NL East

The new year may have just kicked off, but Bartolo Colon wasted no time jumping in.

The right-hander is already working to make the most of the $7.25 million deal the New York Mets struck with him to bring him back for one more season.

Infielder Daniel Murphy reportedly agreed Thursday to a three-year deal with the Washington Nationals, per Jim Bowden of ESPN. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports confirmed the news. 

Being blinded by the captivating sunset and completely overlooking the edge of the oncoming cliff leads to an obvious outcome. 

Euphoria lasts only so long.

The giddiness and amazement that existed with the New York Mets' fall wonderland was pure bliss for a franchise that had for too long operated without a semblance of a care for on-field winning.

What the New York Mets really needed this Christmas week was a center fielder who could also hit in the middle of the lineup.

What they got was Alejandro De Aza.

And now for a message to Atlanta Braves fans who are down in the dumps about the club's rebuild: Don't be afraid to get your hopes up.

Just ask any fan of the New York Mets or Chicago Cubs. 

Three years of retirement was apparently enough for Chipper Jones, as the former All-Star will return to the Atlanta Braves in their front office.

The Braves' official Twitter account announced Thursday that Jones will be working as a special assistant to baseball operations.

Despite having a loaded starting rotation heading into 2016, the New York Mets have decided to bring right-hander Bartolo Colon back for one more season. 

Per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, citing "initial reports" from the Dominican Republic, Colon's deal with the Mets will pay him $7.25 million next year, pending a physical.    

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has a plan for how the Washington Nationals can recover from their disappointing 2015, and it starts with trading closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The New York Mets announced Tuesday they re-signed relief pitcher Jerry Blevins to a one-year contract.