Food for thought: That Brodie Van Wagenen-Pete Alonso dinner really paid off  —  Among the moments that have marked Pete Alonso's rise to stardom — to the Home Run Derby title and All-Star Game, to all sorts of major-league and franchise records, to his expected National League Rookie …

Three Teams Exceeded 2019 Luxury Tax Threshold  —  The Red Sox, Yankees, and Cubs were the three teams to exceed the luxury tax threshold in 2019, as Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times noted over the weekend.  MLBTR has confirmed that is the complete and final list of organizations identified …

Pirates' GM Search Reportedly Down To Three Finalists  —  Since the exit of longtime GM Neal Huntington on Oct 28, the Pirates have been connected to a number of respected front office figures in their search for a new head of baseball operations.  Two names, Blue Jays VP …

Giants poach talent from Cubs, hire Scott Harris as general manager  —  The San Francisco Giants are bringing in one of the men responsible for the Chicago Cubs winning a World Series.  The Giants have decided to poach some front-office talent from the Cubs, hiring Scott Harris to be their next general manager.

Source: Mets to interview Jeremy Hefner for pitching coach job  —  NEW YORK — Former Mets pitcher Jeremy Hefner didn't wait long to begin his second act.  Not long after injuries ended his playing career, he joined the Twins as an advance scout, then earned a promotion to the major-league …

Latest Mookie Betts report heightens trade speculation entering GM meetings  —  Boston Red Sox entering Major League Baseball's general manager meetings, which begin Monday in Arizona.  —  Jon Morosi's report Monday morning should intensify that spotlight.  —  Several MLB executives believe at least one of Betts,

Francisco Lindor isn't Yankees' only option to fill lefty-hitting hole  —  Brett Gardner is a free agent.  So is Didi Gregorius, who did not get a qualifying offer from the Yankees.  Aaron Hicks needed Tommy John surgery and will miss at least a few months next season.

San Diego Padres unveil new uniforms with brown-and-gold color scheme  —  SAN DIEGO — Brown is back for the San Diego Padres.  —  The Padres unveiled new uniforms Saturday night that feature a brown-and-gold color scheme, similar to the one used from the franchise's inception in 1969 through 1984.

Rays head to GM meetings seeking offense  —  Rays Tales: Erik Neander says 2019 success provides “a stronger starting point” than they have had in a while.  Plus, rumblings.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Rays GM Erik Neander and crew will be in Arizona this week for the annual general manager meetings …