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.”

Sources: No lockout vote scheduled yet for Wednesday as MLB's labor deal nears expiration  —  Even as the clock ticked down toward the midnight expiration of Major League Baseball's labor agreement and a potential work stoppage, MLB had yet to schedule a lockout vote by owners, sources told ESPN late Wednesday afternoon.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

Veteran slugger spent past three seasons in Korea  —  MILWAUKEE — In one of the most out-of-the-box signings in recent baseball history, the Brewers on Tuesday finalized a three-year contract with Eric Thames, a 30-year-old going on five years since his last at-bat in the big leagues …

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 …