Top News:
Joel Sherman / New York Post:
Cubs set up to be darlings of January after Winter Meetings — SAN DIEGO — These were the winter meetings dominated by Scott Boras. His clients Stephen Strasburg ($245 million), Gerrit Cole ($324 million) and Anthony Rendon ($245 million) agreed to three of the 10 biggest contracts in history …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Cubs Insider, The Athletic, Bleacher Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
RELATED:
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
MLB News — This is where Red Sox stand in Price talks — SAN DIEGO — In the weeks leading up to the Winter Meetings, much of the talk surrounding the Red Sox involved the possibility of trading Mookie Betts. — As the meetings get set to conclude on Thursday, it appears …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
While others hauled off big trophies, Rangers once again left the winter meetings with trinkets — With Anthony Rendon off the table, Nicholas Castellanos, rather than Josh Donaldson, may become the Rangers' priority — SAN DIEGO - After three days and nearly a billion dollars-worth of spending …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, NBCSports.com, Bleacher Nation, MLB Trade Rumors and Rangers News
Ken Rosenthal / Bay Area:
Multiple suitors for Josh Donaldson; Kris Bryant not necessarily a fit for Braves; Josh Hader update; more notes — Josh Donaldson is next. — Donaldson, 34, is 4 1/2 years older than Anthony Rendon, so he will not command as long or as large a free-agent contract as the one Rendon agreed …
Nick Goss / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays have ‘explored taking on David Price and Jackie Bradley Jr.’
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, Red Reporter and NBCSports.com
Shi Davidi / Sportsnet.ca:
Tanner Roark gives Blue Jays the innings-eater they desperately needed
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, The Good Phight, Yahoo! Sports, MLB Trade Rumors and The Athletic
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Yankees, Dodgers, Mets Reportedly In Market For Josh Hader
Discussion:
Talking Chop
J.J. Cooper / Baseball America:
Analyzing Each 2019 MLB Rule 5 Draft Pick's Chances To Stick — Here is analysis of the 11 players selected in the MLB phase of the 2019 Rule 5 draft. — To see full results from the draft, including the minor league portion, click here. — To see a full preview (with scouting reports) of available players, click here.
Discussion:
FanGraphs Baseball, Bless You Boys, DRaysBay, McCovey Chronicles and Over the Monster
RELATED:
Alex Pavlovic / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
2019 MLB Rule 5 Draft: Giants take right-handed reliever Dany Jimenez — SAN DIEGO — It'll be easy to tell when the Giants once again are elite on the field, but when it comes to the health of the minor league system and back end of the 40-man roster, the indicators aren't as clear to the public.
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and DRaysBay
Jake Seiner / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
With extra roster spot, teams test options at Rule 5 draft — SAN DIEGO (AP) — Major league teams are getting an extra roster spot in 2020, and clubs went fishing for options at the Rule 5 draft Thursday. — The — Detroit Tigers selected right-hander Rony Garcia from the
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, U.S.S. Mariner, AZ Snake Pit and Bucs Dugout
Ethan Cadeaux / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Nationals prospect Sterling Sharp selected by Marlins in Rule 5 Draft
Discussion:
Federal Baseball and Athletics Nation
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Anthony Rendon agrees to a seven-year, $245 million deal with Angels — Another top free agent domino has fallen, with third baseman Anthony Rendon agreeing on a seven-year, $245 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels, according to a baseball official with direct knowledge of the agreement.
Discussion:
Chicago Sun-Times
RELATED:
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Why a Cubs-Braves Kris Bryant trade makes sense now that Anthony Rendon has signed
Discussion:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bleacher Nation, Chicago Tribune and Sports Illustrated
ESPN:
Sources: Anthony Rendon agrees to 7-year, $245M deal with Angels
Discussion:
FiveThirtyEight, AZ Snake Pit and baseballmusings.com
Elizabeth Swinton / Sports Illustrated:
Report: Anthony Rendon Agrees to Seven-Year, $245 Million Deal with Angels
Discussion:
Halos Heaven, NBCSports.com, Associated Press and MLB Baseball News …
James Wagner / New York Times:
M.L.B. Updates Drug Policy to Include Opioid Testing — Major league players will now be tested for opioids and cocaine, but violators will be evaluated for treatment programs rather than immediately punished. — SAN DIEGO — After a season that saw the opioid-overdose death of a 27-year-old pitcher …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays finalizing deal with Japanese slugger Yoshitomo Tsutsugo — It's a 2-year, approximately $12M deal for lefty who has power and patience at plate, can play outfield, corner infield, DH. — ST. PETERSBURG - The Rays appear to have found the power bat they were looking for …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
SF Giants / Splash Hits:
SFGiants Unveil Designs for Relocated Bullpens — In a move designed to increase player safety and enhance fan engagement, the San Francisco Giants unveiled designs today for the new bullpens at Oracle Park that will be located behind the centerfield wall in 2020.
Discussion:
McCovey Chronicles, NBCSports.com and MLB Baseball News …
Tim Healey / Newsday:
Starling Marte not on Mets' trade radar — SAN DIEGO — As Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen and his front office departed the winter meetings Thursday, they were not close to acquiring Pirates centerfielder Starling Marte — and might never be, a source said.
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Jim Salisbury / NBCSports.com:
Phillies make a minor trade, sign a familiar utility man on final day of winter meetings — SAN DIEGO — The Phillies wrapped up the winter meetings with a blip of activity in the Rule 5 draft Thursday. The club selected Vimael Machin, a shortstop from the Chicago Cubs organization …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
