Four members of the MLB.com Top 100 Prospects lists have been named to World Baseball Classic provisional rosters, including top-ranked Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar.

The Padres have come to terms on a 2013 contract with outfielder Will Venable. Venable will make $2.675 million this season after making $1.475 million in ’12.

The Red Sox avoided arbitration with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on Thursday, signing him to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract for the 2013 season.

The Red Sox have finally landed right-handed-hitting slugger Mike Napoli, but it won’t be for the three-year, $39 million pact the sides originally agreed on back in early December.

Team USA announced its provisional roster for the upcoming World Baseball Classic on Thursday morning and among the group are a National League Cy Young Award winner, three Most Valuable Players and numerous All-Stars.

Lifetime commitments are rare in a sporting world in which fame can be fleeting and stability is not assured. Still, that hasn’t prevented certain Major League clubs from locking in their franchise faces for the bulk — if not the entirety — of their remaining playing days, and a few more clubs could go with that formula in the near future.

The Rangers took another step toward solidifying their rotation for years to come on Wednesday, signing left-hander Matt Harrison to a five-year, $55 million contract extension.

The Mariners’ search for offensive power led them back to a familiar source Wednesday, with Michael Morse acquired from the Nationals in a three-way deal that sent catcher John Jaso to the A’s.

The Yankees are making one additional spring stop before returning home to open the regular season, having agreed to play in a March 30 exhibition game at the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

On Monday, MLB.com looked at the non-roster invitees and newcomers to the Phillies’ 40-man roster on the pitching side. On Wednesday, it is the position players. Consider it a Spring Training primer with camp opening next month.

Veteran right-hander Vicente Padilla, who went 4-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 56 relief appearances with the Red Sox last season, has signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal with Japan’s SoftBank Hawks, according to an industry source.

The Dodgers reportedly signed veteran catcher Jesus Flores to a Minor League contract and are rumored to be considering free agent Scott Rolen to play third base.

For Christian Yelich, the hype is about to begin. It will simmer when Spring Training gets under way and gradually gain momentum throughout the season. The buildup comes with the territory for being an organization’s No. 1 prospect.

Brett Wallace showed up to camp last spring in tremendous shape, having lost 15 pounds and eager to win a spot on the Astros’ roster. The problem for Wallace was there was another 270 pounds — in the form of veteran first baseman Carlos Lee — blocking his way to consistent playing time with the club.

The Spring Training schedule has been announced, with Feb. 23 marking the first full slate of games involving all 30 clubs.

Ian Kinsler is not switching from second base to first base for the Texas Rangers, because he never got an ultimatum.

Alex Rodriguez is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair his left hip, a procedure that is expected to keep the Yankees third baseman out of action until midseason.