Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Biggest MLB questions right now: Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman drama, trade rumors swirl — There has been $2.6 billion spent in these first 69 days of free agency, but with five weeks remaining until spring training, everyone but the powerful Los Angeles Dodgers still have Dunkin' Donut-sized holes left to be filled.
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Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Teams winning MLB offseason and those in need of a move — Pitchers and catchers report to camp five weeks from today, and yet it seems like half of baseball has treated free agency as if it's optional to building a successful team. Seven Major League Baseball teams have not signed a single big league free agent this winter.
Jim Bowden / New York Times:
Predicting where the top 15 remaining MLB free agents will sign: Who lands Sasaki? — The Mets signed Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million deal, the Yankees landed Max Fried with a $218 million deal, and the Diamondbacks once again shocked the baseball world, adding ace Corbin Burnes on a $210 million pact.
Alden Gonzalez / ESPN:
Brother of late Padres owner pushes back on widow's lawsuit allegations — Matt Seidler has pushed back against the widow of late San Diego Padres chairman Peter Seidler, denying claims that they have acted in bad faith and stating that his brother never expressed interest in her running the franchise.
Discussion:
New York Times, Gaslamp Ball, San Diego Union-Tribune and baseballmusings.com
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Associated Press:
Wildfires burn out of control across Los Angeles area and kill 5 as thousands flee homes — Wind-fueled wildfires continued to grow Wednesday as overtaxed fire crews battled at least three major out-of-control blazes that killed at least five people and ravaged some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area.
Katie Woo / New York Times:
Cardinals' efforts to trade Nolan Arenado remain stalled: How it's impacting the roster — St. Louis Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak has been candid about the team's intention to trade star third baseman Nolan Arenado and had been hopeful a suitable trade partner would emerge before the start of the new year.
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, NESN.com, Forbes and Last Word On Baseball
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Anthony Franco / MLB Trade Rumors:
Giants To Sign Justin Verlander — The Giants are in agreement with Justin Verlander on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Verlander, a client of ISE Baseball, is reportedly guaranteed $15MM. — The future Hall of Famer will play his age-42 season in San Francisco.
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Will Sammon / New York Times:
What's next for the Mets after meeting with top reliever Tanner Scott — The New York Mets' pursuit of bullpen reinforcements differs somewhat from how they navigated the starting pitcher market. With relievers, they're exploring the most expensive options available, and have met …
Mark W. Sanchez / New York Post:
Yankees have checked in on Jorge Polanco in search for infield help — The Yankees' ongoing search for infield help appears to be thorough and includes an interesting bounce-back candidate. — As they sort through options following the departure of Gleyber Torres, the Yankees have checked …
Discussion:
New Jersey Online, MLB Trade Rumors, Yahoo Sports, Pinstripe Alley, Bleeding Yankee Blue and BVM Sports
Chris Cotillo / masslive.com:
As Red Sox pursue bullpen help, a look at Tanner Scott + 13 other options — With five weeks until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, adding a right-handed bat remains the top priority for a Red Sox team that has beefed up its pitching staff with the additions of Garrett Crochet …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors, Last Word On Baseball, Sports Illustrated, BoSox Injection and Sporting News
Gordon Wittenmyer / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds promote Simon Mathews to complete Tito Francona's MLB coaching staff — The Cincinnati Reds announced Monday a change to what was expected to be the most stable part of the coaching staff as they transition to a new manager this season. — After losing assistant pitching …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Sources: Brent Rooker reaches 5-year, $60M extension with A's — Designated hitter Brent Rooker and the Athletics are in agreement on a five-year, $60 million contract extension, sources told ESPN late Monday night, continuing a winter of uncharacteristic spending with a long-term deal for the late-blooming slugger.
Jeff Passan / ESPN:
Cincinnati Reds acquire Gavin Lux from Los Angeles Dodgers — The Cincinnati Reds acquired infielder Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers for a draft pick and an outfield prospect, the teams announced Monday, adding another prime-age hitter to a team that hopes to ascend in the National League Central this season.
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Chad Graff / New York Times:
Inside Jerod Mayo's disastrous season with the Patriots: 'I just don't think he was ready' — The New England Patriots' coaching staff came out of its Week 14 bye feeling good. Sure, the team had suffered through a six-game losing streak and had a 3-10 record, but there was optimism that the final stretch of the season would go well.
Steve Megargee / Associated Press:
Bears rally for 24-22 win in Green Bay as Packers lose Love and Watson to injuries — Caleb Williams drove Chicago to Cairo Santos' 51-yard field goal as time expired and the Bears snapped a 10-game skid with a 24-22 victory over the playoff-bound Green Bay Packers, who lost quarterback Jordan Love …
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