Sources: MLB and players discussing rule changes that could alter game  —  Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are discussing potentially drastic changes to the on-field game and economic landscape of the sport in the middle of a collective bargaining agreement …

Yankees' Aaron Judge would welcome fellow right fielder Bryce Harper  —  As Bryce Harper's free agency trudges along, New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge was asked about what it might take to bring the left-handed hitter — who plays the same position as Judge — to the Bronx.

Offseason Lowdown: Get Paid  —  At least someone is getting paid.  —  As we wait for literally anything to happen on the free agent market, arbitration cases are working themselves out between clubs and players.  And while no teams seem willing to voluntarily lay out money for players' services …

White Sox pitcher Michael Kopech throws for first time since surgery  —  CHICAGO — White Sox right-hander Michael Kopech is throwing again after the touted prospect had Tommy John surgery in September.  —  The team says Kopech had his first throwing session since the operation on Tuesday …

Former Cubs closer Lee Smith ‘still in awe’ after touring Baseball Hall of Fame  —  Lee Smith had seen the Hall of Fame several times.  This visit was completely different.  —  “I'm still in awe,” Smith said after the tour Tuesday, in preparation for his July induction.

Local leaders want action — not just words — from the Cubs in response to Joe Ricketts' racist and Islamophobic emails  —  Chicago Tribune  —  An apology won't be enough for Muslim leaders in Chicago should they get their wish to meet as soon as next week with Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts …

There's a clear front-runner to be Rangers' center fielder.  Will he benefit from new manager?  —  Everything that Delino DeShields needs to become a big-league regular appears to be in place.  —  He has the speed, the work ethic and the bloodlines.  He has a sharp mind and an openness to learning.

Astros' Carlos Correa, Rays' Tommy Pham win arbitration cases  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and Tampa Bay outfielder Tommy Pham have won their salary arbitration cases.  —  The decisions Tuesday gave players a 3-1 lead over teams in cases this winter.

2019 Cincinnati Reds questions: Who will be the Opening Day starter?  —  Editor's note: With Spring Training approaching, we'll answer an important question about the Cincinnati Reds each day until pitchers and catchers report Feb. 12.  Today's question: Who will be the Opening Day starter?

Tobias Harris' late basket caps Clippers' comeback win against Hornets  —  CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Still not quite healed from a shoulder strain he suffered last week, Tobias Harris came up big for the Clippers.  —  Harris scored 34 points, including a running jumper in the lane with 4.3 seconds remaining …

Lakers pull out of Anthony Davis trade talks amid ‘outrageous’ requests by Pelicans … The Lakers have pulled out of conversations aimed at trying to acquire New Orleans All-Star forward Anthony Davis because of the Pelicans' “outrageous” trade requests, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.