MLB's sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018  —  When Major League Baseball punished the Red Sox and Yankees in September 2017 for conduct related to electronic sign stealing, the league touched on the epicenter of a problem …

Sources: Rangers, Robinson Chirinos inching closer to a reunion  —  Chirinos did OK, reaching the World Series with Houston, in his year-long separation from the team.  —  The Rangers appear willing to admit a mistake.  —  And to pay the price that comes along with such an admission.

MLB superstar trades, sign-stealing punishment and more: Passan answers 20 questions for 2020  —  A new year means endless new questions for Major League Baseball, a sport in the midst of its most engaging free-agency period in a half-decade, nearing the punishment phase of an ugly scandal …

Sources: Anthony Davis declines Lakers' max extension offer  —  LOS ANGELES — The Lakers offered their star forward Anthony Davis a four-year, $146 million max extension on Tuesday, but they were informed that he will be bypassing an in-season extension in favor of entering unrestricted free agency in July …

Angels Designate Adalberto Mejia For Assignment  —  The Angels announced Tuesday that they've designated left-hander Adalberto Mejia for assignment.  His spot on the 40-man roster will go to catcher Jason Castro, whose previously reported one-year deal is now official.

Brewers Extend Craig Counsell  —  The Brewers have announced a new contract with manager Craig Counsell, as first reported by Robert Murray (Twitter link).  It's said to take the skipper through the 2023 season.  —  Counsell, 49, was already under contract through the 2020 campaign under the extension he reached in the fall of 2016.

Nationals, Daniel Hudson Agree To Two-Year Deal  —  3:29pm: The deal's worth $11MM with up to $1MM in performance bonuses based on games finished, per Passan.  The total falls in line with the two-year, $12MM guarantee MLBTR projected for Hudson at the beginning of the offseason.

Sources: Arizona Diamondbacks nearing deal with reliever Hector Rondon  —  (Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)  —  The Diamondbacks added another power arm to their bullpen, agreeing to terms with reliever Hector Rondon on a one-year deal with a club option for 2021, sources said Wednesday.

Young girl hit by foul ball at Astros game still suffering, seven months later  —  The 2½-year-old girl who suffered a skull fracture when hit in the head by a foul ball at an Astros game May 29 continues to be treated for a brain injury that has left her at lasting risk for seizures …

Dodgers Sign Jimmy Nelson  —  6:35pm: The Dodgers have announced the signing.  —  9:45am: The Dodgers have reached a one-year deal with righty Jimmy Nelson, according to Jorge Castillo of the Los Angeles Times (Twitter link).  The contract includes a $1.25MM guarantee and the possibility …

Phillies Sign Ronald Torreyes  —  The Phillies announced Tuesday that they've signed infielder Ronald Torreyes to a minor league contract.  The Philadelphia organization also formally confirmed its previously reported minor league signing of catcher Christian Bethancourt.

Column: Cubs fans need to be patient.  Once the Kris Bryant grievance is finally resolved, the team will make its moves.  —  It seems inconceivable that a grievance over a 2015 dispute remains unresolved, but here are the Cubs and Kris Bryant, nearly five years later, waiting and wondering.

Orioles reliever Miguel Castro says he was robbed at gunpoint in Dominican Republic  —  Miguel Castro, a 25-year-old reliever for the Baltimore Orioles, says he was robbed at gunpoint in his native Dominican Republic and is lucky to be alive.  —  In a post in Spanish to Instagram on Tuesday …