In order for San Diego to improve on its disappointing finish of a year ago, it will certainly need for a handful of players to bounce back from a substandard 2015.

Two top players from the most famous baseball family in Cuba are not expected to return to the island.

The market for free-agent outfielders was particularly loaded this offseason, and as a result, one of the more unique players in the class seemed to get lost in the shuffle. It’s the second week of February, and Dexter Fowler still hasn’t found a home.

The D-backs on Monday reached agreement with outfielder A.J. Pollock on a two-year contract, which avoids a salary arbitration hearing.

The Blue Jays have avoided a potentially contentious arbitration hearing by reportedly signing reigning American League MVP Josh Donaldson to a two-year contract worth $29 million.

Lazaro “Lazarito” Armenteros will spend the next 24 hours pondering his future. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound outfielder is expected to make a decision on where he will sign Wednesday, about one month after Major League Baseball declared him a free agent.

The Tigers’ streak of settling arbitration cases before a hearing rolls on. The team has reached an agreement with outfielder J.D. Martinez on a two-year contract worth $18.5 million, a source confirmed to MLB.com on Monday.

Of the many deals this offseason, some appear to be shrewder than others. With roughly two weeks to go before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, let’s take a look at five moves that I believe stand above the rest.

When Nationals manager Dusty Baker looks at the wall in his house in California, he is reminded that black history is celebrated every day, not just during Black History Month in February.

The D-backs signed free-agent reliever Tyler Clippard to a two-year contract on Monday. In a corresponding move, the D-backs designated left-handed pitcher Will Locante for assignment.

The Giants will put the finishing touches on honoring their San Francisco-era Hall of Fame quintet by unveiling a statue in right-hander Gaylord Perry’s honor before the Aug. 13 game against Baltimore, the organization announced Monday.

The Orioles will have 17 non-roster players in Major League Spring Training. The group is comprised of four left-handed pitchers, three right-handers, three catchers, four infielders and three outfielders.

On Wednesday, Estadio Quisqueya will play host to some of the most talented prospects from across Latin America for two days at Major League Baseball’s fifth annual International Prospect Showcase.

Remodeled pitching staffs make the National League West one of the most unpredictable and fascinating of the six divisions as Spring Training approaches. Any number of arms could prove pivotal in a lively race. Here are five to watch.

A bevy of players — players with good track records, in fact — are coming off down years and are in need of a rebound. If they do bounce back, perhaps the Angels will find out that they didn’t really need that shiny new left fielder or that accomplished new second baseman.

The role of the reliever has undergone a major transformation during the expansion era, particularly during the last two decades. Bullpens are pitching more innings than ever, even though individual relievers aren’t.

The Mets signed veteran outfielder Roger Bernadina to a Minor League contract with an invitation to big league Spring Training on Monday.