4:03 p.m.: The Royals have been linked to Kevin Correia, but it looks like he’s considering a few options.
According to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman, Correia is mulling multiple multiyear options, including one from Japan.
3:59 p.m.: A deal involving Justin Upton might not come to fruition in Nashville, but we’d be naive to rule it out completely.
FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that, according to an official involved in the talks, a deal isn’t dead, although it also doesn’t have any more legs than it did two weeks ago.
3:32 p.m.: FOXSports.com’s Jon Morosi reports that the Red Sox’ one-year deal with Koji Uehara has a $4.25 million base salary.
CSNNE.com’s Sean McAdam reported earlier that the deal was believed to be in the neighborhood of $4.5 million. We’d say that’s “in the neighborhood.”
3:31 p.m.: The Royals — like most teams — appear to be in the market for starting pitching. According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, Kansas City is exploring a group of free-agent starters that includes Jair Jurrjens, Brett Myers and Kevin Correia.
3:20 p.m.: There’s still plenty of talk surrounding the the rumored three- and four-team blockbusters involving Justin Upton. Rangers general manager Jon Daniels left the winter meetings without any such deal in place, though.
Daniels also leaves Nashville without inking either Josh Hamilton or Zack Greinke, both of whom Texas has been linked to since the meetings began. All of this somewhat surprises the Rangers GM.
“I would have guessed something would have happened here,” Daniels told the media before departing. “And I would have been wrong. It hasn’t gotten to the point where something had fallen through that I thought was going to get done.”
3:14 p.m.: The Rays have made their James Loney signing official. The deal is for one year and $2 million, plus another $1 million in incentives.
Loney was sent to Boston in the August megadeal involving Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto. Known mostly for his defense, Loney hit .230 with two home runs and eight RBIs in 30 games with the Red Sox.
3:11 p.m.: It’s worth noting that the Braves have signed Reed Johnson to a one-year deal, according to MLB.com’s Carrie Muskat.
Johnson hit .290 with three home runs and 20 RBIs in 269 at-bats splits between the Cubs and Braves last season.
3:07 p.m.: The Orioles are still pursuing free-agent starter Joe Saunders, according to Jon Morosi. The two sides reportedly weren’t close to a deal as of this morning, though.
Saunders made 28 starts in 2012, including seven with the O’s. Overall, he went 9-13 with a 4.07 ERA split between Baltimore and Arizona.
2:59 p.m.: We’re still waiting to see how much Koji Uehara’s one-year deal with the Red Sox is worth, but according to CSNNE.com’s Sean McAdam, a baseball source said that it’s in the neighborhood of $4.5 million.
As FOXSports.com’s Jon Morosi points out, the Red Sox have committed around $120 million for 2013, even when including projected arbitration salaries. That’s a stark contrast from the $175 million 2012 Opening Day payroll.
In other words, the Red Sox have money to spend. (But I didn’t need to tell you that.)
2:25 p.m.: Mets GM Sandy Alderson may have left the winter meetings without a resolution to the R.A. Dickey situation, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that the team exhausted a number of options.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports that the Mets talked to the Yankees about Dickey, but that the Yanks don’t have the pieces to pull off such a deal. The Mets reportedly talked to the Nationals as well — before Washington signed Dan Haren to a one-year deal — but according to Martino, Alderson wouldn’t trade within the division.
This isn’t to say the Mets won’t eventually trade the reigning Cy Young award winner, but there’s still a good chance he stays in Queens. According to FOXSports.com’s Jon Morosi, an executive with a club that tried to trade for Dickey said, “I think the Mets are going to sign him.”
1:58 p.m.: The Twins might not be seen as contenders at this point, but they’ve been busy at the winter meetings, dealing away both Denard Span and Ben Revere. Could more trades be on the horizon?
Well, according to general manager Terry Ryan, the Twins will continue to listen to offers for Josh Willingham and Justin Morneau if the club can get more starting pitching in return.
1:53 p.m.: The Yankees could very well land Kevin Youkilis with their reported one-year, $12 million offer, but that hasn’t stopped other teams from pursuing the corner infielder.
According to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick, the Mariners are among the teams interested in Youkilis.
1:51 p.m.: The Rangers have been tossed around in relation to a number of different big name players, including Josh Hamilton, Zack Greinke and Justin Upton. But while none of those dominoes have fallen yet, Texas did make a few more minor moves on Thursday.
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Rangers have signed reliever Evan Meek, starter Randy Wells, first baseman Brandon Allen and starter Jake Brigham to minor league deals with invites.
1:46 p.m.: Some minor Red Sox news to announce. The club has acquired pitcher Kyle Kaminska from the Pirates to complete last week’s Zach Stewart trade.
Kaminska, who pitched in the Pirates and Marlins organizations last season, finished the year with a 9-4 record and a 4.19 ERA split between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A. The right-hander has been assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
1:42 p.m.: Ladies and gentlemen, Sandy Alderson has left the building.
The Mets GM has left the winter meetings down in Nashville without a resolution on the R.A. Dickey situation, according to FOXSports.com’s Jon Morosi.
Dickey, of course, has been the subject of plenty of speculation throughout this week, but it appears Alderson is departing with neither a contract extension for the right-hander nor a trade. Both are reportedly still possibilities, though.
The Mets did get one thing accomplished, though. They signed David Wright to a big contract extension, solidifying him as the club’s cornerstone.
1:10 p.m.: The Red Sox need starting pitching. And according to ESPN.com’s Gordon Edes, they approached the Phillies about Vance Worley before Worley was dealt to the Twins in a deal that reportedly landed Philadelphia outfielder Ben Revere.
Worley, who is still only 25, has plenty of upside, but apparently whatever the Red Sox were willing to offer didn’t compare to Revere, who will likely be Philly’s Opening Day center fielder.
1:05 p.m.: It didn’t take long for the Red Sox’ interest to turn into a deal. According to Gerry Fraley of The Dallas Morning News, the Sox have agreed to a one-year deal with Uehara, contingent upon Uehara passing a physical.
This is a nice deal for the Red Sox, as it adds to their bullpen depth. Uehara first arrived to the majors as a starter, and went 2-4 with a 4.05 ERA in 12 starts with the Orioles in 2009. The O’s then shifted him to the bullpen, where he’s flourished ever since.
Uehara was actually one of the more coveted relievers on the trade market in 2011, and the Rangers were able to pluck him away during a deadline haul that also included them landing Mike Adams from the Padres. Both relievers pitched well in the Lone Star state, but Uehara was particularly good in 2012.
There’s still no word on the financial particulars of the deal, but it’s a signing that should help a Red Sox bullpen that could end up playing a big role in 2012, especially if the team fails to further bolster its rotation. Uehara even saved 13 games for the Orioles in 2010.
12:38 p.m.: All has been relatively quiet surrounding the Red Sox today. Until now.
The Sox are interested in reliever Koji Uehara, according to The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.
Uehara, 37, appeared in 37 games with the Rangers in 2012, and had a 1.75 ERA and a 0.639 WHIP in 36 innings. The right-hander was traded to Texas from Baltimore in exchange for Chris Davis and Tommy Hunter prior to the 2011 trade deadline.
12:28 p.m.: Annnnd it looks like outfielder Ben Revere is, in fact, heading to Philadelphia.
MLB.com first reported the news, and according to Danny Knobler, pitcher Vance Worley and pitching prospect Trevor May will be shipped to Minnesota.
Worley went 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA in 25 games (21 starts) in 2011 but regressed in 2012, going 6-9 with a 4.20 ERA in 23 starts. He battled a bone chip in his elbow for much of last season and underwent surgery in September.
May, a fourth-round pick in 2008, is a highly regarded pitching prospect.
12:16 p.m.: Looking for a dark horse team in the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes? Perhaps it’s the Brewers.
According to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick, one executive thinks Milwaukee is still “laying in the weeds” on Hamilton. Such a move would likely be contingent on the Brew Crew finding a way to move some money.
12:12 p.m.: The Twins could end up dealing with the National League East again.
Reports are surfacing stating that Minnesota could trade outfielder Ben Revere, which comes on the heels of the Twins having already traded Denard Span to the Nationals.
According to CBSSports.com’s Danny Knobler, it’s looking like Revere could be the Phillies’ top choice for center field. The Twins are reportedly interested in Vance Worley plus a pitching prospect in exchange for Revere.
Knobler also noted that the Braves have been pursuing Revere, which could lead to an interesting NL East battle before the games even begin.
Revere, who turns 25 in May, hit .294 and swiped 40 bags last season in 124 games.
12:05 p.m.: The Mariners have to be one team sitting there anxiously rooting for a blockbuster deal in which Upton lands with the Rangers, as that would open the door for Seattle to bring in Josh Hamilton. Perhaps that’s why the M’s might get involved in a four-way Upton trade in the first place.
11:54 a.m.: The talks of a blockbuster involving Justin Upton just aren’t going away.
According to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, two Upton blockbusters are in play. The first would involve three teams; Diamondbacks, Rangers and Rays. The second would also include the Mariners.
In one possible outcome detailed by Rosenthal, Upton would head to the Rangers, a Rays starter would go to the D-Backs, and Mike Olt and other prospects would join the Rays.
11:09 a.m.: Kevin Youkilis could be inclined to take the reported one-year offer from the Yankees worth $12 million — who wouldn’t? — but it apparently isn’t the only offer the versatile corner infielder has received.
According to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal, Youkilis also has two-year offers from others in the $16-18 million range.
10:57 a.m.: While it appears the Yankees’ sights are set on Kevin Youkilis at the moment, one has to wonder why Michael Young wasn’t considered in a potential trade, since it appears the longtime Texas Ranger is available.
Well, maybe he was considered. According to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the Yankees don’t think Young can handle third base.
New York, of course, is seeking help at third base after learning that Alex Rodriguez will be shelved at least 4-6 months because of hip surgery.
10:43 a.m.: The Dodgers have long been linked to Zack Greinke, but according to general manager Ned Colletti, the team is not “paralyzed” by the talented right-hander. If other opportunities present themselves, Los Angeles could go in that direction.
If the Dodgers did go down a different route, the Rangers would likely be in line to sign the righty. In fact, according to CBSSports.com’s Scott Miller, there’s a growing feeling amongst Dodgers people that Greinke may wind up signing with the Rangers. Those sources reportedly think that Greinke could have signed with Los Angeles by now if he had really wanted to.
We shall see.
10:39 a.m.: The biggest news coming out of Nashville right now is the potential Michael Young-to-Philadelphia trade.
While Young’s no-trade clause remains an issue, many are speculating that the Rangers could simply tell the veteran that he’d receive limited playing time in Texas if he opts to stay, thus encouraging a deal.
ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports that a Phillies source said that the team never considered Young’s veto power to be a “restriction.”
10:31 a.m.: Kevin Youkilis reportedly has a pretty juicy $12 million offer on the table from the Yankees. But that doesn’t mean him landing in the Bronx is a given.
According to CBSSports.com’s Danny Knobler, the Indians are still pushing for Youkilis, and the Terry Francona connection could help. Francona, of course, managed Youkilis for eight seasons in Boston.
We might have to wait for a decision from Youkilis, though. He’s attending a charity event in Boston today.
10:25 a.m.: Those hoping for a huge free agency splash might have to wait.
ESPN’s Jim Bowden — citing sources involved in the negotiations — reports that Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke will not sign today in Nashville.
10:21 a.m.: The ball is in Michael Young’s court.
Reports surfaced stating that the Rangers and Phillies were discussing a deal for Young, and according to CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury, it’s now in Young’s hands whether or not he wants to join Philadelphia. He’s reportedly deciding whether to waive his no-trade clause.
If Young does waive his no-trade clause, he would become Philadelphia’s starting third baseman. If he remains in Texas, he’ll likely be a backup at a number of different positions.
10:19 a.m.: Kobernus’ Boston tenure was short-lived. According to WEEI.com’s Alex Speier, the Red Sox will trade him to the Tigers in exchange for a non-roster player.
So there’s that.
10:08 a.m.: It’s also worth noting that the MLB Rule 5 draft is going on right now.
For all you Red Sox fans, Boston has selected Jeff Kobernus, who was previously in the Washington organization.
10:05 a.m.: Well, Mariners fans shouldn’t get too excited just yet. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, team president Chuck Armstrong has said that Seattle is not close to signing Josh Hamilton — which contradicts a previous report.
Armstrong’s statement shouldn’t come as much of a shock, though. The popular thought right now is that the Rangers hold the key to the entire offseason. If Texas signs Zack Greinke, Hamilton would likely sign elsewhere. If Greinke signs with the Dodgers or some other club, however, then Hamilton could end up back with the Rangers.
9:58 a.m.: Stephen Drew has been a hot commodity for those looking to dive into the shortstop market. If the A’s do lose Drew, they might already have their sights set on a replacement.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland would move to acquire Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta if Drew signs elsewhere.
9:47 a.m.: In reliever-related news, Jason Grilli could be nearing a decision.
Grilli, who compiled a 2.76 ERA in 92 games over the last two seasons in Pittsburgh, is deciding between the Pirates, Blue Jays, Cubs and Giants, according to Peter Gammons.
FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the 36-year-old right-hander has two-year offers from each of those teams, and will stay with the Pirates unless another team ups their offer to three years.
9:05 a.m.: Kevin Youkilis in pinstripes? Don’t laugh.
The Yankees have reportedly made Youk a one-year, $12 million offer, according to MLB.com. Considering that New York expects Alex Rodriguez to return at some point next season after undergoing hip surgery, the Yankees might only expect Youk to be a full-time player for the first half of the season. Still, that’s a pretty serious chunk of cash for the former Red Sox third baseman to consider.
Also, as an added note to the Michael Young rumblings — the 36-year-old third baseman does have a no-trade clause, which he does not seem interested in waiving (yet).
8:45 a.m.: The Rangers are certainly going to be busy here on Day 4.
In addition to pursuing Greinke — and perhaps re-signing Hamilton as a fallback plan — Texas is also involved in “advanced talks” with the Phillies for Michael Young, according to the Dallas Morning News. Of course, that’s also on top of the team’s involvement in a rumored blockbuster to acquire Justin Upton.
According to the report, the Rangers would eat more than half of Young’s remaining salary ($16 million for 2013), and in return receive a young major-league reliever and a low-end prospect from Philadelphia.
Young, the team’s all-time hits leader, hit just .277 with eight home runs and 66 RBIs last season, and the Rangers might be ready to move on.
8:25 a.m.: Where Josh Hamilton ends up could hinge first on where Zack Greinke lands.
The Mariners are “very close” to signing Hamilton, according to the Seattle Times, but their ability to sign the free-agent slugger seems to depend on the Rangers inking Greinke first.
That’s because the Rangers are in a bidding war for the pitcher’s services with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and if they win, they likely won’t have enough resources for both Greinke and Hamilton.
Hamilton’s agent has reportedly given the Rangers a chance to match any offer the 31-year-old slugger receives, but it’s looking like it’s lined up for Hamilton to head to Seattle once the Greinke-to-Texas domino falls.
8 a.m. ET: Day 3 of the MLB winter meetings was a little slower than Day 2, especially in Boston, but that just means we could be seeing a busier Day 4.
Already in the works is a four-team trade that would send Justin Upton to the Rangers — meaning Texas would not re-sign their star outfielder Josh Hamilton — according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The fourth team seems to constantly be changing, but for now, the Mariners would be involved, grabbing Derek Holland in the process.
Whether that deal goes down or not, there are plenty of exciting free agents still out there, including the biggest names of the offseason — Hamilton and Zack Greinke. Cody Ross, Brandon McCarthy, Nick Swisher and Brian Wilson are also still available and there’s some names being thrown around as trade bait, like Asdrubal Cabrera, Wil Myers and James Shields.
To follow all the action, tune in to NESN.com’s winter meetings Day 4 Â live blog to keep up with all the moves of the day.
