Morning Marquee: Kris Bryant homers twice, Cubs win

The story throughout baseball on Saturday was the offensive exploits of Chicago Cubs’ third baseman Kris Bryant, who launched a pair of towering home runs against the Seattle Mariners in a 12-10 win at Sloan Park.

The game reinvigorated the discussions regarding Bryant and service time – something that’s likely to continue until either the regular season opens or the Cubs make their move with their top prospect. Not to be overshadowed, fellow prospect Addison Russell also added a long-ball of his own, keeping up a solid spring pace thus far.

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In other news this weekend, the Miami Marlins agreed to terms on a contract extension with outfielder Christian Yellich. The deal, which spans seven years, is worth just under $50 million. Last season, Yellich was worth somewhere between three and five wins above replacement – while emerging as a key contributor for a revamped Marlins ball club.

The Chicago White Sox also locked up Adam Eaton in recent days, another strong move by a front office that has made countless headlines on the South Side of Chicago this winter. Back on the North Side, there seems to be a strong sense that Javier Baez could open the year with Triple-A Iowa given his evident struggles this spring.

Here’s more from around the league:

“Marlins, Yellich close to seven-year, $49.5 extension” – Marlin Maniac

“Bryant homers twice; Cubs top Mariners, 12-10” – Cubbies Crib

“Adam Eaton deal a win for both sides” – Southside Showdown

“Masahiro Tanaka not letting elbow slow him down” – Yanks Go Yard

“Bryant thinks he has a shot at Opening Day spot” – Cubbies Crib

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