Eighteen amazing facts about the 2018 MLB postseason  —  Some of the best storylines this postseason were rooted in stats — from the 18-inning Game 3 in the World Series game to David Price's redemption to the Astros' prolific postseason home run hitting.  Let's take a look …

Clayton Kershaw and Dodgers agree to extend deadline on option decision to Friday  —  Wednesday was supposed to mark the beginning of a busy Dodgers offseason.  Clayton Kershaw had until midnight Eastern time — three days after Sunday's season-ending loss to the Boston Red Sox in the World Series …

Cardinals infielder Greg Garcia claimed on waivers by San Diego  —  San Diego area native Greg Garcia is going home to play.  The utility infielder who has played the past four seasons for the Cardinals was claimed on waivers by the Padres on Thursday.  —  The lefthanded-hitting Garcia …

Ex-Brave Brian McCann becomes a free agent  —  Former Braves catcher Brian McCann became a free agent Wednesday when the Houston Astros declined a $15 million option for the 2019 season.  —  McCann played for the Braves from 2005-13.  He was a member of the original “Baby Braves” …

New Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen's roster upgrades need to start with bullpen help ... and a catcher  —  With the Mets having brought in Brodie Van Wagenen as their new general manager on Tuesday, it's time for the organization to start looking at how they can back up his bold promises.

Red Sox Outright Carson Smith, Tony Renda, Justin Haley  —  The Red Sox have outrighted Carson Smith off of the 40-man roster, per a club announcement.  He has elected free agency.  Boston also announced that infielder Tony Renda and right-hander Justin Haley have been outrighted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Phillies' positional needs centered on, but not limited to, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado  —  The oddsmakers at Bovada Sportsbook must be from Philadelphia.  —  Then again, maybe not.  —  To most Phillies fans, the thought of Bryce Harper or Manny Machado choosing to sign here is too good to be believed …

Braves have little incentive to make qualifying offer to Nick Markakis  —  MLB's deadline for qualifying offers is at 5 p.m. Friday.  The offer is valued at a robust $17.9 million for one year.  —  Teams can make the offer to their eligible free agents, resulting in either retaining …

The issues, hopes, fears for 4 Cubs players on the rebound trail  —  These four Cubs players have issues.  (Chicago Tribune) Chicago Tribune  —  The Cubs could improve on their 95-win season without signing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.  —  How?  —  From Kris Bryant's left shoulder …

White Sox Acquire Manny Banuelos  —  The White Sox have acquired lefty Manny Banuelos from the Dodgers, per an announcement from the Chicago organization.  He'll go onto the 40-man roster, James Fegan of The Athletic adds on Twitter.  Corner infielder Justin Yurchak is headed to Los Angeles in return.

Pitching coach Derek Johnson latest to depart Craig Counsell's staff  —  MILWAUKEE — Brewers pitching coach Derek Johnson is leaving the team, the third departure on manager Craig Counsell's staff since the end of the season.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  General manager David Stearns …

Diamondbacks Name Darnell Coles Hitting Coach  —  The D-backs have announced that Darnell Coles, who recently stepped down as the Brewers' hitting coach, has been hired as the new hitting coach in Arizona.  He'll replace the recently dismissed Dave Magadan.