More than anything, what sold Yoenis Cespedes on re-signing with the Mets is an opt-out clause at the end of the upcoming season.

With the arrival of new stars and the development of young veterans, shortstop is starting to resemble baseball’s “it” position again — the marquee spot on the Major League diamond where the best of both sides of the game converge.

No matter the event, there was no denying that Astros fans and players alike were bursting with excitement during the team’s annual FanFest. More than 12,000 fans came to Minute Maid Park for a chance to see many of the players who were key members on the team’s surprising run to the American League Division Series a year ago.

This is important.

General manager Jon Daniels said the Rangers will have to help outfielder Josh Hamilton “manage” his surgically-repaired left knee through the 2016 season.

The Astros on Saturday unveiled a new game jersey that will be worn during Sunday games this season at Minute Maid Park.

There is little doubt Yoenis Cespedes will help the Mets in 2016. There is little doubt he would have helped the Nats had he elected to come to D.C. But will the effect of the signing for both clubs actually match the hype?

SNOW DAY!!!

With a blizzard swirling around outside at Red Sox Winter Weekend, a slimmed-down Hanley Ramirez talked about the type of plays he envisions making at first base in the coming season.

Did the New York Mets just move back ahead of the Washington Nationals and position themselves to win a second straight division championship? You’re not alone if that’s your instant reaction. At the very least, the National League East is positioned to deliver a 15-round heavyweight bout in 2016.

The dazzling athleticism of rising Red Sox star Mookie Betts has landed the outfielder an impressive honor at the age of 23 — getting to be the cover athlete for the legendary video game franchise R.B.I. Baseball 16.

The Royals signed veteran relief pitcher Peter Moylan to a Minor League contract on Saturday and extended him an invitation to Spring Training.

A source told MLB.com on Friday night that the Mets and Yoenis Cespedes have agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract that includes an opt-out clause after the 2016 season.

“It’s awesome, I love it.”

This is an attempt to identify, with the help of the Hot Stove, the five best rivalries in the game right now. With all due respect to the strict city or state divides, recent postseason history involving the Cardinals and Dodgers, the Royals-Blue Jays tiff in 2015, and even the hacking scandal featuring the Cardinals and Astros, my five revolve around intra-division drama, because that’s what matters most.

Mmmm … National Pie Day.

Are you cool? You have to be cool.