Top News:
Bryce Miller / The Charlotte Observer:
Padres need to make statement by signing Machado or Harper — This is your chance, Padres. This is the moment, if you land Manny Machado or Bryce Harper, to show a grumbling fan base with the patience of craft beer-drinking saints that things truly are different.
RELATED:
Bill Madden / New York Daily News:
The players destroyed free agency and now only a real cap can get baseball back on track — Here we are, two weeks away from pitchers and catchers, and there are 120 or so free agents out there still unsigned, including Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Dallas Keuchel, Adam Jones, Mike Moustakas and Craig Kimbrel.
Arizona Republic:
Bryce Harper was interested in playing for Arizona Diamondbacks, report says
Bryce Harper was interested in playing for Arizona Diamondbacks, report says
Discussion:
AZ Snake Pit
Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Bryce Harper meets with San Diego Padres, sources say
Bryce Harper meets with San Diego Padres, sources say
Discussion:
Sportsnet.ca
Dave Clark / Cincinnati.com:
Report: Former Reds relief pitcher J.J. Hoover reaches deal with Washington Nationals — The Washington Nationals agreed to a minor-league deal with right-handed pitcher J.J. Hoover - who spent the first five seasons of his Major League Baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds …
RELATED:
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
The Cincinnati Reds hope Nick Senzel is the answer to the center field question — Today's question: — Who plays center field? — The Cincinnati Reds are set at the other seven positions. The Reds, in fact, have a surplus of outfielders. But none of them is a true center fielder.
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Nationals To Sign J.J. Hoover
ESPN:
Jason Hammel gets minor league deal from Rangers with spring invite — ARLINGTON, Texas — Free agent right-hander Jason Hammel has agreed to a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers and will report to major league spring training. — Texas announced the deal Friday …
Discussion:
The Daily Item
RELATED:
Drew Davison / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Journeyman Jason Hammel agrees to minor-league deal with Texas Rangers
Journeyman Jason Hammel agrees to minor-league deal with Texas Rangers
Discussion:
Dallas Morning News and Lone Star Ball
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Rangers, Matt Davidson Agree To Minor League Deal
Rangers, Matt Davidson Agree To Minor League Deal
Discussion:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, NBCSports.com, Lone Star Ball and MLB Baseball News …
Associated Press:
Cubs add bullpen help, agree to $750,000 deal with Tony Barnette — CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have added bullpen help, agreeing to a $750,000, one-year contract with right-hander Tony Barnette. The deal contains an option, escalator and bonus opportunities that could raise its value to $4.5 million over two seasons.
RELATED:
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs Sign Tony Barnette, Outright Ian Clarkin
Cubs Sign Tony Barnette, Outright Ian Clarkin
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish and Cubs Den
Washington Post:
Told of girl's assault at spring training hotel, Gabe Kapler, Dodgers didn't alert police — GLENDALE, Ariz. — In February 2015, according to a police report and emails obtained through open records requests, a 17-year-old girl sent an alarming email to Gabe Kapler, then director of player development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation, Bleacher Report, Whittier Daily News, The Comeback and baseballmusings.com
Associated Press:
Former Oriole Wade Miley and Will Harris together again with Astros — Milwaukee Brewers starter Wade Miley pitches during the first inning of Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Houston Astros have agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the 32-year-old left-hander.
Discussion:
Houston Chronicle, The Athletic, FanGraphs Baseball and The Crawfish Boxes
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers will wear smaller Old English ‘D’ on caps this season — Taking a look at what the Tigers' starting lineup and pitching rotation could look like to open the 2019 season. Video by Anthony Fenech and Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press. — CONNECT
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
RELATED:
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays Tales: Let's play ‘would you rather’ with the revamped lineup — Out with the old, in with the new ... or vice versa? — ST. PETERSBURG — Barring what would be an unexpected deal at this point, the Rays appear content with their remixed lineup. — And, naturally, happy about their moves …
Jeff PassanESPN / ESPN:
Inside 37-year-old pitcher Luke Hagerty's improbable comeback story — THE HAGERTY HOUSEHOLD, located in a small Ohio town named Defiance, operates under a short but firm set of tenets. The first involves work. Hagertys work. Hartsell Dodrill, Bretta Hagerty's father …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Purple Row, Brew Crew Ball, Bleacher Nation and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Curly W Live:
Washington Nationals Announce New Backpack Policy — Nationals CommunicationsBlockedUnblockFollowFollo wing — Today, the Washington Nationals announced that beginning with the 2019 season backpacks may not be brought into Nationals Park, except as otherwise provided in the Nationals Bag Policy.
Discussion:
Washington Post, NBCSports.com and Federal Baseball