Rays trade team MVP Steven Souza Jr. in three-team deal that nets prospects  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — Evan Longoria traded in December.  Jake Odorizzi and Corey Dickerson dumped over the weekend.  Then, in a stunning move Tuesday night, 2017 team MVP Steven Souza Jr. shipped to Arizona as part …

Kris Bryant says big changes needed in CBA - and he's ready to fight for them  —  MESA, Ariz. - Kris Bryant is four seasons from a free agent payday, years removed from the action - or inaction - that occurred this winter, when the market was depressed for superstars and role players alike.

7 things we learned about the MLB's new pace-of-play rules — and walk-up music  —  Chicago Tribune  —  You learn something new every day.  —  Here are some things I learned from Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre Tuesday during the MLB media day at the Glendale Civic Center.  —  Deadening dead time

‘Big Carp’ gets involved in all phases of Cardinals camp  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • Chris Carpenter, voted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2016, officially is back with the organization as a special assistant to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.

Outfielder Maybin signs 1-year contract with Marlins  —  JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Outfielder Cameron Maybin has signed a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins, rejoining the team where he played in 2008-10.  —  Maybin gives the young, rebuilding Marlins much-needed experience …

Brewers owner Attanasio has eye on ending playoff drought  —  PHOENIX — Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio says his team has the roster to end the franchise's seven-year postseason drought without having to make another move.  —  The Brewers exceeded expectations last year after finishing …

When will Tim Tebow play in the majors?  —  Is Tim Tebow a major leaguer?  According to New York Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the former NFL quarterback is all but bound for the bigs.  —  “Somebody asked me whether I think he'll be a major league player at some point,” Alderson said Sunday.

Astros' Forrest Whitley, one of MLB's top pitching prospects, suspended 50 games for violating drug policy  —  Astros pitching prospect Forrest Whitley has been suspended 50 games without pay for violating the minor-league drug policy, the commissioner's office announced Wednesday.

Anthony Rizzo on MLB teams wearing Stoneman Douglas caps on Friday: 'It's awesome'  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo was pleased to learn that all 30 major-league teams will wear Stoneman Douglas High School baseball caps to honor the 17 people who died in a shooting last week at his alma mater.

Cesar Hernandez's arrival as elite second baseman for Phillies might not prevent his departure  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. - Cesar Hernandez conceded that things are a little bit different at this Phillies spring training.  For him, it has nothing to do with Jason Kelce's Monday morning speech …

Mets giving first spring start to Zack Wheeler, who Mickey Callaway says is ‘definitely a starting pitcher’  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Zack Wheeler will start the Mets' first spring training game.  Mickey Callaway said Wednesday that he “definitely” sees the right-hander as a starter and getting …

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Cody Reed has impressed the boss early in camp  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Left-hander Cody Reed is clearly the player who has most impressed the boss early at Reds camp.  —  Reds manager Bryan Price singled out Reed for the second time Thursday when asked which pitchers looked good.

Mets first baseman Adrian Gonzalez trying to impart major league wisdom to Dominic Smith  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Adrian Gonzalez isn't going to be working with Dominic Smith on his swing path anytime soon.  The veteran first baseman won't be discussing launch angles either.

Reds' single-game tickets on sale Saturday  —  Single-game tickets for 2018 Cincinnati Reds regular-season home games - excluding Opening Day - go on sale Saturday (Feb. 24) at 9 a.m. Eastern.  —  From Twitter via @Reds:  —  ON-SALE ALERT 2018 #Reds single game tickets will go on sale this Saturday, Feb. 24 at 9 a.m. EST!

Pirates Sign Michael Saunders  —  The Pirates have inked a minor-league deal with outfielder Michael Saunders, per a club announcement.  He has been invited to participate in the MLB side of camp.  —  Saunders, 31, has had something of a roller-coaster career to this point.