Top News:
Howard Fendrich / Associated Press:
Nationals owner doesn't expect Bryce Harper to return; GM still has hope — As with most things involving the Nationals' offseason, a day that was supposed to be all about introducing Patrick Corbin morphed into a day about Bryce Harper. — The Nationals announced their six-year contract with Corbin …
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Buster Olney / ESPN:
Buster's Buzz: Never say never on Harper going back to the Nationals — Let the record show that if Bryce Harper never plays another game for the Washington Nationals, his last plate appearance resulted in a double off the Rockies' Chris Rusin, in Harper's 3,306th at-bat for the franchise that drafted him …
Scott Chiusano / Baltimore Sun:
Nationals don't expect Bryce Harper will be coming back to Washington, leaving the door wide open — He's running...away from Washington. — The Nationals appear resigned to the fact that they will not be re-signing superstar Bryce Harper, the highly-touted free agent who is one of two top prizes on the market this winter.
Discussion:
New York Daily News
ESPN:
Nationals owner: Maxed out offer for Bryce Harper, 'don't expect him to come back'
Discussion:
NESN.com
Jesse Yomtov / Des Moines Register:
Nationals owner: 'Really don't expect' Bryce Harper to come back
Discussion:
Washington Post, NBCSports.com and MLB Baseball News …
Dave Sheinin / Chicago Tribune:
In a winter of bold moves, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado are still waiting
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley, MLB Baseball News … and Federal Baseball
Associated Press:
Paul Goldschmidt focused on Cardinals, not 2020 free agency — ST. LOUIS — Now that he is with the St. Louis Cardinals, Paul Goldschmidt is not thinking beyond the 2019 season. — The six-time All-Star was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks this week and will earn $14.5 million …
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards introduce Goldschmidt, rave about his defense — Most of the buzz about new Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is about his Silver slugging. He has won four such awards, including the past two seasons. — But then there are those three Gold Gloves.
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Here are 5 shortstops Detroit Tigers could target at Winter Meetings — Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season. Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press. — CONNECT — The Detroit Tigers remain on the hunt for a starting shortstop.
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Sarah Langs / ESPN:
How much money could be spent in Vegas on free agents? — With the winter meetings opening Sunday, free-agent contracts figure to be discussed at a dizzying clip, with proposals — and cash — being tossed in every direction. — There have been 39 free-agent contracts signed for at least $100 million …
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
Brodie Van Wagenen and Brian Cashman have work cut out at Winter Meetings and could be bidding for similar players — The winter meetings are upon us and when Brian Cashman and Brodie Van Wagenen hit Vegas, they will each have plenty of work to do - in some cases, such as the relief pitcher market, likely working against each other.
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Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
As Brodie Van Wagenen heads to first Winter Meetings, here's what Mets need most — Brodie Van Wagenen has not just dipped his toes into his new job as the Mets GM; he dove right in and started shaking up the roster and the organization immediately. — In his first month …
Associated Press:
After stint in South Korea, P Merrill Kelly signs with Diamondbacks — PHOENIX — Right-hander Merrill Kelly is joining his hometown Arizona Diamondbacks, agreeing to a $5.5 million, two-year contract. — The 30-year-old spent the past four seasons with SK Wyverns in South Korea.
ESPN:
Mike Napoli, who made three trips to World Series, announces retirement — Veteran Mike Napoli, a popular clubhouse figure who hit 267 home runs and made three World Series trips during his 13-year career, announced his retirement Saturday. — Napoli, who did not play in the majors …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Lone Star Ball and CBS Dallas
TC Zencka / MLB Trade Rumors:
Minor MLB Transactions: 12/8/18 — The game is afoot on the eve of the winter meetings, but more than just headline deals will play a role in shaping the coming season of major league baseball. We'll use this post to track those minor moves from around the league today...
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
