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8:45 AM ET, December 14, 2019

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 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 …
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
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Anthony Rendon agrees to a seven-year, $245 million deal with Angels
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 …
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 …
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 …
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.
RELATED:
Alex Pavlovic / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
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
Ethan Cadeaux / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Nationals prospect Sterling Sharp selected by Marlins in Rule 5 Draft
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.
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.
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 …
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 …
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 …
 
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Jim Salisbury / NBCSports.com:
Phillies make a minor trade, sign a familiar utility man on final day of winter meetings
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