Top News:
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Mets nearly traded for Indians 2B Jason Kipnis — The New York Mets, who signed outfielder Jay Bruce to a three-year, $39 million deal Wednesday night, nearly had a deal worked out with the Cleveland Indians for Jason Kipnis, according to sources. And in fact, there were people on both sides who thought they had a deal.
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Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Could Frazier join Bruce with Mets? — As the New York Mets reportedly prepare to announce the signing of free agent outfielder Jay Bruce to a 3-year, $39-million deal, Bruce's ex-teammate in Cincinnati, Todd Frazier, told the New York Post, according to reporter Kevin Kernan …
Discussion:
New Jersey Online and Elite Sports NY
Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer:
How does a 90-win, 2018 AL Central championship Cleveland Indians team sound to you? — CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians aren't going to win 100 games this year. One of the reasons why revealed itself Wednesday night when closer Cody Allen avoided arbitration by signing a one-year deal worth $10.575 million …
Discussion:
The Good Phight and Let's Go Tribe
Toronto Sun:
Mets agree to $39M, three-year deal with free agent Jay Bruce — NEW YORK — Jay Bruce and his proven bat are headed back to the New York Mets. — The free-agent outfielder is set to return to the Big Apple after agreeing to a $39 million, three-year contract, according to two people familiar with the negotiations.
Ken Davidoff / New York Post:
Jay Bruce deal: Patience pays off again for Alderson and Mets — He has taught an actual class, at Cal-Berkeley. Now, from Citi Field, Sandy Alderson teaches a different annual course: — Marketplace Patience 101. — Your 2018 syllabus starts with Jay Bruce.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
These Rangers could be off-season extension targets for Daniels — To go over the list of free agents the Texas Rangers have said they are not going to sign this off-season is probably unnecessary. — Anyone who was projected to make more than $10 million a year apparently is off limits for the Rangers.
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Gerry Fraley / Dallas Morning News:
After season of career highs with Rangers, can Robinson Chirinos bump up his production even more? — Editor's note: This is part of a series of Rangers player outlooks for the offseason. SportsDay Rangers insider Gerry Fraley breaks down how each player did in 2017 and what to expect going forward.
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Red Sox and JD Martinez remain in stalemate — Top free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez and the Boston Red Sox have been engaged in a staredown/stalemate for weeks. And judging by Martinez's commitment to the cause, it may go on quite awhile longer. — Miami acquaintances of Martinez say he is willing to …
Discussion:
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Joe Zedalis / New Jersey Online:
Barnegat's Jason Groome ranked as No. 1 prospect in Red Sox system
Barnegat's Jason Groome ranked as No. 1 prospect in Red Sox system
Discussion:
Union-News and Minor League Ball
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox Sign Miguel Gonzalez — The White Sox have officially agreed to a one-year deal with free agent righty Miguel Gonzalez, as Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic first reported (via Twitter). He'll receive a $4.75MM salary, the team announced (and as Chris Cotillo of SB Nation tweeted).
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ESPN:
Miguel Gonzalez agrees to one-year deal with White Sox — The Chicago White Sox agreed to a one-year, $4.75 million contract with right-hander Miguel Gonzalez on Thursday. — Outfielder Jacob May was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. — Gonzalez, 33, began last season …
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
St. Louis-based baseball agent fired amid allegations he filmed client in shower — A St. Louis-based agent with ties to several baseball players from the area has been dismissed by his agency Wednesday and now faces an investigation from the players' union as a result of allegations …
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FOX2now.com
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Robert Murray / FanRag Sports:
Murray | Agent Jason Wood being investigated for allegedly filming clients
Murray | Agent Jason Wood being investigated for allegedly filming clients
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Associated Press:
OF Jake Marisnick agrees to 1-year deal with Astros — 0HOUSTON — Outfielder Jake Marisnick has avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.9 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros. — Marisnick's deal includes award bonuses and is up from the $1.1 million he made last season.
Hayley Peterson / Business Insider:
Walmart is abruptly closing 63 Sam's Club stores and laying off thousands of workers — Walmart is abruptly closing 63 Sam's Club locations across the US, the company told Business Insider on Thursday. Some stores have already closed; others will close within weeks.
Discussion:
Lansing State Journal, Crain's Detroit Business, CBS Detroit, CBS Pittsburgh, FOX2now.com and Al's Ramblings