ChiSox see bright future despite lack of superstars  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox made their pitch for Bryce Harper and took a big swing at landing Manny Machado.  —  Though they went 0-for-2 trying to sign the superstar sluggers, the White Sox enter the season still believing they are setting themselves up for success.

Mike Trout, Angels finalize record $432 million, 12-year deal  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night announced their 12-year contract, a record deal that ties baseball's top player to the Orange County club for what likely will be the rest of his career.

Boston's Mookie Betts says he expects to become free agent  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Don't expect AL MVP Mookie Betts to agree to a long-term contract with the Boston Red Sox before he can become a free agent in late 2020.  —  Despite Mike Trout's pending $432 million …

Top A's prospect Luzardo shut down 4-6 weeks  —  Oakland Athletics pitching prospect Jesus Luzardo will be shut down for four to six weeks because of a strained rotator cuff in his left shoulder, general manager David Forst told reporters.  —  Luzardo, who is No. 31 overall …

Woodward says strong bond key for young Rangers  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers have an optimistic new manager, a converted middle infielder taking over for a retired star at third base and a rotation filled with starters who have missed significant time following surgery.

Harper gets first spring training hit for Phillies  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after an 0-for-9 start.  —  The slugger lined a 97-mph fastball to center on a 2-1 pitch from Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull …

Still rebuilding, Tigers hoping for growth in 2019  —  DETROIT — Al Avila is known for his candor, and the Detroit general manager has remained pretty straightforward about what the future holds for the Tigers.  —  Yes, they're still rebuilding.  —  “The only reason I'm being honest is because: How do you hide this?”

Deadlines for decisions fast approaching as Cards offense remains sluggish  —  JUPITER, Fla.  • With a week remaining before opening day and five games to go in Florida, the sample sizes may be too small to sway individual decisions that must be made for the roster …

Reds' first African-American player dies at 94  —  CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds' first African-American player has died at the age of 94.  —  The team says Charles “Chuck” Harmon died Tuesday, nearly 65 years after he made his debut against the Braves in Milwaukee on April 17, 1954.

Cole Hamels extends himself to 6 innings in Cubs' 4-4 tie with Dodgers  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Cole Hamels became the Cubs' first starter to throw six innings this spring, although he did get peppered by the Dodgers' bats Wednesday night.  —  Hamels was tagged for home runs by A.J. Pollock …

MORE FROM AROUND SPRING TRAINING DODGERS 4, CUBS 4  —  Corey Seager homered in his Cactus League debut, which marked his first game against big league competition for Los Angeles since April 29.  The two-time All-Star shortstop and 2016 NL Rookie of the Year had Tommy John surgery May 4 …

Royals battle back to win after rocky start by pitcher Jorge Lopez  —  With a couple momentary exceptions, Royals pitcher Jorge Lopez simply didn't have control of his fastball from the start on Wednesday night.  It showed, and the Colorado Rockies took advantage.