This Debt Crisis Is Not Like 2011’s. It’s Worse.

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2023

admin

On its surface, the unfolding debt-ceiling crisis looks a lot like the confrontation in 2011 between congressional Republicans and then-President Barack Obama. Once again, a new GOP majority in the House is using the threat of a national default as leverage to force a first-term Democratic president to agree to spending cuts in exchange for lifting the federal borrowing limit. A first-ever default could crash the markets and trigger a recession. But, as in 2011, the two parties remain far apart, with a deadline to act approaching rapidly.

Eric Cantor knows the feeling well. Twelve years ago, he was the House majority leader deputized by then-Speaker John Boehner to negotiate an agreement with Joe Biden, who was Obamas vice president at the time. Cantor left Congress in 2014 after a stunning primary defeat that presaged the GOPs anti-establishment, anti-immigration lurch toward Donald Trump two years later. Hes now a senior executive at a Wall Street investment bank.

I called him up this week to ask what he had learned from the 2011 negotiations and how he sees todays fight going. He warned that the risks of failureand with it, economic calamityare significantly greater this time around.

Read: The logic behind Bidens refusal to negotiate the debt ceiling

Cantor and Biden failed to strike a deal on their own in 2011; that task ultimately fell to Biden and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell. But Cantor told me he was impressed with Bidens willingness to bargain: He was very much in the mode of negotiating, compromising.

Not this timeBiden has rebuffed pleas from Speaker Kevin McCarthy for one-on-one negotiations. President Biden is not the same person as Vice President Biden was, Cantor said, a bit ruefully. Nor has Biden empowered anyone in his administration to bargain at all.

Theyve not negotiated a darn thing, Cantor said.

In 2011, Obama engaged with Republicans months in advance of the fiscal deadline, and the talks between Cantor and Biden, along with separate negotiations between Obama and Boehner, helped set parameters for the agreement that materialized when the nation was on the brink of default.

The present lack of negotiations is likely a direct result of how things went back in 2011. Though both sides came to an agreement eventually, the near miss still caused a stock-market slide and the downgrading of the U.S. credit rating. When the U.S. bumped up against the debt ceiling again later in the Obama presidency, the administration was less inclined to negotiateand a chastened GOP allowed the limit to be lifted without a fight. The lesson Democrats drew from that experience was never again to concede to the Republican premise that increasing the borrowing limit should be subject to legislative haggling.

Bidens no-negotiation stance, however, might not be sustainable. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen informed congressional leaders that the country would run out of fiscal wiggle roomafforded by the use of extraordinary measures that stretch federal fundsas soon as June 1. That deadline is earlier than many people in Washington expected, and Yellens warning injected fresh urgency into the effort to find a way out of the crisis. In response, Biden summoned McCarthy, McConnell, and their Democratic counterparts to a White House meeting next week.

In 2011, McCarthy was one rung beneath Cantor in the House GOP hierarchy. Now, as speaker, hes operating with a much thinner margin than Boehner and Cantor, who had more than 20 votes to spare. The GOPs five-vote majority has less leverage, but it is more dug-in against the Democrats, and the speakership that McCarthy fought so hard to secure could be at risk if he were to allow the debt ceiling to be raised without extracting sufficient budget cuts or other concessions. The moderate dealmakers in the House Republican Conference have all but vanished. Boehner was ultimately forced out in 2015 by a conservative revolt, but he did not face the threat of an ouster that now hangs over McCarthy.

Although McCarthy was able to muster enough votes last week to pass an opening bid through the Housea huge victory, Cantor told mehes unlikely to secure the same level of budget cuts that Republicans did in 2011. Obama and Boehner had traded proposals for entitlement cuts and tax increases, and the deal Congress eventually passed triggered $1.2 trillion in spending reductions over a 10-year period. Under pressure from former President Donald Trump, McCarthy isnt even pushing this time for cuts to Medicare or Social Security. The likeliest solution, according to potential congressional dealmakers, is an agreement that would merely slow the growth of federal spending, not reverse it. Youre just not going to move the needle as far, Cantor said.

Cantor remains in touch with McCarthy; the two, along with the Republican who succeeded Boehner as speaker, Paul Ryan, were once a conservative triumvirate known as the Young Guns (they were already in their 40s, but this is Congress), who rose quickly in the House GOP. When I asked him whether it was possible for McCarthy to emerge victorious in the eyes of his party, Cantor seemed doubtful. Look, hes got a very, very slim majority, he said. And given where conservative media and social media is on the issue, its just hard to be able to create a situation where you can declare a win and have everyone go along with it.

Annie Lowrey: The trillion-dollar coin might be the least bad option

For now, Cantor said, McCarthy is doing what he needs to do to give himself space to negotiate. Kevin has demonstrated a will to fight, and I think thats the most important thing right now for members to seehes willing to go to bat for them and fight, he said. So he comes into this with a fair amount of capital to work with.

Biden is also in fighting mode at the moment, in contrast to his bargaining mode in 2011. Cantor argued that ironically, Biden had more authority to hammer out a deal when he was Obamas lieutenant than he does now. Hes captive of the extreme left and the progressives in his party, he said.

This is mostly spin from a Republican who remains, even in his political retirement, a party loyalist. And Biden would surely dispute the suggestion that he would cut a deal with Republicans if left to his own devices; he came away from the 2011 experience with the same determination as others in his party not to negotiate again over the debt ceiling. But Cantors point is that because progressives are more ascendant now than they were then, Biden has less room to maneuver, especially as he launches a reelection bid for which hell need the lefts enthusiastic support.

Cantor offered a couple of scenarios for how Biden and McCarthy could avert a default. The most likely involves Washingtons favorite fallback, the punt: Republicans would agree to a short-term increase in the debt ceiling in exchange for Biden committing to serious fiscal negotiations later in the year, when both sides would face a harder deadline. They could also reach a broader agreement in the next few weeks, but Cantor did not sound particularly hopeful. I still dont think we go into default, the veteran of congressional brinkmanship told me, but I think the path is certainly narrower, and the options available to either side are narrower.

US

Streets empty in Chicago over fears of arrest under Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown

Published

2 mins ago

January 29, 2025

admin

Streets empty in Chicago over fears of arrest under Donald Trump's immigration crackdown

Look at parts of Chicago, and they look a little different under Donald Trump.

Take for example Little Village, a Hispanic neighbourhood on the city’s south side, where the streets look empty.

Locals told us far fewer people were venturing outdoors as a result of the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids, some of which have taken place here.

The initial crackdown, we are told, is targeting migrant criminals but there is also the prospect of ‘collateral arrest’.

People with, and without, paperwork fear the risk and so are remaining indoors. A community has retreated into the shadows.

One man, Steve, told us of the anxieties of his mother, who came from Mexico years ago and is without the appropriate documentation.

He said: “She crossed the border over here to get a better life for us when we were born, to get education and all. She’s scared to go out there, that she might get picked up.”

We attended one community centre which offers support to migrants. They had placed a notice on the front door giving instructions on what to do if ICE comes calling.

A gate at the entrance is drawn closed, where it wasn’t before. The staff have changed their routine, following a raid round the corner.

Their morning starts with a recce of the roads around the building to check for immigration officials.

Inside, we met Oliber, a Venezuelan who is in the US legally, has a work permit and has been employed in construction.

In the current circumstances, he is reluctant to go to his place of work for fear of arrest, even though his paperwork is in place.

“I feel scared,” he told us. “I go out feeling frightened. I don’t go out now like I used to. I used to go out every day until night-time, I’d work at any time, but now I can’t go out anywhere.”

He added: “There are rumours about migrants and I’m scared, that they might catch me, deport me. My family depends on me. I can’t go out like I used to, I’m scared, I’m scared.”

It is a story of government policy with humans at its heart. Immigration enforcement officials publish figures that show an increase on Joe Biden’s daily average for deportations in his final year.

The choreography of the crackdown, certainly, is eye-catching. Much of America will applaud.

Not so much, the communities centre-stage.

Sports

Sources: Dodgers agree to $13M deal with Yates

Published

1 hour ago

January 29, 2025

admin

Sources: Dodgers agree to M deal with Yates

Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources told ESPN, continuing the Dodgers’ construction of a superteam that will enter the 2025 season as heavy World Series favorites.

Yates, 37, was one of the best relievers in baseball last year, posting a 1.17 ERA in 61⅔ innings, striking out 85 and walking 27 while saving 33 games for Texas. He joins a Dodgers bullpen that already added closer Tanner Scott, re-signed fireman Blake Treinen and returns right-hander Michael Kopech and left-hander Alex Vesia.

Add that to the team’s starting-pitching depth — Shohei Ohtani, free agent signing Blake Snell, right-handers Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, Dustin May and Landon Knack, and the likely return of left-hander Clayton Kershaw — and the Dodgers have the deepest pitching staff in baseball as they look to become the first repeat World Series champions in a quarter-century.

A late bloomer who didn’t crack a big league roster until he was 27, Yates has nevertheless fashioned an impressive career in the majors, saving 95 games and making a pair of All-Star teams, including last year.

Yates, who can earn $500,000 bonuses if he reaches 50- and 55-appearance thresholds, puts up gaudy strikeout numbers despite lacking a high-octane fastball. His go-to pitch is a devastating split-fingered fastball and his 12.5 strikeouts per nine innings ranks sixth all time among pitchers with at least 400 innings, behind only Aroldis Chapman, Josh Hader, Edwin Diaz, Craig Kimbrel and former Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen.

The $13 million salary will push the Dodgers’ offseason spending to more than $450 million guaranteed, with the free agent signings of Snell, Scott, Treinen, outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, outfielder Michael Conforto, infielder Hyeseong Kim and a contract extension for super-utility man Tommy Edman.

Los Angeles’ luxury-tax payroll this year will be around $390 million, and with the penalties for exceeding the $241 million threshold, its total payroll is likely to be in excess of $500 million. Owners of other teams have been outspoken about Los Angeles’ spending, with the New York Yankees’ Hal Steinbrenner on Tuesday telling YES Network that “it’s difficult for most of us owners to be able to do the kinds of things they’re doing.”

Sports

MLB free agency tracker: Keep up with the offseason moves

Published

1 hour ago

January 29, 2025

admin

MLB free agency tracker: Keep up with the offseason moves

Jan 28, 2025, 09:55 PM ET

Just like that, the 2024-25 MLB hot stove has kicked off! We had a trade just one day after the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisted the World Series championship trophy.

All eyes this winter were on the top free agent, young slugger Juan Soto, who left the New York Yankees for a record contract with the New York Mets. But he’s not the only one who will make a splash in the market.

Which teams will go all-in to contend for a 2025 World Series title? Where will other top free agents such as Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman land? And who will make the trades and deals that have everyone buzzing?

Below is a running list of notable transactions and updates from throughout the MLB offseason.

Free agency, trade grades | Top 50 free agents | Fantasy spin

Notable MLB offseason transactions

Jan. 28

Dodgers sign All-Star reliever Yates

Right-handed reliever Kirby Yates and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $13 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Can get up to $14M with 55 games pitched. Grade »

Jan. 26

Cubs trade for veteran reliever Pressly

The Chicago Cubs are finalizing a trade to acquire closer Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros, pending medical review, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 23

Braves land All-Star outfielder in Profar

Outfielder Jurickson Profar and the Atlanta Braves are finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract, sources tell ESPN.

Jan. 20

Blue Jays add Santander to outfield

The Toronto Blue Jays and outfielder Anthony Santander are in agreement on a five-year contract worth $92.5 million, giving the team one of the best hitters available this offseason after failed attempts to land a marquee free agent in recent years. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 19

Dodgers nab Scott for bullpen

The Los Angeles Dodgers have added left-hander Tanner Scott, arguably the best relief pitcher on the free agent market, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $72 million contract, sources told ESPN on Sunday. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 17

Japanese ace Sasaki picks Dodgers

Roki Sasaki, the prized Japanese pitching prospect who has had scouts drooling over his potential since high school, has chosen the Los Angeles Dodgers as his major league team, he announced on Instagram on Friday. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 16

Winker returns to Mets on one-year deal

Outfielder Jesse Winker and the New York Mets have agreed on a one-year deal, a source confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports Thursday. Story »

Jan. 10

Blue Jays sign top reliever Hoffman

The Toronto Blue Jays announced they have signed right-handed reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million deal. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 7

Giants add Verlander on one-year deal

Right-hander Justin Verlander and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources told ESPN on Tuesday, continuing the future Hall of Famer’s career at age 42 in one of the pitcher-friendliest stadiums in baseball. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 6

Reds acquire Lux in trade with Dodgers

The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a draft pick and an outfield prospect, the teams announced Monday, adding another prime-age hitter to a team that hopes to ascend in the National League Central this season. Story » | Grades »

Royals bring back pitcher Lorenzen

Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Kansas City Royals agreed on a one-year, $7 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Jan. 3

Dodgers land star KBO infielder

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement with Korean infielder Hyeseong Kim on a 3-year, $12.5 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Friday. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 30

Nats sign Bell to one-year deal

The Washington Nationals have agreed to terms with first baseman Josh Bell on a one-year contract worth $6 million, according to multiple reports. Story »

Dec. 29

Cubs and Marlins swap infielders

The Chicago Cubs acquired utility man Vidal Bruján on Sunday, sending first baseman Matt Mervis to the Miami Marlins in a swap of former top-100 prospects. Story »

Dec. 28

Burnes joins D-backs on $210 million deal

Right-hander Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks are in agreement on a six-year, $210 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 27

Dodgers bring back All-Star outfielder Hernandez

Outfielder Teoscar Hernández and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a three-year, $66 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Tigers add Torres to infield on one-year deal

Infielder Gleyber Torres and the Detroit Tigers are in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 23

McCutchen returns to the Pirates

Veteran slugger Andrew McCutchen is returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team announced on social media. Story »

Buehler, Red Sox agree to 1-year deal

Right-hander Walker Buehler and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $21.05 million contract, sources told ESPN, sending the pitcher who secured the final out of the World Series this year to a team loading up on starting pitching as it pivots toward contention. Story » | Grade »

Rangers add veteran bat Pederson

Outfielder Joc Pederson and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a contract pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Manaea returns to Mets on three-year deal

Left-hander Sean Manaea and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 22

Phillies bolster rotation with trade for Luzardo

The Philadelphia Phillies have acquired left-handed starter Jesus Luzardo from the Miami Marlins for two prospects, sources familiar with the deal told ESPN. Story » | Grades »

Nationals land 1B Lowe in trade with Rangers

The Washington Nationals on Sunday acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for lefty reliever Robert Garcia. Story » | Grades »

Dec. 21

Guardians trade Naylor to D-backs, sign Santana

The Cleveland Guardians traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday and quickly replaced him, with sources telling ESPN that they agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with free agent Carlos Santana, bringing him back for his third stint with the team. Story » | Grades »

Goldschmidt, Yankees agree on 1-year deal

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $12.5 million contract, sources told ESPN, pairing the former National League MVP and seven-time All-Star with the American League champion in the midst of a significant overhaul. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 20

Astros bring Walker to Houston

The Houston Astros and free-agent first baseman Christian Walker have agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN amid multiple reports. Story » | Grade »

Yanks ship Trevino to Reds for Cruz, Jackson

The New York Yankees traded catcher Jose Trevino to the Cincinnati Reds for right-hander Fernando Cruz and catcher Alex Jackson, the teams announced Friday. Story »

Red Sox add rotation arm

Left-hander Patrick Sandoval and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a two-year, $18.25 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »

A’s land veteran infielder

Gio Urshela is in agreement with the Athletics on a major league contract, sources confirm to ESPN. Story »

Dec. 19

Phillies bolster outfield with Kepler

Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, pending a physical, sources tell ESPN. Story »

Dec. 17

Yankees land Bellinger in trade with Cubs

OF/1B Cody Bellinger has been traded from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees for right-handed reliever Cody Poteet, sources tell ESPN. (New York will also receive cash considerations.) Story » | Grades »

Dec. 16

O’s, Sugano agree on 1-year, $13M deal

Right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a contract, the team announced Monday night, uniting one of the most successful Japanese pitchers of his generation with a team in need of rotation help. The deal is for one year and $13 million, sources told ESPN. Story »

Dec. 14

A’s acquire lefty Springs from Rays

The Athletics are acquiring left-hander Jeffrey Springs in a six-player trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the team announced Saturday, continuing their push toward contention with a significant increase in their payroll as they head into their first season in Sacramento. Story » | Grades »

Dec. 13

Cubs land three-time All-Star Tucker in deal with Astros

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »

Yankees get All-Star closer Williams from Milwaukee

The New York Yankees are acquiring closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for left-hander Nestor Cortes, infield prospect Caleb Durbin and cash considerations, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story » | Grades »

Dec. 11

Loáisiga returns to Yankees

Right-handed pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga and the Yankees have agreed on a one-year contract with a team option for 2026, a source tells ESPN. Story »

Red Sox trading for Crochet

The Boston Red Sox are acquiring left-hander Garrett Crochet in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for four highly-regarded prospects, sources tell ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Story »

Dec. 10

Marlins, Rangers agree to trade for Jake Burger

The Texas Rangers have agreed to a trade for power-hitting corner infielder Jake Burger, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. In exchange, the Miami Marlins will receive two shortstop prospects, Echedry Vargas and Max Acosta, and a young left-handed starting pitcher in Brayan Mendoza. Story » | Grades »

Eovaldi returning to the Rangers

Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Guardians and Blue Jays complete trade

The Toronto Blue Jays are finalizing a trade to acquire three-time Gold Glove-winning second baseman Andres Gimenez from the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grades »

Yankees land Fried on $218 million contract

Left-hander Max Fried and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a eight-year, $218 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest guarantee in baseball history for a left-handed pitcher. Story » | Grade »

Blue Jays sign pitcher Garcia

The Toronto Blue Jays and right-hander Yimi Garcia are in agreement on a two-year, $15 million contract, a source told ESPN on Tuesday. Story »

Dec. 9

Phillies add Romano to bullpen

Closer Jordan Romano and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a free agent contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Romano was nontendered by Toronto earlier this offseason. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 8

Mets sign Soto for MLB record $765 million

Superstar outfielder Juan Soto and the New York Mets are in agreement on a 15-year, $765 million contract, sources tell ESPN. It is the largest deal in professional sports history. Story » | Grade »

Conforto joins Dodgers on $17 million deal

Outfielder Michael Conforto joined the Dodgers on a one-year deal. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 7

Giants, Adames agree on 7 years, $182M

Shortstop Willy Adames and the San Francisco Giants are in agreement on a seven-year, $182 million contract, the largest outlay in franchise history, sources told ESPN on Saturday. Story » | Grade »

O’s land O’Neill

Outfielder Tyler O’Neill and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a three-year, $49.5 million contract, a source told ESPN, filling a void created by the free agency of slugging outfielder Anthony Santander. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 6

Mets sign Holmes … as a starter

Right-hander Clay Holmes and the New York Mets are in agreement on a three-year, $38 million contract with an opt-out after the second year, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Jeff Passan on Friday night. Story » | Grade »

Rays add catcher Jansen

Catcher Danny Jansen and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a one-year, $8.5 million contract that includes a mutual option for a second season, sources tell ESPN.

Dec. 5

A’s sign Severino to franchise-record contract

Right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics are in agreement on a three-year, $67 million free agent contract that is the largest guarantee in the franchise’s history, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 3

Red Sox add Chapman to bullpen

Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Dec. 2

Cubs sign pitcher Boyd to two-year deal

The Chicago Cubs have added Matthew Boyd to their rotation in their first big offseason move, agreeing to a $29 million, two-year contract with the veteran left-hander, sources confirmed to ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Mets add to rotation with Montas signing

Right-hander Frankie Montas and the New York Mets are in agreement on a two-year, $34 million contract, sources told ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Nov. 26

Dodgers make splash with Snell signing

Left-hander Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a five-year, $182 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Nov. 25

Angels add to rotation in yet another move

Left-handed starter Yusei Kikuchi is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a three-year, $63 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. Story » | Grade »

Nov. 22

Royals trade for position players

The Kansas City Royals traded right-handed pitcher Brady Singer to the Cincinnati Reds for infielder Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer, the teams announced on Friday. Story » | Grades »

Nov. 20

Cubs add reliever in deal with Guardians

The Chicago Cubs are acquiring right-handed reliever Eli Morgan in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians, sources tell ESPN.

Nov. 19

Mets get outfield help in deal with Rays

The New York Mets have acquired outfielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Eric Orze. Story »

Nov. 18

Martinez accepts qualifying offer to stay with Reds

Right-hander Nick Martinez accepted the Cincinnati Reds‘ $21.05 million qualifying offer, multiple outlets reported Monday. Story »

Nov. 14

Angels sign infielder Newman to one-year deal

The Los Angeles Angels and infielder Kevin Newman agreed to a one-year $2.5 million contract with a club option for 2026, the team announced . Story »

Red Sox add reliever Wilson

Left-hander Justin Wilson and the Boston Red Sox have agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract, according to multiple reports. Story »

Nov. 12

Angels sign d’Arnaud to two-year deal

Catcher Travis d’Arnaud and the Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a two-year, $12 million contract. Story » | Grade »

Nov. 6

Hedges returns to Guardians on one-year deal

Catcher Austin Hedges and the Cleveland Guardians are in agreement on a one-year contract, sources tell ESPN. Story »

Angels add veteran arm to rotation

Kyle Hendricks is in agreement with the Los Angeles Angels on a one-year, $2.5 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Story » | Grade »

Nov. 3

Royals re-sign Wacha to 3-year deal

Right-hander Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a three-year, $51 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal includes a club option and can max out at four years, $72 million. Story » | Grade »