The Yankees made the signing of free-agent catcher Brian McCann official on Tuesday, announcing his five-year deal that includes a vesting option. The 29-year-old will be introduced in a news conference at Yankee Stadium on Thursday.

The Dodgers are making progress in retaining free-agent reliever Brian Wilson, but the don’t have a deal yet, according to a baseball source.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said Tuesday that he feels “comfortable” with the club’s situation at second base, even after dealing away one of his options at the position, backup infielder Steve Lombardozzi.

A group of players from the Giants’ Minor League system sustained injuries in a Tuesday morning automobile collision in Scottsdale, Ariz., the club confirmed.

The Tigers and Joe Nathan appear to be putting the final touches on a two-year deal to bring the Rangers’ former closer to the Motor City.

With their first significant acquisition of the offseason, the Red Sox have found the short-term solution behind the plate they were looking for in A.J. Pierzynski, a veteran who owns a World Series ring. Pierzynski and Boston agreed on a one-year deal that is pending the completion of a physical.

There’s a reason that teams rarely treat closers with the same contractual respect as starting pitchers and position players.

Minor League outfielder Evan Chambers passed away in his sleep over the weekend, leaving the Pirates organization in mourning over the loss of a talented player and beloved teammate.

Monday’s deal — a shocking swap that netted the Orioles Jemile Weeks and a player to be named — was tough to process for the homegrown Jim Johnson, who was the longest-tenured player on the roster, a clubhouse leader and a strong advocate in the community.

When Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington arrives at the Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., sometime on Sunday evening, he won’t have a lot of time for pleasantries. Cherington has a lot on his plate in his quest to build a team that can repeat as World Series champion.

Teams are preparing for the Winter Meetings next week in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and a few of them will engage in some bold ventures in hopes of getting over the hump next season.

The Dodgers did not tender a contract to Ronald Belisario by Monday night’s deadline, making the right-handed reliever a free agent. The Dodgers tendered contracts to their other three arbitration eligibles — Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen and A.J. Ellis.

The Nationals have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Ross Ohlendorf, thus avoiding salary arbitration, the team announced on Monday. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The free-agent pool got a boost on Monday, with former closers John Axford and Andrew Bailey among the biggest names cut loose ahead of the 11:59 p.m. ET non-tender deadline.

The Orioles made their first big move of the winter late Monday night, trading All-Star closer Jim Johnson to the Athletics in exchange for infielder Jemile Weeks and a player to be named.

Doug Fister helped give the Tigers’ rotation a strong top four last season, and now it appears he will do the same for the Nationals in 2014. The Nationals acquired the veteran right-hander from the Tigers on Monday night in exchange for left-handers Ian Krol and Robbie Ray and infielder Steve Lombardozzi.

In less than 12 hours, Oakland’s pitching staff underwent a dramatic makeover. While the A’s were still finalizing a two-year deal with lefty Scott Kazmir on Monday, they were also reeling in a closer, trading for All-Star Jim Johnson from the Orioles.