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FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Max Kepler during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Free agent outfielder Max Kepler suspended 80 games by MLB following positive drug test

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Jan. 9, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Free agent outfielder Max Kepler was suspended for 80 games on Friday following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball's drug program.

Kepler tested positive for Epitrenbolone, a substance that led to a suspension in 2018 for boxer Manuel Charr. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency announced the following year that a positive test for the substance caused it to disqualify 90-year-old cyclist Carl Grove from a world record he had set at the 2018 Masters Track National Championship.

Epitrenbolone is a metabolite of Trenbolone, which is contained in some products used in body-building stores and had been used in products to promote cattle growth. Kepler is the first player suspended by MLB for the substance since public announcements of the penalty details began in 2005.

There was no immediate comment from the players' association or his agency.

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Varsho, Clement and Heineman agree to one-year deals with Jays to avoid arbitration

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Varsho, Clement and Heineman agree to one-year deals with Jays to avoid arbitration

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026

TORONTO - Outfielder Daulton Varsho, infielder Ernie Clement and backup catcher Tyler Heineman agreed to one-year contracts with the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday to avoid arbitration. 

Varsho's deal was worth US$10.75 million, Clement came to terms at $4.6 million and Heineman agreed to $1.2375 million.

Pitcher Eric Lauer, the only other Blue Jays player eligible for arbitration, will have a hearing on his contract. 

Varsho, 29, was limited to 71 games last season due to shoulder and hamstring injuries. A Gold Glove Award winner in 2024, the defensive star hit .238 last year with an .832 on-base plus slugging percentage, 20 homers and 55 runs batted in. 

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Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026

Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho rounds the bases after hitting a two-run homer against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Toronto on Oct. 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho rounds the bases after hitting a two-run homer against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 1 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Toronto on Oct. 24, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Jays’ Okamoto likes utilityman role, GM not tipping hand on other potential moves

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Jays’ Okamoto likes utilityman role, GM not tipping hand on other potential moves

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

TORONTO - Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto got some help from his family when he was considering which Major League Baseball team might be the best fit for his services. 

"(I) put all 30 logos of MLB teams in front of (my) daughter and said, 'Which one do you like the most?'" he said Tuesday via interpreter Gino Gordon. "And she pointed at the Blue Jays. So that stuck in (my) head the whole time."

The Blue Jays formally introduced the 29-year-old infielder at an afternoon news conference after signing him to a four-year, US$60-million deal over the weekend.

He joins MLB after an impressive 11-year run in Japan, where he led the Nippon Professional Baseball league in home runs on three occasions. 

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Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto speaks during an introductory press conference at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker
Toronto Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto speaks during an introductory press conference at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto adds power — and raises expectations in Toronto

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto adds power — and raises expectations in Toronto

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

TORONTO - No stranger to big baseball moments, Kazuma Okamoto seems more than comfortable in the spotlight.

The Toronto Blue Jays are hoping his success in Japan will translate to the Major League Baseball game.

The American League champions agreed to terms with the slugger over the weekend on a four-year, US$60-million contract. The Blue Jays plan to formally introduce Okamoto on Tuesday at a news conference at Rogers Centre.

A six-time all-star with the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball, Okamoto provides a middle-of-the-order bat with some flexibility on the defensive end. The 29-year-old won the Japanese league's home run crown on three occasions.

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Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Japan's Kazuma Okamoto (25) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Japan's Kazuma Okamoto (25) runs the bases after hitting a home run in the fourth inning of the World Baseball Classic championship game on March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Blue Jays officially sign Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to four-year, US$60M deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Blue Jays officially sign Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to four-year, US$60M deal

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays officially signed Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, US$60-million contract Sunday.

Okamoto, whose deal with the Blue Jays was widely reported Saturday, is a six-time all-star in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.

The 29-year-old third baseman and first baseman hit .327 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs in 69 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants. He missed over half the season with an elbow injury.

Under MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays owe the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000.

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Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

Yomiuri Giants' Kazuma Okamoto flies out in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgersin Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Yomiuri Giants' Kazuma Okamoto flies out in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgersin Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

Infielder Kazuma Okamoto and Blue Jays agree to $60 million, 4-year contract, AP sources say

Rob Gillies, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Infielder Kazuma Okamoto and Blue Jays agree to $60 million, 4-year contract, AP sources say

Rob Gillies, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

TORONTO (AP) — Infielder Kazuma Okamoto and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $60 million, four-year contract, two people familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday.

The people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Okamoto will get a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary this year and $16 million in each of the following three seasons.

A six-time All-Star, Okamoto has a .277 average with 248 homers and 717 RBIs in 11 Japanese big league seasons, leading the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He homered off Colorado’s Kyle Freeland to help Japan beat the U.S. 3-2 in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final.

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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

FILE - Japan's Kazuma Okamoto hits a home run during fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic championship game against the United States, March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
FILE - Japan's Kazuma Okamoto hits a home run during fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic championship game against the United States, March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Reports: Toronto Blue Jays agree to deal with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Reports: Toronto Blue Jays agree to deal with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays and Japanese free-agent third baseman Kazuma Okamoto have agreed to terms on a contract, according to multiple reports. 

ESPN and Sportsnet reported Saturday afternoon that the two sides agreed to a deal. There was no immediate word on the length of the contract or financial details.

Okamoto is a six-time all-star in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league.

He hit .327 with 15 homers and 51 RBIs in 77 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants. 

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Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

Yomiuri Giants' Kazuma Okamoto flies out in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgersin Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)
Yomiuri Giants' Kazuma Okamoto flies out in the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgersin Tokyo, Japan, Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hiro Komae)

All-Star 3B Alex Bregman agrees to a $175 million, 5-year contract with the Cubs, AP sources say

Jay Cohen, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

All-Star 3B Alex Bregman agrees to a $175 million, 5-year contract with the Cubs, AP sources say

Jay Cohen, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:49 PM CST

CHICAGO (AP) — All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has agreed to a $175 million, five-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to two people familiar with the deal.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday night on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. The contract includes a no-trade provision allowing Bregman to block deals without his consent.

Bregman, who turns 32 in March, was back on the market for a second straight offseason. He was pursued by the Cubs before he signed a $120 million, three-year contract with Boston last February, with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.

He decided to test free agency again after hitting .273 for the Red Sox with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games, his fewest since 2021. Bregman missed all of June with a quadriceps injury.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:49 PM CST

FILE - Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman fields a groundout hit by Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg during the first inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, on Aug. 18, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
FILE - Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman fields a groundout hit by Baltimore Orioles' Jordan Westburg during the first inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, on Aug. 18, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

‘Really inspiring’: How advanced technology is evolving baseball on Canadian soil

Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Preview

‘Really inspiring’: How advanced technology is evolving baseball on Canadian soil

Rianna Lim, The Canadian Press 7 minute read Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

Inside a large indoor space marked with metal equipment, training gear and gadgets stored in drawers and shelves, athlete Peyton Markwood uses two hands to pull on the handle of a large machine with all the strength he can muster, as it measures the power and movement of his muscles.  

Later, his performance director, Tyler Soucie, directs him to put a smaller machine on his wrist and force it against a nearby metal bar as quickly and forcefully as he can, to measure how fast his brain can command his shoulder and arm to push.  

It’s all statistics, physics and incredibly precise measurements of biomechanics, ranges of motion and strength. But it’s not your traditional science lab – it's a baseball training facility in Kitchener, Ont. 

“It seems to evolve every day,” said Soucie, who founded Velo Baseball in 2018 and opened the facility in 2021. “There's always something new coming out, some sort of new edge. It usually starts at the major league level and then trickles its way down."

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Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026

Tyler Soucie, founder and performance director at Velo Baseball, an athlete training facility in Kitchener, Ont., is shown in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Velo Baseball (Mandatory Credit)
Tyler Soucie, founder and performance director at Velo Baseball, an athlete training facility in Kitchener, Ont., is shown in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - Velo Baseball (Mandatory Credit)

Blue Jays named The Canadian Press team of the year after deep playoff run

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Blue Jays named The Canadian Press team of the year after deep playoff run

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

TORONTO - A feeling of uncertainty hung in the air at training camp last February when the Toronto Blue Jays began preparations for the 2025 campaign. 

The team was coming off a last-place finish, its homegrown face of the franchise remained unsigned beyond the season and the possibility of playoff contention seemed iffy at best.

What a difference a year makes.

The Blue Jays completed a worst-to-first turnaround and rode the momentum into a memorable post-season that saw them go all the way to Game 7 of the World Series. 

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Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025

Baseball fans watch World Series Game 7 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers during a watch party at the University of Toronto in Toronto on Saturday, November 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn
Baseball fans watch World Series Game 7 between the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers during a watch party at the University of Toronto in Toronto on Saturday, November 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Mets jettison Jeff McNeil in trade to A’s following departures of Alonso, Nimmo and Díaz

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Mets jettison Jeff McNeil in trade to A’s following departures of Alonso, Nimmo and Díaz

Janie Mccauley, The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

The retooling Mets jettisoned another core player Monday, trading second baseman Jeff McNeil to the Athletics for minor league right-hander Yordan Rodriguez in a deal that left pitcher David Peterson as New York's longest-tenured player.

New York will send up to $7.75 million to the A's to offset some of the $17.75 million remaining on McNeil's $50 million, four-year contract.

McNeil follows Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz in leaving the underperforming Mets, who failed to reach the playoffs this year despite the second-highest payroll in the majors behind the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

McNeil, who turns 34 in April, was selected by New York in the 12th round of the 2013 amateur draft from Long Beach State and had spent his entire professional career with the organization. He made his Mets debut in 2018 and won the big league batting title with a .326 average in 2022, when he was picked for his second NL All-Star team.

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Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

FILE - New York Mets' Jeff McNeil plays during a baseball game Sept. 8, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
FILE - New York Mets' Jeff McNeil plays during a baseball game Sept. 8, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Red Sox acquire All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras from Cardinals for three young righties

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Red Sox acquire All-Star first baseman Willson Contreras from Cardinals for three young righties

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Red Sox acquired three-time All-Star Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday in a trade for right-hander Hunter Dobbins and two pitching prospects.

The 33-year-old Contreras is a .258 hitter with 172 homers and 548 RBIs in 10 seasons with the Cubs and Cardinals. He spent most of his career as a catcher before moving to first base last year, when he batted .257 with 20 homers and 80 RBIs.

Dobbins, 26, went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA as a rookie in Boston last year before tearing the ACL in his right knee and missing the second half of the season. The Cardinals will also receive Single-A righties Blake Aita and Yhoiker Fajardo.

St. Louis also sent cash to Boston as part of the deal.

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Monday, Dec. 22, 2025

FILE - St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras (40) watches his solo home run in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Sept. 6, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
FILE - St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras (40) watches his solo home run in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves Sept. 6, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Toronto reliever Tyler Rogers says Blue Jays were aggressive in free agency

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Toronto reliever Tyler Rogers says Blue Jays were aggressive in free agency

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

TORONTO - For the first time in his career, Toronto reliever Tyler Rogers felt like he was being recruited in the off-season. 

The Blue Jays were interested right from the start of free agency, he said, with the two sides eventually agreeing to a three-year deal worth US$37 million. 

"It leaves an impression when it's the first team that contacts you," Rogers said Friday on a conference call. "No matter who it is. So that started it for me and they seemed more aggressive than anybody."

The submarine pitcher is coming off the best season of his seven-year career. He'll most likely serve in a setup role for the American League champions.

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Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

New York Mets pitcher Tyler Rogers throws during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 7, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
New York Mets pitcher Tyler Rogers throws during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds on Sept. 7, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)

Blue Jays trade reliever Bruihl to Guardians for cash considerations

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Blue Jays trade reliever Bruihl to Guardians for cash considerations

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays traded left-hander Justin Bruihl to the Cleveland Guardians in exchange for cash considerations, the team said Wednesday.

Bruihl was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays on Monday after they agreed to terms with fellow reliever Tyler Rogers on a three-year contract worth US$37 million. 

Bruihl did not record a decision over 15 appearances with Toronto this past season. He had a 5.27 earned-run average.

Bruihl made one playoff appearance, working one-third of an inning in Toronto's 13-7 win over the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the American League Division Series.

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Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Justin Bruihl throws in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)
Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Justin Bruihl throws in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on July 27, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

After MVP season in South Korea, Ponce ready for big-league return with Blue Jays

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

After MVP season in South Korea, Ponce ready for big-league return with Blue Jays

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

TORONTO - When an attempt to find his pitching form in Japan wasn't bearing fruit after a brief stint in the major leagues, Toronto right-hander Cody Ponce tried emulating his brother-in-law's sporting mindset.

It helped lead to a big turnaround on the mound and now a three-year, US$30-million contract with the Blue Jays. 

"He helped me bring out my inner child again," Ponce said Tuesday night on a video call. "And that was something that I felt like I was lacking for the two years prior while I was in Japan."

A journeyman career changed dramatically in 2025 as Ponce posted a 17-1 record over 29 starts with the Hanwha Eagles. He also had 252 strikeouts and a 1.89 earned-run average to win the most valuable player award in South Korea's KBO League. 

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

Pirates right-hander Cody Ponce throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the third inning of a baseball game on Sept. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pirates right-hander Cody Ponce throws to a Washington Nationals batter during the third inning of a baseball game on Sept. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Blue Jays sign reliever Tyler Rogers to three-year, $37-million contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Blue Jays sign reliever Tyler Rogers to three-year, $37-million contract

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays have added another arm to their pitching staff after agreeing to terms with workhorse reliever Tyler Rogers.

The deal announced Monday by the Blue Jays is for US$37 million over three years, with an option for the 2029 season.

The 34-year-old right-hander from Denver split the 2025 season between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets, combining to post a 1.98 earned-run average over a Major League Baseball-leading 81 appearances.

Rogers leads the majors with 403 appearances and 406.1 relief innings pitched since 2020.

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Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

New York Mets pitcher Tyler Rogers throws during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
New York Mets pitcher Tyler Rogers throws during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

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