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.
Nelson Cruz is looking for a four-year deal worth about $75 million.
The Yankees could spend $25 million on international free agents beginning this coming July.
The assumption is that the Angels will/are targeting the Japanese right-hander.
Ubaldo Jimenez remains on the market and a few general managers expect him to end up with the Yankees, even if they sign Masahiro Tanaka.
The Twins remain interested in the veteran left-hander.
No trip has been scheduled, but the Diamondbacks are willing to fly to Japan to meet with the right-hander.
Rakuten might have gotten three times more money from making Masahiro Tanaka available under the old posting system.
The Mets may be looking for an upgrade at shortstop.
Alex Rodriguez is appealing a 211-game ban for alleged performance-enhancing drug violations.
There are some concerns about Masahiro Tanaka's pitch counts as he nears Major League Baseball.
The Royals were in the race for an AL Wild Card berth this past season, setting the stage for a big step in 2014.
Joey Votto saw 3,033 pitches this past season, the most of any Major League hitter.
The Twins won the 1987 and 1991 World Series in the Metrodome.
The Padres and pitcher Joaquin Benoit have completed a two-year deal worth $15.5M.
Yasiel Puig has been arrested on reckless driving charges for the second time this year.
Raul Ibanez batted .242 with 29 homers and 65 RBIs for the Mariners last season.
Mike Moustakas is entrenched as the third baseman for the Royals, but he is working as though he isn't guaranteed a roster spot this winter.
The Mets haven't been able to pry top pitching prospect Eduardo Rodriguez away from the Orioles in trade talks.
Each of the offers is a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.
Jon Daniels said he called Nelson Cruz personally to express his thanks.