Dallas Keuchel apologizes for sign stealing, says ex-teammates should as well  —  MLB, Houston Astros, Chicago White Sox  —  About a week after some of his former Houston Astros teammates were mum on the subject of illegal sign stealing, Chicago White Sox pitcher Dallas Keuchel was both apologetic …

Sources: Padres and Red Sox have discussed potential Mookie Betts trade  —  In the latest sign of their ambitions, the Padres have discussed a trade centered around Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts, sources told The Athletic.  —  Such a deal would shatter the relative monotony of the past month.

Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield on missing 2018 All-Star Game: ‘Jose Altuve took my spot’  —  Another MLB player chimed in about the Houston Astros cheating scandal.  He's also taking it personally.  —  Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield said he believes the illicit sign-stealing operation cost …

MLB umpires' union clarifies use of electronics at spring training sites  —  Hours after baseball commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that an electronic strike zone would be used in spring training games, the executive committee of the umpires' union clarified that news, indicating …

How Luis Rojas worked his way from bottom of the organization to become Mets' new manager  —  Luis Rojas' formal introduction as Mets manager — in a Citi Field news conference at 3 p.m. Friday — is a big-time promotion widely considered well-earned, a big-time decision from leadership received warmly …

Mitch Haniger has setback, will miss Opening Day  —  Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said today that outfielder Mitch Haniger had a setback in his rehab from a ruptured testicle (yes, a ruptured testicle) and a groin injury which ended his 2019 season last June.

Mariners Claim Nick Margevicius  —  The Mariners have claimed lefty Nick Margevicius off waivers from the Padres, per a club announcement.  Right-hander Reggie McClain was designated for assignment to create roster space.  —  Margevicius was designated for assignment recently by the Friars.

Cubs Nearing Deal With Steven Souza  —  The Cubs are closing in on a deal with free agent outfielder Steven Souza Jr., per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter).  If completed, it'll be the Chicago organization's first MLB contract of the offseason.  —  Souza was previously cut loose by the Diamondbacks.

‘Rehab, rehab, rehab’: After difficult three years, Alex Reyes expects to crack Cardinals rotation  —  Before there was a Jack Flaherty, there was Alex Reyes.  While Flaherty, now the Cardinals' pitching ace at age 24, was winning five games at Class A Palm Beach in 2016 …

Why Scott Boras says the Astros players don't need to apologize  —  Agent Scott Boras does not believe the Astros' players should apologize, not when their superiors promoted the team's illegal use of electronics to steal signs.  —  “I'm doing what my organization is telling me to do,” …

2020 Top 100 Prospects  —  Baseball America's 2020 Top 100 MLB Prospects is here and will provide you with all you need to know about the game's future stars.  —  For the second straight year, there is consensus among Baseball America staffers when it comes to the No. 1 prospect in baseball.