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.

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.

Reports: Rangers hire Chris Woodward as new manager  —  The Texas Rangers have hired Los Angeles Dodgers third-base coach Chris Woodward as their new manager, according to multiple reports.  —  The news was first reported Friday by USA Today Sports.  —  Woodward, 42, will take on his first …

The Strikeout Push/Pull Effect  —  Hey, guys.  I am aware that I owe you one article from the Rookie series, and I'll get to that next, and then we'll get back to the Bill James Life in Prison Baseball Game, try to re-launch that, but first of all I got carried away with a serious research question …

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 …

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 …

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.”

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.

Marlins' Michael Hill heads to winter meetings with ‘open mind’  —  MIAMI — Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill dismissed talk about trading J.T. Realmuto with a joke Friday, noting the All-Star catcher may well be in a new uniform next year because there are rumors about the team changing its logo.

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 …

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 …