Top News:
Buster Olney / ESPN:
Sources: Phillies seen as top bidder for Zack Wheeler — The bidding for right-hander Zack Wheeler continues to progress toward resolution, with the Philadelphia Phillies seen by sources as the most potent bidders — and the Reds, White Sox and Rangers also involved.
RELATED:
ESPN:
Sources: Zack Wheeler joins Phillies on five-year deal worth $118 million — Right-hander Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a five-year, $118 million contract, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. — Wheeler turned down a larger offer from the Chicago White Sox …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Source: Free agent Zack Wheeler has eliminated the Rangers from consideration — Wheeler is expected to make a decision on destination before the winter meetings begin — The Rangers will not land their top free agent pitching target this winter. — Right-hander Zack Wheeler has informed …
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, Pinstripe Alley, MLB Trade Rumors and Lone Star Ball
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Ready to make a splash, White Sox going hard in pursuit of free agent Zack Wheeler
Ready to make a splash, White Sox going hard in pursuit of free agent Zack Wheeler
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, South Side Sox, MLB Trade Rumors, Let's Go Tribe, Phillies Nation, Dodger Blue, NBCSports.com and The Athletic
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Dodgers, White Sox Have Had “Preliminary” Trade Talks On Joc Pederson
Dodgers, White Sox Have Had “Preliminary” Trade Talks On Joc Pederson
Discussion:
Royals Review, MLB Baseball News …, ESPN and Al's Ramblings
Scott Soshnick / Bloomberg:
Mets in Talks to Sell 80% of Team to Investor Steve Cohen — Deal would value Major League Baseball club at $2.6 billion — The billionaire would take control of team after five years — The owners of the New York Mets are in talks to sell up to 80% of the Major League Baseball team …
David Schoenfield / ESPN:
One blockbuster move for all 30 MLB teams — Teams have made their 40-man roster additions, the non-tender deadline passed on Monday, the winter meetings loom next week and there have already been a few signings and trades of note this MLB offseason. So let's play everyone's favorite party game …
Discussion:
Call to the Pen, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Redleg Nation and Bleacher Nation
RELATED:
Beyond The Bases:
Marlins Park To Sport New Look In 2020 — Marlins Park continues to evolve with two significant changes to the field for the upcoming season. The Miami Marlins will install a synthetic grass surface at Marlins Park as part of a multi-year corporate partnership with Shaw Sports Turf.
Discussion:
Miami Herald, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News …, Fish Stripes, Ballpark Digest and Marlins News
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Braves Sign Cole Hamels — 1:15pm: The Braves have formally announced the signing and (unlike most clubs) confirmed the terms of the contract in their press release. Their 40-man roster is now up to 38 players. — 11:18am: The Braves have struck a one-year deal with lefty Cole Hamels, per ESPN.com's Jeff Passan (via Twitter).
Discussion:
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MLB Baseball News …, NBCSports.com, The Good Phight and Talking Chop
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
2020 Competitive Balance Draft Pick Order — Major League Baseball has determined the orders of Competitive Balance Rounds A and B for the 2020 amateur draft, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports. Comp Round A takes place after the first round of the draft, while Comp Round B goes down at the conclusion of the second round.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Royals Review
Alicia Robinson / Orange County Register:
Angels agree to stay in Anaheim through 2050, stadium to be sold for $325 million — Anaheim's hometown baseball team would continue playing in Angel Stadium for another 30 years, and the city would sell the stadium and 133 acres around it to a business partnership including team owner Arte Moreno …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven, Ballpark Digest, MLB Baseball News … and MLB Trade Rumors
Jared Martin / Sports Illustrated:
Derek Shelton Officially Introduced as Pirates Manager - Reaction to the Press Conference — Derek Shelton will be announced today as the next manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was reported a week ago that Shelton beat out the other finalist, Matt Quatraro, for the job.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Bucs Dugout
ESPN:
St. Pete, Rays end talks of sharing team's home slate with Montreal — The Rays and the city of St. Petersburg have broken off talks regarding the possibility of the team playing some home games in a location other than the Tampa Bay area, according to a letter released from the mayor's office Wednesday.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and NESN.com
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Jed Lowrie does not deserve a second chance from the Mets — Second chances are, most of the time, a good thing. They allow players to flush putrid seasons, bounce back and start fresh. But Jed Lowrie, a career .261 batter who has yet to record a hit for the Mets, should not be given …
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Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mets Reportedly Looking To Move Bad Contracts
Mets Reportedly Looking To Move Bad Contracts
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, CBSSports.com, Red Reporter and Talking Chop
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Angels Acquire Dylan Bundy — 4:16pm: The Orioles have announced the move. Their 40-man roster is down to 37 players. — 3:41pm: Also going to the Orioles in the deal are right-handers Zach Peek, Kyle Bradish and Kyle Brnovich, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link).
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and School of Roch