Morning Update - 1/12/2021

Rob Manfred says to prepare for 162 games, Liam Hendricks makes his decision, & more.

Good morning.

It’s January 12th, and here’s everything that happened in the world of baseball from 5 PM EST yesterday until 9 AM today.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING

Tim Brown @TBrownYahoo

MLB news: White Sox sign Liam Hendriks, top free agent closer sports.yahoo.com/source-chicago… via @Yahoo

sports.yahoo.comSources: White Sox to sign top free agent closer Liam HendriksThe Chicago White Sox are making a move to nab the top bullpen arm available.

The top free agent reliever is off the board, as closer Liam Hendricks agrees to a deal with the Chicago White Sox. The deal is for three years with an option for the fourth year. Per Brown, Hendricks is guaranteed $54 million whether he picks up his option or not.

Jeff Passan @JeffPassan

The details on Liam Hendriks' fascinating deal with the Chicago White Sox: It is a three-year deal that will pay Hendriks $39M in those first three years. But both the buyout and fourth-year option salary are $15M, so Hendriks will receive $54M regardless of what White Sox do.

It’s a huge addition for a White Sox team that has legitimate World Series aspirations.

Bob Nightengale @BNightengale

If the #WhiteSox don't pick up closer Liam Hendrik's $15 million option in 2024, the buyout is spread out over 10 years.

EVERYTHING ELSE

• Rob Manfred told clubs Monday to prepare for Spring Training to start in February and to plan on a full 162 game season to be played, per Bob Nightengale. We can only hope.

• Jim Bowden says the Marlins are one of the teams exploring a trade for Andrew Benintendi.

• Free agent 1B CJ Cron has been cleared for full activity following left knee surgery last August.

• Ken Rosenthal says AJ Preller met with Fernando Tatis, Jr. last week in the Dominican Republic. No deal is imminent.

• Bruce Hines has been hired by the Angels as 1B coach and outfield coach, replacing Jesus Feliciano.

• Victor Rojas is stepping away from his duties as Angels broadcaster to become the President and GM of the Rangers’ AA Frisco Roughriders.

TEAM-BY-TEAM

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

• Red Sox - Peter Abraham on why Chaim Bloom and Alex Cora were eager to make Will Venable the Red Sox’ bench coach.

• Yankees - DJ LeMahieu is done waiting around.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

• Royals - A Missouri girl who was injured at a Royals game is pushing for increased netting at ballparks.

• White Sox - Sox on 35th on the Liam Hendricks signing. And more on the signing from the Chicago Sun Times.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

• Angels - Halos Heaven discusses former staffer Brian “Bubba” Harkins alleging widespread use of foreign substances.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

• Braves - The Braves are more focused on adding a left fielder than a third baseman.

• Mets - Francisco Lindor is all smiles after the trade from the Indians to the Mets.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

• Cubs - David Schoenfield asks - should the Cubs trade Wilson Contreras and Kris Bryant?

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

• Dodgers - Dodger Stadium is converting to a COVID-19 vaccination center this week.

RANDOM REWIND

FOUL TIPS

• MLB Trade Rumors looks at the top 10 remaining free agents.

• The first sportsbook is coming to an MLB stadium, and fans will be able to place bets from their seats.

• Craig Edwards wonders if MLB should worry about its new deal with ESPN.

• Celebrating the roots, legacy and future of the Negro Leagues after 100 years.

God bless and good day!