Carlos Beltran says he has been named special adviser to Yanks GM Brian Cashman  —  One day before the New York Yankees receive a visit from free agent Manny Machado, Carlos Beltran confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday that the team has named him special adviser to general manager Brian Cashman.

Brodie Van Wagenen still has plenty of work to do before he can proclaim Mets to be the best in the NL East  —  The Mets feature a much better roster than they did two months ago.  We'll give you that.  —  The addition of Wilson Ramos, who was introduced on Tuesday, is the much-needed right-handed bat to balance their lineup.

Royals bring back speedy outfielder Terrance Gore on a one-year deal  —  If nothing else, the Royals are cornering the market on baseball's fastest players during this offseason.  —  On Tuesday, the Royals announced they signed outfielder Terrance Gore to a one-year contract.

Tigers' Jordy Mercer ready to bring leadership, contact hitting to Detroit  —  Who will start for the Detroit Tigers in 2019 after their offseason acquisitions  —  Jordy Mercer, the Detroit Tigers' new shortstop, has one connection on the team already.  —  He has met Michael Fulmer just once …

REPORT |  Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley agrees to 2-year/$32 million dollar deal with Houston Astros  —  “Dr. Smooth” was a three-time All-Star in his 10 years in Cleveland  —  It appears that the man known as “Dr. Smooth” will be taking his practice to the Lone Star State.

How good is J.T. Realmuto and who needs him most?  —  How good is J.T. Realmuto?  —  The All-Star catcher for the Miami Marlins remains the subject of trade rumors.  While the Mets have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with free-agent catcher Wilson Ramos, that still leaves the Dodgers …

ESPN Reaches Multi-Year Extension with MLB Analyst and World Series Champion David Ross  —  ESPN today announced it has reached a multi-year extension with Major League Baseball analyst David Ross.  The two-time World Series Champion will continue to serve as an analyst for ESPN's MLB game and studio coverage.

Twins will retire Joe Mauer's No. 7  —  The former All-Star catcher and three-time batting champ is the eighth Twin to have his number retired.  —  TEXT SIZE  —  Joe Mauer didn't have to wait long to join the list of retired Minnesota Twins stars who received the ultimate team honor.