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.

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

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.”

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 …

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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:

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.

White Sox Acquire Ivan Nova  —  12:58am: Young hurler Yordi Rosario and $500K in international spending capacity are going to the Bucs, Heyman tweets.  The deal has now been announced.  —  12:10pm: The Pirates will receive a “young pitcher” and an unstated amount of international bonus pool availability …