Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo is currently in the Dominican Republic scouting outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Cespedes a five-tool player from Cuba who is expected to become a free agent sometime this offseason. Rizzo has been looking at Cespedes the last couple of days. Washington is one of several teams showing interest in Cespedes.

Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips hinted on Tuesday night via Twitter that he may be close to a contract extension, but the team indicated it still could be a while before an agreement in reached. "Just talked to my agent @Baseball_ACES and it feels good to know that we're moving in the right direction to make me a #Red4Life," Phillips posted on his Twitter feed. When reached for comment, Cincinnati general manager Walt Jocketty didn't believe a deal was near. "I think it's still a ways to go," Jocketty said. "We're still hopeful to get something done. We're glad he feels that way." On Oct. 31, the Reds exercised Phillips' $12 million option for 2012, but he has long maintained a desire to sign long term this year. He can become a free agent for the first time after next season.

There is a chance that free-agent left-hander C.J. Wilson could make a decision on where he'll pitch next season as early as next week. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that the latest word is that Wilson asked the Angels for a $100 million contract. He is a California native.

The Rockies are willing to trade catcher Chris Iannetta, who they have discussed with the Angels. Colorado is looking for pitcher Tyler Chatwood, who was 6-11 with Los Angeles last season, in return. Rival executives said Colorado is seeking multiple players in return for Iannetta, including at least one big-leaguer. Before moving Iannetta, the Rockies would want assurances that they could sign free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez.

The Dodgers are close to an agreement with free-agent infielder Adam Kennedy, according to multiple reports. Kennedy, who can play first, second and third, satisfies L.A.'s need for a utility infielder and leaves just one major item on their offseason shopping list -- a starting pitcher. He would serve as the primary backup in an infield that usually will feature James Loney at first, Mark Ellis at second, Juan Uribe at third and Dee Gordon at short.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik danced around questions about free-agent slugger Prince Fielder on Tuesday. The executive wouldn't answer how fervently Seattle will pursue the first baseman that Zduriencik drafted while with the Brewers organization. "I don't think it's in our best interest to do that," Zduriencik said. "I apologize. I wish I could tell you a little more, but I don't think it's fair for us."

The Cardinals, Reds and Tigers are among the teams interested in free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel, according to a Major League source. Dotel, 38, was a valuable member of the St. Louis bullpen during the second half and World Series run, compiling a 2.61 ERA in 12 postseason appearances.

The Cubs have reached out to the representation for Albert Pujols to express their interest in the free-agent first baseman, according to a baseball source. Although discussions are in the early stages, the Cubs appear poised to join the Cardinals and Marlins in active pursuit of Pujols, a three-time National League Most Valuable Player. Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer have been busy with the managerial hire and other front offices moves, but are expected to begin addressing the free-agent and trade markets in earnest.

The Angels are "serious" about pursuing free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez, according to The Los Angeles Times. New Los Angeles general manager Jerry DiPoto initially downplayed the possibility of signing Ramirez to a free-agent contract. Agent Paul Kinzer on Monday said that the Angels are one of "four or five teams" with "serious" interest in Ramirez, a 14-year veteran coming off a 2011 season in which he hit .306 for the Cubs with 26 homers, 93 RBIs, a .361 on-base percentage and .510 slugging percentage.

The Cubs, realizing that the availability of sluggers in future free-agent markets is small, are pursuing both Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, according to Major League sources. Pujols is almost four years older than Fielder, but Chicago is willing to give the long-time Cardinal a long-term deal because of his superior defense and Fielder's weight. Chicago's goal of rebuilding through the draft took a hit in the new collective bargaining agreement, which will penalize teams that spend over set limits on amateurs. Clubs that exceed the limits will be subject to taxes and the loss of top picks.