Arenado blocks potential trade to Astros (sources)  —  Talks between St. Louis, Houston continuing but 'it's definitely not close'  —  The Astros' pursuit of Nolan Arenado has hit a major roadblock.  —  According to sources, the Astros and Cardinals were in discussions on a potential trade involving …

Passan's MLB free agency, trade intel: Arenado, Bregman, more  —  Major League Baseball's free agent market has cooled since a red-hot stretch at MLB's winter meetings that included middle- and lower-tier free agents landing strong deals in addition to Juan Soto's record $765 million contract with the New York Mets.

Woody Johnson's Jets: ‘Madden’ ratings, a lost season and ‘the most dysfunctional place imaginable’  —  Woody Johnson decided to do his own research.  —  The New York Jets' owner was at his house in Palm Beach, Fla., last February, discussing potential offseason acquisitions with team decision-makers as they watched game tape.

Where the Rays' future in Tampa Bay and stadium deal stands  —  The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners voted 5-2 in favor of funding $312.5 million worth of bonds Tuesday night.  What sounds like a simple procedural move was far from it.  Over the past six weeks …

MLB study identifies factors for rise in pitching injuries  —  Major League Baseball released a 62-page, yearlong study on pitching injuries Tuesday, identifying contributing factors to an increase in arm ailments — including players chasing higher velocity and better “stuff” …

Federal Reserve cuts its key rate by a quarter-point but envisions fewer reductions next year  —  The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday by a quarter-point — its third cut this year — but also signaled that it expects to reduce rates more slowly next year than it previously envisioned …

Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey excited about new acquisitions  —  In the last few weeks, the Red Sox have traded for a No. 1 starter and signed a key piece for the back end of their bullpen.  —  Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey weighed in on both Garrett Crochet and Aroldis Chapman …

Jake Fischer Latest: Man in Demand this NBA Trade Season?  It's probably a center  —  As the NBA's annual G League Showcase begins Thursday, Jake Fischer details the extensive array of big men leaguewide who are making front office phones ring  —  ORLANDO, Fla. — The big man ain't dead.

Nationals sign pitcher Michael Soroka to one-year, $9M deal  —  Free agent pitcher Michael Soroka has signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Washington Nationals, the team announced Thursday.  —  Soroka, a 27-year-old right-hander, pitched for the Chicago White Sox last season …

Cubs trade Cody Bellinger, cash to Yankees for Cody Poteet  —  The New York Yankees acquired outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, continuing to stock up on high-end talent in the wake of outfielder Juan Soto's free agent defection to the New York Mets.

New Met Clay Holmes eager for chance to return to a rotation  —  Clay Holmes did not enter free agency determined to transition back to becoming a starting pitcher again after spending three-plus seasons as one of baseball's best relievers with the New York Yankees.