2018 – The Blue Jays sign 3B Josh Donaldson to one-year deal worth $23 million. It is the largest salary ever given to a player eligible for salary arbitration, besting the $21.6 million given to Bryce Harper by the Nationals last May. Donaldson’s is not the only record-setting deal signed today: the Cubs offer 3B Kris Bryant $10.85 million, the most ever for a player eligible for arbitration for the first time. Other major deals involve NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon, who re-signs with the Rockies for $14 million, and 3B Manny Machado and Zach Britton who agree to contracts worth $16 million and $12 million respectively with the Orioles.

ByTom

2018 – The Blue Jays sign 3B Josh Donaldson to one-year deal worth $23 million. It is the largest salary ever given to a player eligible for salary arbitration, besting the $21.6 million given to Bryce Harper by the Nationals last May. Donaldson’s is not the only record-setting deal signed today: the Cubs offer 3B Kris Bryant $10.85 million, the most ever for a player eligible for arbitration for the first time. Other major deals involve NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon, who re-signs with the Rockies for $14 million, and 3B Manny Machado and Zach Britton who agree to contracts worth $16 million and $12 million respectively with the Orioles.

The Arizona Diamondbacks sign Cuban pitching prospect Yoan Lopez to a bonus of $8.27 million, the highest ever for an international amateur signing. The 21-year-old defected from Cuba in 2014 and established residency in Haiti before being declared a free agent by Major League Baseball in November.

ByTom

The Arizona Diamondbacks sign Cuban pitching prospect Yoan Lopez to a bonus of $8.27 million, the highest ever for an international amateur signing. The 21-year-old defected from Cuba in 2014 and established residency in Haiti before being declared a free agent by Major League Baseball in November.

2011 – Diamondbacks minor league OF Alfredo Marte is suspended for 50 games after testing positive for stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.

ByTom

2011 – Diamondbacks minor league OF Alfredo Marte is suspended for 50 games after testing positive for stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance.

A devastating earthquake hits the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, located a few hundred miles off the coast of Florida. Major League Baseball quickly pledges $1 million to UNICEF to help with the relief effort. Teams like the New York Yankees and players such as Miguel Tejada also pledge their support. While Haiti is not a traditional source of players, unlike its neighbor to the east the Dominican Republic, there were 13 Haitian-born players in the minor leagues in 2009 and efforts are now directed to ascertain their well-being.

ByTom

A devastating earthquake hits the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, located a few hundred miles off the coast of Florida. Major League Baseball quickly pledges $1 million to UNICEF to help with the relief effort. Teams like the New York Yankees and players such as Miguel Tejada also pledge their support. While Haiti is not a traditional source of players, unlike its neighbor to the east the Dominican Republic, there were 13 Haitian-born players in the minor leagues in 2009 and efforts are now directed to ascertain their well-being.

The Marlins and the major league players’ union come to an understanding in which the team agrees to increase its payroll, an agreement which will end in 2012 when Florida’s new ballpark is scheduled to open. The small amount that the club spends on paying its players violates the revenue-sharing provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

ByTom

The Marlins and the major league players’ union come to an understanding in which the team agrees to increase its payroll, an agreement which will end in 2012 when Florida’s new ballpark is scheduled to open. The small amount that the club spends on paying its players violates the revenue-sharing provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

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Brett Myers, a former first-round pick of the Phillies, signs a one-year deal with an option for 2011. The 29-year-old righthander spent time as ace and closer with the Phils but is coming off hip surgery. He winds up leading the Astros with 14 wins and is rewarded with an extension through 2013. 

ByTom

Brett Myers, a former first-round pick of the Phillies, signs a one-year deal with an option for 2011. The 29-year-old righthander spent time as ace and closer with the Phils but is coming off hip surgery. He winds up leading the Astros with 14 wins and is rewarded with an extension through 2013. 

Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice are elected into the Hall of Fame
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Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice are elected into the Hall of Fame

ByTom

2009 – Rickey Henderson, the all-time major league leader in stolen bases, runs and leadoff home runs, is elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot; at the time of his retirement, Henderson also held the all-time walk record. Also elected is Jim Rice, the third player to go in on the 15th and final ballot (after Ralph Kiner and Red Ruffing); Rice’s long-time teammate Fred Lynn says stats should be discarded in pushing his case.

Avoiding salary arbitration, catcher Paul Lo Duca signs a three-year, $18 million deal to remain with the Florida Marlins. Lo Duca was acquired by Florida, along with relief pitcher Guillermo Mota and outfielder Juan Encarnación, in a trading deadline blockbuster trade which sent starter Brad Penny, first baseman Hee Seop Choi and pitching prospect Bill Murphy to the Dodgers.

ByTom

Avoiding salary arbitration, catcher Paul Lo Duca signs a three-year, $18 million deal to remain with the Florida Marlins. Lo Duca was acquired by Florida, along with relief pitcher Guillermo Mota and outfielder Juan Encarnación, in a trading deadline blockbuster trade which sent starter Brad Penny, first baseman Hee Seop Choi and pitching prospect Bill Murphy to the Dodgers.