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.

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 …

Bryce Harper pulls Manny Machado-type troll Yankees know all too well  —  Bryce Harper is trolling like his fellow coveted free agent.  —  Harper “liked” an MLB Instagram post suggesting the Dodgers might be favorites to land the likely soon-to-be former Nationals star.

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.

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.

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 …

Rays Tales: No reason to say uncle, Charlie  —  New addition Charlie Morton will be a popular topic of conversation among the Rays.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — The signing of Charlie Morton will spark plenty of conversation around the Rays, both about and by the 35-year-old righty.

How the MLB-FCB Deal Could Face Legal Hurdles, Political Resistance  — A landmark agreement between the MLB, the MLBPA and the Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) could pave the way for a faster and safer movement of Cuban stars to the big leagues.  Legal analyst Michael McCann breaks …