(New York) Outfielder Max Kepler was suspended 80 games on Friday after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s anti-doping program.

Kepler tested positive for epirenbolone, a substance that led to the suspension of boxer Manuel Charr in 2018.

A veteran of 11 seasons of major league baseball, Kepler will turn 33 next month.

He spent last year with the Philadelphia Phillies after 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

Kepler hit .216 in 127 games last year with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs.

He has 179 home runs and 560 RBIs in the big leagues, with a .235 batting average.

His best season was 2019: he hit 36 ​​home runs and 90 RBIs while batting .252.

(Toronto) Japanese hitter Kazuma Okamoto had help from his family to choose the team that best suited him in the MLB.

“I put the logos of the 30 teams in front of my daughter and asked which one she liked best,” he said Tuesday through his interpreter Gino Gordon. She pointed to the Blue Jays. That stayed in my mind. »

The Blue Jays officially introduced the 29-year-old infielder at an early afternoon press conference after signing him to a four-year, $60 million contract over the weekend.

He impressed in 11 years in Japan, leading NPB in long balls three times.

“We’ve definitely become a better club,” Jays general manager Ross Atkins said.

Okamoto brings power; In 2025, Toronto was middle of the pack in home runs, but the team led the majors in batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.333).

He is expected to play third base, but could also play first base and left field.

Okamoto said he enjoys this versatile role that allows him to contribute in a variety of ways.

“I consider myself a solid player with excellent batting skills,” he said. In defense I like to play in several places. »

With several big-name free agents available — led by shortstop Bo Bichette, the Jays’ star since 2021 — Atkins was asked about other potential signings.

It remained vacant.

“We will always be open to improving our organization and our team if possible,” he said to a packed press room, including several Japanese journalists.

A six-time All-Star for the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto had a .327 batting average last season.

He collected 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games.

A 6-foot, 200-pound athlete, he missed more than half the season with an elbow injury.

Surrounded by Atkins and his agent Scott Boras, Okamoto began his press conference with a brief statement in English.

“I’m very happy to be joining the Blue Jays,” he said. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. »

Okamoto has hit 25 or more home runs in seven consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2024.

He contributed to Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, hitting a solo home run and scoring two runs in the eventual 3–2 victory over the United States.

“He’s had an incredible career so far,” Atkins said. His impact on both sides of the field, his offensive potential is exceptional. This suits us perfectly. »

Under MLB’s transfer agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays must pay the Giants a transfer fee of $10.875 million.

This is the latest acquisition by the Blue Jays, who in recent weeks have drafted pitchers Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) and Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million).

Coveted free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker visited the Jays’ spring training facility in December.

The Blue Jays will begin the season on March 27 against the A’s at Rogers Centre.

(New York) Utility player Amed Rosario signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the New York Yankees on Tuesday.

Rosario was acquired by the Yankees from the Washington Nationals on July 26 for right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter and minor league outfielder Browm Martinez.

Rosario had a .303 batting average with one home run and five RBIs in 16 games with New York. He became a free agent after the most recent World Series.

Rosário played shortstop, second base, third base and right fielder last campaign. Manager Aaron Boone could move him to third base along with Ryan McMahon, acquired from the Colorado Rockies on July 25.

Rosario, which celebrated its 30th^and birthday in November, is a nine-year veteran of Major League Baseball. He owns a .273 batting average with 69 home runs and 389 RBIs with the New York Mets (2017-2020), Cleveland Guardians (2021-2023), Los Angeles Dodgers (2023-2024), Tampa Bay Rays (2024), Cincinnati Reds (2024), Nationals (2025) and Yankees.

Yankees starting shortstop Anthony Volpe will begin the season on the injured list as he recovers from arthroscopic left shoulder surgery on Oct. 14. José Caballero, who arrived from the Rays on July 31, is expected to play regularly at shortstop until Volpe returns, probably not before May.