Spring games to feature automated ball-strike challenge system  —  PHOENIX — Thirteen spring stadiums and over 60% of Cactus and Grapefruit League games will feature an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system as MLB continues to inch closer to using it during the regular season — though that won't occur any earlier than 2026.

MLB, ESPN opt out of TV deal for 2026-28; MLB cites ‘minimal coverage’  —  Major League Baseball and ESPN have “mutually agreed” to end their national television deal after the upcoming 2025 season, according to a memo baseball commissioner Rob Manfred sent to his owners Thursday afternoon that was obtained by The Athletic.

Yankees, Aaron Boone agree to two-year contract extension  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees and manager Aaron Boone have agreed on a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2027 season, the team announced Thursday, on the eve of the club's Grapefruit League opener.

Alex Bregman dispels Rafael Devers-3B drama: 'I'll play wherever'  —  Rafael Devers turned the hot corner into hot-topic material before Alex Bregman had time to back out of a perceived territorial dispute with the Boston Red Sox.  —  Devers emphatically stated Monday he believes third base …

Lawrence Butler and A's talking long-term contract extension: Sources  —  MESA, Ariz. — Fresh off a breakout performance last year, right fielder Lawrence Butler is engaged in talks about a contract extension with the A's, people briefed on the discussions who were not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic.

Auburn's Tim Locastro signs minor league deal with San Diego Padres  —  Auburn native Tim Locastro has re-signed with the San Diego Padres, he told The Citizen Wednesday.  —  Locastro inked a minor league contract and will likely start his season with the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Padres' Triple-A affiliate.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays fail to reach contract extension  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays failed to come to terms on a contract extension prior to his Monday night deadline, paving the way for the 25-year-old star to hit free agency in November.

Seth Jones talking with Blackhawks about trade possibility: ‘I would like to give myself a chance to win’  —  The 30-year-old defenseman knows his $9.5 million salary-cap hit will not be “an easy thing to move,” but if the Hawks can make a trade happen, it sounds like he might welcome it.

Justin Verlander wants 300 wins and some MLB rule changes so he won't be the last  —  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The San Francisco Giants clubhouse is nearly empty Wednesday afternoon when Justin Verlander plops down in front of his corner locker covered in sweat, and emotions seeping from his soul.

LIVE: Dodgers, Cubs jump-start Cactus League action  —  Given their looming trip to Japan, the Dodgers and Cubs are working under a different Spring Training schedule than the rest of baseball.  That is why the clubs are taking the field at Camelback Ranch right now, marking the first baseball game of the 2025 preseason.

Delta jet flips upside down on a snowy Toronto runway and all 80 aboard survive  —  A Delta Air Lines jet flipped on its roof while landing Monday at Toronto's Pearson Airport, but all 80 people on board survived and those hurt had relatively minor injuries, the airport's chief executive said.

Pirates' Spencer Horwitz Inching Closer To Return  —  Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz has taken a positive step forward in his injury recovery.  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates were hit hard out of the gate when it was revealed that first baseman Spencer Horwitz had surgery …