After trying to sign Pablo Sandoval to what would have been the largest contract in club history, the Padres might not find offensive help in free agency after all. A source told MLB.com on Tuesday that the Padres are heavily focused on trades, with Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes a potential match.

Fresh off investing over $180 million in two hitters, the Red Sox are hardly done reconstructing their roster. There is pitching to go get, and owner John Henry made it clear that he isn’t going to hold back the front office when it comes to investing properly in the starting rotation.

Perennial contenders in baseball have a core, and while the Giants still have Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey, losing Pablo Sandoval could have a big impact on their future success.

The Boston Red Sox agreed with left fielder Hanley Ramirez on a four-year contract through the 2018 season on Tuesday. To make room on the 40-man roster, infielder Juan Francisco was designated for assignment.

After missing out on retaining third baseman Pablo Sandoval, the Giants have reportedly shifted their focus to acquiring free-agent pitcher Jon Lester, who is scheduled to meet with the club next week.

While evaluating trade options involving Justin Upton, the Braves have continued to aggressively pursue Yasmany Tomas, the Cuban sensation who could immediately fill one of the corner-outfield positions in Atlanta.

Angels left-hander Michael Roth left the organization on Tuesday, electing to become a free agent just 28 months into his professional career after clearing waivers. Outfielder Alfredo Marte and catcher Jackson Williams, both of whom were claimed by the Angels this offseason, also cleared waivers but were outrighted to Triple-A Salt Lake.

Now that Hanley Ramirez has returned to Boston, the Dodgers will try to add a shortstop, short term. Corey Seager, the 20-year-old can’t-miss prospect, is close but not yet ready.

After an examination last week, Cliff Lee has been cleared to begin his normal offseason throwing program next week, a good sign for the left-hander as he recovers from an elbow issue that sidelined him for the final two months of the 2014 season.

Rangers pitcher Derek Holland spent Tuesday afternoon teaching fifth-graders at Rankin Elementary School about the importance of exercise and good nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Could the Twins be heading for a reunion with free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter? A Major League source familiar with the situation said the Twins have been in contact with Hunter and his agent, Larry Reynolds, about a return to Minnesota.

Thus far, Ryan Zimmerman’s offseason has consisted of “a lot of resting,” but that’s about to change. He plans to enjoy the holiday weekend with his family, then begin his normal routine next week as he works toward 2015.

If Walt Jocketty and the Reds look to the free-agent market to fill left field, their options include Nori Aoki, Torii Hunter, Michael Morse, Alex Rios, Colby Rasmus and Chris Denorfia.

Boston’s signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval will have a ripple effect throughout baseball both in terms of free agency and trades. Here’s a closer look at what it could mean for the Blue Jays.

Red Sox manager John Farrell made it clear on Tuesday that Hanley Ramirez will play left field for Boston in 2014, while incumbent starter Yoenis Cespedes will shift to center or right.

Pablo Sandoval, who was unveiled on Tuesday as Boston’s new third baseman, is acutely aware of the perception that he will move to designated hitter when David Ortiz retires, and he is determined not to make it a reality.

Just a day after the Giants lost third baseman Pablo Sandoval, third-base coach Tim Flannery informed the organization he is also saying goodbye.