Major League Baseball Spring Training Underway

Major League Baseball’s spring training got underway Wednesday, with pitchers and catchers reporting to prepare for what will be a full season this year, after they played only an abbreviated 60-game season last year due to the pandemic. There will be even tougher Covid protocols this year, including players, staffers and team personnel being required to wear electronic tracing wristbands.s and team personnel being required to wear electronic tracing wristbands.

 

Tatis Agrees To Contract Extension

Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. agreed to a 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, ESPN reported, the third-biggest deal in Major League Baseball history. The 22-year-old Tatis is in his third year, after starting his first MLB season with the Padres in 2019.

 

Tim Tebow Retiring As a Minor Leaguer

Tim Tebow announced Wednesday that he’s retiring from baseball after five years as a minor league player with the New York Mets.

The Heisman Trophy-winning former National Football League quarterback returned to baseball in 2016, after having played in high school, and reached the Triple-A level.

The 33-year-old said in a statement Wednesday, “I loved every minute of the journey, but at this time I feel called in other directions.” Tebow played in 35 NFL games between 2010 and 2012 before being released by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2015 preseason.

 

Indians' Cody Allen Retires

The Cleveland Indians announced Wednesday that closer Cody Allen, the franchise’s career saves leader, had retired at age 32. Allen spent seven seasons with Cleveland, getting 149 saves in 456 games, and having more than 30 saves three times.