The San Diego Padres have added another big name this offseason, agreeing to a deal with Korean star infielder Ha-seong Kim, according to ESPN and multiple reports.

Kim, 25, became one of the top infielders on the open market when he was posted earlier this month by the Kiwoom Heroes, his team in the Korea Baseball Organization.

The San Diego Padres are on the verge of making their second trade for a star pitcher in as many days, with the team expected to acquire righty Yu Darvish from the Chicago Cubs, according to sources familiar with the deal.

Darvish and Victor Caratini, who emerged as the right-hander's personal catcher in Chicago, will go to San Diego once the deal is completed, sources said Monday.

Phil Niekro died Saturday night in his sleep after a long battle with cancer. He was 81.

Niekro, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997, was one of baseball's most prolific and durable pitchers, using his "butterfly" pitch to win 318 games in a career that spanned 24 seasons, including 21 with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves.

"We are heartbroken on the passing of our treasured friend, Phil Niekro," the Braves said in a statement. "Knucksie was woven into the Braves fabric, first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta. Phil baffled batters on the field and later was always the first to join in our community activities. It was during those community and fan activities where he would communicate with fans as if they were long lost friends.

"He was a constant presence over the years, in our clubhouse, our alumni activities and throughout Braves Country and we will forever be grateful for having him be such an important part of our organization.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael and his two grandchildren Chase and Emma."

Mike Rizzo says the Washington Nationals aren't ruling out a reunion with Ryan Zimmerman after acquiring Josh Bell to play first base.

Zimmerman, 36, opted out of the 2020 season because of concerns about his family's safety amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He told The Washington Post he would like to return from a 16th Major League season.

"The acquisition of Josh Bell isn't going to prohibit us from looking for a good right-handed hitter that comes off the bench or plays multiple positions," Rizzo said.

"We still haven't ruled out a Zim reunion," he added. "That skill set still fits on our roster."

The San Diego Padres are finalizing a trade to acquire former Cy Young winner Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays for top pitching prospect Luis Patiño, catchers Francisco Mejia and Blake Hunt and right-handed pitching prospect Cole Wilcox, sources familiar with the agreement told ESPN.

First baseman Josh Bell has been traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Washington Nationals, it was announced Thursday.

In return, the Pirates will get young pitchers Wil Crowe, who made his debut with the Nationals in 2020, and Eddy Yean.

The Philadelphia Phillies have an offer on the table for J.T. Realmuto, according to a report.

Realmuto has also received offers from other interested clubs.

The 29-year-old is believed to be seeking a record-setting deal for a catcher.

The Washington Nationals are looking to acquire an impact player and are "open" to trading Carter Kieboom.

Kieboom has been one of the club's more prized prospects in recent years.

The 23-year-old owns a .181/.309/.232 slash line in 165 plate appearances split between 2019-20. He was a first-round pick in 2016.

The Chicago White Sox are expected to sign Yoelqui Cespedes to a contract with a bonus near $2 million, according to sources.

Considered the No. 1 international prospect, Yoelgui is the younger half-brother of Yoenis Cespedes.

Cespedes, 23, who was declared a free agent and eligible to sign with a Major League team March 18, will likely ink his deal on Jan. 15, 2021, the first day of the international signing period.

The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year, $9.7 million deal with Noah Syndergaard.

The agreement allowed the two sides to avoid salary arbitration.

Syndergaard, 28 missed the 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow last March. He'll be a free agent after the 2021 season.