Longtime friends Mike Hazen and Torey Lovullo believe their Diamondbacks are about ready to turn the corner

Strom is a great influence on players. The expanded playoff format gives the Diamondbacks a chance to compete with big spenders. Alex Anthopoulos has signed several young players to long-term contracts. Red Sox failed to do the same with Rafael Devers. The team is banking on a young player producing for years to come despite his newfound wealth. If it works, the team has cost certainty for a star player and the player enjoys financial security. It's a risky proposition for both sides.

The Red Sox are planning to host the 2027 All-Star Game at Fenway Park. The team will play a split doubleheader against Tampa Bay on June 3. Puerto Rico will hold a training camp at the Fenways Park before the World Baseball Classic and play the Red Sells on March 8. Brian Cashman believes the change to 52 divisional games starting next season will help the American League East teams. The AL East won 58 percent of their nondivision games last season. It was 48 percent in the AL West and 45 percent for the Central. Blue Jays and Rays were the two wild-card teams, while the Yankees were in second place.