MLB Off Season, Rumors, Signings and Trades

[TheGame]

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Red Sox and A.J. Pierzynski have agreed to a contract.
No word on the terms involved. This essentially signals the end of Jarrod Saltalamacchia's tenure with the Red Sox. He now appears likely to land with the Twins or Marlins.

[TheGame]

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Tigers will give a two-year deal to Joe Nathan.
Exact terms aren't yet available. It's not often that you see a two-year deal for a 39-year-old closer, but Nathan has been in near-vintage form after making his way back from Tommy John surgery.

[TheGame]

Padres acquired OF Seth Smith from the Athletics for RHP Luke Gregerson.

Astros acquired OF Dexter Fowler and a PTBNL from the Rockies for RHP Jordan Lyles and OF Brandon Barnes.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, opposing teams are "becoming convinced" that free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran will soon land with the Royals.

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports, the Marlins are "extreme favorites" for Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Rays acquired RHP Heath Bell and cash considerations from the Diamondbacks in a three-team trade.

Jim Bowden of ESPN and SiriusXM is hearing from sources that the Reds will trade Brandon Phillips by the end of next week's Winter Meetings in Orlando.

[TheGame]

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports that Shin-Soo Choo is the Tigers' "top target" as they seek a left-handed hitting outfielder.

FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports that the Yankees have made a contract offer to Omar Infante.

Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that the Marlins have signed Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a three-year, $21 million contract.

[TheGame]

Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune reports that "many in the industry" believe the Mariners have a "real shot" to sign Robinson Cano.
Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York reported Tuesday that the Mariners had emerged as a "major player" for Cano and might be willing to offer eight years and $200 million

Adam Rubin of ESPN New York was told by a source that talks between the Mets and free agent outfielder Curtis Granderson "intensified" late Tuesday.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that the Rockies have agreed to terms with Justin Morneau on a two-year, $13 million contract.

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports that the Yankees have agreed to a seven-year, $153 million contract with Jacoby Ellsbury, pending a physical.

[TheGame]

Royals acquired OF Norichika Aoki from the Brewers for LHP Will Smith.
Aoki is set to earn just $1.95 million in 2014 and has hit .287/.355/.399 with good speed and decent power in his first two major league seasons.

[TheGame]

Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times was told by an executive that they expect the Mariners' next move to be making a trade for David Price.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mike Napoli talks are in a "critical stage," with the Red Sox needing to match or exceed a current offer he has on the table.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Astros have agreed to terms with Scott Feldman on a three-year, $30 million contract.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets have agreed to terms with Curtis Granderson on a four-year contract.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is saying the deal is for $60 million.

[TheGame]

Was hoping the Tigers would get him for LF

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Nationals have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with Nate McLouth.
Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun says the deal is for $10.75 million and also includes an option for a third season

[TheGame]

Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports reports that the Yankees agreement with Carlos Beltran is for three years and $45 million.



Sean McAdam of CSN New England reports that Mike Napoli's agreement with the Red Sox is for two years and $32 million.

[TheGame]

Dave Stewart, the agent for Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, believes there's a strong chance his client will be traded during next week's winter meetings.
Stewart said that the rumors surrounding his client are stronger than ever, and that it's the first time he actually believes something could happen.

[TheGame]

Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca reports that the Tigers have agreed to a two-year deal with Rajai Davis.
FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi reported early Tuesday that the two sides were close to an agreement.

FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Orioles are definitely in on Grant Balfour and are trying to get a deal done.
Jim Duquette of MLB Network Radio said in an interview with MASNSports.com on Monday night that the Orioles were the favorites to land him

[TheGame]

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman writes that the three-way trade involving Angels slugger Mark Trumbo is said to be "moving closer to reality."
Reports indicate that the three-way trade will send Trumbo and two prospects to the Diamondbacks, pitchers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs to the Angels and outfielder Adam Eaton to the White Sox

[TheGame]

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports that the three-team trade that will send Mark Trumbo to the Diamondbacks is "done."
Finally some action from this week's Winter Meetings. We're still waiting on an official announcement, but Piecoro hears that Trumbo and two players to be named later will head to the Diamondbacks while the Angels will receive Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago and Adam Eaton will be sent to the White Sox. The Angels were reluctant to move Trumbo, but he was their best chip to secure some upgrades in the rotation. And they were able to accomplish it here. As for the Diamondbacks, the acquisition of Trumbo should effectively take them out of the market for Shin-Soo Choo.

[TheGame]

The Mariners remain in the mix for Nelson Cruz despite the additions of Corey Hart and Logan Morrison, a source tells ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

The Rays, Brewers and Pirates are in on James Loney, a source tells Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.

The Yankees rejected a Brandon Phillips-for-Brett Gardner trade offer from the Reds, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports.

[TheGame]

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that a "good team-friendly deal" could develop between the Mets and Kendrys Morales in February or March.
The Mets are trying to trade Ike Davis in order to free up first base for Lucas Duda, but if Morales winds up being available cheaply, they could move Duda back to the outfield or try to deal him, as well. Morales is more appealing to a team like the Mets because their top-10 draft pick is protected.

ESPN's Buster Olney has been told by teams that have talked to the Phillies that they're "extremely motivated" to trade Jonathan Papelbon.
The problem, of course, is that Papelbon isn't as good as he used to be and will be owed $39 million over the next three seasons if his 2016 option vests. There have also been reports that Papelbon has clashed with his teammates in Philly, and with his no-trade clause he's only able to be dealt to 12 approved teams