The New York Yankees will not sign Stephen Drew.
The Yankees have been linked to Drew for a majority of the offseason, especially in the wake of Robinson Cano's departure. They also missed out on Omar Infante.
The New York Yankees will not sign Stephen Drew.
The Yankees have been linked to Drew for a majority of the offseason, especially in the wake of Robinson Cano's departure. They also missed out on Omar Infante.
The Houston Astros have added Jesse Crain to the bullpen.
Crain has a 2.10 ERA over his last three seasons.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired Chris McGuiness from the Texas Rangers in exchange for Miles Mikolas.
Texas also designated outfielder Rafael Ortega for assignment.
The New York Yankees would eliminate any chance of getting below the $189 million luxury tax line if they signed Masahiro Tanaka.
However, that would only be to begin the season.
The Yankees could flirt with a summer sell-off if they aren't contending in an effort to slip under the tax threshold.
The Atlanta Braves haven't ruled out re-signing Eric O'Flaherty, who would only further boost a strong bullpen.
The left-handed reliever pitched just 18 innings in 2013, posting a 2.50 ERA for the Braves.
A number of Major League teams are showing interest in Yuniesky Betancourt.
There have been rumors that he could land a starting spot.
The Miami Marlins were once considered a suitor, but they are no longer after signing Casey McGehee.
The Toronto Blue Jays are still interested in acquiring a starting pitcher, but they won't say how interested they are in Masahiro Tanaka.
"I have said that we're definitely going to inquire on any free-agent pitchers that are out there," Alex Anthopoulos said.
Toronto could pursue Ervin Santana, Matt Garza and/or Ubaldo Jimenez if they aren't able to land Tanaka. They could also pursue a trade.
Raul Ibanez, who will turn 42 in June, is confident he can still perform at a high level.
He recently signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels.
"If I didn't know that I could perform at a high level, then I wouldn't even play the game," Ibanez said. "I definitely expect to contribute to this team and to be a part of continuing the winning tradition here."
Ibanez has a base salary of $2.75 million, with another $2.25 million in incentives.
He hit 29 homers with a .793 OPS last year for the Seattle Mariners, though his numbers took a sharp downturn in the second half.
Roy Oswalt wants to pitch again, but teams are concerned about his commitment.
"He's an intriguing name and it wouldn't shock me if the old Roy comes out and pitches well again, but lately everything's been on Roy's terms and I think teams are turned off by that," said a National League general manager.
"But the pitching is at a premium, so guys like Oswalt, Johan Santana, Mark Mulder, Carl Pavano, they'll all get looks from teams hoping they can insert a veteran like that to the back end of the rotation when injuries occur."
John Lackey has been mentioned in trade rumors already this winter, but the Boston Red Sox aren't motivated to deal the right-hander.
Lackey has a team-friendly contract with a $15.25 million outlay and only $500,000 in a team option for 2015.