Top News:
Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Passan: Why the baseball world is waiting on Manny and Bryce — In November 2017, when baseball free agency ground to an unexpected halt, teams claimed that there was no nefariousness to the industry's sudden sheepishness in signing players. They were simply waiting for Shohei Ohtani to pick …
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, Talking Chop, Cubs Insider, NBCSports.com, Phillies Nation, Deadspin, NESN.com and Sportsnet.ca
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Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Sources: Yankees acquiring SS Troy Tulowitzki to bolster infield — Free-agent veteran shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has agreed to a deal to join the New York Yankees, league sources tell ESPN. — The deal, which is pending completion of a physical exam, provides the Yankees a cost-effective shortstop …
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, New York Times, The Runner Sports, Cubs Insider, Pinstripe Alley, Fish Stripes, River Avenue Blues, Deadspin and FenwayNation
Associated Press:
Troy Tulowitzki agrees to a one-year deal with Yankees — The New York Yankees have obtained a low-cost infield replacement, agreeing to a one-year contract with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for the major league minimum $555,000, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.
Chelsea Janes / Washington Post:
Rumors swirl but Bryce Harper's market remains far blurrier than Manny Machado's — A hush settled in over the baseball world recently, a polite quiet that allowed everyone a break for the holidays, at least on the outside. But as the calendar turned, the free agent market continued to churn …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Cubs Insider and Federal Baseball
Jim Salisbury / NBCSports.com:
Source: Phillies plan to meet with Bryce Harper even as they await Manny Machado's decision — The New Year has arrived and the Phillies remain one of at least three teams serious about signing free-agent infielder Manny Machado. — Machado visited with the White Sox, Yankees and Phillies before Christmas.
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, MLB Baseball News …, MLB Trade Rumors, Crossing Broad and The Good Phight
Darren Hartwell / NBCSports.com:
Will Manny Machado sign soon? Instagram activity sparks Yankees buzz — Will Manny Machado sign soon? Instagram activity sparks Yankees buzz — Manny Machado can follow whoever he pleases on Instagram. But don't think New York Yankees fans will let Monday night's “events” go unnoticed.
Discussion:
La Vida Baseball, New York Post, Pinstripe Alley and NESN.com
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees, Troy Tulowitzki Agree To Deal
Discussion:
River Avenue Blues
Wallace Matthews / New York Daily News:
Troy Tulowitzki is just a spare part, Manny Machado is still the big target for the Yankees
Scott Chiusano / New York Daily News:
Manny Machado's most recent Instagram follow will be of interest to Yankees fans
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Red Reporter and Pinstripe Alley
Keith Law / ESPN:
Yusei Kikuchi gives Mariners some credibility in midst of rebuild — The Seattle Mariners have been tearing down their major league roster this winter, so it was a modest surprise to hear they'd won the bidding for NPB star Yusei Kikuchi, posted this winter by the Seibu Lions …
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Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Sources: Free-agent lefty Yusei Kikuchi agrees with Mariners
Discussion:
New York Post, Beyond the Box Score and baseballmusings.com
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mariners, Yusei Kikuchi Reach Agreement
Discussion:
sports.MyNorthwest.com, MLB Baseball News …, Lookout Landing, MLB Daily Dish and Lone Star Ball
ESPN:
The five best trade fits for Corey Kluber — As the calendar turns to 2019, rumors of a Corey Kluber trade continue. A series of money-saving moves saw Yan Gomes, Yonder Alonso, Yandy Diaz, and Edwin Encarnacion traded from a division winner with Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers the principal returns.
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Report: Free-agent pitcher Derek Holland says Cincinnati Reds have been in contact — Free-agent pitcher Derek Holland told MLB Network Radio that the Cincinnati Reds have contacted him during this offseason, according to a report via Twitter from MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, Red Reporter and Baseball My Life
Teddy Greenstein / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs to name Mark Loretta as team's new bench coach — Mark Loretta, a former All-Star infielder and a special assistant to the Padres, throw batting practice prior to a spring training game against the Cubs on Monday, March 16, 2015, in Peoria, Ariz (Lenny Ignelzi/AP) — Chicago Tribune
John Dreker / piratesprospects.com:
Pirates Sign Left-Handed Pitcher Tyler Lyons — The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed 30-year-old left-handed pitcher Tyler Lyons to a minor league deal. Lyons spent part of 2018 with the St Louis Cardinals, posting an 8.64 ERA in 16.2 innings over 27 appearances.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout, Rum Bunter and Baseball My Life
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs and White Sox seasons storylines for 2019, from the Cactus League openers to the World Series — Photos through the years at Cubs and White Sox spring training. — Chicago Tribune — The 2019 season is approaching, and though plenty of free agents remain unsigned, it's time to start thinking ahead.
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Ryan Davis / Forbes:
A Few New Year's Resolutions For The Chicago Cubs
Discussion:
Dodgers Digest, Cubs Insider and Bleacher Nation
Mike Puma / New York Post:
Brodie Van Wagenen now needs to finish what he started for Mets … The Mets' December to remember served as a solid start to this offseason, but now what about January? — After adding Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, Jeurys Familia and Wilson Ramos in a flurry following his arrival as general manager …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Dan Schlossberg / Forbes:
Braves Wonder Whether 2019 Will Bring Good News Or Bad News — Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. — The Atlanta Braves, who once won a record 14 division crowns in a row, will have a tall task starting a new streak - even with the first one already in the books.
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