make $8.25 million in 2016.

The Royals are going to have to open their wallet to keep him, but it would be the right move. They’ve already shown they can be player-friendly after agreeing to talk with catcher Salvador Perez about an extension and restructuring his contract despite the fact that his deal is one of the biggest bargains in baseball.

If that happens, it would be a change in culture and a feather in the cap of Moore, who has built a winner from nothing during his 10-year tenure.

They may not be the Golden State Warriors, but the Royals have been the best team in baseball over the past two years, and with a young core intact, they have the chance to be great for years to come.

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On Sunday, the Toronto Blue Jays announced they signed veteran relief pitcher Rafael Soriano to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training.

The well-traveled Soriano has been with four teams since 2010, most recently the Chicago Cubs in 2015, when he allowed four earned runs in just 5.2 innings pitched.

His best season came in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays when he earned his only All-Star bid after a 45-save season. He also saved 117 games between 2012 and 2014 with the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals.

Jon Heyman of MLB Network noted Soriano will earn $750k this season if he can work his way onto the Jays’ major league roster. 

Although he is eighth among active closers in career saves, per TSN.ca, the 36-year-old’s best days are behind him. However, Bob Nightengale of USA Today thinks he can serve a purpose for Toronto:

Toronto had the 12th-best ERA in 2015 at 3.80 but ranked 23rd in blown saves with 22. Blue Jays fans shouldn’t expect much from Soriano, but if he can work his way onto the roster and eat up some middle-to-late innings down the stretch, he could be a great bargain considering his cheap salary.

All stats courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise noted.

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The San Diego Padres passed over pitcher James Shields for Opening Day starting duties in favor of Tyson Ross, but Shields insisted it’s not a huge deal.

According to Mike Cranston of the Associated Press (via Yahoo Sports), Shields took it in stride while speaking about the subject Saturday.

“I’ve been in this situation before,” Shields said. “I think in 2011, David Price [in Tampa Bay] took my Opening Day start after three years. And I got it right back the next year.”

Shields was 13-7 with a 3.91 ERA last season, his first in San Diego, while Ross was 10-12 with a 3.26 ERA.

First-year Padres manager Andy Green liked Shields’ attitude, per Cranston.

“He handled it like a pro,” Green said. “And he told Tyson, ‘Hey, it’s your job this year, but I’m coming back for it next year.’ That’s what you want to hear.”

The 34-year-old Shields, who is 127-97 in his career, did see his stats dip last year, allowing the second-most home runs of his career (33). His 93 ERA+ was also lower than Ross’ 112, according to Baseball-Reference.com.

However, there is no reason to think this will hurt Shields. He has been a workhorse throughout his career, throwing at least 200 innings in each of the past nine seasons. 

“Shields might be baseball’s best bet to be on the mound every five days,” Cranston noted.

If anything, it will light a fire under the right-hander, and he’ll come out ready the next day. It’s possible that Green may even be using this to fuel Shields and make sure he is firing on all cylinders for his first start.

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Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips will return for an 11th season with the team despite the fact he was almost traded twice this offseason.

Reds president of baseball operations Walt Jocketty said the 34-year-old Phillips blocked trades to the Washington Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the second baseman made no mention of that when asked on Wednesday, per the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

“If that’s what he said, that’s what he said. I can’t really go off what people say,” Phillips said of Jocketty. “I only know what I really do. I know what the Aces, I’m represented by them, told me. I’m happy to be representing [Cincinnati], I play for the fans and I play for my family.”  

He played well last season, hitting .294 with 12 home runs, 70 RBI and 23 stolen bases after coming in at .266 with eight home runs and 51 RBI in just 121 games in 2014.

Phillips said he is glad to be back with the Reds, per the AP: “The only thing I know is I’m still playing for the Reds. I’m happy to be here. Whatever you all heard, that’s what you all really hear. I can’t really speak on many things.” 

He also said not to believe the hype that the Reds will struggle for a third straight year:

What we can do is go out there and prove people wrong. I don’t believe in the word rebuild and telling the city we’re not going to win. Every major leaguer comes to spring training to try to win and try to get to the World Series. That’s what our mission is to really do, no matter how young and how sorry people think we’re going to really be.

The four-time Gold Glove winner said he is willing to help younger players as much as he can, including 21-year-old Jose Peraza, the former Los Angeles Dodger the team acquired specifically to replace him.

“I’m an open book,” Phillips told the AP. “If you ask me a question, I’m going to tell you how it is. You might not like what I say but I’m a realist. Of course, I’m here to help out as much as I can.”

Phillips is now in his 15th season in the majors, and his production is obviously not going to increase. However, his manager, Bryan Price, said the second-base position is his to lose, per Joe Danneman of Cincinnati’s Fox 19 Now:

Phillips’ price tag is hefty at $27 million total over the next two years. But he does bring with him a veteran presence, and players like Peraza could greatly benefit from his experience. It might make sense to try to trade Phillips in the middle of next season before he becomes a free agent and going to a contending team appeals to him later in his career, but for now it appears he’s ready to help Cincinnati win in 2016. 

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Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Michael Saunders has been mentioned in trade talks that would send him to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In 36 plate appearances in 2015, Saunders hit .194 with zero home runs and three RBI.    

Continue for updates.

Saunders’ Name Emerges in Rumored 3-Team Trade

Monday, Feb. 22

According to a Monday report by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the third team in the deal would be the Cincinnati Reds, who would send two-time All-Star outfielder Jay Bruce to the Blue Jays. 

However, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com said talks between the teams have stalled because of a concern with Saunders’ left knee after he had 60 percent of the meniscus removed last year following an injury.

Saunders, who is set to make $2.9 million in 2016, has a career slash line of .230/.301/.381 with 51 home runs and 185 RBI in parts of seven seasons with the Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners.

Bruce has been a much more productive player, per Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times:

The trade rumors come just three days after Ken Fidlin of the Toronto Sun reported Saunders is ready for a fresh start with the Blue Jays that includes the possibility of starting in left field after a near season-long injury in 2015.

“I was telling my wife that the day I’m not excited to get to spring training is the day I need to retire,” Saunders, a Canada native, said. “But this season is especially exciting because of what happened last year. It means a lot to me to get back out there and feel healthy and ready again. I feel like a kid again.”

If the 29-year-old goes to the Angels, he would be battling for the starting job with a trio of left fielders in projected starter Daniel Nava, Craig Gentry and Todd Cunningham.  

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New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has been through some dark times during his 21-year MLB playing career.

For starters, playing for a club like the Yankees can bring a lot of pressure.

“I think it always starts on the field, especially when you’re a New York Yankee,” Rodriguez said, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. “You expect to go to the World Series every year. But in a world where we get judged by wins and losses, home runs and RBI, I started thinking about other things.”

He’s dealt with injuries and fan disdain, but a yearlong suspension during the 2014 season resulting from the Biogenesis scandal was his lowest point. However, after resurrecting his career with 33 home runs and 86 RBI in 2015, Rodriguez said he is in a great place now, per Nightengale:

There were a lot of doubts, a lot of sleepless nights. But I think the suspension in many ways was a catalyst for me. It really helped me.

In order for me to move things forward and to really understand myself, I was going to have to have a paradigm shift.

It’s propelled me to be in a much better place.

That’s a major revelation for a player who at 40 years old is defying the odds and still producing in a game meant for the young and spry. The steroid scandal would have been the end for a lot of players. However, Rodriguez has always been stubborn, and he fought through it, according to friend and mentor Jim Bernhardt, per Nightengale:

He has grown up and has started to accept who he is. The difference in him now is night and day. To watch his progress is fascinating.

When he first came back, he told me, “Mr. Bernhardt, I made a lot of mistakes. I’m going to surround myself with better people. I want to meet good people.” That’s one of the things that got him into a lot of trouble. He was hanging with the wrong people.

You look at him now, and he not only has lived through it, but, really, he has become a true man. He took a few different side roads to get here, but now he’s heading down the right path.

While Major League Baseball handed out the yearlong suspension, and Rodriguez sued MLB and the MLBPA, he also was at odds with the Yankees, with whom he had signed a 10-year, $295 million contract in 2008. Initially refusing to pay Rodriguez’s home run bonus, New York barely acted like he existed outside of putting him in the lineup.

Now, it’s scheduled Alex Rodriguez Bat Day for May 14 and has plans to celebrate if he hits 27 home runs and ties Babe Ruth for third on the all-time list with 714, per Nightengale.

Rodriguez seems like he’s at peace for the first time since the Seattle Mariners took him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1993 draft, per Nightengale:

One of the things I focused on a lot serving my suspension was the impact my actions had on other people. Just the responsibilities for my actions. I spent a lot of time thinking about that.

I’m a better teammate now, a better father, a better friend, a better partner in business. Really, everything.

I’m in a good place now. A great place, really. I never knew it was possible for me to feel like this.

It seems as though he’s happy being around a baseball diamond, even if it’s at the home of the Miami Hurricanes and not Yankee Stadium:

While focused on playing, Rodriguez is also putting his talents and fame to good use. After New York was knocked out of the playoffs last season, he served as a commentator with Fox Sports and received rave reviews from executive producer John Entz, per Nightengale:

I’ve never seen anybody hit the ground running like Alex did. From Day 1 on the air, it was hard not to stop what you were doing to hear what Alex had to say.

I think people had this image of Alex. But once you got to know him and people saw his personality, how humble he was and how much passion he had for the game, they really embraced him. His ceiling now is through the roof.

Rodriguez also said he wants to be more involved in helping the Hispanic community around the country, especially focusing on financial literacy, per Nightengale.

It’s quite a turnaround for a player many thought would never step foot on an MLB field again after his 2014 suspension, and it was easy to root against the player who seemingly had it all and threw it away with unethical decisions.

He has paid his dues and is looking to give back to the game, and everyone else around him, as much as he can, per Nightengale.

“I know I’m only going to be a player for a short time longer, but I know I can make a difference off the field forever,” he said.

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If anyone knows whether an MLB slugger’s resume is Hall of Fame-worthy, it’s Ken Griffey Jr. The former center fielder who hit 630 home runs for the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox was inducted into the 2016 class with the highest percentage of votes of all time at 99.3 percent.

Prior to waving the green flag at the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Griffey was asked whether fellow slugger Barry Bonds, who despite being MLB’s all-time home run leader with 762 is not in the Hall of Fame because of steroid allegations, should be inducted. Griffey said he believes so, per CSNBayArea.com.

“Yeah. I think that overall, when you look what people have done, yeah,” he said. “It’s not my vote, so I can’t vote for him. But if you look at what he’s done, those numbers speak for themselves.”

It wasn’t a glowing endorsement, but still a positive one, especially coming from a guy who most fans believe is the poster boy for those who played the game the right way. Bonds, on the other hand, while never admitting to, or being caught, using performance-enhancing drugs, is widely thought to have abused steroids.

But like Griffey said, his numbers are hard to argue against:

Despite the amazing resume, Bonds received just 44.3 percent of the Hall of Fame votes this year, falling short of the 75 percent needed to be enshrined. If there is a silver lining for Bonds, it’s that he was up nearly 8 percent from his total in last year’s vote after holding steady around 35 percent from 2013 to 2015.

Bonds did not hold back Saturday when he was asked if he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, per ESPN.com:

It would be odd if Bonds said he wasn’t worthy of a spot in the Hall of Fame, but the fact that Griffey is in his corner can only help him. He is one of the most respected players in the history of the game, and with the human element involved in voting (sports writers), there is a chance an opinion like this could gain Bonds some votes.

Jeff Pearlman of the New York Times thinks it’s “shameful” that Bonds, who became the Miami Marlins hitting coach in the offseason, is allowed to be part of an MLB team, sharing this meme via Twitter:

What’s significant about that picture—whether it’s accurate or not—is that Bonds’ size as his career progressed was one of the main reasons he was suspected of PED use. Now that it appears as though he has slimmed down again, the questions will continue to follow him.

As time goes on and voters stop caring, or remembering, as much about the steroid era, Bonds may have a chance to get in. He has a long way to go, but if he does make it, he may need to thank Griffey for jump-starting the process.

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Right-handed pitcher Jeremy Guthrie has agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, pending a physical, per TR Sullivan of MLB.com.

The 36-year-old spent the past four seasons with the Kansas City Royals, although he was not on the postseason roster when the team made its World Series run in 2015.

Although his 91-108 record does not impress, he has been a workhorse over his career, surpassing 200 innings five times. He won a career-high 15 games in 2013 but was just 8-8 with a 70 ERA+ and a 1.91 strikeout-to-walk ratio last year, per Baseball-Reference.com.

Guthrie thanked Kansas City for his time with the team in an Instagram post:

The 12-year veteran won’t provide much more than depth at the back end of the rotation, but Baseball-Reference projects that he’ll win one more game than last season while posting a 4.83 ERA.

Texas can use all of the help it can get on the mound, as the team finished 23rd in MLB with a 4.24 ERA and 24th in the big leagues with a .262 batting average against last season.

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