MLB's sign-stealing controversy broadens: Sources say the Red Sox used video replay room illegally in 2018  —  When Major League Baseball punished the Red Sox and Yankees in September 2017 for conduct related to electronic sign stealing, the league touched on the epicenter of a problem …

Cardinals finalizing deal to send Jose Martinez, Arozarena to Rays for top pitching prospect  —  For most of the winter the Cardinals have entertained interest from other teams in their plethora of outfield bats in hopes that a trade would not just offer them talent but also clarity for their roster, and room to maneuver.

Brewers Extend Craig Counsell  —  The Brewers have announced a new contract with manager Craig Counsell, as first reported by Robert Murray (Twitter link).  It's said to take the skipper through the 2023 season.  —  Counsell, 49, was already under contract through the 2020 campaign under the extension he reached in the fall of 2016.

Astros Acquire Austin Pruitt  —  The Astros have acquired right-hander Austin Pruitt from the Rays in exchange for outfielder Cal Stevenson and righty Peyton Battenfield, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.  Robert Murray first reported Stevenson was headed to the Rays.

Sources: Arizona Diamondbacks nearing deal with reliever Hector Rondon  —  (Photo: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)  —  The Diamondbacks added another power arm to their bullpen, agreeing to terms with reliever Hector Rondon on a one-year deal with a club option for 2021, sources said Wednesday.

In bizarre lawsuit, Yankees' failed prospect says Derek Jeter ruined his career  —  In a rambling, conspiracy-laced lawsuit, a failed prospect, who never played above High-A and had a career batting average of .244, sued the Yankees for $34 million and blamed Yankees legend Derek Jeter …

White Sox Announce Edwin Encarnacion Signing, Designate Kodi Medeiros  —  The White Sox have formally announced their previously reported one-year contract with slugger Edwin Encarnacion, designating left-hander Kodi Medeiros for assignment in order to open a spot on the 40-man roster.

With four superstars on the trade market the hot stove is still sizzling, and more notes  —  All but four of Jim Bowden's top 35 free agents are signed, but the Hot Stove season isn't close to over.  Not when four high-profile clubs (the Cubs, Cardinals, Red Sox and Dodgers) remain largely inactive.

Yankees To Sign Chris Iannetta  —  12:16pm: The Yankees and Iannetta are in agreement on a minor league deal, tweets MLB Network's Jon Heyman.  —  11:50am: The Yankees and veteran catcher Chris Iannetta are close to finalizing a minor league contract WFAN's Sweeny Murti reports (via Twitter).

Angels, Max Stassi Avoid Arbitration  —  The Angels and catcher Max Stassi have avoided arbitration with an $800K agreement, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com tweets.  That's the exact salary MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected for Stassi a few months back.  —  Stassi didn't hit much in 2019 …