The Marlins and free-agent infielder Rafael Furcal have agreed to a one-year deal, pending a physical. Furcal, 36, missed all of 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.

The White Sox added to their bullpen on Thursday, agreeing to a one-year, $3 million deal with right-handed reliever Ronald Belisario, according to a baseball source. Completion of the deal is pending a physical.

Brian McCann’s presence behind the plate, in the middle of the batting order and on the mound for all conversations clearly makes the Yankees a more formidable foe.

Brian McCann called his official introduction as a member of the Yankees one of the best days of his life. As MLB Network’s Matt Yallof writes, it’s a perfect situation for the team and the player.

Hiroki Kuroda not only intends to continue pitching in 2014, but the right-hander is interested in a third season with the Yankees, according to general manager Brian Cashman.

The Rays added to their bullpen depth on Thursday by re-signing right-hander Juan Carlos Oviedo to a one-year deal.

Reds first baseman Joey Votto publicly launched the Joey Votto Foundation on Thursday with a clear vision — to help military veterans and active service members in Cincinnati and his hometown of Toronto who cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Javier Baez, the Cubs’ first-round pick in the June 2011 First-Year Player Draft, is creating a lot of buzz as he gets closer to the big leagues. However, he’s a shortstop, and the Cubs already have a talented shortstop in Starlin Castro. Do the Cubs move Baez? Not now, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said.

The D-backs and Daniel Hudson continue to talk about a contract that will keep the right-hander with the team in the future. “I’m pretty optimistic,” Hudson said. “I think we’ll be able to figure something out here sooner or later.”

The Yankees created tangible proof off their offseason desires on Thursday, parading new catcher Brian McCann before a gathering of reporters and photographers at Yankee Stadium to herald the slugger’s first moment wearing pinstripes.

The Rangers are going to give right-hander Jose Contreras a chance to be the second-oldest pitcher in franchise history. The club announced on Thursday they have signed Contreras to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Contreras turns 42 on Friday.

Rick Renteria has called or reached out via text to all of the players on the Cubs’ roster. He’s been doodling some potential lineup combinations. He’s still doing rehab following right hip replacement surgery. On Thursday, he was finally at Wrigley Field to meet with the Chicago media for his first formal introduction as the new Cubs manager.

Not content with only one major addition to their rotation, the Twins formally introduced Phil Hughes in a news conference at Target Field on Thursday, just two days after officially welcoming Ricky Nolasco to Minnesota.

Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball have reached a “basic agreement” on a proposed $20 million limit on posting bids for NPB stars.

The Dodgers accomplished their top offseason priority Thursday, re-signing setup reliever Brian Wilson to a one-year contract worth $10 million, according to a baseball source. Wilson also gets a player option for at least $8.5 million in 2015 that could climb to $10 million, plus $700,000 in incentives.

Carlos Gonzalez is one of the game’s top sluggers, but his versatility could also make him an attractive option as a leadoff man.

The Royals acquired outfielder Norichika Aoki from the Brewers on Thursday in exchange for left-handed pitcher Will Smith.