MLB

Veteran outfielder Colby Rasmus reportedly agreed to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, according to FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman.

Max Scherzer has been one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball over the last five years, but the Washington Nationals ace is on the mend after suffering a stress fracture in the knuckle of his right ring finger, according to Dan Kolko of MASN. 

The second base position has quickly become one of the deepest in baseball thanks to the emergence of a handful of new young stars and the sustained success of some veteran staples.

The following is not meant to be a rundown of the current state of the position or a look back at the 2016 season, though.

Instead, it will serve as a look ahead to 10 second basemen who, for a variety of reasons, will be worth keeping an eye on this spring.

The Houston Astros may have disappointed in 2016 after their big coming-out party in 2015, but don't worry. They could be a juggernaut in 2017 if everything goes right.

That entails a lot of things, of course. But perhaps the most pressing matter at hand is Carlos Correa living up to his potential with the stick.

The Pittsburgh Pirates "had preliminary discussions about a contract extension" with shortstop Jordy Mercer, per Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune-Review.

Continue for updates.

Deal Isn't 'Imminent'

Sunday, Jan. 8

Biertempfel cited a source who said "no deal seems imminent." According to the source, there was "a little, but not a lot of talk" regarding a potential multiyear contract.

With slightly more than a month remaining before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, there's theoretically time for every MLB team and unsigned free agent to rescue their offseason.

Let's get real, though. Some clubs and players have aced the winter, while others are sifting desperately through the hot-stove coals or looking back with regret.

We're not going to highlight every offseason winner and loser, but here's a fresh batch from the last few weeks to hold you over till actual baseball begins.

Former major league outfielder Manny Ramirez is set to lace up the cleats overseas.

The Kochi Fighting Dogs—who play in Japan's independent Shikoku Island League—announced Monday they reached an agreement with Ramirez on their official website.

Spring training is on the horizon—squint and you can see it through the winter haze. Still, every MLB contender has weaknesses to address before bats and balls start cracking and the smell of cut grass wafts on the breeze.

For some, it's minor tinkering. For others, it's a glaring hole to be filled. Everyone needs something, however. It's the nature of the offseason.

The Seattle Mariners made a move to upgrade their outfield Friday when they acquired Jarrod Dyson from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed pitcher Nathan Karns, according to the News Tribune's Bob Dutton.  

The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to trade right-handed pitcher Yovani Gallardo to the Seattle Mariners for outfielder Seth Smith. 

The Orioles officially announced the deal on Twitter, also noting they sent cash considerations to the Mariners.  

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said Gallardo was an ideal fit for what the team needed heading into 2017.