12 stories that rocked the baseball world in 2016

On and off the field, baseball found ways to capture fans' attentions throughout 2016. There were no shortages of laughter, tears, history, controversy, or eye-popping stories in the year that was, and some of these ongoing sagas will continue to make news into 2017.

Here are 12 stories that rocked the baseball world in 2016.

Jose Fernandez's death

The tragic death of Jose Fernandez, along with two of his friends, in a boating accident shook baseball to its very core. Fernandez was beloved around the game for his pitching skills, his incredible story of escape from communist Cuba, and his constantly positive outlook on life and baseball that was paired with an iconic smile. He was posthumously awarded the Players' Choice National League Comeback Player of the Year.

So long Papi, A-Rod

Two legends said goodbye in vastly different manners. David Ortiz put together maybe the finest farewell season ever while receiving gifts and adulation on his way out. Alex Rodriguez's legendary and controversial career, on the other hand, came to a grinding halt: After getting one farewell start in New York the Yankees released him on Aug. 13, just four homers shy of the 700 mark.

Sale's scissors

As the White Sox sunk in 2016, so did their relationship with Chris Sale. Before a start in July, Sale took his scissors to the team's throwback uniforms and cut them all up because he didn't want to wear them. Although he apologized, Sale was handed a five-game suspension by the team, and the damage was done; the White Sox cut ties entirely by dealing Sale to Boston in December.

Padres GM suspended

A.J. Preller sold off his veterans in July, but was discovered to have been withholding medical information about players he traded. One seven-player deal with Miami was reworked - injured pitcher Colin Rea was returned to San Diego - and Preller received a 30-day suspension for his actions. The whole saga led MLB to standardize how medical information is exchanged so this doesn't happen again.

Reliever revolution

In the process of storming to a pennant the Indians may have changed how bullpens are used. Terry Francona liberally utilized Andrew Miller, Bryan Shaw, and Cody Allen in October as the situations dictated, and specifically turned Miller into a "super-reliever" used for several innings at a time. The effect has been felt in the offseason far beyond the record deals for Aroldis Chapman and Mark Melancon, as middle relievers like Brett Cecil and Mike Dunn received contracts nearing or in excess of $30 million from teams trying to copy Cleveland's method.

Selig cruises to Cooperstown

Former commissioner Bud Selig was swept into the Hall of Fame by the Today's Game committee in December. While many felt he was deserving of the honor for his body of work, his detractors noted Selig was part of collusion, the strike, and steroid issues. His election may have also shifted the minds of some Hall voters when it comes to players suspected of PED use.

ESPN fires Schilling

Once renowned for his Cooperstown-worthy career, Curt Schilling saw his star fall in much of the public eye over the course of this season. Posting a controversial anti-transgender meme cost him his job at ESPN, and he then called the network biased against conservatives. Then, after announcing plans to run for the Senate, Schilling praised a shirt with a message about lynching journalists - prompting several Hall of Fame voters to drop him from their ballots.

Bat flips and unwritten rules

An iconic bat flip in 2015 led to controversy over baseball's unwritten rules this year. Among the notable incidents: Hall of Famer Goose Gossage blasted Jose Bautista and Bryce Harper in the spring; Harper took a stand to try and "make baseball fun again" and was supported by many players and even the commissioner; and seemingly offensive displays of emotion led to more bat flips, intentional beanings, and two nasty brawls in Baltimore and Texas.

Pitchers who rake

Who needs a DH? Madison Bumgarner hit so well that he became the first pitcher in 40 years to bat for himself in an American League park, and he expressed interest in a pitchers' home-run derby. That idea received support from many of his fellow hard-hitting hurlers, including Jake Arrieta and Adam Wainwright. At this year's All-Star Game, union head Tony Clark revealed they'll consider a pitchers' derby in 2017.

Orioles' Jones sounds off

In the wake of Colin Kaepernick's anthem controversy, outspoken Orioles outfielder Adam Jones said a similar protest wouldn't happen in baseball because it's a "white man's sport." The remarks ignited a firestorm of controversy and opinion, but Jones refused to back down from his words.

Tebow time

Despite not having played baseball since high school, former college football star Tim Tebow shocked everybody by announcing plans to pursue a baseball career. The 29-year-old signed with the Mets as an outfielder and was sent to the fall league, but looked very out of place in game action.

New CBA ratified

MLB and its Players' Association avoided disaster by reaching agreement on a new CBA one day before the deadline. This guaranteed 27 straight years of labor peace for a sport that was once nearly killed by a strike, which is an incredible feat - but the new agreement will bring plenty of changes to how MLB operates, making this a story very much worth watching in the new year.