Athletics the latest team to consider run at Edwin Encarnacion  —  The Oakland A's are thinking about stepping out of their small-market persona and are at least considering a run at Edwin Encarnacion, the top free agent remaining on the market.  —  Encarnacion is fielding interest from several teams …

Dellin Betances, back in setup role, understanding of Yankees' signing of closer Aroldis Chapman  —  Dellin Betances may have lost his closer's job when the Yankees signed Aroldis Chapman to a new deal, but the three-time All-Star was ecstatic to welcome his good friend back to the Bronx.

David Ross weighing opportunity to join Cubs' front office  —  David Ross is an in-demand personality who can pivot in several different directions during his post-playing career.  But rejoining the Cubs in a front-office role sounds like a matter of when, not if.

Marlins To Sign Junichi Tazawa  —  The Marlins have agreed to a two-year deal with free-agent righty Junichi Tazawa, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter links).  He'll earn $12MM in the contract, per Rosenthal, with $5MM in the first year and $7MM coming in the second, according to SB Nation's Chris Cotillo (via Twitter).

Yimi Garcia Underwent Tommy John Surgery Recently  —  Dodgers righty Yimi Garcia required Tommy John surgery in late October, according to a team announcement (via MLB.com's Ken Gurnick, on Twitter).  He had previously been shut down with a significant injury to his biceps, and also underwent knee surgery in September.

Domestic assault case against Mets closer Jeurys Familia dismissed  —  Mets closer Jeurys Familia resolved one legal matter Thursday after a New Jersey prosecutor dismissed the domestic assault case against the All-Star pitcher in Fort Lee Municipal Court.  —  After Familia arrived …

Phillies Extend Odubel Herrera  —  The Phillies have announced a five-year extension for center fielder Odubel Herrera, which comes with a $30.5MM guarantee, per Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter).  The deal includes club options for the 2022 and 2023 seasons …

Dodgers Have “Shown Willingness” To Include Jose De Leon In Brian Dozier Trade  —  There have been plenty of rumors connecting the Dodgers to Twins second baseman Brian Dozier over the past several weeks, and Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports today that the Dodgers have now shown a willingness …

MLB's new labor deal requires earlier start times on getaway days  —  Major League Baseball will require teams to start many games earlier than normal beginning in 2018, thanks to a provision in the new labor agreement that goes into effect when either team faces a flight longer than 2½ hours after the game.

Pirates Sign Josh Lindblom, Eury Perez To Minor League Deals  —  The Pirates have inked right-hander Josh Lindblom and outfielder Eury Perez to minor league contracts with invites to Major League Spring Training, tweets MLB.com's Adam Berry.  —  [Related: Pittsburgh Pirates Depth Chart]

Rangers' first-base candidates include Rua, Profar and Gallo  —  Fans who attended the Cowboys Santa Toy Drive Finale on Tuesday had the opportunity to get an autograph from the Texas Rangers' starting first baseman in 2017.  —  Actually, a chance at two of the Rangers' starting first basemen in 2017.

Rangers plan to see Hamilton work out ‘soon’  —  The Texas Rangers will watch outfielder Josh Hamilton work out “soon” on his surgically repaired left knee, general manager Jon Daniels said on Wednesday, and consider signing him to a minor-league contract if all checks out.