Bryce Harper rejects $300 million?  All part of Scott Boras' blueprint  —  It's a tradition quite unlike any other at Major League Baseball's offseason gatherings.  The Boras Corporation will send a text message to reporters informing them that Scott Boras will be fielding questions at an anointed time and place.

Column: Who would the Cubs be willing to trade this offseason?  —  Photos of Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  As the Cubs seek to improve a 95-win team without adding significantly to an already bloated payroll, the same names are usually bandied about in trade rumors.

Mallex Smith dealt to Mariners by Rays for Zunino, Heredia  —  SEATTLE (AP) — Mallex Smith was made a promise by Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto when he was acquired for a second time by the Mariners after an initial tenure that lasted less than two hours.

Dodgers Exercise Option To Bring Dave Roberts Back As Manager In 2019  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers have picked up the option on Dave Roberts, who will continue to manage the team next season with the hope they can negotiate a longer term deal over time.  —  Andrew Friedman …

White Sox GM weighs in on Jerry Reinsdorf's patience level — 'It's not running out' — and Michael Kopech's season-ending injury — a ‘kick in the gut’  —  Chicago Tribune  —  Is Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf losing any patience with the rebuild after the White Sox's 100-loss season in 2018?  —  Not yet.

J.T. Realmuto, Amed Rosario drive in two runs each to power MLB All-Stars over Yomiuri Giants  —  TOKYO — J.T. Realmuto and Amed Rosario drove in two runs each to lead the MLB All-Stars over the Yomiuri Giants 9-6 on Thursday in a warm-up game ahead of their six-game exhibition series against Japan's national team.

Mets kicking the tires on bringing back Asdrubal Cabrera … CARLSBAD, Calif. — The Mets' search for versatile infield depth includes an old friend.  —  In their effort to find a player who can play second base — either as a starter or reserve — and give the team a backup shortstop …

Braves GM Meetings recap: Anthopoulos has options  —  Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos leaves the general manager meetings with a better understanding of the market, but nonetheless in a similar spot before his arrival.  —  Anthopoulos and 29 other GMs, along with abundant agents and reporters …

Document prepared for potential investors says Dodgers plan on staying under luxury tax threshold  —  The Dodgers plan to keep their player payroll below the level that would require a luxury tax payment for at least the next four years, according to a document prepared for potential investors and reviewed by The Los Angeles Times.

Farhan Zaidi ready to take a team effort leading Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Farhan Zaidi understands the intrigue that stems from his unique baseball path: from the small-budget Oakland Athletics to the big-spending Los Angeles Dodgers and back to the Bay Area to join the rival Giants.

Pirates re-sign Jung Ho Kang to 1-year deal  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates have re-signed infielder Jung Ho Kang to a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.  —  Kang played in only three games — the Pirates' season-ending series against the Cincinnati Reds — in 2018 after missing nearly …

Gary Sanchez to have shoulder surgery, expected to be ready by Opening Day  —  CARLSBAD, Calif. — Gary Sanchez will have surgery on his left shoulder this week, but the New York Yankees catcher is expected to be ready by Opening Day.  —  EDITOR'S PICKS  —  New York general manager Brian Cashman …

AL West offseason preview: Can Angels keep Mike Trout happy?  —  With free agency underway, the offseason is going to pick up steam.  What are the big questions facing all 30 teams?  We continue our division-by-division series with a look at the American League West.  —  2018 record: 103-59

Rangers Agree To Minor League Deal With Jett Bandy  —  The Rangers have agreed to a minor league pact with catcher Jett Bandy, reports Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News.  He'll add a bit of catching depth to the Texas system after the Rangers' surprising decision to move on from catcher Robinson Chirinos.