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:
Jim Salisbury / NBCSports.com:
Sources: Phillies showing significant interest in outfielder Andrew McCutchen — LAS VEGAS — The Phillies are showing significant interest in free agent outfielder Andrew McCutchen, according to sources. — General manager Matt Klentak has acknowledged a desire to upgrade the outfield …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com, Lone Star Ball and MLB Trade Rumors
Dave Sheinin / Chicago Tribune:
After signing Andrew McCutchen, do the Phillies still have room in their outfield for Bryce Harper?
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Phillies To Sign Andrew McCutchen
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Nation, MLB Daily Dish and MLB & FANTASY …
USA Today:
Mets, Yankees involved in three-way trade discussions with Marlins on J.T. Realmuto — LAS VEGAS - Only in Las Vegas. — In his bold pursuit of Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto, Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen raised the stakes - having dangled Noah Syndergaard and courted the Yankees in an attempt to make it happen.
RELATED:
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
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Miguel Andujar available this winter; 3-team deal involving Mets-Yankees considered long shot …
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
One of biggest hurdles of Noah Syndergaard-to-Yankees seems gone
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors and Beyond the Box Score
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.”
RELATED:
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.
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer says finding another David Ross is key
Discussion:
The Athletic, Cubs Insider and Bleacher Nation
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
Associated Press:
Coming off hip surgery, Giants' Buster Posey could be limited early in season — LAS VEGAS — Buster Posey's recovery from right hip surgery might limit how much the San Francisco Giants All-Star catches during spring training and at the start of the season.
RELATED:
Ali Thanawalla / NBC Bay Area:
MLB Rumors: Giants Getting ‘a Ton’ of Trade Calls on LHP Will Smith
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles, MLB Baseball News … and NBCSports.com
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 …
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
White Sox Acquire Ivan Nova
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Nation, South Side Sox, NESN.com and Bucs Dugout
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:
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.
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 …
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 Baseball News …, MLB Daily Dish, Bless You Boys 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:
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
Ben Axelrod / WKYC-TV:
Who is Alex Verdugo? Meet the Los Angeles Dodgers' top prospect linked to the Cleveland Indians in trade talks — Meet the Los Angeles Dodgers' top prospect linked to the Cleveland Indians in a potential Corey Kluber trade. — As Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings in Las Vegas get underway …
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, NBCSports.com and FanGraphs Baseball
RELATED:
Arash Markazi / ESPN:
Dodgers ‘encouraged’ after Corey Seager goes from rehab to training
Discussion:
Sporting News
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
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.
Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Braves winter meetings mailbag: Day 2 — The Braves are still quiet after another day at the winter meetings. They expect it to remain that way, perhaps even into January. — While we're waiting to see where the team eventually lands, here's another set of Q&As from Las Vegas:
