Report: Nats ownership struck down Bryce Harper-to-Astros deal at deadline  —  The Houston Astros' quest for a second consecutive World Series title nearly included Bryce Harper.  —  The Athletic reported Saturday that the Astros and Washington Nationals had a deal in place …

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen convinced the Wilpons to spend big money before, now he must get them to do it again  —  As an agent, Brodie Van Wagenen sold the Mets Yoenis Cespedes and Todd Frazier, but over the past month he may have pulled off his greatest sales job of all: Selling himself as their next GM.

As baseball powers focus on competitive balance tax, Orioles payroll puts them on opposite end of spectrum  —  Since the end of the World Series late last month, baseball's biggest teams have been outlining their plans for the offseason in relation to the league's competitive balance tax.

AL Central offseason preview: Will Indians actually trade Corey Kluber?  —  With free agency underway, the offseason is going to pick up steam.  What are the big questions facing all 30 teams?  Today we look at how baseball's weakest division, the AL Central, might try to get a little tougher.

RedsXtra: The Reds have money to spend on free agents — and that can be dangerous  —  The Reds are in a dangerous spot.  They've got money to spend and needs to fill.  So naturally, they may dive into the free-agent market.  —  Therein the danger lies.  —  Free agents generally want to the security of long-term deals.

Braves' Wilson, Davidson have nice days in AFL  —  Izzy Wilson and Braxton Davidson, a pair of Braves prospects, helped Peoria defeat Surprise 7-4 in Saturday's Arizona Fall League meeting.  —  Center fielder Cristian Pache, the Braves' highest-ranked prospect in Arizona, wasn't in the lineup …

Detroit Tigers have seen their share of mega-deals blow up  —  Free agent outfielder Bryce Harper reportedly turned down a 10-year, $300 million contract offer Wednesday from the Washington Nationals; Harper is likely looking to become baseball's highest-paid player, or at least the one with the largest overall contract.

Behind the scenes of the Giants' search for a new visionary  —  SAN FRANCISCO  —  When the Giants opened their search for a “next-gen” front office visionary at the end of September, Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi quietly expressed concern about his chances of landing the position.

MLB: Twins catcher Joe Mauer announces retirement … Joe Mauer is retiring after 15 major league seasons, six All-Star games, three Gold Glove awards, three batting titles and 2,123 career hits, all with his hometown Minnesota Twins.  —  “Thank you, Minnesota Twins, and thank you, fans …

Quintin Berry Retires, Joins Brewers Coaching Staff  —  After thirteen seasons in professional baseball, outfielder Quintin Berry has officially hung up his cleats.  Berry announces his retirement via Twitter, but adds that he will be joining the Milwaukee Brewers for the 2019 season …