Major League Baseball News

Scott Kazmir became attractive to the A's when his fastball averaged 92.5 mph over the course of the season, general manager Billy Beane said Wednesday after the free-agent pitcher's signing became official.

With their top offseason goal of solidifying the pitching staff effectively complete, the Giants are turning their attention to the one gaping hole left on their roster as they head into next week's winter meetings -- left field.

The Philadelphia Phillies traded catcher Erik Kratz and left-hander Rob Rasmussen to the Toronto Blue Jays for righty Brad Lincoln on Tuesday night.

The team announced Wednesday that the six-time American League All-Star agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, opting to come back for another season rather than retire or sign elsewhere.

The Detroit Tigers agreed to terms with the free agent reliever on a two-year contract with a club option for 2016 on Wednesday, accomplishing one of their main objectives this offseason by adding one of baseball's most accomplished closers to the bullpen.

In this Sept. 13, 2013 file photo, Texas Rangers' A.J. Pierzynski swings at a pitch in the first inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, in Arlington, Texas.

The first big offseason move for the Houston Astros has finally happened. The Astros sent pitcher Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes to the Colorado Rockies for speedy outfielder Dexter Fowler .

The San Francisco Giants say some of the baseball club's minor league players were injured in a Tuesday morning automobile collision in Scottsdale, Ariz.

A center fielder helps the Boston Red Sox win the World Series, then joins the team's archrival, the New York Yankees, as a free agent.

Keeping active in the trade market, the Oakland Athletics acquired right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson from the San Diego Padres for outfielder Seth Smith.

The Oakland Athletics have added outfield depth, acquiring Craig Gentry and right-hander Josh Lindblom from the division rival Texas Rangers for outfielder Michael Choice and minor league infielder Chris Bostick.

APRIL 19: Ryan Hanigan #29 of the Cincinnati Reds tags out Donovan Solano #17 of the Miami Marlins in the third inning during the game at Great American Ball Park on April 19, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The New York Yankees signed catcher Brian McCann to a five-year, $85 million contract with a vesting option for a sixth year.

This book cover image released by Little, Brown and Company shows "The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams," by Ben Bradlee, Jr. Photo: Little, Brown And Company, AP Ted Williams would have loved to see his Boston Red Sox go from worst to first and capture their third championship in a decade.

As Scott Kazmir and Willie Bloomquist found new teams and other big-money free agents negotiated, dozens of players with lower profiles waited to find out whether they would be dumped on the market by their clubs Monday night.

The Los Angeles Angels did not offer contracts to starting pitchers Jerome Williams and Tommy Hanson on Monday night, making them free agents.

The New York Mets did not offer contracts to pitchers Jeremy Hefner and Scott Atchison, infielders Omar Quintanilla and Justin Turner, and utilityman Jordany Valdespin ahead of Monday night's deadline, making the five free agents.

The A's got Johnson on Monday for infielder Jemile Weeks and a player to be named, capping a busy day for general manager Billy Beane.

Doug Fister was 14-9 with a 3.67 ERA last season with the Detroit Tigers. The deal was announced Monday night.

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that pitcher Jonny Venters and infielder Ramiro Pena agreed to contracts for the 2014 season.