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Ryan Vogelsong is returning to Bucco Nation.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they reached a one-year agreement with the veteran right-handed pitcher, who played for the Bucs from 2001 to 2006:

Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported it’s a one-year deal worth $2 million and $3 million more in incentives.

Vogelsong spent the last five years with the San Francisco Giants, where he compiled a 48-46 record with a 3.89 ERA. He pitched an average of 158-plus innings per year with seven strikeouts per nine innings and 3.1 walks per nine innings during that span, which included two World Series titles.

In Pittsburgh, Vogelsong was plagued by injuries—including a Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss all of the 2002 season and most of the 2003 season—and when healthy, he struggled mightily, going 6-13 with a 6.50 ERA in 2005, his only full season starting in Pittsburgh.

After a three-year stint in Japan, Vogelsong was on the brink of being out of the game, but he resurrected his career with the Giants and was a key cog in their 2012 World Series run.

He’ll join a Pirates rotation that is loaded but limited. Pittsburgh carries just four starters on its roster.

The Pirates’ pitching was the catalyst to their 98 wins last year, the second most in the majors, and the team’s starters accumulated 67 wins with a 3.53 ERA, which ranked third and fifth, respectively.

The Bucs also have a remarkable offense to lean on, which should keep them in contention for their fourth straight postseason appearance, but they no longer can feel satisfied with just reaching the playoffs.

After hosting the National League Wild Card Game in each of the last three years, losing two, their chief focus is on winning the competitive NL Central, which houses the St. Louis Cardinals and World Series favorite Chicago Cubs, per Odds Shark.

While Vogelsong is long in the tooth, he’s a worthy add for the back of the rotation and boasts the veteran and championship pedigree the Pirates will need while prospects Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow continue to develop.

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There are just 63 days until pitchers and catchers report for spring training, yet there is still plenty of hot-stove fodder to feed on. 

The winter meetings seem like ages ago given the splash of free-agent signings, yet the trade market remains fluid among plenty of potentially franchise-altering talent. 

Here is a look at some of the latest trade buzz. 

Reds open for business on Todd Frazier

At least seven teams have been reportedly involved in trade talks with the Cincinnati Reds for star third baseman Todd Frazier, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. 

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported a trio of American League Central teams are heavily involved: 

Frazier is a viable commodity given his ability to play first base and outfield, and he has an affordable contract—he’s due $8.2 million in 2016 and is under club control through 2017, per Spotrac. 

The Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians each underachieved last year despite high expectations. Should Frazier join Chicago, he’d be an immediate boost to a lineup that scored the third-fewest runs in MLB. 

The White Sox traded for Brett Lawrie to fill their void at third base, but Frazier would be a much more viable option, and statistics say Lawrie is actually better at second—a .972 career fielding percentage there against a .956 at third. 

The Kansas City Royals already have All-Stars Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas at first and third, respectively, but have two corner outfield spots to fill with Alex Gordon and Alex Rios on the free-agent market. 

The Reds are in the midst of a rebuild—they’re also trying to offshore second baseman Brandon Phillips and outfielder Jay Bruce, per Heyman—meaning they’ll likely want a prospect-heavy deal, which all three Central teams could oblige. 

Buzz dead on Marlins’ Jose Fernandez, who won’t comment on future

After much speculation on a possible deal at the winter meetings for Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reported those talks have dwindled: 

Fernandez, speaking for the first time publicly since the meetings, was mum on the topic. 

“I’ve got no comment on that,” Fernandez said, per Walter Villa of the Miami Herald. “I’m not allowed to comment on it.”

Despite the rumors—Fernandez was linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, per Heyman—the Marlins remained adamant they weren’t shopping the 23-year-old ace. 

Fernandez is represented by Scott Boras, who generally encourages clients to fulfill their initial contracts and hit the free-agent market to seek a maximum-value deal. 

Fernandez, who returned midseason last year from Tommy John surgery, has three years left of club control, per Spotrac. 

The Marlins but are in the market for starting pitching to build around Fernandez, but they have been relatively quiet this offseason and don’t appear on the brink of making any significant transactions. 

Fernandez’s refusal to comment on his future has warranted speculation surrounding his future in Miami. 

Fernandez is one of the best young arms in the game and could immediately catapult any contender’s rotation. If he’s not totally committed to the Marlins and their chances to contend, which could take time given their limited roster, they may find it in their best interest to move on. 

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Veteran right-handed pitcher Dillon Gee signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals on Monday, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Gee, a five-year veteran with the New York Mets, can opt out of his deal on March 2—well before the start of the season—if he’s not on the Royals’ 40-man roster, though Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca speculated that’s unlikely:

Gee reportedly turned down major league offers from other teams in favor of a chance to play for the defending World Series champions, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.com.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports noted that Gee can capitalize on generous incentives—particularly for a minor league deal:

Terms of the deal haven’t been disclosed, but Passan alluded that for for Gee to fully capitalize, he’ll likely need to be a full-time starter throughout the season and/or log somewhere near his career-high 199 innings from two years ago. 

He’ll certainly get a nice pairing with the Royals’ outstanding bullpen, which has arguably been its postseason catalyst in its consecutive American League pennant wins. 

Gee was 0-3 with a 5.90 ERA in 39.2 innings last year, but he was the team’s ace in 2013, logging a career-high 199 innings with a 3.62 ERA, 1.281 WHIP and 12-11 record. 

Gee lost his spot in the Mets’ 2015 rotation to Noah Syndergaard and was eventually was designated for assignment, then sent to Triple-A after not being claimed off waivers. He didn’t even receive a September call-up when rosters expanded, and declared free agency at season’s end. 

Clearly, Gee has his sights set on winning a ring—especially after leaving the Mets before last season’s pennant run—and should be a viable veteran presence in a healthy clubhouse atmosphere.

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The MLB hot stove continues to simmer well after the winter meetings ended Wednesday. 

The free-agent market continues to remain fluid—apropos the Chicago Cubs’ splash signing of Jason Heyward on Friday—though teams continue trade talks with plenty of potential moves that could continue to shift the competitive landscape. 

Here is a look at the latest buzz heading into the post-meetings weekend. 

Despite investigation, Reds still trying to trade Aroldis Chapman

The Cincinnati Reds’ trade of closer Aroldis Chapman with the Los Angeles Dodgers was a done deal until news surfaced that the hard-hurling lefty had been involved in a domestic violence incident that prompted MLB to launch an investigation into the incident. 

The Dodgers have since moved on and are now pursuing other options, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, leaving the Reds in possession of damaged goods—with a possible suspension looming. 

Yet despite MLB’s probe, teams are still in contact with the Reds about a possible deal, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports:

One reason: A lengthy suspension could result in an extra year of team control over Chapman, who currently is on track to accrue the necessary six years of service by the end of the 2016 season.

No trade is close, but clubs are allowed to pursue Chapman while he is under investigation, sources say.

Chapman is among the game’s best closers, but the Reds are desperate to rid themselves of the four-time All-Star, as he has just one year remaining on his current deal and will likely command a figure well out of their price range next winter.

However, that’s if he reaches sufficient service time, which is 138 days this season on an active roster or disabled list, per Rosenthal and Morosi. MLB would not credit him time under a suspension for domestic violence. 

Cincinnati was in a similar situation last year with the looming departure of ace Johnny Cueto, who remains on the market and has rejected a deal of $120 million—well outside the Reds’ budget—from the Arizona Diamondbacks, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

The Reds would get less from a trade for Chapman at this juncture, but as Rosenthal and Morosi noted, “They might be so motivated to move him, however, that they would accept a lesser return.”

Rockies listening to calls on outfielders

The Colorado Rockies have long been trying to deal powerful outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, but they have also been fielding calls for Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.

Crasnick noted the Kansas City Royals are in the market for outfielders with both Alex Gordon and Alex Rios on the free-agent market, and Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star noted Gordon’s return appears doubtful:

Joel Wagler of FanSided made a case for why the defending champions should make a run at Gonzalez.

“Even if you account for the Coors Field inflation (he hit 24 of his dingers at home), he still offers more power than most of the current Royals,” Wagler wrote. “A good chunk of those homers will turn into doubles at Kauffman [Stadium], but he would fit into what the Royals like to do.”

Injuries hindered Gonzalez in 2012 and 2013, but he totaled career highs in home runs (40) and games played (153) in 2015. 

The Royals reached the promised land by developing their remarkable farm system, and the Rockies will ask a lot for the eight-year outfielder, who is owed more than $37 million the next two years, per Spotrac.

If the Royals were to part with a sizable chunk of their prospects, they would remain favorites in the American League by adding a formidable force like Gonzalez to their lineup.

Cubs remain active in pitching market

The Cubs have added Heyward, utility man Ben Zobrist and right-handed pitcher John Lackey—but they aren’t done yet. 

Chicago is reportedly seeking another starter, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, to supplement its already-remarkable rotation that includes reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Lackey. 

Morosi reported talks are already underway with a pair of clubs for the Cubs’ would-be No. 4 spot:

As Muskat noted, the Cubs still have plenty of chips to offer to solidify their rotation, such as outfielder Jorge Soler and infielder Javier Baez. 

Baez seems to be the more logical move, as the Cubs infield appears set with Anthony Rizzo at first base, Zobrist at second, Addison Russell at short and NL Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant at third.

Parting ways with Soler would be more costly—at least for now—as Chicago only has Heyward and Kyle Schwarber to man the outfield. 

The Cubs are already the favorites to win the World Series, per Odds Shark, but team president Theo Epstein and company are well aware that adding another arm in their rotation would give them more assurance come October.

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Veteran outfielder Michael Cuddyer is hanging up his mitt after 15 years.

Cuddyer confirmed his decision in a post on the Players’ Tribune a day after Adam Rubin of ESPN.com and Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News reported the decision:

I’ve made the decision to retire. With one year left on my contract, it is especially difficult to imagine not suiting up in a Mets uniform for one more year. As an athlete, retiring is the toughest decision you have to make and I don’t make it lightly. I’ve always run out every hit like it was my last. As an untested high school kid drafted with a dream, I’ve never taken a single moment in the Majors for granted. It goes against every grain in my body to consider a future without the game. But after 15 years, the toll on my body has finally caught up to me.

Cuddyer—coming off the worst season of his career—played 75 games in the outfield and 18 at first base, and he was on the outside looking in on a New York Mets outfield that includes Curtis Granderson and Michael Conforto, with Lucas Duda firmly planted at first.

But despite a tempered 2015, he left his mark in unique company for one of the most challenging feats, per Ace of MLB Stats:

Cuddyer spent the first 11 years of his major league career with the Minnesota Twins before joining the Colorado Rockies for three years. Last season, he signed with the Mets, where he was part of his first career pennant win. 

The 36-year-old veteran rejected a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Rockies last winter in favor of a two-year, $21 million deal with the Mets, with $12.5 million owed in 2016, per Spotrac. Rubin added more context on how Cuddyer’s contract will be sorted:

The Mets gave up their first-round pick this year, No. 15 overall, to sign Cuddyer in hopes of making a pennant run. Though those goals were accomplished, the Mets must wonder if it was worth it to do so.

But by ridding themselves of Cuddyer’s contract, the Mets free up cap space to make a run at replacing remaining voids in their lineup, as second baseman Daniel Murphy and outfielder Yoenis Cespedes—both pivotal in their pennant run—remain on the free-agent market.

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The Atlanta Braves are reportedly shopping veteran first baseman and outfielder Nick Swisher, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.

Continue for updates.

Braves hope to deal Swisher

Friday, Dec. 11

The Braves have been as active as any team this offseason—trading Shelby Miller, Andrelton Simmons and Cameron Maybin already—and appear ambitious to continue their rebuild by dealing veterans for prospects. 

Swisher was acquired by Atlanta in a trade with the Cleveland Indians in August, but part of the perk was that the Indians sent cash in the deal, which also included Michael Bourn. 

Swisher is owed $29 million over the next two seasons, per Spotrac, and Bowman indicated the Braves probably won’t rid that full sum off their books in a potential trade:

Swisher posted a slash line of .195/.349/.339 with four home runs and 17 RBI in 118 at-bats over 46 games, including 36 starts—not exactly the figures the Braves are expecting from the amount they’re paying the 12-year veteran. 

The Braves already have All-Star Freddie Freeman at first base and an outfield corps of Bourn, Nick Markakis, Hector Olivera and Ender Inciarte, acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Miller trade. 

Even for a team that will likely struggle again in 2016, there is no room for Swisher and his hefty price tag. Should they find a worthy suitor that has prospects to offer, the Braves would be wise to eat some of Swisher’s contract and move on. 

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The MLB winter meetings were the biggest platform for what’s been arguably the most active offseason in recent memory. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks supplemented their splash signing of mega-free agent Zack Greinke by trading for up-and-coming Atlanta Braves starter Shelby Miller.

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ deal with the Cincinnati Reds for lights-out closer Aroldis Chapman was halted when MLB launched an investigation into domestic abuse accusations against the hard-hurling lefty.

The Chicago Cubs finally pulled the trigger and traded shortstop Starlin Castro, who’d been linked to trade talks as far back as the 2014 non-waiver deadline, to the New York Yankees. 

The meetings are in the books, but as teams trek home from Nashville, Tennessee, there are still ongoing trade discussions that could manifest into moves in the coming days. Here is a look at the post-meetings buzz. 

Reds discussing Todd Frazier with Royals

The Reds failed to return on what would’ve been a high-end deal for Chapman, but they have also actively shopped third baseman Todd Frazier, according to C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The defending champion Kansas City Royals have emerged as a potential suitor, according to ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark:

The Royals already have All-Star Mike Moustakas at third, but as Stark indicated, they’ll need to fill two corner outfield spots with Alex Gordon and Alex Rios currently on the free-agent market.

Frazier is a Gold Glove winner at third base and has played only 13 games in the outfield since breaking into the bigs in 2011, though he did start 173 games there in five minor league seasons. 

Frazier has two years of club control left and is due to make $7.5 million next year, per Spotrac, which is well within the mid-market Royals’ budget.

The Reds are said to be seeking MLB-ready talent for Frazier, according to Stark, which the Royals may be hesitant to cede. The defending champs are already primed for another pennant run, but adding Frazier would only bolster their odds, which are currently fifth-best at 12-1, per Odds Shark.

Rockies speak with Nationals about Charlie Blackmon

The Colorado Rockies have long been linked to trade rumors for power bat Carlos Gonzalez, but fellow outfielder Charlie Blackmon has surfaced as another potential chip, according to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com. 

The Washington Nationals have been in contact with the Rockies for the outfielder, though the Rockies are said to be seeking a lot for the burly and bearded center fielder, according to Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com:

Blackmon has been an everyday workhorse the past two seasons, missing just 13 games during that span while compiling a .288 batting average, 18 home runs and 65 RBI a year.

The Rockies desperately need pitching—of which the Nationals have plenty—as Colorado collectively compiled an MLB-worst 5.04 ERA in 2015, but it has struggled to lure free agents to hitter-friendly Coors Field. 

The Rockies offense has ranked in the top five in runs scored in each of the last two years, but they’ve finished no better than fourth in the National League West in that span. 

Marlins say they won’t trade Jose Fernandez

Miami Marlins president of baseball operations Michael Hill said Wednesday that ace Jose Fernandez “is not going anywhere,” per Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald. 

The Marlins have fielded calls for the 23-year-old star right-hander, but any momentum of a possible deal dwindled toward the end of the winter meetings, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.  

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports broached that the D-backs—given their incredibly aggressive offseason that clearly shows they fully plan to contend in 2016—should pursue Fernandez to complete what would be one of the best rotations in baseball:

[General manager Dave] Stewart lives in the today, the heavy rush of the moment – as well as the imperative from his bosses – outweighing what a kid might become. It’s why Fernandez makes so much sense. Greinke and Fernandez immediately would become the game’s best duo – one reminiscent of the Curt Schilling-and-Randy Johnson-led World Series-winning team in 2001 that Arizona still reveres. And if it costs prospects, well, Stewart ripped open that Pandora’s box like it was a present Christmas morning.

Fernandez would immediately catapult any contender, but the Marlins are hoping he can be their catalyst in the coming years as they aim to chase the Nationals and New York Mets in what is shaping up to be a competitive NL East. 

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The Atlanta Braves have traded catcher Christian Bethancourt to the San Diego Padres for right-handed pitcher Casey Kelley and catcher Ricardo Rodriguez.

The Braves have been as active as any team this offseason, dealing key contributors Miller, Andrelton Simmons and Cameron Maybin in the last three weeks in part of a major overhaul to build for the future.

But they had an influx of catchers with the re-singing of A.J. Pierzynski and the addition of Tyler Flowers on Tuesday—meaning Christian Bethancourt was likely be moved.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported Thursday the Braves were in talks with the Padres for the rising third-year player who has just 70 starts to his résumé.

Bethancourt was considered one of the game’s top prospects but has struggled mightily at the plate since breaking into the bigs in 2014. In his first two seasons, Bethancourt has a slash line of .219/.245/.527 with a 22.3 percent strikeout rate.

The Padres already have Derrick Norris as a primary backstop, but Bethancourt will be a reliable No. 2.

The Braves dealt ace Shelby Miller to the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend, leaving a gaping void in their rotation. Kelley, a 2008 first-round selection by the Boston Red Sox, will likely slide in somewhere in the middle. He pitched in just three games last season after missing all of 2013 and 2014 due to Tommy John surgery.

Rodriguez, 17, got his first professional experience last year with the Padres Dominican Summer League affiliate and Rookie-Level affiliate in the Arizona Summer League. He’ll likely join one of the Braves lower minor league clubs and continue to develop.

In the scope of the Braves’ overall approach to their long-term future, Thursday’s trade was logical.

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Free agency has hogged most of the MLB offseason buzz, but with the winter meetings underway, trade talks are heating up at a rapid rate. 

This four-day gathering of league executives is generally the biggest tipping point of the offseason in shuffling personnel, and a few high-profile names have been linked to potential news. 

Here is the latest buzz on the hot trade market as all 30 teams convene in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Brewers listening to offers for Jonathan Lucroy

The Milwaukee Brewers sat atop the National League Central for 159 days in 2014 before a September meltdown that carried over into a 68-94 record last season, tied for fourth-worst in the majors. 

They’re in the midst of a rebuild under new general manager David Stearns that’s putting a premium on young talent, according to Andrew Wagner of the Wisconsin State Journal. 

Such an approach has seen the team trade closer Francisco Rodriguez and could possibly involve an additional move of veteran catcher Jonathan Lucroy. 

Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Monday that the Texas Rangers have expressed interest in Lucroy, though the Brewers would want a high return given their limited depth at the position:

Lucroy is an appealing add to any team needing a catcher—particularly one with a positive clubhouse presence—but even more so due to his cost-friendly contract, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

Lucroy was considered one of the league’s best backstops from 2012-14 but suffered an injury-filled season in 2015 with a fractured toe and concussion. 

But Rosenthal indicated at least one league executive isn’t worried about the attrition the catcher weathered:

The Rangers have a great farm system—ranked seventh by MLB.com last spring—and could use an everyday catcher. Robinson Chirinos played 78 games last year, and backup Chris Gimenez played 36. 

Texas won the American League West at 88-74 but will probably need to win even more next year to repeat given the competition from the up-and-coming Houston Astros. Adding Lucroy would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Chicago Cubs infielder Javier Baez targeted by Tampa Bay Rays

The Chicago Cubs have a bevy of infielders and not enough room to house them all in a nine-man lineup. Such a crowded depth chart has prompted Javier Baez to train this offseason in center field, where the team has a gap after Dexter Fowler declined a qualifying offer and became a free agent. 

The Cubs have been linked to top free-agent outfielder Jason Heyward, according to Julie DiCaro of 670 The Score, which would again leave Baez without a spot to contribute, increasing the likelihood he gets moved. 

The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly targeting the powerful infielder, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, who indicated the Cubs would want pitching in return. 

Among the possible chips Chicago may be interested in, per Topkin, include Brad Boxberger, Drew Smyly, Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi and Erasmo Ramirez.   

However, Rosenthal reports the Rays aren’t the only team in play:

Baez, 23, was considered among the elite trio of prospects—along with Jorge Soler and NL Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant—but struggled in his first season, striking out 95 times in 213 at-bats in 2014. 

He was sent back to the minors to start 2015 but eventually made the playoff roster. He’s a young talent with elite bat speed that, if developed properly, could become a great infield bat. 

Oakland A’s attempting to move Brett Lawrie

The Oakland A’s have been actively trying to move third baseman Brett Lawrie since at least last month, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, and a quartet of teams—possibly more—are interested. 

Slusser wrote a trio of AL Central teams—the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers—are in the Lawrie market, and the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees have also expressed interest. 

Lawrie became expendable when the A’s acquired Jed Lowrie, who spent 2015 with the Astros after helping the A’s reach the playoffs in 2013 and 2014. 

Lawrie still has two years of arbitration eligibility, meaning he won’t cost a fortune. 

The Angels reportedly backed off interest Monday, per Slusser, and the Yankees would only follow through if they believe they need a second baseman.

But Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine reported Oakland is determined to get a deal done with someone:

The White Sox make a lot of sense, as Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago wrote:

The versatility of Lawrie makes him even more attractive to the White Sox, who must stabilize the position in order to give their fine young pitching staff some defense and run production support. Lawrie made the third-highest total of errors in the league at the hot corner last season with 18. Still, the metrics support his range factor as being well above the league average for third basemen.

Lawrie is coming off a season with career highs in games played (149), home runs (16) and RBI (60). He’s only 25, meaning there is still room for development. 

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The MLB winter meetings commenced Sunday in Nashville, and there is plenty of buzz that could shift the competitive landscape in the industry’s largest annual congregation of executives and media.

The top free agents—starting pitchers Zack Greinke and David Price—were snatched off the market last week for deals exceeding $200 million. But there are still plenty of high-profile chips that could be in play.

The trade market has been relatively quiet this offseason, but there are a few rumors floating that indicate it could heat up during the four-day event.

Here is a look at the latest buzz as the always-exciting winter meetings get underway.

Reds expected to trade Aroldis Chapman

Cincinnati Reds general manager Dick Williams indicated he expects to strike a deal to ship triple-digits closer Aroldis Chapman before the winter meetings conclude Wednesday, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

Among the possible suitors include the Houston Astros, Washington Nationals and the increasingly aggressive Arizona Diamondbacks, per Heyman.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the Los Angeles Dodgers were in talks with the Reds for Chapman on Sunday.

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reported an interesting note on why Houston may be in play as well:

Chapman, a lights-out closer whose fastball consistently tops 100 mph, will become an unrestricted free agent in 2017 and will likely command top dollar that Cincinnati simply won’t be able to afford.

The Reds finished 64-98 last year—second-worst in the majors—and gave Chapman only 36 save opportunities, for which he successfully earned 33.

The Reds were in a similar scenario at this time last year with starting pitcher Johnny Cueto, and they played their cards swimmingly, dealing the right-hander at the trade deadline that yielded prospects from the Kansas City Royals rather than winding up empty-handed when he walked.

Cueto remains on the open market and turned down a six-year, $120 million offer from the Diamondbacks last month, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, which is well above the Reds’ budget.

The Astros make the most sense in a trade for Chapman. After four abysmal seasons, Houston built its farm system and made the playoffs in 2015, and it’s here to stay for the near future.

The Astros have the prospects the Reds would want and need a closer to take an extra step, as was shown in their American League Division Series defeat to the Royals.

Nationals to shop Drew Storen at meetings

The Nationals have two closers in their clubhouse, but they could rid themselves of at least one by the end of the week.

Three industry sources told Bill Ladson of MLB.com that Washington is seeking to trade reliever Drew Storen, who lost his job as closer when the team acquired Jonathan Papelbon at the trade deadline last season.

The addition prompted Storen and his agent to meet with GM Mike Rizzo to discuss his role and future.

ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reported last month the Nationals wouldn’t mind getting rid of both Papelbon and Storen and adding someone else:

It was the third time Storen lost his job as closer, but each time has been under unique circumstances. Tyler Clippard replaced him in 2011 after Storen suffered an elbow injury, and Rafael Soriano replaced him prior to the 2014 season.

At the time of the Papelbon trade, Storen had a 1.73 ERA with 29 saves and an opposing slash line of .212/.271/.250—figures most teams would take any day.

Should the Astros or Dodgers lose out on the Chapman sweepstakes, Storen wouldn’t be a bad substitute.

Braves could deal Shelby Miller for right price

For all the fan flak the Atlanta Braves caught for trading longtime staples Andrelton Simmons, Justin Upton, Craig Kimbrel and others, they looked quite smart for last year’s deal of Jason Heyward for starting pitcher Shelby Miller.

Heyward is now a free agent who’s expected to haul in a 10-year, $200 million contract, per Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, while Miller is under club control through 2019. But now the Braves are apparently engaged in talks to deal Miller after just one season.

Heyman reported last week that 20 teams were in the mix, and Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine wrote Saturday the Diamondbacks are pushing to add Miller as a No. 2 to their minted addition, Greinke:

Mark Bowman of MLB.com indicated that despite the vigorous interest, the Braves are not actively seeking trades for the 25-year-old righty.

“Still, while the Braves are certainly willing to gauge what they might get for Miller, they do not appear to be actively shopping him,” Bowman wrote. “In fact, one National League club said the talks did not go anywhere after it expressed interest in Miller.”

It’s an incredibly robust market for a pitcher who went 6-17 last year, but that figure is a prime example why the win-loss category isn’t the most indicative statistic to determine a starter’s success.

Miller eclipsed 200 innings for the first time and posted a career-low 3.02 ERA in 33 starts. Arguably no pitcher was worth more to his team, and the Braves offense could rarely return the favor.

Miller went 24 starts over a span of more than four months without a win—a testament to the incredibly limited run support.

He’s one of the game’s great up-and-coming pitchers and, with the right team, could develop into an ace.

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