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 …, The Athletic, Cubs Insider, Bleacher Nation and MLB Trade Rumors
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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
Nick Goss / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays have ‘explored taking on David Price and Jackie Bradley Jr.’
Discussion:
Boston Red Sox News …, Bluebird Banter and Red Reporter
Ken Rosenthal / Bay Area:
Multiple suitors for Josh Donaldson; Kris Bryant not necessarily a fit for Braves; Josh Hader update; more notes
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:
Halos Heaven and 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, DRaysBay, Bless You Boys, McCovey Chronicles and Over the Monster
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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
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
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 … and DRaysBay
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 …
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:
MLB Trade Rumors, Phillies Nation and 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 …
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 …
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
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
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