Juan Soto bidding reaches $600M, MLB sources say; process of eliminating teams underway  —  LOS ANGELES — The floor for Juan Soto is $600 million.  —  The bidding for the free-agent MLB outfielder has surpassed that amount, according to two people briefed on the negotiations who were not authorized to speak publicly.

MLB winter meetings: Free agency intel from Olney and Passan  —  MLB's winter meetings begin Monday in Dallas, signaling when baseball's offseason activity is likely to take off after a relatively slow first month.  —  All eyes will be on the free agency of superstar outfielder Juan Soto …

7 big trades I'd like to see happen at MLB's Winter Meetings  —  MLB's Winter Meetings begin Monday, and this offseason the anticipation is a bit higher than the past few years.  Many in the industry believe the top free agents, who have been garnering offers for weeks, are close to making decisions.

Sources: Athletics, Luis Severino reach 3-year, $67M deal  —  Right-hander Luis Severino and the Athletics are in agreement on a three-year, $67 million free agent contract that is the largest guarantee in the franchise's history, sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Cody Bellinger's trade market is beginning to heat up  —  (670 The Score) The Winter Meetings should have a dramatic impact on the Cubs' hope to improve their club for 2025 and beyond, and one of the main storylines for them as executives come together next week is first baseman/outfielder Cody Bellinger's future.

White Sox All-Star, broadcaster ‘Beltin’ Bill' Melton, 79, dies  —  Chicago White Sox All-Star third baseman and broadcaster Bill Melton died Thursday in Phoenix after a brief illness.  He was 79.  —  “Beltin' Bill” hit 33 homers in both 1970 and 1971, when he led the American League and made his lone All-Star team.

New York Yankees Considered Threats To Poach Philadelphia Phillies Star Relievers  —  The New York Yankees need relievers and the two Philadelphia Phillies stars could help them fix that issue.  —  The New York Yankees feel like a team just waiting around, hoping to pounce on whoever becomes available.

Jewell Loyd requests trade from Seattle Storm  —  Loyd was at the center of the Storm's investigation into its coaching staff, a source close to the situation told the Sun-Times.  Her future in Seattle was contingent upon a belief that relationships within the organization could be mended.

Astros have offer in to Bregman, but there's a contingency plan in place  —  HOUSTON - The Astros haven't ruled out a reunion with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman as the Winter Meetings approach, but their ability to re-sign him hinges on what other offers he's received on the market.

Farhan Zaidi talking to Dodgers about front office role: Sources  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers are talking to their former general manager and ex-San Francisco Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi about returning to the organization, league sources told The Athletic on Tuesday.

Clay Holmes could start, Luis Robert Jr.'s trade market and other rumblings  —  Former New York Yankees closer Clay Holmes last started a game in 2018.  —  Might that change?  —  With clubs continuing the recent trend of signing free-agent relievers to boost their rotation …