Astros' Yordan Alvarez unanimously wins AL MVP  —  Houston Astros' slugger Yordan Alvarez took all 30 first-place votes to win the American League MVP Award.  —  Alvarez is the second MVP for the Astros in the American League and the third overall.  Jose Altuve was the AL winner in 2017.

Braves Sign Evan Phillips To Three-Year Deal  —  The Braves have made their first significant splash of the offseason, announcing Thursday that they've signed right-hander Evan Phillips to a three-year, $35MM contract.  The Apex Baseball client will be paid $11MM in 2027 and 2028 before earning $13MM in 2029.

The Phillies' outfield picture is once again unclear.  Will Brandon Marsh remain?  —  LAS VEGAS — The leaves are falling and the days are shorter, all signs to renew a tradition unlike any other: It's time again to wonder about who will play in the outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Blue Jays eye versatile Jazz Chisholm Jr. in search for offence  —  LAS VEGAS — The Toronto Blue Jays are prioritizing offence as they explore all areas of the off-season market and while they see adding to the outfield as the cleanest fit, they're taking a long look at available infielders, too.

Bruno Fernandes rejects second Manchester United contract offer  —  Bruno Fernandes has turned down a second contract offer from Manchester United.  —  Talks over a new deal for Fernandes, United's club captain, have been ongoing since the summer, when the first proposal was made and rejected by the Portuguese.

Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran seems clearly on the trade block, but what's his value?  Tough to say.  —  LAS VEGAS — Jarren Duran occupies a familiar place: a spinning rumor mill.  —  The Red Sox have discussed the possibility of dealing Duran on and off for multiple years …

Brewers' Pat Murphy accepts NL Manager of the Year award from hospital bed … Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services.  Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage.

Why Alec Bohm has emerged as a surprisingly intriguing free agent  —  LAS VEGAS — Alec Bohm is coming off his worst offensive season as a full-time regular.  But his surge in the final two months and the shortage of quality right-handed hitters in the game make him a more intriguing free agent than one might expect.

Marlins hot stove updates: Players drawing trade interest, what they're seeking  —  While continuing their search for pitching help, the Marlins have been fielding trade inquiries about three high-profile starting position players.  —  According to a source, the Marlins have received …

Yankees Notes: Infield, Catcher, Bullpen  —  The Yankees have been busy checking in on various offseason pursuits, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post, but might also slow-play the market.  Heyman says the Yankees have talked to the Rangers about Corey Seager and checked in with free agents Luis Arraez …

Padres' Mason Miller unanimously wins the first NL Reliever of the Year Award  —  San Diego Padres' closer Mason Miller was a unanimous selection in the inaugural vote for the NL Reliever of the Year Award.  —  This BBWAA's Reliever of the Year Award will be given annually to honor …