MLB

When it comes to his alma mater, Minnesota Twins closer Glen Perkins is more than happy to give back when he can.

The 32-year-old Perkins was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, went to the University of Minnesota and was drafted by his hometown Minnesota Twins, the only organization he has ever played for. To put it simply, he is a Minnesotan through and through.

After dealing Craig Kimbrel to the Boston Red Sox in November, the San Diego Padres appear to have found their new closer.

There is roughly one month remaining before pitchers and catchers begin reporting to spring training, but there are still a number of impact options on the free-agent market.

Justin Upton finally found a new home earlier this week when he signed with the Detroit Tigers, but guys like Yoenis Cespedes, Dexter Fowler, Ian Desmond, Yovani Gallardo and Tyler Clippard remain unsigned.

Where those remaining free agents wind up landing can still change the complexion of the offseason heading into spring training.

In Chicago, Starlin Castro was a victim of circumstance. Now, after being traded to the New York Yankees, the shortstop-turned-second baseman should be its beneficiary.

One month before pitchers and catchers report, we've still got several things to settle…

1. What's Up with Cespedes?

While Justin Upton has surfaced, it seems Yoenis Cespedes is stuck somewhere on Mars with Matt Damon. Golfing, maybe.

What gives?

Not sure if you heard, St. Louis Cardinals fans, but Jason Heyward skipped town. Worse still, he's a Chicago Cub now.

OK, sorry. Our purpose here isn't to rub salt in that particular, still-festering wound. Quite the contrary, actually—we come bearing glad tidings for the Redbird faithful. 

It's difficult not to admire the aggressive approaches of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox—two of the biggest spenders of the 2015-16 MLB offseason.

No one knows just yet how it will all shake out, but on paper, the upcoming campaign is looking awfully promising for those two franchises. At the same time, some clubs' offseason overhauls don't look nearly as impressive.

Let's take a trip around the league and explore which teams have orchestrated the best and worst winter rebuilds.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced they have signed veteran pitcher Joe Blanton to a one-year contract. According to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan, the one-year deal is worth $4 million. 

Major League Baseball is investigating Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish after his brother, Sho, was arrested in Japan on gambling charges.