The Rockies have added another catcher to the mix, reportedly agreeing to terms with Nick Hundley on Wednesday. The club has not commented on the deal.

The defending World Series champion Giants have multiple issues to address as they attempt to win a title in an odd-numbered year, for a change. Here are 10 potential obstacles to success that they must ponder.

Down to the last days of September to the final out of October and all the way into November, pitching continued to rule Major League Baseball in 2014. With Jordan Zimmermann placing a cherry on top of the regular season with a no-hitter, Madison Bumgarner providing an exclamation point on the World Series with a performance for the ages and Clayton Kershaw doubling down on awards, baseball’s arms flexed their muscles again with another click up the historical chart.

Ben Zobrist represents the first really tough call for Tampa Bay’s new administration. And it’s about as tough as it gets. But at a time when teams are scrambling to position themselves for a postseason berth in 2015, Zobrist would be a nice finishing touch.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik made a late addition to his holiday shopping cart on Tuesday, as he completed a trade for Padres outfielder Seth Smith that gives Seattle a strong platoon option in right field for 2015.

Wherever free-agent righty James Shields lands, this much is clear: His new club is going to love him as both a performer and a leader, as the veteran has demonstrated ability to assist in the development of young teammates in the past.

The Rays have agreed to sign free-agent infielder Asdrubal Cabrera, MLB.com has confirmed, adding another name to a crowded infield picture.

Royals left fielder Alex Gordon underwent successful surgery on Tuesday morning to repair the extensor retinaculum in his right wrist.

After a nine-day respite where Padres first-year general manager A.J. Preller didn’t make a single trade, it appears he’s reverted to old form. For the second time in as many days, the Padres made a trade to improve their bullpen, specifically the addition of another power arm, when they traded for Mariners right-handed pitcher Brandon Maurer on Tuesday.

Jim Callis discusses the offensive abilities of Twins top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, whether Cubs prospect Kyle Schwarber will stay as a catcher and more in this week’s Pipeline Inbox.

The reports on Jose Abreu immediately surfaced when he defected from Cuba in the summer of 2013 and they all sounded too good to be true. As it turns out, he made believers out of us all in his first season with the White Sox.

Kansas City finished off a wildly active post-Winter Meetings week by agreeing to terms on a two-year, $20 million contract with free-agent right-hander Edinson Volquez. The club announced the deal, which includes a mutual option for 2017, on Monday.

Madison Bumgarner continues to rack up the accolades for his performance during the postseason this past October. The latest came on Tuesday, when he was named The Associated Press 2014 Male Athlete of the Year.

Would Max Scherzer be the difference between making and missing the playoffs? If so, what’s that worth to a franchise? Or is he the guy who could push an already solid team deep into October? And what’s that worth? Let’s look at a few teams and consider the possibilities.

Steve Garvey had good stats, was a remarkable big-game player, played in the most consecutive games of any National League player and played the most consecutive errorless games at first base. I can’t fathom why he isn’t in the Hall of Fame.

Not that he makes it a habit to follow the Padres, but Shawn Kelley certainly noticed the notable roster additions first-year general manager A.J. Preller made earlier this month, landing Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers, among others. Kelley became the latest San Diego acquisition when Preller traded for the reliever from the Yankees on Monday.

The Dodgers continued to rebuild their bullpen heading into the new year, reportedly agreeing to a Minor League contract with reliever Sergio Santos.