Top 5 starting pitchers available on free-agent market  —  This winter's starting-pitching market got off to a strong start when Dylan Cease agreed to a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Blue Jays.  —  That deal took a notable name off the board, but there are still some big …

Twins' Joe Ryan intrigues Mets as they look to trade for ace  —  Access the Mets beat like never before  —  Don't miss Mike Puma's text messages from Queens and beyond — he's giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.  —  The Mets may try to fill their rotation needs via trade …

Pirates send Johan Oviedo to Red Sox in five-player trade  —  The Boston Red Sox, seeking to fortify their starting rotation, acquired right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a five-player trade that sent heralded outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia to Pittsburgh, the teams announced Thursday.

What we're hearing about the Cubs: Renewed interest in Alex Bregman  —  The Chicago Cubs are preparing for Kyle Tucker's exit as a free agent, ready to give rookie hitters Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros the runway to develop at Wrigley Field.  Pitching remains the club's primary focus …

What we're hearing about Tatsuya Imai.  Plus, could Dodgers trade Teoscar Hernández?  —  Tatsuya Imai, the right-handed Japanese pitcher who is headlining the international free-agent class, is keeping an open mind about his future, according to a league source briefed on his posting process.

Closer Emilio Pagán ‘super excited’ to re-sign with Cincinnati Reds … Emilio Pagán and his family never wanted to leave Cincinnati.  —  “But it obviously takes both parties to want to get something done,” he said.  —  After a monthlong process that accelerated in the past few days …

Tigers interested in reliever Brad Keller as starter in free agency  —  Remember when the Detroit Tigers tried to convert right-hander Ryan Helsley from reliever to starter, only for him to stay in the bullpen by signing a two-year, $28 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles?  —  Here we go again.

Cardinals continue collecting pitching depth, pluck Zak Kent off waivers from Guardians  —  St. Louis Post-Dispatch writer Daniel Guerrero joined Lynn Worthy to catch up on the Cardinals' offseason additions and subtractions ahead of Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings.  —  kAm%96 r2C5:?2=DV 244F>F=2E:@?

What we're hearing about the Dodgers before next week's Winter Meetings  —  The Los Angeles Dodgers inked their first free-agent signing of the winter Wednesday, bringing back clubhouse favorite Miguel Rojas on a one-year, $5.5 million deal.  The move didn't come as a surprise.

Schwarber to Cincy?  Skenes in pinstripes?  Let's dive in!  —  Kyle Schwarber to the Reds?  Paul Skenes to the Yankees?  Is the Phillies window wide open, or closing quickly?  With Hot Stove season in full swing, MLB.com senior national reporter Mark Feinsand answered questions …