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 …

Manny Machado sends his thanks to Dodgers, fans as free agency beckons  —  While Manny Machado was noncommittal as to his future after the Los Angeles Dodgers lost the World Series in five games, he may have shed insight into his thinking Wednesday when he took to Instagram.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Padres Claim Greg Garcia  —  The Padres announced today that they have claimed infielder Greg Garcia off waivers from the Cardinals.  He'll head out west after spending his entire professional career in the St. Louis organization.  —  Garcia, a native of the San Diego area …

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.

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 …

Padres Trade Catcher Raffy Lopez To Braves  —  The San Diego Padres have traded catcher Raffy Lopez to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later or cash consideration, the Padres announced today.  —  The 30-year-old backstop figures to serve as catching depth for the Braves in 2019.