Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Dusty Baker the right choice to be named as manager of the Houston Astros — The Houston Astros, a franchise in the crosshairs of Major League Baseball's cheating scandal, is about to choose Dusty Baker to be their next manager, according to a person familiar with the hiring.
RELATED:
ESPN:
Source: Astros focus on Dusty Baker to be new manager — The Houston Astros have focused their managerial search on veteran Dusty Baker, a source told ESPN's Jeff Passan, but a deal has yet to be finalized. — Baker, 70, would become the oldest manager in the major leagues.
Discussion:
USA Today, Beyond the Box Score, Sports Illustrated, MLB Baseball News …, Lookout Landing and Amazin' Avenue
Matt Weyrich / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
Virginia General Assembly issues proclamation to commend Nationals for World Series run — “Baby Shark” may forever be ingrained in the memories of — Nationals fans, but now the song-as well as many other key contributors to the team's World Series run-is officially a part of Virginia history …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball and NBCSports.com
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Sources: Kris Bryant loses grievance against Cubs, won't be free agent until after 2021 season — Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant lost his grievance against the team in which he sought an extra year of service time, ensuring he won't become a free agent until after the 2021 season, sources familiar with the ruling told ESPN.
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Cubs To Sign Jeremy Jeffress — The Cubs have agreed to terms with righty Jeremy Jeffress on a one-year MLB deal, per ESPN.com's Jeff Passan (via Twitter). It'll pay him $850K and includes $200K in available incentives based upon appearances. — Jeffress will hope to regain his form …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Brew Crew Ball and Bleed Cubbie Blue
Kevin Acee / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Padres still pushing for Mookie Betts deal, but looking for more money from Red Sox — Two other major leaguers would likely depart with Wil Myers, if Padres acquire Betts from Boston — Spring training for the Padres begins in a little more than two weeks, and many in the organization believe …
RELATED:
ESPN:
Reds slugger Eugenio Suarez injures shoulder in pool, has surgery — Cincinnati Reds slugger Eugenio Suarez had surgery Tuesday to remove loose cartilage in his right shoulder and will be limited at the beginning of spring training, the team announced. — Suarez, 27, suffered the injury recently …
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Associated Press:
AP source: Reds, Castellanos agree to $64M, 4-year deal
Discussion:
The Good Phight and baseballmusings.com
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Diamondbacks Acquire Starling Marte — The Diamondbacks were handsomely rewarded when last they dealt for a player named Marte, and they've doubled down on that strategy. The Snakes announced on Monday that they've acquired outfielder Starling Marte from the Pirates.
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Gabriel Burns / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
After bidding Donaldson farewell, Braves confident Ozuna is next best thing — The Braves hated to see Josh Donaldson go, but they know what to expect from the familiar newcomer who'll fill his integral role in the order. — One week after Donaldson decided to join the Twins …
Discussion:
Talking Chop
RELATED:
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds to sign free-agent outfielder Nicholas Castellanos to 4-year, $64M contract
Discussion:
The Good Phight and MLB Trade Rumors
Connor Byrne / MLB Trade Rumors:
Luis Urias To Miss 6-8 Weeks After Hamate Bone Surgery — Newly acquired Brewers infielder Luis Urias has undergone surgery to repair a fractured left hamate bone, Robert Murray reports. He's expected to miss six to eight weeks, which seems to jeopardize his spring training and the beginning of the regular season.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and MLB Baseball News …
Tim Tucker / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Anthopoulos describes when Braves will trade prospects for a star — Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos is well aware that many fans would like to see him trade a package of prospects for an established big-league star. — So he described, during a forum with fans at Truist Park …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Sign Shelby Miller To Minor League Deal — The Brewers announced that they've signed right-hander Shelby Miller to a minor league contract. The Roc Nation Sports client will be in Major League camp as a non-roster invitee this spring. — It wasn't long ago that the 29-year-old Miller …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Jeff McNeil expected to make third base his permanent home in 2020 — Please excuse this All-Star if the top three players for the 2019 Mets in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) were a little repetitive. — Jeff McNeil, by the halfway point of the 2019 season, led the Mets in DRS at third base, left field and right field.
