Sources: Seattle emerges in quest for Cano  —  NEW YORK — The Seattle Mariners have emerged as major players in the sweepstakes for free agent Robinson Cano, according to several sources who spoke to ESPNNewYork.com on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity.

Ellsbury getting close to a seven-year deal with the Yankees  —  Star free agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is in serious talks with the Yankees and the sides appear to be close to reaching a seven-year deal. sources said.  —  The longtime Red Sox is said to be about to choose the Yankees …

Rays Acquire Ryan Hanigan, Heath Bell In Three-Team Deal  —  The Rays, Reds and Diamondbacks successfully completed a three-team trade today, the teams have announced.  Tampa Bay acquired catcher Ryan Hanigan (and promptly extended him) from the Reds and Heath Bell (pictured) from the Diamondbacks.

Giants' prospects injured in Arizona wreck  —  (12-03) 12:24 PST SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — A van carrying minor league prospects for the San Francisco Giants was involved in a traffic collision in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Tuesday morning, injuring four people affiliated with the club, authorities said.

Red Sox to sign catcher A.J. Pierzynski  —  The Red Sox have agreed to terms with veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski.  The one-year deal is worth $8.25 million.  —  Pierzynski will be playing for his third team in as many years.  After spending 2005-2012 with the White Sox …

Phillies Acquire Brad Lincoln  —  The Phillies announced that they acquired right-handed pitcher Brad Lincoln from the Blue Jays in exchange for catcher Erik Kratz and minor league left-hander Rob Rasmussen.  —  Lincoln, 28, appeared in 22 games for Toronto in 2013 and posted a 3.98 ERA with 7.1 K/9 and 6.3 BB/9.

Carlos Beltan in KC as Royals make big push for Beltran  —  Let the Battle for Beltran begin.  —  Free-agent slugger Carlos Beltran is in Kansas City being wooed by the Royals, The Post has learned.  The club is hoping for a big-bang reunion with Beltran, who began his career in Kansas City.

Athletics Acquire Craig Gentry, Josh Lindblom  —  12:48pm: The A's will also receive right-hander Josh Lindblom from the Rangers, tweets Passan.  Minor league second baseman Chris Bostick will head to Texas in the trade as well.  —  12:47pm: The Rangers are receiving multiple minor leaguers in the deal …

Astros Acquire Dexter Fowler  —  The Rockies announced that they have traded outfielder Dexter Fowler and a player to be named later to the Astros in exchange for right-hander Jordan Lyles and outfielder Brandon Barnes.  —  Fowler, 28 in March, wasn't able to replicate his brilliant offensive performance …

O's need more than Johnson trade  —  Baltimore must make some major moves after unloading its pricey closer  —  The Baltimore Orioles finally joined the rest of baseball in the offseason, trading closer Jim Johnson to the Oakland Athletics for second baseman Jemile Weeks and a player to be named later.

Clark becomes 1st ex-player to lead MLBPA  —  SAN DIEGO — Tony Clark has become the first former big leaguer to lead the baseball players' union, pending a vote by the general membership.  —  The MLBPA's executive board voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Clark to replace Michael Weiner, who died Nov. 22 of brain cancer.

Padres, A's Swap Luke Gregerson For Seth Smith  —  The Athletics announced that they have traded outfielder Seth Smith to the Padres in exchange for right-hander Luke Gregerson in a one-for-one swap.  —  Smith, 31, batted .253/.329/.391 with eight home runs in 410 plate appearances for Oakland this season.

Nationals Steal Doug Fister From Tigers  —  The Tigers have six good starting pitchers, if you believe that Drew Smyly should be able to transition back to starting after a successful pitstop in the bullpen.  Steamer projects all five of their current starters for at least +3 WAR next year …