NEWS
Marvin Miller and Ted Simmons both were elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame via the Modern Baseball Era committee.
Results of the Modern Baseball Era Ballot (12 votes needed for election): Ted Simmons (13 votes), Marvin Miller (12 votes), Dwight Evans (8 votes), Dave Parker (7 votes), Steve Garvey (7 votes) and Lou Whitaker (6 votes). Tommy John, Don Mattingly, Thurman Munson and Dale Murphy each received 3 or fewer votes.
WBC qualifiers will be held March 12-26 in Tucson, AZ. Bruce Bochy will manage the French team.
The 2020 MLB Draft is moving from New Jersey to Omaha. The draft will be held Wednesday June 10 through Friday June 12, the eve of the College World Series.
TRANSACTIONS
The D-Backs have signed RHP Junior Guerra to a 1 year/$2.55 million contract with a club option for 2021.
The Brewers re-signed LHP Alex Claudio for 1 year/$1.75 million contract plus incentives.
The Rangers have signed LHP Joely Rodriguez to a 2 year/$5.5 million contract that includes a club option for a 3rd year.
The Nationals have re-signed RHP Stephen Strasburg to a 7 years/$245 million contract that includes a full no-trade clause.
RUMORS
The Yankees have reportedly made a $245 million contract to RHP Gerrit Cole.
The Twins are in on LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu.
The Dodgers are letting teams know that OF A.J. Pollock and Joc Pederson are available as well as INF/OF Enrique Hernandez.
LHP Madison Bumgarner is seeking a 5-year deal for $100 million plus.
C Chris Ianetta is looking to play next season, would be his 15th season.
The Indians prefer not to trade SS Francisco Lindor this offseason.
The Blue Jays have inquired on 3B Travis Shaw.
OF Adam Jones is talking to Japan’s Orix Buffaloes about a multiyear deal.
RHP Sergio Romo is drawing significant interest, deal likely to come at Winter Meetings.
The Royals are looking for bullpen pieces.
The Nationals will still pursue the possibility of re-signing 3B Anthony Rendon.
The Pirates have gotten calls on 2B/OF Adam Frazier.
The Brewers are reportedly interested in SS Didi Gregorius.
The Padres seem more motivated than ever to trade OF Wil Myers.
Multiple teams are showing interest in OF Brett Gardner on a multiyear contract.
The Yankees are actively trying to trade LHP J.A. Happ.