Rangers focused on rotation help, center fielder at winter meetings  —  The countdown to the winter meetings is on, with the collective bargaining agreement hashed out for another five years and with the threat of a lockout and a cancellation of the meetings null.

Rays expected to pursue catcher Welington Castillo  —  ST. PETERSBURG — There were no surprises Friday as the Rays tendered contracts to all of their majors-most 11 arbitration-eligible players.  —  But an unexpected decision by the Diamondbacks not to tender Welington Castillo put the Rays …

Nationals Acquire Derek Norris  —  The Nationals have dealt for catcher Derek Norris from the Padres, per a club announcement.  Righty Pedro Avila will head to San Diego in return.  —  It's a homecoming of sorts for Norris, who was once a well-regarded prospect in the D.C. system …

Padres Non-Tender Tyson Ross, Five Others  —  8:44pm: Ross is so early in his surgery rehab that his progress wasn't a factor, GM A.J. Preller tells AJ Cassavell of MLB.com (links to Twitter).  San Diego is open to a return, at a lower price.  Obviously, a trade didn't come together, but Preller says that discussions were explored.

Tyson Ross, Ben Revere among 35 new free agents  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Tyson Ross, an All-Star pitcher for San Diego two years ago, was among 35 players who became free agents when their teams declined to offer them 2017 contracts on Friday.  —  Washington outfielder Ben Revere …

Phillies Designate Cody Asche For Assignment, Claim David Rollins  —  The Phillies announced that they've claimed lefty David Rollins off waivers from the Rangers and designated infielder/outfielder Cody Asche for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.

ONLY ON 3: Man catches 112 lb. catfish in NE Cape Fear River  —  NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man from New Hanover County caught a 112 pound catfish in the NE Cape Fear River.  —  Riahn Brewington was just five pounds shy of breaking the state record for a catfish.

Orioles Claim Adam Walker From Brewers  —  The Orioles announced today that they've claimed outfielder Adam Walker off waivers from the Brewers.  Milwaukee claimed Walker off waivers from the Twins two weeks ago but designated him for assignment last week when they claimed right-hander Steve Geltz from the Rays.

2016-17 American League Non-Tenders  —  The deadline to tender 2017 contracts to players is tonight at 8pm ET.  We'll keep track of the day's non-tenders in the American League in this post (all referenced arbitration projections courtesy of MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz)...

Albert Pujols Undergoes Foot Surgery  —  Angels slugger Albert Pujols has undergone surgery to “release the plantar fascia on his right foot,” according to a team press release.  Per the surgeon, a return to the field may be expected in about four months — which would mean Pujols may be ready …

Von Miller gives every player in AFC West custom bottle of wine, Thank You note  —  Miller gave players a custom wine, blended by a Boulder native  —  Santa Miller came early this year.  —  Broncos linebacker Von Miller gifted every player in the AFC West — including practice-squad players …