2025 MLB farm system rankings: Prospect insights, analysis  —  Now that we have ranked the top 100 MLB prospects heading into the 2025 season (along with a look at the potential breakout players in the Nos. 101-200 range), let's look at how all 30 farm systems stack up.

Mets in talks with Padres about Dylan Cease trade  —  The Mets showed they don't like long-term deals for pitchers when they didn't pursue Max Fried or Corbin Burnes, but they've been trying for Padres rental ace Dylan Cease (and presumably would also consider rotation mate Michael King).

Reds could develop as dark horse Pete Alonso landing spot as free agency drags on  —  How about long-shot Reds as a Pete landing spot?  —  Could the Reds pursue Pete Alonso?  It's probably a long shot, but with Alonso's market not developing as expected, word is Cincy may consider it.

Stare down between free agents Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman with their former teams should end soon  —  PHOENIX − Just eight days remain until pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training, but after 93 days since the start of free agency, two of the biggest free-agent infielders remain unsigned …

Reds, White Sox couldn't find common ground on Luis Robert Jr. trade, plus more MLB notes  —  The Cincinnati Reds were the busiest team in baseball the past two days, reaching an agreement with free-agent outfielder Austin Hays, signing veteran left-hander Wade Miley to a minor-league deal and trading for lefty reliever Taylor Rogers.

Before signing Carlos Estévez, Royals pursued Anthony Santander  —  Some in the industry speculated that outfielder Anthony Santander agreed to defer two-thirds of his five-year, $92.5 million free-agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays because he lacked other options.  —  Such was not the case.

Brandon Hughes finalizing return to Cubs on a minor-league deal: Source  —  Brandon Hughes is finalizing a return to the Chicago Cubs on a minor-league deal, a league source briefed on the contract told The Athletic on Friday.  Hughes had emerged as the team's closer during the second half …

Padres Ace Michael King's 10 Best Landing Spots and Trade Packages amid MLB Rumors  —  The San Diego Padres really are listening on everyone.  —  We knew from prior reporting that the Friars were receiving trade interest in batting champion Luis Arraez, pitchers Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez and infielder Jake Cronenworth.

Breaking down the dwindling infield options for the Yankees as spring training nears  —  The Yankees' infield options are dwindling.  —  Jorge Polanco, who had been of some level of interest, agreed to re-sign with the Mariners on Thursday.  —  Ha-Seong Kim landed with the Rays on Wednesday.

Sources: Blue Jays reach deal with free agent Max Scherzer  —  Right-hander Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a one-year, $15.5 million contract, sources told ESPN on Thursday, uniting the future Hall of Famer with a Toronto team trying to salvage the winter after missing on high-profile free-agent pursuits.

14 from figure skating community killed in plane crash, six of them from Boston club  —  Two teenage figure skaters, their mothers, and two former world champions who were coaching at a historic Boston club were among the 14 members of the skating community killed when an American Airlines flight collided …

Better than 2024?  Why post-Juan Soto Yankees say they are  —  On Dec. 8, one month and nine days after a nightmare fifth inning torpedoed the New York Yankees' hopes of overcoming a 3-1 deficit to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the Yankees absorbed another franchise-shifting loss at the winter meetings in Dallas.