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 …
RELATED:
Chris Lingebach / 106.7 The Fan:
Mark Lerner: Nats' offer to Bryce Harper ‘best we can do’ — Friday at Nationals Park was supposed to be about introducing Patrick Corbin to fans, but arguably the largest news item to come from the day wasn't about Corbin at all. — Nationals managing principal owner Mark Lerner spoke …
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 and NBCSports.com
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.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Paul Goldschmidt could put St. Louis ‘over the top’ in NL Central, Cardinals boss says
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Goldschmidt, ‘the perfect fit’ for Cardinals, says all the right things
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cardinals introduce the new centerpiece of their offense: No. 46 Goldschmidt
Jon Tayler / Sports Illustrated:
Paul Goldschmidt Trade Underscores MLB's Depressing Boom-and-Bust Culture
Discussion:
NESN.com and Houston Chronicle
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 …
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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.
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
Jeff Fletcher / Orange County Register:
Four arrested in wake of former Angels infielder Luis Valbuena's death, as baseball mourns — Individuals reportedly had possessions belonging to Valbuena and Jose Castillo, who died in a car accident — Four individuals have been arrested in Venezuela in connection to the deaths …
Discussion:
New York Times, Halos Heaven and USA Today
RELATED:
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.
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
Tom Haudricourt / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
With bulk of playoff team returning, Brewers can be patient in evaluating player moves — Some elite players have been moved in the early stages of baseball's hot stove season, but the Milwaukee Brewers aren't expected to make a similar big splash this winter, which actually might be a good thing.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Toronto Sun:
Garrett Richards, Padres finalize US$15.5M, 2-year contract — SAN DIEGO — Free agent pitcher Garrett Richards and the San Diego Padres have finalized a US$15.5 million, two-year contract. — Richards will earn $7 million next year and $8.5 million in 2020 as part of the deal announced Friday.
