Mets cut Rafael Montero, once considered an ace of the future  —  Once considered a future ace of the franchise, Rafael Montero was cut by the Mets Friday.  The right-hander, who had surgery in the spring, ended up pitching in just 58 major league games for the Mets.

Alex Cora bringing World Series trophy to his Puerto Rican hometown  —  Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora and a delegation from the Red Sox will take the World Series trophy to his hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico, on Saturday to celebrate.  —  This past Sunday, Cora became the first Puerto Rican manager to win the World Series.

2018-19 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions  —  MLB Trade Rumors is proud to present our 13th annual Top 50 Free Agents list!  For the entire list of free agents, plus the ability to filter by signing status, position, signing team, and qualifying offer status, check out our mobile-friendly free agent tracker here.

Tigers claim Jose Fernandez, Brandon Dixon off waivers  —  DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers claimed reliever Jose Fernandez and infielder Brandon Dixon off waivers.  —  The team announced the moves Friday.  —  The 25-year-old Fernandez made his major league debut this year with Toronto, posting a 6.10 ERA in 13 relief appearances.

Rockies Will Not Issue Any Qualifying Offers  —  The Rockies won't issue qualifying offers to any of their free agents today, general manager Jeff Bridich tells Nick Groke of The Athletic (Twitter link).  Second baseman DJ LeMahieu and emergent relief star Adam Ottavino may have been fringe candidates …

On Willie McGee's 60th birthday, 51 reasons St. Louis loves No. 51  —  Benjamin Hochman is a sports columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch  —  He led the league in humble.  —  Every year.  Willie McGee, the great Cardinal, was just the most-humble player in baseball …

Dodgers Nearing Extension With Clayton Kershaw  —  2:37pm: The sides have discussed new contract that would add just one more guaranteed season, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter).  It is believed that the total guarantee would stay under nine figures, though Rosenthal cautions the “final terms might be different.”

Pedro Strop, Brandon Kintzler stay with Cubs  —  CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs exercised their $6.25 million option for Pedro Strop on Thursday, and fellow reliever Brandon Kintzler picked up his $5 million player option.  —  Strop can earn $750,000 in performance bonuses next year based …

Scout's take: What the 2018 Astros' free agent class means for 2019 and beyond  —  The offseason will provide a glimpse into what direction fans can expect the Astros to take over the next five years.  Houston, we may or may not have a problem.  —  HOUSTON — The 2018 season is over.

Milwaukee Brewers pitcher ‘pretty surprised’ coach Derek Johnson left for Cincinnati Reds  —  Pitching coach Derek Johnson's departure apparently caught Milwaukee Brewers pitchers off guard, sparking speculation that there may have been discord among manager Craig Counsell's staff in addition …

Indians Will Not Issue Any Qualifying Offers  —  12:37pm: MLB.com's Jordan Bastian tweets that Cleveland won't issue any qualifying offers.  That means Brantley, Andrew Miller and Cody Allen will all reach free agency without the burden of draft compensation attached to them.

Blue Jays Outright Shafer, Cruz, Guerrieri, Petricka  —  The Blue Jays announced today that they have outrighted four players from their 40-man roster.  Justin Shafer will remain in the organization after clearing waivers, while fellow right-handed hurlers Rhiner Cruz, Taylor Guerrieri …

Reds Claim Matthew Bowman From Cardinals; Dilson Herrera, Mason Williams Outrighted  —  The Reds announced Friday that they've claimed right-handed reliever Matthew Bowman off waivers from the division-rival Cardinals.  Additionally, infielder Dilson Herrera and outfielder Mason Williams …

Cuban P Sandy Gaston finalizes contract with Rays  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays have finalized a minor league contract with 16-year-old Cuban pitcher Sandy Gaston that includes a $2.61 million signing bonus.  —  The 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-hander ranked among …