Author: Gabe Lacques, USA TODAY

Andrew McCutchen says that just because Manny Machado agreed a free-agent recordcontract doesn’t mean players believe the system is functional.

A bulk of MLB’s free agency used to be wrapped up before the New Year. But now, slow offseasons are hindering baseball, one winter at a time.

There’s not enough cash to make a Bryce Harper-Royals marriage happen. But their run at World Series glory shows the will exists in Kansas City.

It’s highly unlikely the Indians pursue Bryce Harper, even if Corey Kluber’s $18 million comes off the books.

With the club’s arrow pointing down at the moment, it would be too far out of the Diamondbacks’ character to splurge on Bryce Harper right now.

The 66-year-old super agent’s winter soliloquy stretches truths but also confronts uncomfortable ones facing Major League Baseball.

The Tigers have the wherewithal to purchase Bryce Harper’s services. But will it happen? Extremely unlikely.

This winter’s class of free agents includes a pair of franchise players in Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, as well as some top starting pitchers.

The Boston Red Sox and free agent Nathan Eovaldi reached a four-year agreement, bringing back a pitcher they couldn’t afford to lose.