The New York Yankees have dropped their ban on beards, 49 years after it was imposed by owner George Steinbrenner.

Ichiro Suzuki wants to raise a glass with the voter who chose not to check off his name on the Hall of Fame ballot.

In the first 10 days after Juan Soto spurned the Yankees for a record $765 million, 15-year contract with the Mets, the Yankees signed left-hander Max Fried to a $218 million, eight-year contract, acquired closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers and Bellinger, a former NL MVP, from the Chicago Cubs.

The New York Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin.

Juan Soto gets free use of a luxury suite and up to four premium tickets behind home plate for regular-season and postseason New York Mets home games as part of his record $765 million, 15-year contract.

Juan Soto’s record $765 million, 15-year contract with the New York Mets, the largest and longest deal in baseball history, has reverberated across the winter meetings.

Deciding whether Juan Soto tops Shohei Ohtani for baseball’s largest contract could be in the eye of the beholder because of all the deferred money in Ohtani’s deal.

Hal Steinbrenner wants his relationship with Juan Soto to be similar to his friendship with Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, and the New York Yankees owner emphasized the team’s commitment to continually improve its roster if the star free-agent outfielder stays in the Bronx.

Aaron Boone will return for an eighth season as New York Yankees manager after the team exercised his 2025 option.

Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes and Willy Adames are among 13 free agents who have received $21.05 million qualifying offers from their former teams.

Gerrit Cole gave up his opt-out right and will remain with the New York Yankees under a contract that runs through 2028 rather than become a free agent.

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton expects to miss about four weeks because of a strained left hamstring, which caused him to go on the injured list for the eighth time in six seasons.

There will be no two-way stars like Shohei Ohtani in baseball's next free agency class, and almost certainly not deals like his record-shattering $700 million over 10 years.

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won’t throw for three to four weeks because of nerve irritation and edema in his throwing elbow.

Juan Soto’s arrival is a sign the New York Yankees want stars to help them rebound from their worst season in three decades.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns went to Japan before the winter meetings to speak with free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and his family.

The Los Angeles Dodgers became the first team to publicly acknowledge meeting with Shohei Ohtani when manager Dave Roberts disclosed what he said was a two-to-three hour get-together at Dodger Stadium a few days ago.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has met Japanese pitching sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will become a free agent Tuesday and major league teams can sign him through 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 4.

Joe Espada will be introduced as manager of the Houston Astros on Monday, a person familiar with the hiring told The Associated Press.

The race to add two-way baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani in a blockbuster free agency deal is off to a clandestine start.

A win ended the New York Yankees' first nine-game losing streak in 41 years but left them 9 1/2 games out of the American League's last playoff spot.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says this season has “been a disaster.”.

New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán has voluntarily entered inpatient treatment for alcohol abuse, the team announced Wednesday.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone returned from a one-game suspension Saturday following his third ejection in the last two weeks and said he will not stop fighting for his team but acknowledged he may need to be more mindful of not crossing a line with umpires.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, in a blunt assessment of the team's 16-15 start, says "if you want to convict somebody, convict me.”.

Anthony Volpe grew up watching Derek Jeter star at shortstop for the New York Yankees.

Justin Verlander is going to the New York Mets.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner held a one-on-one meeting with Aaron Judge to make sure the star free agent slugger knows how much New York wants him back.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner plans to keep Aaron Boone as his manager.

Aaron Judge’s future is uncertain.

Nestor Cortes envisions Aaron Judge in an elevated role with the New York Yankees next season: Derek Jeter’s successor as captain.

Yankees reliever Aroldis Chapman has been ruled out for the American League Division Series after he skipped a mandatory workout, leading to a fine and likely ending the All-Star’s seven-year tenure with New York.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman responded to his team's funk with some flowery language and belief in manager Aaron Boone, the coaches and players.

Andrew Benintendi hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning and the New York Yankees got a win they desperately needed, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 to avoid a four-game sweep.

The New York Yankees have retired Paul O’Neill's No. 21.

The Jackie Robinson Museum has opened in Manhattan with a gala ceremony attended by the 100-year-old widow of the barrier-breaking ballplayer and two of his children.

Gleyber Torres drove in all New York’s runs with a go-ahead, three-run homer off José Berríos in the fourth inning and a two-run single, leading the surging Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays 5-3 for their 15th win in 17 games.

The New York Yankees were fined $100,000 by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred for using their dugout phone to relay information about opposing teams’ signs during the 2015 season and part of 2016.

The New York Yankees say they failed to reach an agreement with Aaron Judge before his deadline to get a long-term deal by opening day.

New York Yankees star Aaron Judge and general manager Brian Cashman had no update on a contract extension for the slugger with a potential deadline looming later this week.

Rachel Balkovec was introduced as manager of the New York Yankees’ Low A affiliate in the Florida State League.

The New York Mets have hired Billy Eppler as their general manager, giving him a four-year contract.

The New York Mets are close to completing a deal to hire Billy Eppler as general manager, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

Used to the often glacial pace of baseball free agency in recent winters, general managers are treating the threat of a work stoppage next month as not even a speedbump in the sport’s offseason.

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage and first in 26 years appears almost certain to start Dec. 2.

Manager Aaron Boone has been re-signed by the New York Yankees to a three-year contract with a club option for 2025 after four winning but unsuccessful seasons.

Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees took a winding route into the AL wild-card game, squeezing in on the final day of a tumultuous season.

Yankees left-hander Jordan Montgomery has tested positive for COVID-19, joining fellow starter Gerrit Cole among New York players sidelined by the virus.

Desperate for a powerful, left-handed bat to park balls in the short porch at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees got two of them.

For the first time in months, COVID-19 is creating chaos around Major League Baseball.

The Yankees’ post-All-Star break opener against the Boston Red Sox has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests among New York pitchers Jonathan Loaisiga, Nestor Cortes Jr. and Wandy Peralta.

The Yankees are in an unusual position entering their weekend series against the crosstown Mets: struggling underdog.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is promising to keep manager Aaron Boone, general manager Brian Cashman and the core of his team.

Aaron Judge and Gary Sánchez powered a long-awaited onslaught from New York’s star-studded lineup, helping the Yankees overcome two more home runs by big league leader Shohei Ohtani to beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-5.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says his fourth-place ballclub is “as bad as you can be” but he’s not placing the blame on manager Aaron Boone or the coaching staff.

Gwen Goldman got to be a bat girl for the New York Yankees, 60 years after she was turned down because of her gender.

Coach Phil Nevin returned to the New York Yankees after losing 22 pounds while battling COVID-19 and a kidney infection.

New York Yankees players and staff are restlessness and so are fans.

FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German throws to first in a pickoff-attempt during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in New York. German has started the process of talking to teammates about his domestic violence suspension that has kept him off the mound since September 2019. “Exciting to be back on the field, be back with my teammates,” Germán said. Germán missed the final nine games of the regular season and all nine of New York’s playoff games. AdBack with the Yankees for the start of spring training, Germán spoke with his New York teammates last week and issued a public apology the next day.

I look forward to getting back to work in the next several days.”LESTER SURGERYWashington Nationals left-hander Jon Lester is leaving spring training camp to have surgery for the removal of his thyroid gland. He underwent chemotherapy treatments and returned to the Red Sox at spring training before the following season. Soto’s spring training start was delayed because he fouled a ball off his right foot in live batting practice Sunday. Martinez had two hits for a second straight game, driving in his first two runs of spring training. Jarred Kelenic, Seattle’s top prospect, hit a two-run homer and Taylor Trammell hit a solo homer.

FILE - This is a Feb. 24, 2021, photo showing Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees baseball team. The New York Yankees announced Wednesday, March 3, 2021, that manager Aaron Boone is taking an immediate medical leave of absence to receive a pacemaker. (Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via AP, Pool)NEW YORK – Yankees manager Aaron Boone took a leave of absence from the team to get a pacemaker and intends to return to work in a few days. Boone, 47, is entering his fourth season as Yankees manager. A broadcaster for ESPN from 2010-17, Boone succeeded Joe Girardi as New York manager ahead of the 2018 season.

He returned to the Yankees last week for the start of spring training. Germán was 18-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 2019 when he was put on leave. Manager Aaron Boone said Germán is competing with Deivi García, Michael King, Asher Wojciechowski, Jhoulys Chacín and Nick Nelson. It is clear that I must improve on that.”Germán would not discuss the events that led to his suspension. Germán said he learned “the biggest thing is about how do you react to certain things?

FILE - In this July 9, 2020, file photo, Texas Rangers pitcher Corey Kluber throws during an intrasquad game in Arlington, Texas. The New York Yankees reached a deal with Kluber worth $11 million for one year, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Happ to become free agents, signed Kluber to an $11 million, one-year contract and acquired Taillon from Pittsburgh for four prospects. To drop payroll below the $210 million luxury tax threshold, Cashman traded right-hander Adam Ottavino to rival Boston, saving $7.15 million. New York enters spring training with a projected rotation of Gerrit Cole, Deivi García, left-hander Jordan Montgomery, Kluber and Taillon.

Clayton Kershaw could start Game 4 of the NL Championship Series for the Dodgers if the left-hander’s back continues to improve. Kershaw was scratched from his scheduled Game 2 start because of back spasms, and manager Dave Roberts decided to stick with left-hander Julio Urías for Game 3 against Atlanta on Wednesday night. Veteran right-hander Zack Greinke delivered six gutsy innings in a 4-3 Game 4 victory for Houston's first win of the series, and usual No. A three-time World Series-winning manager, the 76-year-old La Russa joined the Angels prior to this season as senior advisor of baseball operations. He hasn’t managed since 2011, when he led St. Louis past Texas in the World Series.

The Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.

The Rays are seeking revenge after Houston beat them in five games in the AL Division Series last year. The Astros are in the ALCS for the fourth straight year, looking for a third trip to the World Series in that span. The Rays are trying to get to their second World Series after losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. ANOTHER EARLY OFFSEASONAfter finishing its 11th consecutive season without a World Series, the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman face a series of key decisions. New York has a $17 million option on pitcher J.A.

SAN FRANCISCO – Gary Hughes, a beloved professional scout for numerous big league organizations during a 54-year career, has died in Northern California after a battle with cancer. “Gary Hughes was the quintessential baseball man,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “Without Gary Hughes, I probably would have never played a day in the big leagues," said Kevin Millar, a 12-year major league veteran. Hughes' son, Michael “Rock” Hughes, longtime Marlins visiting clubhouse manager, is married to Counsell's sister. “Gary was one of the great baseball scouts," former baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said, "and one of the great baseball minds of our generation.”___AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.

NEW YORK – Mark Newman, a key front office executive for the New York Yankees during their run of five World Series titles from 1996 through 2009, was found dead Saturday at his home in Tampa, Florida. The Yankees said it was not clear whether he died Friday or Saturday. Newman was omnipresent for two decades at the Yankees’ minor league complex in Tampa, Florida, his portly frame easily recognizable from a distance. “He was very passionate about all the guys in the minor league system,” Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner said in a statement. “He would come to the Dominican Republic and watch me during tryouts,” Yankees catcher Gary Sánchez said in a statement.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Deivi Garcia throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Buffalo, N.Y., Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)BUFFALO, N.Y. Deivi Garca earned his first major league win, Gleyber Torres drove in four runs and the New York Yankees snapped a five-game losing streak, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-2 on Wednesday night. The Yankees had lost 15 of 20 and fallen to the edge of the expanded playoff field. Luke Voit hit an RBI single that put the Yankees ahead 3-2 in the fifth and Torres added a two-run double. UP NEXTNew York RHP Gerrit Cole (4-3, 3.63 ERA) will start Thursday against Baltimore LHP Keegan Akin (0-0, 2.08) in the opener of the Yankees four-game weekend series against the Orioles.

A look at what's happening around the majors Wednesday:___PAIR OF ACESYu Darvish and Trevor Bauer pitch at Wrigley Field in a matchup of ace right-handers headed in different directions. Darvish, one of the front-runners for the NL Cy Young Award, is going for his eighth straight victory for the NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs. BRONX BLUESThe Yankees turn to rookie right-hander Deivi Garcia (0-1, 3.38) in the finale of a critical series against the Blue Jays. We all know were capable of more, significantly more, both individually and collectively.Right-hander Tanner Roark (2-1, 5.74) is set to pitch for second-place Toronto. With so many franchises struggling financially after the 2020 minor league season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, contraction now seems likely.

New York Yankees pitcher Adam Ottavino walks to the dugout after being pulled during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Buffalo, N.Y., Monday, Sept. 7, 2020. Green, Ottavino and Luis Cessa needed 67 pitches and 43 minutes to get three outs. Green's ERA jumped to 4.26, and Ottavino allowed six runs without getting any outs as his ERA rose to 7.82. Ottavino (2-3) relieved, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run, opposite-field single that bounced past Voit and down the right-field line. Sean Reid-Foley (1-0) won despite a bases-loaded walk to Aaron Hicks in the sixth that extended the Yankees lead to four runs.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow winds up during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)NEW YORK After a decade spent chasing their big-budget AL East rivals, the Tampa Bay Rays are pummeling the New York Yankees. The AL East leaders improved to 7-1 against the Yankees this season and stretched their division cushion to 4 1/2 games. TRAINER'S ROOMRays: 3B Yandy Daz was pulled with left hamstring tightness in the fifth and is day to day. UP NEXTYankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka (0-1, 3.48 ERA) will start on extended five days' rest against Rays RHP Trevor Richards (0-0, 4.71).

(AP Photo/John Minchillo)NEW YORK The last time the New York Yankees lost eight in a row, it was a different millennium. Frazier drew a leadoff walk in the ninth from Betances (0-1), a four-time All-Star with the Yankees before signing with the Mets last offseason. Happ held the Mets to three hits in 7 1/3 shutout innings, becoming the first Yankees starter to reach the eighth this season. The Mets will be the home" team at Yankee Stadium in the second game. Prized pitching prospect Deivi Garcia will start one game for the Yankees, making his major league debut.

Were drinking out of a fire hose on all this stuff right now, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. The Marlins season has been suspended through Sunday after the club registered at least 15 players with positive coronavirus tests. NOT-QUITE-HOME OPENERThe Blue Jays play their first home game of the season in Washington after officially being the visitors in DC for games Monday and Tuesday. The truth is, theres no place like home, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. We feel comfortable playing at home, but thats not going to happen.Nationals ace Max Scherzer is set to face Blue Jays right-hander Nate Pearson, making his major league debut.

Because the Philadelphia had just played the Marlins, the Phillies are sidelined, too, through Friday as a precaution pending the incubation period. That left a void in the schedule of the New York Yankees, who were scheduled for four games against the Phillies this week. Baltimore had been slated to play four games against the Marlins this week, two on the road followed by two at home. New Yorks four games against Philadelphia are being rescheduled for next week, the first two at Yankee Stadium. The hotel had been closed, said Ben Tuliebitz, the Yankees director of team travel and player services.

Were drinking out of a fire hose on all this stuff right now, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. The Marlins season has been suspended through Sunday after the club registered at least 15 players with positive coronavirus tests. NOT-QUITE-HOME OPENERThe Blue Jays play their first home game of the season in Washington after officially being the visitors in DC for games Monday and Tuesday. The truth is, theres no place like home, Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo said. We feel comfortable playing at home, but thats not going to happen.Nationals ace Max Scherzer is set to face Blue Jays right-hander Nate Pearson, making his major league debut.

Fake cheers meant to encourage the hometown Nationals accidentally piped through the stadium as the Philadelphia Phillies shortstop rounded the bases. In some ways, this is very much a dress rehearsal for the new world were in, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before an exhibition at the crosstown Mets. At Nationals Park, two people watched from a building balcony far beyond the left field wall. The 30-year-old first-year Phillie is one of a handful of players who has said he'll wear a mask full-time this season. Reserve players watched from under large awnings build behind both dugouts.

Cashman noted the situation continues to evolve as Major League Baseball and the players' union continue discussions. Last week, Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies became the first Major League Baseball player known to have tested positive. Numerous other teams have said they have players who have tested positive for the virus without identifying any of them. Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said a few players have tested positive but declined to specify how many. Baltimore general manager Mike Elias said the Orioles have had no reported cases and that no one on the team has decided against playing in the shortened season.