The Athletics have finalized a one-year, $1.5 million deal with Rich Harden after the right-hander passed a physical. Harden went 5-5 with a 5.58 ERA in 20 appearances and 18 starts last season for the AL champion Rangers. He was designated for assignment after the regular season to give him his unconditional release after he struggled with injuries and control.

The A's claimed right-hander Philip Humber from the Royals on outright waivers on Friday. Humber, who'll turn 28 on Tuesday, was designated for assignment on Wednesday, clearing room on the Royals' roster for outfielder Jeff Francoeur. Humber was 2-1 with a 4.35 ERA in eight games.

The Athletics and Nationals have agreed to a trade of outfielder Josh Willingham for two players, one of whom has some major league experience, pending a review of medical information, major league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Rich Harden has agreed to terms on a one-year contract to rejoin the Athletics. A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed Wednesday to The Associated Press that Harden was coming back to the A's. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Harden must take a physical before a formal announcement is made. The A's may announce the deal by the end of the week.

The A's have agreed to terms with designated hitter/outfielder Hideki Matsui on a one-year contract, the club announced today.

The Athletics have signed right-hander Brandon McCarthy to a one-year deal and they appear to be closing in on designated hitter Hideki Matsui as well. Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that Oakland is nearing a deal with Matsui. McCarthy did not pitch in the majors last season and was limited in Triple-A with a stress fracture in his shoulder.

The Athletics and free-agent Hideki Matsui are close to a deal, according to a report in The San Jose Mercury News. An official announcement could come as early as Tuesday, multiple sources told The Mercury News. Athletics general manager Billy Beane met with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, during last week's winter meetings.

The Twins still have interest in re-signing Jim Thome, but his other suitors are the same as fellow free-agent slugger Vladimir Guerrero. "Thome's main suitors are the same as Vladdy's: Rangers, Athletics, Orioles," Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated wrote on his Twitter page.

The Athletics could make an offer to free-agent slugger Hideki Matsui as early as this weekend, according to a report in The San Francisco Chronicle. "They need offense, and he's got power," an executive said of Oakland and Matsui. "He'll help them. But the problem for a team like the A's is they're always looking at their third or fourth choice rather than their No. 1 choice."

The Athletics failed to reach agreement on a contract with pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma during the allotted 30-day negotiating period that ended Monday. It became apparent late last month the sides were far off in their negotiations and had all but ended discussions. Iwakuma will return to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan's Pacific League.