Source: Red Sox ‘probably’ not going to be finalist for Edwin Encarnacion  —  It was trending this way for the last month, but now it looks like there will be some certainty very soon.  —  According to a major league source, the Red Sox are “probably” not going to be a finalist for the services …

Why trading Andrew McCutchen is a real possibility for the Pirates  —  The former MVP is a big part of Pittsburgh's past — but perhaps not its future  —  Of all the big names available in trade, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen might be the most likely to go.

Mets receiving more trade interest in Curtis Granderson than Jay Bruce thus far, source says  —  While Jay Bruce has long been assumed to be the most likely Mets outfielder to be traded away this offseason, a source this week said that Curtis Granderson has received more interest in trade talks thus far.

MLB Owners Drop International Draft In Effort To Get New CBA Done  —  With the clock winding down before the current labor deal in Major League Baseball with the players is set to expire at midnight on Wednesday, the owners appear to have dropped a key aspect in their negotiations in an effort to get a deal done.

Cubs prepare for Dexter Fowler's departure, sign center fielder Jon Jay  —  The Cubs signed free agent outfielder Jon Jay to a one-year, $8 million contract.  —  Chicago Tribune  —  With the looming likelihood free agent Dexter Fowler will land a lucrative contract elsewhere …

Phillies Hire Terry Ryan As Special Assignment Scout  —  The Phillies announced that they've hired former Twins general manager Terry Ryan as a special assignment scout.  The move will reunite Ryan with team president Andy MacPhail, whom he knows well from the pair's days together …

CCSO: Miami Dolphins player arrested on drug charges  —  Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Leon Orr was arrested Tuesday and faces charges for possession of marijuana and a controlled substance, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office.  —  Orr, 24, was booked into the Naples Jail Center and posted the $7,000 bond.

Orioles Acquire Logan Verrett  —  The Orioles announced that they've acquired right-hander Logan Verrett from the Mets in exchange for cash.  Verrett's departure from the Mets will clear a spot on New York's 40-man roster that'll go to the newly re-signed Yoenis Cespedes.

Jeff Bridich mulls Matt Holliday's viability at first base, Rockies' bullpen options  —  Colorado Rockies GM says he's checked in on free agent closer Mark Melancon  —  As next week's baseball winter meetings approach, general manager Jeff Bridich is clearly excited about the Rockies' chances next year.

Rockies, Jordan Lyles Avoid Arbitration  —  2:24pm: SB Nation's Chris Cotillo tweets that the two sides settled on a $3.175MM salary.  —  12:35pm: The Rockies announced today that they've avoided arbitration with right-hander Jordan Lyles on a one-year deal.  Terms of the contract weren't disclosed.