The Obscenely Late, Obscenely Early ZiPS Projected Standings  —  It seems like years ago at this point, but the last time we posted preliminary projections a month before the start of a baseball season, it went, well, you know, not great!  Now comes our second attempt at preliminary standings projections …

Aaron Judge could be ready for opener, along with other injured Yankees  —  When spring training restarts toward the end of next week, the Yankees will be better off than they were in mid-March, when all big-league camps were shuttered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  —  At least from a physical standpoint.

MLB predictions: Who will thrive, struggle in 60-game season?  —  With the final hurdles cleared for a 2020 MLB season, the likes of which we've never seen before, we asked ESPN's baseball writers, reporters and editors for their best guesses as to what we'll witness during this abbreviated campaign.

60 games in 66 days: How MLB's shortened 2020 schedule came together  —  You think you were the only one trying to keep your sanity awaiting Major League Baseball to return?  —  Meet Chris Marinak, MLB's executive vice president for strategy, technology and innovation.

Mariners To Sign Emerson Hancock  —  The Mariners have agreed to terms with No. 6 overall pick Emerson Hancock, reports Jim Callis of MLB.com (via Twitter).  The University of Georgia righty will receive a $5.7MM signing bonus that closely aligns with his $5,742,900 slot value.

Texas Rangers Manager Chris Woodward Announces Lance Lynn as Opening Day Starter  —  In his first Zoom call with local reporters since baseball officially returned, Texas Rangers manager Chris Woodward didn't wait very long to grab everyone's attention.  —  The line of questioning concluded …

4 things to look forward to in Mets' 60-game sprint  —  We've all done the math.  With the way the impending MLB schedule is expected to work, the Mets will play 40 games against their National League East opponents in the Braves, Nationals, Phillies and Marlins.

Arizona Diamondbacks sign top pick Bryce Jarvis  —  The Diamondbacks have finalized a contract with top pick Bryce Jarvis, signing the right-hander out of Duke to a deal that includes a $2.65 million signing bonus.  Jarvis has passed his physical exam.  —  The bonus is considerably less …

St. Pete mayor, Rays aren't ruling out fans at games  —  With a 60-game season starting in July, the Rays confirm they are “actively exploring” ways to make it work for a limited number.  They're also looking at having fans for Rowdies games.  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Rays officials are …

Cubs Sign Three Draft Picks  —  The Cubs announced Thursday that they've signed three of their five picks from the 2020 amateur draft: left-hander Burl Carraway (second-round), left-hander Luke Little (fourth) and right-hander Koen Moreno (fifth).  Chicago announced early this week …

Mets sign first-round pick OF Pete Crow-Armstrong, clearing way to sign other top prospect  —  This year's condensed MLB Draft was wacky.  As teams strategized to make the most of a five-round draft, outcomes were often unpredictable.  Mock drafts went out the window.

New MLB Operations Manual Offers Glimpse Into Negotiations for 2020 Season  —  During the negotiations for the 2020 season, the health and safety plans developed from a 67-page draft to the 101-page MLB Operations Manual.  What changed?  —  MLB's return to play will rely on one document …

Quick Hits: Exhibition Games, 60-Man, Scouting, D-backs, Dodgers, Twins  —  There has been some question as to whether the second version of spring training will include any games, but that's no longer the case.  Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Major League Baseball …

Sources: MLBPA agrees to report July 1, still discussing health and safety protocols  —  The Major League Baseball Players Association has agreed to report to training camps by July 1 and play a 60-game season, but it is still discussing health and safety protocols with the league, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan on Tuesday.