The Braves were intrigued enough by Yasmany Tomas’ power potential to send manager Fredi Gonzalez and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer to Tuesday’s workout in the Dominican Republic. But their interest in the Cuban prospect evaporated on Wednesday evening, when Tomas opted to sign with the D-backs.

Focused as they may be on “now” mentality, the Mariners haven’t lost sight of their long-term mantra, which is underscored by Kyle Seager’s long-term contract.

The Cubs are among the teams waiting for free agent Jon Lester to decide where he’ll pitch next season, but that isn’t stopping general manager Jed Hoyer from trying to address other areas on the club that need improving.

Forty years ago today, everything began to change for baseball players. Because Catfish Hunter didn’t accept overdue payments from Charlie Finley, baseball would have its first real free agent.

Astros prospect Max Stassi and his brother, Brock, a first baseman/left fielder who reached Double-A with the Phillies last season, will hold their sixth annual Homers for the Hungry benefit on Saturday in their hometown of Yuba City, Calif.

Chris Heitzman’s progress is an example of what Fredi Gonzalez’s friend Cindy Donald aspires to help others realize with her Dreams of Recovery Foundation, which is aimed toward raising funds for individuals who have suffered a brain or spinal cord injury.

Dressing or stuffing? Cranberry sauce or slices? Turkey in the oven or fryer? Thanksgiving traditions vary, but the meaning is the same. MLB.com asked big leaguers, coaches, broadcasters and execs what they like to see on the menu at Thanksgiving and for memories of their favorite dishes.

Infielder Ryan Jackson, a member of the Dodgers for 23 days, was traded to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday for cash considerations.

Rangers prospect Ronald Guzman was involved in a car accident Tuesday morning in his hometown of LaVega in the Dominican Republic that left a motorcyclist dead, according to The Associated Press.

The Indians traded left-hander Scott Barnes to the Orioles for cash considerations on Wednesday, with Baltimore also signing infielder Rey Navarro to a Major League contract.

In a move that added depth to the pool of outfielders, and potentially their bench, the Reds signed Brennan Boesch to a Minor League contract and invited him to big league camp at Spring Training.

Ryan Braun won’t know for sure until he gets back to the grind of baseball and fends off a few 95-mph inside fastballs. But so far, the Brewers right fielder believes his thumb surgery was a success.

The American League East is still baseball’s strongest division, top to bottom, and the Red Sox’s signing of Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez only underscores its competitiveness.

At this point, it’s uncertain if the Dodgers are the Yankees of the West or if the Yankees are the Dodgers of the East. They are baseball’s preeminent payroll superpowers, and they’ve both been eerily quiet in the early going of the Hot Stove season. We know from history that this can change in a hurry.

Korean left-hander Hyeon-jong Yang will not pitch in North America next season after a report out of Korea by the Yonhap News Agency on Wednesday indicated the Kia Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization were unhappy with the highest bid and rejected it.

The Cubs have reportedly extended a six-year offer to Jon Lester that is worth an amount “north of” $135 million, according to CSNChicago.com.

Although Pablo Sandoval is just beginning to get a taste of his new home, Boston’s new third baseman is having no trouble adjusting to his new teammates, especially Hanley Ramirez and David Ortiz.