There was already one twist to the Rays’ pioneering the “opener” revolution last year by using relievers frequently to begin games — their one dependable starter, Blake Snell, won the AL Cy Young award.

Now, Tampa Bay is near agreement on a two-year, $30 million pact with Charlie Morton. In his past two seasons with Houston, the righty was 29-10 with a 3.36 ERA.

The Rays will thus begin spring training with three defined starters: Snell, Morton and Tyler Glasnow, with two of their best prospects — Brent Honeywell and Jose DeLeon — due back around midseason after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Lance Lynn is close to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Rangers.

The Yankees had interest in re-signing the right-hander as a fallback position, but James Paxton/J.A. Happ fills their need for two starting pitchers.

Marlins president of baseball operations Mike Hill said he has tried to speed along trade negotiations for star catcher J.T. Realmuto by eliminating contenders. But he insisted so many teams are throwing so many permutations at the Marlins it has so far been difficult to thin the herd.