1998 – Houston signs the 1996 National League MVP and free agent third baseman Ken Caminiti to a multi-year contract as the Padres championship team begins to come apart.
The Baltimore Orioles sign free agent relief pitcher Mike Timlin to a four-year contract.
The Mariners sign free agent closer Jose Mesa to a two-year contract.
The Detroit Tigers sign free agent third baseman Dean Palmer to a five-year contract.
In a swap of high-priced unwanteds, the Mets send pitcher Mel Rojas to the Dodgers for outfielder Bobby Bonilla. Neither will help, but the little-used, outspoken Bonilla, with a two-year contract, will be a heavier burden than Rojas.
Oakland Athletics outfielder Ben Grieve is named the American League Rookie of the Year.
The Atlanta Braves trade pitchers Denny Neagle and Rob Bell and outfielder Michael Tucker to the Cincinnati Reds for second baseman Bret Boone and P Mike Remlinger.
Texas Rangers outfielder Juan Gonzalez is named the American League MVP. His 157 RBI total was the most in the AL in 49 years. 101 came in by the All-Star break.
In a trade of pitchers, the Seattle Mariners send Paul Spoljaric to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Mark Leiter.
Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter announces that he is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. The fatal disease, known medically as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, attacks the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain and leads to a loss of motor skills. Hunter will succumb to the disease less than a year later.
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