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.”

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.

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.

If Robinson Cano wants to loaf it to first base, Mickey Callaway is fine with that  —  Mets manager Mickey Callaway is fine with Robinson Cano jogging to first base every once in a while.  As long as he can stay on the field.  —  It may be a controversial opinion, but Callaway was steadfast …

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 …

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 …

GM Brian Cashman says Yankees ‘believe in’ catcher Gary Sanchez  —  LAS VEGAS — New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made one thing abundantly clear Tuesday: He already has his starting catcher on his roster.  —  On the same day when a report circulated suggesting the Yankees might …

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 …

Jackie Bradley Jr., CC Sabathia traveling to London this week  —  Jackie Bradley Jr. and CC Sabathia are about to give baseball the royal treatment.  —  The Boston outfielder and New York Yankees pitcher are traveling to London this week, six months ahead of the two-game series between the teams in the British capital.

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.

Shohei Ohtani, Albert Pujols progressing from season-ending surgeries  —  LAS VEGAS — Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols has been cleared to do extensive upper body work and also has begun low-impact lower body exercises as he recovers from surgery on his left knee and right elbow.

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.

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.

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 …

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:

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.