MLB 2021 farm system rankings: Keith Law grades all 30 teams on prospects  —  As part of my prospect rankings, I've also ranked all 30 major-league teams' farm systems here, with a brief explanation of why they're in this order — although I think you'll get an even clearer picture …

Inside the updated health and safety protocols for the 2021 MLB season  —  The health and safety protocols agreed upon by Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association on Monday night are similar to what they were during the 2020 season, but with a few twists.

Mets get outfield prospect Khalil Lee in three-team trade that sends Andrew Benintendi to Royals  —  The Mets strengthened a farm-system weakness Wednesday, acquiring outfield prospect Khalil Lee from the Royals as part of a three-team trade that also involved the Red Sox.

Dallas Mavericks cease playing national anthem before games  —  The Dallas Mavericks have ceased playing the national anthem before home games this season and do not plan to play it moving forward, a decision made by owner Mark Cuban that he confirmed to The Athletic on Monday evening.

MLB making changes to the baseball, deadening it — but by how much?  —  Fewer home runs might be hit this year in baseball, sacrifices on the path to efficiency and standardization.  Multiple sources confirm the ball's construction will change slightly, and five more teams are adding humidors …

MLB announces health and safety protocols for 2021 season  —  First Workouts of 2021 Spring Training presented by Camping World to Be Held Feb. 17th  —  Major League Baseball (MLB) today announced an agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on an enhanced set …

Fearsome twosomes: MLB's top tandems  —  Baseball is more team sport than tandem sport.  But the game has a rich history of dynamic duos.  Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.  Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell.  Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker.  Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell.  —  So what are baseball's best duos today?

Source: St. Louis Cardinals bring Yadier Molina back on 1-year deal  —  The St. Louis Cardinals are bringing back Yadier Molina for an 18th season, the team announced Monday.  —  St. Louis agreed to a one-year, $9 million deal with the catcher, a source told ESPN's Jesse Rogers, confirming multiple reports.

ESPN baseball reporter Pedro Gomez dies at 58  —  Pedro Gomez, an ESPN reporter since 2003 and one of the country's foremost baseball journalists, died unexpectedly Sunday.  He was 58.  —  Gomez, who was based in Phoenix, covered baseball for SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight and other ESPN studio shows, live events and radio.

Cubs to play in front of 25% capacity at Sloan Park in spring training  —  The Cubs open Cactus League play on Feb. 27.  —  (670 The Score) It has been about 11 months since Cubs fans could watch their team in person from the stands, but they'll get that chance again soon.