Edinson Volquez returned to his native Dominican Republic last November a World Series champion. Everywhere Volquez went, he was recognized and cheered. But in the back of his mind, Volquez knew there was one person missing from the celebration. He has a singular purpose this year — help the Royals repeat as champions, in honor of his late father.

Third baseman Mike Moustakas is the last unsigned Royal, but his contract status isn’t on the forefront of his mind.

The Pirates on Saturday hired former Brewers announcer Joe Block as their new play-by-play broadcaster. Block will join current play-by-play man Greg Brown and color analysts Steve Blass, Bob Walk and John Wehner, rounding out the Pirates’ five-man television and radio broadcast team.

Baseball’s top prospects are known for what they can do on the field, but some of them have serious social media chops as well.

Hall of Famer Rod Carew gave an emotional interview on stage at TwinsFest in front of hundreds of Twins fans Saturday morning, encouraging people to have their hearts checked after he suffered a major heart attack Sept. 20.

The Cardinals’ intent all along was to end this offseason with a young right fielder in place to serve as an immediate impact piece and a long-term fit for the core. They thought it could be Jason Heyward. Now, they’re excited it’s Stephen Piscotty.

Bill Swift is a baseball lifer. And right now he is enjoying life under the national radar. The former Major League pitcher discusses his post-playing career in this week’s Question and Answer.

Get your prognosticating hat on.

Are you a fashion plate or a fashion disgrace?

Are you a fashion plate or a fashion disgrace?

The biggest stars in baseball battled through a historic blizzard in New York to make it to last weekend’s BBWAA Awards Celebration, braving the elements for a memorable night filled with touching speeches, playful jokes and fashionable wardrobes.

The arrival of super-prospects Kris Bryant and Addison Russell have helped the Cubs reverse an aging trend in their lineup.

The Rockies were able to hang on to former first-round Draft pick Kyle Parker, a right-handed-hitting outfielder and first baseman, by outrighting him to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.

He even taught it how to dab.

Manager Terry Francona was on hand at the Idea Center at Playhouse Square on Friday for the team’s Town Hall event. The manager took part in a question-and-answer session with Cleveland fans and then players Michael Brantley, Yan Gomes, Jason Kipnis and Corey Kluber followed with a discussion on stage.

In terms of the 2016 roster, the White Sox are not finished. If Chicago is to add on via free agency or through trade, though, it will need to be a creative sort of move.

Alex Avila wore the jersey No. 13 during his tenure with the Tigers from 2009-15. But he will be sporting No. 31 for the White Sox, as he featured during the SoxFest media session Friday at the Hilton Chicago.