>>Reds Earn Seventh Pick in Draft
(Cincinnati, OH) — Cincinnati was awarded the seventh pick in last night’s first-ever draft lottery. The team was projected to earn the fourth pick.
>>Report: Cody Bellinger Signs with Cubs
(Undated) — A marquee free agent is heading to the Chicago Cubs. ESPN reports Cody Bellinger agreed to a one-year, 17.5-million dollar deal to join the NL Central ball club. The former Los Angeles Dodger hit .210 last season while slugging 19 homers and 68 RBI. Bellinger won the National League MVP in 2019 after hitting .305 with 47 homers and 115 RBI. The outfielder rejected multi-year deals from other teams, according to his agent.
>>Cubs, Taillon Reach Four-Year Deal
(San Diego, CA) — The Chicago Cubs are adding one of the top free agent arms to their starting rotation. Multiple reports say the Cubs have reached a four-year deal with right-hander Jameson Taillon [[ TIE-own ]]. The deal is worth 68-million dollars. The 31-year-old had one of his best years with the Yankees this past season, going 14-and-5 with a 3.91 ERA in 32 starts. Taillon spent the last two seasons in New York after playing his four years with the Pirates.
>>Report: Cardinals Pushing For Contreras
(St. Louis, MO) — The St. Louis Cardinals are working hard to find Yadier Molina’s heir. Jon Heyman is reporting that the Cardinals are one of the favorites to sign former Cubs catcher Willson Contreras. Both the Cardinals and the Astros have reportedly made long-term contract offers to Contreras, who is a three-time All-Star that hit .243 with 22 home runs and 55 RBI in 2022. In other team news, St. Louis signed right-handed pitcher Guillermo Zuniga to a contract yesterday.