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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Why does everybody love Vlad Guerrero so much?  —  Everything about Vladimir Guerrero was impossible.  Maybe that's one reason everyone loved him.  —  It's a minor miracle that he escaped an impoverished childhood in the Dominican Republic to reach the majors.

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 …

Browns' John Dorsey indicates Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield are in the discussion at No. 1  —  MOBILE, Ala. — Browns GM John Dorsey will meet with Wyoming's Josh Allen and Oklahoma's Baker Mayfield at the Senior Bowl, but has already indicated they're in the discussion for the Browns' pick at No. 1.

Stats defined Chipper Jones' Braves career  —  Chipper Jones is a Hall of Fame shoo-in.  —  The Atlanta Braves' top pick in 1990 retired in 2012 as one of baseball's best switch-hitters.  Jones, who finished with 2,724 hits and 468 homers, hit above .300 from both sides of the plate.