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 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.

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.

The New York Mets have remained in contact with the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates about Ike Davis.

The Mets haven't been able to pry top pitching prospect Eduardo Rodriguez away from the Orioles in trade talks.

Rodriguez, 20, posted a combined 3.41 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 145 innings between Class-A Advanced and Double-A in 2013.

The Colorado Rockies acquired Drew Stubbs from the Cleveland Indians earlier this month, a move the outfielder felt was possible.

"This whole offseason, I thought there was a decent chance I would be moved," Stubbs said. "When they traded Dexter Fowler, I thought there was a chance. I thought Colorado would be a place that would suit my game very well."

Jeff Samardzija has been ignoring all the rumors regarding his future with the Chicago Cubs.

His name has been mentioned in trade rumors and he appears to be in line for a potential contract extension as well.

Samardzija hopes something can be worked out with the Cubs so he can remain in Chicago for the long-term.

"This is strictly just a feel, (but) I don't think it's as dire as what it's all being made out to be," Samardzija said. "I understand things need to be written and stories need to be put on paper. But I think if you look at the whole picture, it's been pretty mild with everything that’s going on.

"They're listening and that's what any team would do on any player. I just feel like there's still that common ground of what we both want to do."

The Philadelphia Phillies have been looking to trade Jonathan Papelbon, but they have been unable to find a suitor.

Papelbon, who regularly threw 95-96 mph with the Boston Red Sox, was down to 91-92 this past season.

"That was a red flag for me," an American League scout said. "He didn't look like the same guy. Whether that was physical or he just didn't have the adrenaline flowing with a bad team, I don't know."

The Oakland Athletics have acquired Corey Brown from the Washington Nationals in exchange for cash.

Brown, who can play all three outfield positions, has played in 36 major league games in parts of three seasons.

The Toronto Blue Jays remain engaged in trade talks for pitching help, but the price remains high on the market.

The Chicago Cubs are looking for a significant package in exchange for Jeff Samardzija and the Tampa Bay Rays want even more for David Price, as you would expect.