MLB

Ryan Vogelsong is returning to Bucco Nation.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they reached a one-year agreement with the veteran right-handed pitcher, who played for the Bucs from 2001 to 2006:

Former Miami Marlins pitcher Henderson Alvarez signed a one-year contract with the Oakland A's worth approximately $4 million with "big incentives," according to Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan.

Alvarez confirmed the deal on Instagram:

Former No. 1 overall pick Matt Bush has been afforded a shot at redemption by the Texas Rangers. 

Unrestricted free-agent starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo is continuing to garner some interest on the market this offseason. 

Continue for updates.

2 Teams Most Interested in Gallardo

Friday, Dec. 18

According to FoxSports.com's Jon Morosi, the Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros are the "most aggressive suitors" for Gallardo's services. 

The Chicago White Sox signed right-handed pitcher Nate Jones to a three-year, $8 million extension Friday, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. By inking the new deal, Jones will forego his final two years of arbitration eligibility. 

The Texas Rangers and veteran starting pitcher Colby Lewis reportedly reached an agreement on a one-year, $6 million deal late Thursday.

Every blockbuster trade and free-agent signing that is made during the offseason is made with a high level of confidence that everything will play out according to plan and the transaction will be a big win for the franchise.

As we know, though, that's not always the case.

Last offseason saw some brilliant moves made, headlined by the Toronto Blue Jays acquisition of Josh Donaldson and a string of under-the-radar moves by the Kansas City Royals that worked to perfection.

The term “untouchable” is always relative, and the parameters of it depend on the organization and front office that hold said player who might be off limits in trade discussions.

Strictly going off their last four seasons, the Boston Red Sox have a 25 percent chance of finishing in first place in 2016 and a 75 percent chance of finishing in last place.

But in the words of Han Solo, never tell me the odds. Not those odds, anyway. The 2016 Red Sox are custom-designed to avoid the fate of the 2012, 2014 and 2015 clubs, and we're here to promise they will.

And now for a message to Atlanta Braves fans who are down in the dumps about the club's rebuild: Don't be afraid to get your hopes up.

Just ask any fan of the New York Mets or Chicago Cubs.