Top News:
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
How signing McCutchen sets Phillies up for Harper and Machado — LAS VEGAS — We have the first big move of the winter meetings as the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to terms with Andrew McCutchen on a three-year deal for a reported $50 million that also includes a team option. — EDITOR'S PICKS
RELATED:
Dave Sheinin / Chicago Tribune:
After signing Andrew McCutchen, do the Phillies still have room in their outfield for Bryce Harper? — The Washington Post — The Phillies, the team whose deep resources and motivations have made them the focal point of this entire offseason, made their first significant free agent addition Tuesday …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Jim Salisbury / NBCSports.com:
Sources: Phillies showing significant interest in outfielder Andrew McCutchen
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Lone Star Ball and MLB Trade Rumors
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Phillies To Sign Andrew McCutchen
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Nation, MLB Daily Dish and MLB & FANTASY …
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs' Joe Maddon says nothing ‘dumb’ about offseason approach — LAS VEGAS — In an effort to connect better with his players after a disappointing finish to last season, 64-year-old Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon's winter reading this offseason includes a book called “Managing Millennials for Dummies.”
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Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Can cash-strapped Cubs solve need for late-game relief? — LAS VEGAS — If you're still looking for the Chicago Cubs to go swimming in the deep end of the free-agent pool, you may have to wait for another offseason. Once again, the front office more than intimated that it won't be spending the big bucks this winter.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs manager Joe Maddon's offseason reading list: ‘Managing Millennials for Dummies’ — Chicago Tribune — Cubs manager Joe Maddon stressed he has no ill will over President Theo Epstein's decision to table talks on an extension this winter. — “The whole objective now …
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer says finding another David Ross is key
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, The Athletic and Cubs Insider
Tim Keown / ESPN:
Ottavino vs. the Bambino: Hubris or Hilarious? — LAS VEGAS — We're not really sure why Adam Ottavino got on the subject of his hypothetical domination of Babe Ruth, but that doesn't mean we can't be thrilled that he did. For one, it's a beautiful testament to our endless quest …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Adam OIttavino says game is different now and Babe would struggle
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Los Angeles Times and The Tennessean
George A. King III / New York Post:
The Red Sox are in ‘heavy’ on David Robertson
Discussion:
NBCSports.com and NESN.com
Wallace Matthews / New York Daily News:
Brodie Van Wagenen can only do as much as Jeff Wilpon allows, which doesn't bode well for Mets — When the Mets rolled out Brodie Van Wagenen on October 30, their new GM uttered the words that could serve as the epitaph for general managers throughout baseball history: “They've given …
RELATED:
Ali Thanawalla / NBC Bay Area:
MLB Rumors: Giants Getting ‘a Ton’ of Trade Calls on LHP Will Smith — Veteran reliever Will Smith was one of the Giants most dependable pitchers last season and that makes him appealing to teams that are trying to contend. — The Giants are receiving “a ton of calls” on Smith, according to The Athletic's Mark Saxon.
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles, MLB Baseball News … and NBCSports.com
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
A catcher? A reliever? Bryce Harper? White Sox are still exploring free-agent waters — Chicago Tribune — The next step in the White Sox's attempt to become a contender could be more significant than their acquisition Tuesday of pitcher Ivan Nova from the Pirates …
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox Acquire Ivan Nova
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, NBCSports.com, Bleacher Nation, South Side Sox, NESN.com and Bucs Dugout
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
Diamondbacks' Torey Lovullo: Trading Paul Goldschmidt ‘one of the hardest days’ — LAS VEGAS — Maybe it softens the sting of the Paul Goldschmidt trade a bit for Arizona Diamondbacks fans knowing that manager Torey Lovullo is just as sad as they are to lose the franchise icon.
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds mailbag: Will the Reds make any moves during the Winter Meetings? — LAS VEGAS - Speaking with people from other organizations, they all mention that the Reds are talking about pitching. It's a clear need and the Reds are checking on essentially all available options.
Discussion:
Redleg Nation
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Blue Jays Release Troy Tulowitzki — The Blue Jays announced today that they have released veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. The Toronto organization will remain obligated to pay him the remaining $38MM in guaranteed money on his contract (including a buyout of a 2021 option).
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, Bless You Boys, MLB Baseball News … and Bluebird Banter
RELATED:
Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:
Troy Tulowitzki interested in return to Bay Area, agent says; are A's a fit?
Discussion:
Athletics Nation
ESPN:
Twins' Byron Buxton has ‘an edge’ after not being recalled in September — Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton said Tuesday that he was upset with the club for not calling him up in September when rosters expanded. — “Yes. I ain't sugarcoating nothing,” Buxton told reporters …
ESPN:
Mookie Betts to bat 2nd in Boston lineup; Andrew Benintendi to lead off — Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced at the winter meetings on Tuesday that he'll move Mookie Betts to the No. 2 spot in the lineup and Andrew Benintendi to leadoff next season. — EDITOR'S PICKS
RELATED:
Robert Sanchez / ESPN:
Dominant 20: One magical, midseason at-bat showed how Mookie Betts morphed into an MVP
Discussion:
CBS Boston and NESN.com
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Smith, Baines herald age of specialists dawning on Cooperstown — LAS VEGAS • With his ERA lodged around 6.00 and his climb through the minors stalled as a starter, Lee Smith had a manager at Class AA approach him with an offer that would radically alter his career.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
Rob Longley / Toronto Sun:
New Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo bursting with energy and optimism — LAS VEGAS — Here he is in a massive ballroom at a high-end casino and resort in the city devoted to American excess, and you can't wipe the smile from Charlie Montoyo's face. — Sure, you could detect a hint …
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers will trade Nicholas Castellanos. But when? — Examining Tigers outfielder Nicholas Castellanos' All-Star credentials. Video by Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press. — CONNECT — LAS VEGAS - It probably won't happen this week. Might not even happen this month.
Jeff Wilson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers interested in Morton for rotation. Who else might fit for 2019 (and maybe beyond)? — As the Texas Rangers contemplate future seasons, they must also contemplate the now. — The now, in baseball-ese, is the upcoming season, and the Rangers plan to field a team for each of the 162 games on their 2019 schedule.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
