The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to explore trade scenarios involving Andrew McCutchen.

McCutchen is coming off his worst offensive season and a below-average one defensively, according to the advanced metrics. 

McCutchen is signed for $14 million in 2017 with a $14.5 million club option for 2018.

The Washington Nationals remain interested in McCutchen while the Texas Rangers are another potential trade partner.

Dexter Fowler, Ian Desmond and Carlos Gomez are the most prominent center fielders available in free agency.

The Pirates could re-allocate payroll to other areas while also enabling them to move Starling Marte from left to center.

Jeff Passan echoed Ken Rosenthal's report.

Sources: Likelihood Andrew McCutchen plays in Pittsburgh in 2017 is dwindling. As @Ken_Rosenthal said, Pirates almost certain to move him.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 30, 2016

The market for Carlos Beltran appears to be narrowing.

The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros "are the most competitive teams" for Beltran, according to a report. The Texas Rangers, who traded for him at midseason, are also lurking in the background.

Beltran is expected to land a one-year deal in the $15 million to $18 million range.

The Texas Rangers have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with Andrew Cashner, according to a report.

Cashner, 30, went 5-11 last season with the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins with a 5.25 ERA over 27 starts and one relief appearance.

Derek Holland is drawing interest from the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees, according to multiple reports.

Holland's agent, Michael Martini, says the pitcher is intrigued by the Pirates and is also interested in a return to the Texas Rangers.

The Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are all showing interest in Carlos Beltran, according to a source.

The Texas Rangers were believed to be in the mix as well, but aren't currently.

Jonathan Lucroy will play for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Lucroy, 30, who was traded to the Texas Rangers from the Milwaukee Brewers just prior to the non-waiver Trade Deadline on Aug. 1, will be participating in his second WBC tournament.

He hit .292/.355/.500 with 24 home runs and 81 RBIs overall in 2016, his seventh Major League season.

Voters in Arlington have approved by a 60 percent to 40 percent margin the extension of a half-cent sales tax, 2 percent hotel-occupancy tax and 5 percent car-rental tax to fund a new home for the Texas Rangers.

The vote also allows a 10 percent admission tax and a $3 parking tax.

The Baltimore Orioles are interested in free agent Ian Desmond, according to a source.

Desmond, 31, received a qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers, meaning a team would lose a draft pick if they signed Desmond.

The Boston Red Sox have some level of interest in Carlos Beltran this offseason.

Beltran may be a fit for the Red Sox in the wake of David Ortiz's retirement. He would also come cheaper than someone like Edwin Encarnacion, who would also cost the Red Sox a draft pick.

The Texas Rangers don't have clear plans at first base, but it appears as though they'd prefer Joey Gallo to begin the season in the Minor Leagues.

"We think Joey is going to be a very good player in this league, but when is still too early to say," Jon Daniels said. "Ideally, he'd probably get a little more time, unless there is a big jump like Ryan Rua took last year."

According to Daniels, Rua and Jurickson Profar could spend time at first base.