Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome, Trevor Hoffman elected to Hall of Fame  —  Trevor Hoffman (Courtesy Padres)  —  Two former Most Valuable Players, a member of the 600-home run club and a pitcher for whom the National League award for relievers is named were elected …

Baseball Hall of Fame: A first look at the Class of 2019 first-timers  —  All the votes are in!  On Wednesday, the Baseball Hall of Fame will announce the rest of the Class of 2018.  Chipper Jones and Jim Thome are expected to make the Hall in their first year of eligibility …

Chris Heston returns to Giants on minor league deal  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A familiar face could help provide starting pitching depth for the Giants next season.  —  Right-hander Chris Heston has signed a minor league deal with the organization, per a source, returning three years after his breakthrough season in orange and black.

Sandy Alderson and Mets are confident that better health can turn things around in 2018  —  Sandy Alderson said the Mets are monitoring the market for a possible second baseman, but there is a chance they will open spring training Feb. 14 without a move.  With four starting pitchers coming …

Royals Sign Ryan Goins To Minor League Deal  —  3:44pm: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick tweets that Goins' contract has a $1MM base salary if he makes the big league roster.  The infielder can also earn an additional $825K of incentives.  —  3:18pm: The Royals announced that they've signed infielder Ryan Goins …

Chris Archer confident he won't be traded by Tampa Bay Rays anytime soon  —  Rumors abound, but Chris Archer is confident he won't be traded by the Rays anytime soon.  —  “I've talked to (GM) Erik (Neander) a lot and he's made me feel pretty good about being with the Rays in 2018,” Archer said Wednesday after a workout at the Trop.

A-Rod doing double duty, adds ESPN's ‘Sunday Night Baseball’ gig to go along with his FOX duties  —  A-Rod is replacing Aaron Boone once again.  —  First, at third base in the Bronx.  —  Now, in the broadcast booth for ESPN.  —  Alex Rodriguez will be part of the Worldwide Leader's …

Tigers' Miguel Cabrera among big name players who will miss TigerFest  —  Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila confirmed Wednesday that Miguel Cabrera, Jose Iglesias, Victor Martinez and James McCann and new pitching coach Chris Bosio will not attend the team's annual caravan around the state …

Mickey Loomis ‘not anticipating any big issues’ with Drew Brees contract negotiations  —  MOBILE, Ala. — Drew Brees has said he wants to re-sign with the New Orleans Saints.  —  On Wednesday, General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed the feeling is mutual for the team.

Jaguars Analysis: Not many free agents, but many tough decisions  —  Only Green Bay (four) and Cleveland (eight) have fewer projected unrestricted free agents than the Jaguars' eight.  —  But how the Jaguars handle their small class could have a big impact on their approach to signing …