Encarnacion's agent says Jays ‘showing Edwin the most love’  —  Edwin Encarnacion's agent says the Toronto Blue Jays free-agent first baseman will probably sign a contract later this week or early next week, and that the Blue Jays are “showing Edwin the most love.”

MLB, MLBPA Agree To New Collective Bargaining Agreement  —  Major League Baseball and the MLB Player's Association have reached agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link).  It's another five-year arrangement, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweets.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Former Mets GM Steve Phillips' proposal of two strikes you're out could work as MLB rule change  —  Commissioner Rob Manfred was out and about last week, making it clear he is open to changes that could make games faster-paced and more entertaining; in other words, more appealing to younger fans.

Athletics Sign Matt Joyce  —  The Athletics announced on Wednesday that they've signed free agent outfielder Matt Joyce to a two-year contract, which will reportedly guarantee him $11MM in total.  Joyce will earn $5MM in 2017 and $6MM in 2018.  —  The 32-year-old Joyce spent the 2016 campaign …

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.

Rome Was Built In Half A Season - Minor League Team of the Year  —  When everyone looks back at the 2016 Rome Braves years from now, they may be remembered as one of the better minor league teams of the early 21st century.  The rotation featured prospects in all six spots …