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

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.

Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers involved in trade talks at Winter Meetings  —  LAS VEGAS - There are many moving parts and no guarantee that it will end in anything concrete, but the Reds had multiple trade discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday as they continue their search for pitching and a center fielder.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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).

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 …

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

Dodgers hoping for 2019 revival from former rookie of the year Cody Bellinger … The most impactful player the Dodgers can acquire this offseason could be free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper.  It could be Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber or Miami Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expects Clayton Kershaw to regain velocity  —  LAS VEGAS — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is “very hopeful” that Clayton Kershaw will regain some of his velocity in 2019, a stated goal for the star left-hander as he heads into his age-31 season.

Billy Hamilton thanks Reds, Cincinnati fans as Kansas City Royals announce signing  —  Billy Hamilton, who hit .245 with 277 stolen bases in 690 games over six seasons for the Cincinnati Reds between 2013 and 2018, thanked the organization and its fans with a Tweet on Tuesday …

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.