KRIS BRYANT

With a possible lockout on the horizon, it’s been mostly business as usual on the free agent market — so far.

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he voted for Major League Baseball’s proposal to lower the luxury tax threshold, a plan opposed by the players’ union with the sport on the brink of its first work stoppage on 26 years.

World Series MVP Jorge Soler, Freddie Freeman and Eddie Rosario of the champion Atlanta Braves are among 160 players who became free agents as an uncertain offseason started with a lockout threat looming.

Baseball’s ninth work stoppage and first in 26 years appears almost certain to start Dec. 2.

Dodgers ace Max Scherzer got the last three outs in the thrilling Game 5 of the NL Divsion Series and is now lined up to throw the first pitch for Los Angeles in the NL Championship Series.

A stellar season for the San Francisco Giants ended when Wilmer Flores was called out on a disputed check-swing to end a 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the deciding Game 5 of the NL Division Series.

Mookie Betts homered and drove in three runs, Will Smith also went deep and the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 7-2 to force a decisive Game 5 in their NL Division Series.

NLDS Giants Dodgers Baseball San Francisco Giants' Evan Longoria hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of Game 3 of a baseball National League Division Series, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers routed the Giants 9-2 to win Game 2, but mustered just five hits back at home. Their final 15 batters were retired, including in the ninth when Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen struck out the side. Their first hit came off the bat of 41-year-old Albert Pujols, whose bloop single to right led off the third in his 75th career postseason game. It was his first multi-hit postseason game since his three-homer performance in Game 3 of the 2011 World Series for St. Louis.

Evan Longoria homered off Max Scherzer in the fifth inning and the San Francisco Giants edged the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-0 on a blustery night to take a 2-1 lead in their NL Division Series.

Logan Webb struck out 10 pitching masterfully in his postseason debut, Buster Posey hit a two-run homer that held up, and the 107-win San Francisco Giants blanked the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in the opener of their NL Division Series.

Highlights of this day in history: First victim dies in post-Sept. 11th anthrax scare; VP candidates spar over JFK; The Beatles release 'Love Me Do'; 'Monty Python' premieres; Baseball's Barry Bonds tops single-season runs record. (Oct. 5)

Arizona Diamondbacks Single-A-affiliate pitcher Scott Randall says he has an unusual change-up. CBS Sacramento reporter Steve Large has more.

The San Francisco Giants missed a chance to clinch the NL West, falling to the San Diego Padres 3-2 when Jake Cronenworth hit an RBI double in the 10th inning.

Alex Wood and three relievers combined for a four-hitter for San Francisco, Kris Bryant hit a sacrifice fly and the Giants reached 104 wins for the first time since 1905 by beating the woeful Arizona Diamondbacks 1-0 Wednesday night. Manager Gabe Kapler’s ballclub joined the 1945-46 Boston Red Sox as the only teams to follow a losing season with 104 victories. With four games left, the Giants have a chance to break the franchise wins record of 106 set by the 1904 New York Giants.

... and other happy and heartwarming stories and videos from the week.

Buster Posey homered in the first inning and scored the go-ahead run on an error in the third, and the San Francisco Giants beat the San Diego Padres 6-1 for their ninth straight victory a day after becoming the first team in the big leagues to clinch a playoff berth.

The Miken factory in Caledonia, Minnesota, is one of the town's largest employers. However, the factory is expected to move its bat production to China. Kris Van Cleave shows how it will impact the community.

CHICAGO — (AP) — Kris Bryant drew a pair of standing ovations in his return to Wrigley Field, then Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt homered in the seventh inning to send the San Francisco Giants over the Chicago Cubs 6-1 Friday for their fifth straight win. The Giants, who entered 2 ½ games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, improved to a major league-best 91-50. In this one, Bryant went 0 for 3 with a walk, run and struck out swinging twice. The Cubs presented Bryant with a 2016 World Series championship pennant and a replica No. UP NEXTGiants RHP Kevin Gausman (13-5, 2.58) faces Cubs RHP Zach Davies (6-10, 5.16) on Saturday afternoon.

Kris Bryant drew a pair of standing ovations in his return to Wrigley Field, then Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt homered in the seventh inning to send the San Francisco Giants over the Chicago Cubs 6-1 for their fifth straight win.

Jace Peterson hit a go-ahead single in the seventh, Lorenzo Cain homered for a second straight game and the Milwaukee Brewers knocked the San Francisco Giants out of the top spot in the National League for the first time in more than three months.

Kris Bryant left the Chicago Cubs and NL Central late last month figuring he had seen about enough of Corbin Burnes. Burnes struck out nine while tossing scoreless ball into the seventh and singled home a run to help his winning cause, pitching the Brewers by San Francisco 3-1 on Monday night in a matchup of National League contenders.

Jorge Soler and Austin Riley homered off Anthony DeSclafani, Ian Anderson pitched into the sixth inning in his return from the injured list, and the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0.

Logan Webb threw seven strong innings to win his seventh consecutive decision, Tommy La Stella and Mike Yastrzemski each homered and drove in two runs, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0.

Jorge Soler hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning, Joc Pederson made a leaping catch at the wall for the final out and the Atlanta Braves rallied to beat San Francisco 6-5 to end the Giants’ five-game winning streak.

Josh Harrison hit a two-run single, Starling Marte added an RBI double, and the Oakland Athletics beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 on Friday night.

Mets Giants Baseball New York Mets' Kevin Pillar watches his three-run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the 12th inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. Six Giants pitchers combined to blank the Mets until the ninth inning, when J.D. The teams traded runs in the 11th before the Mets scored four runs against Tyler Chatwood (1-3) in the 12th. Lamonte Wade Jr. and Tommy La Stella recorded RBIs for San Francisco. San Francisco took two of three from Oakland in Part 1 of the Bay Bridge Series in June.

Kevin Pillar hit a three-run home run in the 12th inning, lifting the New York Mets over the San Francisco Giants 6-2 hours after the team’s owner called out its hitters for a lack of production.

Michael Hermosillo homered for the first time since 2018 and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1.

Bryan De La Cruz hit a grand slam and Alex Jackson added a three-run homer as the Miami Marlins tied a team record by scoring 11 times in the second inning during a 14-10 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Mookie Betts, Max Muncy and the World Series champion Dodgers have been hitting on almost all cylinders this season.

Miguel Cabrera’s 500th career homer could be just a few swings away.

Brian Goodwin led off the 10th inning with a two-run homer, and the Chicago White Sox regrouped after Craig Kimbrel blew a three-run lead against his former team to beat the rebuilding crosstown Cubs 8-6 at Wrigley Field.

White Sox Brewers Baseball Chicago White Sox's Lance Lynn pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Milwaukee. Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA), with the lowest ERA in the majors, pitches for the AL Central-leading White Sox against Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-4, 3.71), who is tied for most wins. Phillies newcomer Kyle Gibson (7-3, 2.86 ERA) pitches against Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80). Rookie right-hander Alek Manoah (3-1, 2.47 ERA) pitches the opener against Nathan Eovaldi (9-6, 3.71) and the Red Sox. In his other four games, all Mets defeats, Báez is a combined 1 for 16.

In-state interleague matchups take center stage in several locales Friday as the Chicago White Sox play the Cubs in a Wrigley Field matinee, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Angels, and the Kansas City Royals visit the St. Louis Cardinals.

White Sox Brewers Baseball Chicago White Sox's Lance Lynn pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Milwaukee. Lance Lynn (10-3, 2.07 ERA), with the lowest ERA in the majors, pitches for the AL Central-leading White Sox against Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks (13-4, 3.71), who is tied for most wins. Phillies newcomer Kyle Gibson (7-3, 2.86 ERA) pitches against Marcus Stroman (7-10, 2.80). Rookie right-hander Alek Manoah (3-1, 2.47 ERA) pitches the opener against Nathan Eovaldi (9-6, 3.71) and the Red Sox. In his other four games, all Mets defeats, Báez is a combined 1 for 16.

Astros Giants Baseball San Francisco Giants' Kris Bryant is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the third inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) (Jed Jacobsohn)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Kris Bryant homered in his Giants debut, a two-out solo shot in the third inning, and San Francisco beat the Houston Astros 5-3 on Sunday. Acquired in a trade from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league prospects just minutes before Friday’s deadline, Bryant was greeted by chants of “KB, KB, KB” when he trotted onto the field for pregame warmups and received a standing ovation before his first at-bat. ROSTER MOVETo make room for Bryant, the Giants optioned IF/OF Jason Vosler to Triple-A Sacramento. Giants: RHP Anthony DeSclafani (10-5, 3.10) pitches the opener of a four-game series in Arizona on Monday.

Kris Bryant homered in his Giants debut, a two-out solo shot in the third inning, and San Francisco beat the Houston Astros 5-3 on Sunday.

Diamondbacks Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Chicago. San Francisco got the four-time All-Star third baseman in a trade with the Cubs for two minor leaguers Friday. AILING TATISPadres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is again out of action after partially dislocating his left shoulder for the third time this season. A third reliever, Jandel Gustave, missed Saturday night’s game for the NL Central leaders at Atlanta due to contact tracing. NEW IN BLUETwo-time All-Star José Berríos is set to make his Toronto debut when starts against Kansas City at Rogers Centre.

Kris Bryant is expected to make his debut for the NL West-leading Giants on Sunday when they host Houston.

Joey Votto has homered in seven straight games and the Cincinnati Reds slugger can match a major league record Saturday night by going deep against the New York Mets.

Astros Giants Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates in the dugout with teammates after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 30, 2021, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar) (Tony Avelar)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — José Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 Friday night in a matchup of baseball's top two teams. It marked Altuve's sixth career slam and third this season — and his third multi-homer game of 2021, the seventh of his career. San Francisco will have a new face in the lineup perhaps as soon as Saturday after acquiring slugger Kris Bryant from the Cubs before the trade deadline Friday. GRAVEMAN'S DEBUTReliable reliever Kendall Graveman struck out three in 1 1/3 innings while making his Astros debut.

José Altuve hit a grand slam in the sixth one inning after putting Houston ahead on a solo homer, and the AL-leading Houston Astros held off the San Francisco Giants 9-6 in a matchup of baseball’s top two teams.

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) (Jack Dempsey)Max Scherzer and Trea Turner wearing Dodger blue, Kris Bryant heading to the Golden Gate. From contenders boosting their roster to the also-ran Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals gutting theirs, this was a monster day for moves. The Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest noise, getting Scherzer and Turner for a talented quartet of young prospects. “I want to personally thank Anthony Rizzo, Javy Báez and Kris Bryant,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. They traded away Scherzer and Turner, keys to their 2019 title, along with Lester, Yan Gomes and Josh Harrison.

Now this truly was an All-Star trade deadline day.

Diamondbacks Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant watches his two-run home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) (Paul Beaty)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — The first-place San Francisco Giants made a big splash just before the trade deadline Friday, getting third baseman Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs for two minor leaguers. The versatile Bryant, a four-time All-Star, was the 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP, when he helped the Cubs win the World Series to end a 108-year championship drought. The surprising Giants began the day with a three-game lead in the NL West over their biggest rivals, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. ___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

The first-place San Francisco Giants made a big splash just before baseball's trade deadline, getting third baseman Kris Bryant from the Chicago Cubs for two minor leaguers.

Nolan Arenado and his National League buddies were unable to come up with a timely hit in a 5-2 loss to the American League in the All-Star Game at Coors Field.

Cardinals Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, July 9, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks) (David Banks)CHICAGO — (AP) — Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer and Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 10-5 on Friday afternoon. Chicago won for the second time in three games following an 11-game losing streak. Cubs: RHP Ryan Tepera (left calf strain) got two outs in the seventh after being activated from the 10-day IL. UP NEXTCardinals RHP Kwang Hyun Kim (3-5, 3.39) faces Cubs RHP Zach Davies (5-5, 4.28) on Saturday night.

Kyle Hendricks won his ninth straight decision, Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run homer and Chicago Cubs pounded the St. Louis Cardinals 10-5.

The Houston Astros have planned a weekend of giveaway items at Minute Maid Park that’s sure to pique the interest of the visiting New York Yankees.

Brad Miller hit three home runs in a game for the first time in his career, and the Philadelphia Phillies routed the sinking Chicago Cubs 8-0.

Phillies Cubs Baseball Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Alec Mills leaves the baseball game during the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)CHICAGO — (AP) — Anthony Rizzo, Joc Pederson and Nico Hoerner each had two hits and an RBI to help the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-3 on Wednesday night, ending an 11-game losing streak. The Cubs raced to an early five-run lead off Wheeler and then added on to halt their longest skid since a 12-game slide in May 2012. Wheeler (6-5) yielded seven runs, four earned, on eight hits in 5 2/3 innings on a cool, drizzly night at Wrigley Field. UP NEXTPhillies RHP Zach Eflin (3-6, 4.13 ERA) faced Cubs RHP Albert Alzolay (4-8, 4.48 ERA) in the series finale on Thursday night.

Anthony Rizzo, Joc Pederson and Nico Hoerner each had two hits and an RBI to help the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-3, ending an 11-game losing streak.

Highly touted Milwaukee prospect Aaron Ashby got roughed up for seven runs in the first inning of his big league debut, but Luis Urias homered twice as the Brewers rallied to rout the Chicago Cubs 15-7 for their eighth straight win.

Wander Franco got off to a smashing start this week, hitting a home run and double in his major league debut for Tampa Bay.

Jacob deGrom was pulled from a second straight start with an arm injury, this time leaving after three perfect innings with right shoulder soreness, but the New York Mets bullpen stepped up to finish a three-hitter in a 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Zach Davies allowed just one hit in six scoreless innings, Anthony Rizzo homered and drove in four runs, and Patrick Wisdom went deep again for the Chicago Cubs as they defeated the San Diego Padres 7-1.

Javier Báez lined a two-run homer, Anthony Rizzo had two doubles among three hits and the surging Chicago Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 6-1 on for their third straight win and ninth in 10 games.

Patrick Wisdom hit his third homer in two games, Willson Contreras also went deep and the surging Chicago Cubs beat San Diego 4-3 after Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. left with an injury.

Willson Contreras, Jason Heyward and Javier Báez homered off Jon Lester in his return to Chicago, and the Cubs beat the Washington Nationals 7-3.

Cubs Tigers Baseball Chicago Cubs' Kris Bryant hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning of a baseball game in Detroit, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (Paul Sancya)Whatever the future holds, Kris Bryant is giving the Chicago Cubs plenty of production so far in 2021. Bryant is hitting .303 with 10 home runs in 37 games, and he is second in the National League with an OPS of 1.032. Bryant was the subject of trade rumors in the offseason, but the Cubs eventually brought him back on a $19.5 million deal. TRIVIA TIMEThe Cubs drafted Bryant with the No.

Whatever the future holds, Kris Bryant is giving the Chicago Cubs plenty of production so far in 2021.

Harold Castro hit an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning off Craig Kimbrel to give the Detroit Tigers a 9-8 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Shane Bieber pitched out of some early trouble before extending his strikeout record and César Hernández hit a two-run homer, sending the Cleveland Indians to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.

San Diego star Fernando Tatis Jr. and outfielder Wil Myers have tested positive for COVID-19 while first baseman Eric Hosmer and two backups are now out for contact tracing, leaving the Padres shorthanded at Coors Field.

Orioles ace John Means got five days of rest following his no-hitter last week against Seattle, and now he’ll try to match Johnny Vander Meer’s record with a second straight no-no against the streaking Mets.

Clayton Kershaw lasted one inning in the shortest start of his stellar career in the opener, Trevor Bauer didn’t get through the fifth in the nightcap, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 to sweep a split doubleheader.

Athletics left-hander Jesús Luzardo will be off the mound for a while.

Jake Marisnick homered and matched a career high with five RBIs, and the Chicago Cubs pounded the Milwaukee Brewers 15-2 for their fourth straight victory.

There isn't much variation among player salaries in the first several years. MLB players are no longer eligible for arbitration once they hit six years in the Major Leagues and become free agents. Betts and the Boston Red Sox reportedly agreed to a one-year, $27 million deal ahead of the deadline, according to a tweet from ESPN's Jeff Passan. There were reports that Indians shortstop Lindor also reached a $17.5 million deal, according to MLB.com. If a settlement has not been reached by the deadline, then each player and the Yankees will face arbitration hearings.