Three-time All-Star backstop Russell Martin and the Blue Jays finalize a five-year, $82-million contract, the second-largest free-agent deal in franchise history. The acquisition of the 31 year-old Canadian-born catcher, who led the Pirates to playoff appearances for the past two seasons, signals Toronto intention of being a contender in the AL East next year.

ByBaseball

Three-time All-Star backstop Russell Martin and the Blue Jays finalize a five-year, $82-million contract, the second-largest free-agent deal in franchise history. The acquisition of the 31 year-old Canadian-born catcher, who led the Pirates to playoff appearances for the past two seasons, signals Toronto intention of being a contender in the AL East next year.

The Cardinals and Braves pull off a big trade, with Ps Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins headed to Atlanta in return for OF Jason Heyward and P Jordan Walden. Both Miller and Heyward are former top prospects who have been successful major leaguers as well.

ByTom

The Cardinals and Braves pull off a big trade, with Ps Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins headed to Atlanta in return for OF Jason Heyward and P Jordan Walden. Both Miller and Heyward are former top prospects who have been successful major leaguers as well.

Marlins Lock In: Giancarlo Stanton Signs Record $325 Million Deal, Marking a New Era

ByThis Day in Baseball

Only two years after a universally decried fire sale, the Marlins change course again, signing All-Star RF Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year contract worth $325 million. It is the largest contract in major league history, topping Miguel Cabrera’s $292-million deal signed in March. At 25, Stanton is just entering his prime and has a chance of still being a productive player at the end of the deal, in contrast with other recent mega-deals.

While not in the same ballpark, free agent C Russell Martin also signs a lucrative contract, returning to his birth city as he inks a five-year deal worth $85 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.

ByTom

While not in the same ballpark, free agent C Russell Martin also signs a lucrative contract, returning to his birth city as he inks a five-year deal worth $85 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Braves trade Gold Glove outfielder Jayson Heyward and setup man Jordan Walden to the Cardinals for right-handers Shelby Miller and 22 year-old minor leaguer Tyrell Jenkins. The move appears to be the start of a rebuilding period for Atlanta under the team’s new general manager John Hart.

ByTom

The Braves trade Gold Glove outfielder Jayson Heyward and setup man Jordan Walden to the Cardinals for right-handers Shelby Miller and 22 year-old minor leaguer Tyrell Jenkins. The move appears to be the start of a rebuilding period for Atlanta under the team’s new general manager John Hart.

2014 – The Braves trade 2B Tommy La Stella to the Cubs in return for P Arodys Vizcaino. The two teams also exchange international signing bonus slots, giving the Braves more room to be active on that market.

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2014 – The Braves trade 2B Tommy La Stella to the Cubs in return for P Arodys Vizcaino. The two teams also exchange international signing bonus slots, giving the Braves more room to be active on that market.

2014 – The Rays trade P Jeremy Hellickson, the 2011 Rookie of the Year who has since fallen out of favor, to the Diamondbacks in return for two prospects, IF Andrew Velazquez and OF Justin Williams.

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2014 – The Rays trade P Jeremy Hellickson, the 2011 Rookie of the Year who has since fallen out of favor, to the Diamondbacks in return for two prospects, IF Andrew Velazquez and OF Justin Williams.

The Tigers come to terms on a $68 million, four-year deal with 35 year-old Victor Martinez, the team’s designated hitter who finished second behind Mike Trout in the AL MVP balloting this year. The Detroit DH helped the team to capture its fourth straight American League Central title, hitting .335 with 32 home runs while driving 103 runs.

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The Tigers come to terms on a $68 million, four-year deal with 35 year-old Victor Martinez, the team’s designated hitter who finished second behind Mike Trout in the AL MVP balloting this year. The Detroit DH helped the team to capture its fourth straight American League Central title, hitting .335 with 32 home runs while driving 103 runs.

Clayton Kershaw (21-3, 1.77 ERA ) becomes the first pitcher to win the National League MVP award since Cardinal right-hander Bob Gibson copped the honor in 1968. The 26 year-old Dodger southpaw, who won his third NL Cy Young Award yesterday, receives 18 of 30 of the writers’ first-place votes, easily outdistancing runner-ups Giancarlo Stanton (8) and Andrew McCutcheon (4).

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Clayton Kershaw (21-3, 1.77 ERA ) becomes the first pitcher to win the National League MVP award since Cardinal right-hander Bob Gibson copped the honor in 1968. The 26 year-old Dodger southpaw, who won his third NL Cy Young Award yesterday, receives 18 of 30 of the writers’ first-place votes, easily outdistancing runner-ups Giancarlo Stanton (8) and Andrew McCutcheon (4).

Angels outfielder Mike Trout is the unanimous selection of the BBWAA for the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award, after finishing as the writers’ second choice during the previous two seasons to the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera. The 23-year-old South Jersey native becomes the youngest unanimous MVP selection in baseball history.

Angels outfielder Mike Trout is the unanimous selection of the BBWAA for the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award, after finishing as the writers’ second choice during the previous two seasons to the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera. The 23-year-old South Jersey native becomes the youngest unanimous MVP selection in baseball history.

ByBaseball

Angels outfielder Mike Trout is the unanimous selection of the BBWAA for the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award, after finishing as the writers’ second choice during the previous two seasons to the Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera. The 23-year-old South Jersey native becomes the youngest unanimous MVP selection in baseball history.