Baseball

DUNEDIN — This time last year, Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis had an uncertain role as a potential spot starter and likely long relief option out of the bullpen.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton hasn't swung a bat in three or four weeks and isn't sure whether he will be ready for opening day because of painful tendinitis in both elbows.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Judge naturally takes issue with Juan Soto's conclusion that the New York Mets have a better chance to win World Series titles than the Yankees.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla.

Alex Bregman could receive the final payment of his $120 million, three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox in 2046. His deal, announced Saturday , calls for the $5 million signing bonus to be paid on Jan.

Dave Winfield, who was inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame in 2001, retired Monday from the Major League Baseball Players Association.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — The Red Sox's ballyhooed signing of Alex Bregman was met with considerable resistance Monday when Rafael Devers said he wouldn't cede third base.

DUNEDIN — Bo Bichette and George Springer sat in a corner of the Blue Jays' locker room on Monday, catching up on things as they prepared for morning workouts at the team's player development complex.

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Manager Mark Kotsay helped the Athletics navigate a difficult three seasons while the franchise lost a lot of games, built a young roster and dealt with an emotional departure from Oakland .

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Kansas City extended executive vice president and general manager J.J. Picollo's contract through 2030 with a club option for the following year, the Royals announced Monday.