MORE: FA tracker: position players | FA tracker: pitchers
Tuesday's headlines were dominated by the Hall of Fame. The BBWAA released their 2014 ballot and Deadspin.com managed to buy a vote from a member. Voting results will be released on Jan. 8.
For the day's hot stove news, the first place to go is Jon Heyman's blog. He has updates on C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 3B Chase Headley, OF Nelson Cruz, the Twins' search for pitching and the Mets' pursuit of outfielders. They called the Brewers about OF Ryan Braun. Now here's a round up of the rest of the day's news.
TRADES
• Cubs: Acquired C George Kottaras from the Royals for cash considerations. He's the favorite to back up C Welington Castillo at this point.
SIGNINGS
• Pirates: Signed both RHP Cody Eppley and C Nevin Ashley to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training, the team announced.
ROSTER CUTS
• LHP Jose Mijares: Outrighted off the 40-man roster by the Giants to clear a roster spot for fellow LHP Javier Lopez, whose three-year contract is official. Mijares elected free agency. (Mercury News)
• Reds: Designated OF Derrick Robinson for assignment. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for UTIL Skip Schumaker, whose two-year contract is not official. (Cincinnati Enquirer)
RUMORS & SPECULATION
• Marlins: Discussed 1B Mike Napoli internally. He is a South Florida native, but it's hard to think Miami will field a competitive offer given all the interest around the league. (Fox Sports)
• Orioles: Consider 2B Mark Ellis an option, but they've yet to reach out to him. Baltimore needs a second baseman now that Brian Roberts' contract is expired. (MASNSports.com)
• Rays: Have interest in 1B Mitch Moreland. The Rangers could make their incumbent first baseman available in a trade now that they've acquired Prince Fielder. (New York Daily News)
• Reds: Have interest in OF Carlos Beltran. The AL figures to be a better fit for the 36-year-old with bad knees, but Cincinnati would give Beltran a good chance at a World Series title. (Primera Hora)
• Twins: One of five teams with interest in C Dioner Navarro. Joe Mauer is moving to first base full-time starting next season, so the club needs a replacement catcher. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
• Yankees: Met with representatives for 2B Robinson Cano. It's unclear if the two sides made any progress, but there is said to be a substantial gap in contract talks.
