Breaking News

After 13 years as a scapegoat, a weight was lifted off Steve Bartman's shoulders when the Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday, and according to a spokesperson, the victory brought happiness to the Windy City's former public enemy No. 1. 

The Detroit Tigers have picked up their $6 million contract option on pitcher Francisco Rodriguez, the team announced Thursday.

In February, outfielder Dexter Fowler surprised everyone—including his own teammates—by re-upping with the Chicago Cubs on a one-year deal. Suffice it to say he'll be looking for long-term security this time around.

Fowler plans to decline his mutual option with the Cubs for 2017, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Detroit Tigers have had an on-again, off-again relationship with Cameron Maybin since he first arrived in the Motor City in 2007, but they've parted ways with the outfielder again, trading him to the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.

The Seattle Mariners shook up their catching situation by declining Chris Iannetta's 2017 contract option Thursday.

The team announced the decision on Twitter.

According to Spotrac, Seattle avoided paying the 33-year-old veteran $4.25 million next season by deciding against picking up his option.

The Seattle Mariners announced they picked up outfielder Seth Smith's $7 million club option for 2017 on Thursday.

The Texas Rangers have officially picked u p the $5.25 million contract option for Jonathan Lucroy, according to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball. 

Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegraph confirmed the report. 

Shortstop Alcides Escobar reportedly will return to the Kansas City Royals for a seventh season as the team is reportedly set to pick up his 2017 team option.  

Wade Davis has been one of the better closers in baseball over the past two seasons, and the Kansas City Royals are expected to make a prudent move to keep the 31-year-old in tow Thursday by picking up his $10 million club option for 2017.  

The Boston Red Sox are betting on a strong rebound from Clay Buchholz in 2017 after announcing they had picked up the starting pitcher's contract option.