The Mets are closing in on a contract extension with National League Gold Glove Award-winning outfielder Juan Lagares, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. ESPN reported that the extension will be worth more than $20 million over four seasons, keeping Lagares in New York through the 2019 season. The deal is not final, and the Mets have not commented on it.

Marlins reliever Aaron Crow has a partially torn ligament in his right elbow, and he is considering season-ending Tommy John surgery, but will first seek a second opinion.

The end of Spring Training is near. For some clubs, Wednesday is the final day of Grapefruit or Cactus League play before they move on to a final few exhibition games in other locations. Yes, the regular season is almost here, and that’s no April Fools’ joke.

Justin Verlander resumed throwing on Wednesday at Joker Marchant Stadium as he recovers from right triceps soreness, but his scheduled regular-season debut next Wednesday in Detroit is in serious question.

For six weeks, the Marlins used Spring Training to bond together and prepare for the regular season. On Wednesday, Miami’s Grapefruit League schedule came to a close.

Major League service time, which ultimately decides how long a team has control over a player during the beginning of his career, is always a hot topic around this time of year. The rules regarding service time can sometimes be tough to understand, so here is a primer.

The American League Central has sent a team to the World Series in two of the last three years and a pair of clubs to the postseason in each of the last two seasons. Once again in 2015, it’s a division worthy of attention as the regular season heads toward the promise of October.

Jose Reyes is a four-time All-Star, a former batting champion and a $106 million man. Yet, somehow, when it came to this year’s Spring Training, he’s also someone who flew completely under the radar. That’s what happens when the team you play for adds Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson to the heart of an order that already included Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. It’s also the result of two injury-plagued seasons that have left people questioning Reyes’ ability to stand out during a grueling 162-game season.

Any number of factors can conspire to decide a division. But at the dawn of a new season, these are the five factors that look like they’ll loom largest in the American League Central.

Boston’s lineup has gotten deeper in the past year, but it’s the addition of Ramirez that may have the most impact.

The A’s Ben Zobrist is entering his 10th year in the Majors, but he’s as excited as ever because this will be his first year in a new uniform.

It may be April Fools’ Day, but the following 10 fantasy predictions are no joke. Sure, some of them may seem a bit outlandish right now, but no one will be laughing by the end of September. And remember: You heard it here first.

Mariners right-hander Erasmo Ramirez was traded to Tampa Bay on Tuesday for left-hander Mike Montgomery as Seattle acquired a former first-round Draft pick in return for a pitcher who was out of Minor League options.

Jose Abreu had a pair of doubles and a pair of singles, and J.B. Shuck doubled and singled as the White Sox beat the Dodgers, 2-1, on Tuesday.

Barry Zito “absolutely” believes he can help a big league rotation. “Based on what I saw,” said A’s manager Bob Melvin, “he can.” But whether he gets that opportunity remains to be seen.

In his final Cactus League game, Yasiel Puig checked in with one base hit and two highlight plays.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman left Tuesday’s game after recording only one out against the Brewers at Maryvale Baseball Park, but the left-hander is fine.