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:
Pinstripe Alley and baseballmusings.com
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
As free agency dominoes fall, Madison Bumgarner is expected to fetch at least $100 million — The free-agent pitching market broke wide open Wednesday, but the biggest winner of the day might be Madison Bumgarner. — With the Philadelphia Phillies signing Zack Wheeler for $118 million …
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
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 …
RELATED:
New York Times:
Steve Cohen in Talks to Buy Majority of Mets From Wilpons — The deal with Mr. Cohen, a billionaire hedge fund manager, would represent a significant change in the New York sports landscape. — Steven A. Cohen, a minority investor in the Mets, is negotiating with the Wilpon family to purchase …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com and New York Post
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Nearing Acquisition Of Omar Narvaez — The Brewers are closing in on a deal with the Mariners to acquire catcher Omar Narvaez, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (via Twitter). The trade return remains unknown. — Narvaez is one of the few backstops in baseball that can match …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Bleacher Nation, Brew Crew Ball and Al's Ramblings
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, Sports Illustrated, MLB Trade Rumors, MLB Baseball News …, Ballpark Digest, Fish Stripes and Marlins News
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:
Cubs Insider, Purple Row, Redleg Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Call to the Pen and Bleacher Nation
RELATED:
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:
Royals Review, Brew Crew Ball and Bless You Boys
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
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).
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:
MLB Baseball News …, Ballpark Digest, Halos Heaven and MLB Trade Rumors