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.

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 …

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 …

Yankees' Gonzalez fueled by lack of interest  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Gio Gonzalez is eager to reward the New York Yankees.  —  The Yankees announced Wednesday they had signed the veteran left-hander to a minor league contract, hoping the two-time All-Star can help a hobbled rotation.

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.

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?”

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 …

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.

Gomber, Ponce de Leon are headed to Memphis  —  • Lefthander Austin Gomber was the first to find out Wednesday that not only was he not going to be the Cardinals' fifth starter, but that he wasn't going to be a Cardinal — at the start of the season.  He will be a Memphis Redbird instead.

Tanner Roark continues strong spring in Cincinnati Reds' 6-1 win over Texas Rangers  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. - Tanner Roark continued his strong spring, allowing one run in 5 innings Wednesday to lead the Reds to a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.

Braves' pitching rotation murky as season nears  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — When they started spring training, the Atlanta Braves had one opening in their pitching rotation.  With a week to go before opening day, they may have three.  —  The Braves are holding out some hope that Kevin Gausman …