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:
Bleed Cubbie Blue, NBCSports.com, The Athletic, MLB Baseball News …, Cubs Insider, 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
While others hauled off big trophies, Rangers once again left the winter meetings with trinkets
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Bleacher Nation, MLB Trade Rumors and Rangers News
Nick Goss / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays have ‘explored taking on David Price and Jackie Bradley Jr.’
MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays have ‘explored taking on David Price and Jackie Bradley Jr.’
Discussion:
NBCSports.com, Boston Red Sox News …, Bluebird Banter and Red Reporter
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
Why a Cubs-Braves Kris Bryant trade makes sense now that Anthony Rendon has signed
Why a Cubs-Braves Kris Bryant trade makes sense now that Anthony Rendon has signed
Discussion:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Bleacher Nation, Chicago Tribune, Sports Illustrated and Chicago Sun-Times
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Anthony Rendon agrees to a seven-year, $245 million deal with Angels
Anthony Rendon agrees to a seven-year, $245 million deal with Angels
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Chicago Sun-Times
ESPN:
Injured Yoenis Cespedes agrees to pay cut in grievance settlement — NEW YORK — Yoenis Cespedes' salary for 2019 was cut in half and his pay for 2020 significantly reduced as part of a settlement of a grievance between the injured outfielder and the New York Mets.
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mets, Yoenis Cespedes Agree To Amended Contract — 4:29pm: Much but not all of the guarantee can be recouped via performance and awards bonuses, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets. — 3:58pm: There's more to this story (and more sure to come). The Mets stopped paying his salary …
Discussion:
MLB Daily Dish, Amazin' Avenue and MLB Baseball News …
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Sign Brett Anderson — The Brewers have announced a one-year deal with lefty Brett Anderson. The GSE Worldwide client will be guaranteed $5MM with up to $2MM in potential incentives, per ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter). — Anderson, who his closing in on his 32nd birthday …
Discussion:
Athletics Nation, MLB Baseball News …, Brew Crew Ball and Al's Ramblings
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:
NBCSports.com, MLB Baseball News … and DRaysBay
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:
Bless You Boys, DRaysBay, FanGraphs Baseball, 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
2019 MLB Rule 5 Draft: Giants take right-handed reliever Dany Jimenez
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and DRaysBay
Jake Seiner / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
With extra roster spot, teams test options at Rule 5 draft
With extra roster spot, teams test options at Rule 5 draft
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball, 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
Nationals prospect Sterling Sharp selected by Marlins in Rule 5 Draft
Discussion:
Federal Baseball and Athletics Nation
Jim Salisbury / NBCSports.com:
Phillies to sign Matt Szczur, according to sources — The Phillies are about to sign a player with a resume chock-full of impressive — and important — accomplishments. — According to sources, Matt Szczur, the 30-year-old outfielder from South Jersey, has agreed to sign a minor-league contract with the Phils.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation, MLB Trade Rumors and Phillies Nation
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:
MLB Baseball News … and Amazin' Avenue
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Marlins Met With Yasiel Puig — As they continue to pursue outfield pop, the Marlins held a meeting recently with free agent Yasiel Puig, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network (via Twitter). That adds another intriguing possibility to the club's widespread search.
Discussion:
Bleacher Nation
Anthony Fenech / Detroit Free Press:
Detroit Tigers leave winter meetings with solid catcher in Austin Romine — SAN DIEGO, Calif. — They came here wanting a catcher, and as the baseball world departed the Manchester Grand Hyatt during Thursday morning's Rule 5 Draft, they finally found one. — The Detroit Tigers …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and Bless You Boys
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Mets Announce Wacha Signing, Designate Chris Mazza — The Mets announced today that they have signed righty Michael Wacha, as previously reported. To create 40-man space, the club designated fellow right-hander Chris Mazza for assignment. — Mazza made his MLB debut last year …
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue 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 …