Home by the holidays: Cardinals' Carpenter already at work at everyday position, third base  —  It might happen at the supermarket 30 minutes away from his ranch or at breakfast joint nearby when a neighbor or friend of a friend starts quizzing Matt Carpenter about his profession and inevitably asks what he has been unable to answer.

Manny Machado saga, Giancarlo Stanton: Here are 5 Yankees storylines as we enter 2019  —  If the Yankees are to find a way back to the Canyon of Heroes in 2019, they'll have to overcome the Red Sox - who are not just their blood rivals but the defending world champions.

Five key stats for hitters on the 2019 Hall of Fame ballot  —  As you dig out from the post-Christmas pile of pine needles and wrapping paper, baseball writers are scrambling to mail their votes by the Dec. 31 deadline to help elect the 2019 class to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

A's hope there's more growth left for Jurickson Profar  —  Jurickson Profar was the No. 1 prospect in baseball at one point, before a shoulder injury robbed him of two years of playing time in the majors, a setback from which he seems to have just recovered completely in 2018.

What if Mets traded Noah Syndergaard to Yankees and he didn't cut his hair?  —  There's no doubt seeing Noah Syndergaard wearing Yankees pinstripes, stripped of his golden locks while standing in front of the famous Stadium facade ticked off Mets fans as they picked up an early December copy of The Daily News.

Lowdown: Christmas Shopping  —  Christmas Shopping  —  The Hot Stove season kicked it up a notch on Friday, with several teams looking to do a little Christmas shopping before the holiday hits.  The day included a flurry of activity seeing several major trades swung and a few of the top free agent dominoes …

The Nationals overhauled their roster for youth, speed and energy.  Will it pay off?  —  Newly signed Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin takes questions next to president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo.  (Jonathan Newton / The Washington Post)  —  The Washington Post

Trading Stroman would be the right move for all sides  —  For sheer entertainment, particularly when the Blue Jays weren't very good, you couldn't beat the Stro Show.  —  That's why we're going to miss him.  —  Whether he's feuding with his former BFF Aaron Sanchez, or blowing up at the media …

With Mike Fiers deal official, A's seek more rotation parts  —  The A's announced their two-year contract with starting pitcher Mike Fiers on Monday, and much more rotation news is anticipated before pitchers and catchers report to spring training in February.  —  The news will come probably later rather than sooner.

Jacob deGrom's contract; When will Yoenis Cespedes return?  Five Mets storylines for 2019  —  The Mets are aiming high in 2019 with new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen making some bold moves this offseason.  —  CONNECT  —  The Mets have been among the busiest teams in MLB this offseason under …