OF Mike Trout of the Angels wins his second AL MVP Award, finishing ahead of Boston’s Mookie Betts. In the National League, second-year 3B Kris Bryant of the Cubs is a runaway winner one year after being named the league’s Rookie of the Year.

OF Mike Trout of the Angels wins his second AL MVP Award, finishing ahead of Boston’s Mookie Betts. In the National League, second-year 3B Kris Bryant of the Cubs is a runaway winner one year after being named the league’s Rookie of the Year.

Oakland Athletics managing partner Lew Wolff steps down after 11 years on the job, giving the position to his closest ally, John Fisher, who has also been one of the team’s co-owner since its purchase in 2005.

Oakland Athletics managing partner Lew Wolff steps down after 11 years on the job, giving the position to his closest ally, John Fisher, who has also been one of the team’s co-owner since its purchase in 2005.

2015 – Jeff Banister, rookie skipper of the Rangers, is named the American League Manager of the Year, while Joe Maddon of the Cubs is honored in the National League after having won the honor twice in the junior circuit.

2015 – Jeff Banister, rookie skipper of the Rangers, is named the American League Manager of the Year, while Joe Maddon of the Cubs is honored in the National League after having won the honor twice in the junior circuit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2013 – Cubs prospect Kris Bryant is named MVP of the Arizona Fall League after batting .364 and leading the circuit in most hitting categories.

2013 – Cubs prospect Kris Bryant is named MVP of the Arizona Fall League after batting .364 and leading the circuit in most hitting categories.

The Chicago Cubs announce they have hired Dale Sveum as their new manager, replacing Mike Quade. Sveum managed the Milwaukee Brewers at the tail end of the 2008 season, ending a swoon and leading them through their first playoff appearance since the 1982 World Series, but has not managed since.

The Chicago Cubs announce they have hired Dale Sveum as their new manager, replacing Mike Quade. Sveum managed the Milwaukee Brewers at the tail end of the 2008 season, ending a swoon and leading them through their first playoff appearance since the 1982 World Series, but has not managed since.