Giants SP Tim Hudson signals 2015 season will be his last
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:56 am ET) Giants veteran starting pitcher Tim Hudson indicated Tuesday the 2015 season will probably be his last year in the majors.

“I have one more year left on my contract, so I’m pretty sure that’s going to be it after this season,” said Hudson, speaking at Auburn, where he played in college. “I just started my workouts yesterday, which is kind of crazy to me. Just two weeks ago I was still playing and here I am having to get back ready for next season again.

“I guess that’s the price you pay when you play that late into the season come playoff time. But I’m going to work my tail off this offseason to get ready to go on to spring training in as good a shape as I can be and hopefully finish [next] season strong. It’s been an unbelievable career for me.”

Hudson became a four-time All-Star in his 16th MLB season in 2014. He went 9-13 with a 3.57 ERA in 31 starts last season. He has 214 career wins.

Report: Cubs have not inquired about Nick Swisher
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:52 am ET) The Cubs have not inquired about trading for veteran Indians first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher, according to multiple reports. FOX Sports reported Tuesday the Indians might consider trading Swisher.

Report: Sandoval’s agent to speak with Giants on Wednesday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(10:17 am ET) Gustavo Vasquez, who is the agent for free agent third baseman Pablo Sandoval, plans to speak by phone Wednesday with the Giants, a source told FOX Sports reporter Ken Rosenthal. It is possible Sandoval will be on the call as well.

Sandoval met Tuesday with the Red Sox. It has been rumored the Giants and Red Sox are the favorites to sign the 28-year-old slugger. ESPN reported Tuesday that Sandoval has discussed a five-year deal in the range of $80 million to $90 million with Boston and San Francisco.

Report: Red Sox extend contract offer to Jon Lester
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(9:24 am ET) The Red Sox have made a contract offer to free agent starting pitcher Jon Lester, a major-league source told ESPN. However, the team is not expecting a quick decision.

Lester met with the Cubs on Tuesday and is reportedly set to meet with the Braves on Thursday. It’s been reported that six teams are interested in signing the veteran left-handed hurler.

Baseball analyst Peter Gammons indicated during an interview Tuesday with WEEI in Boston that Lester returning to the Red Sox is a strong possibility. Lester began his MLB career in 2006 with Boston and remained with the team until being traded to Oakland at the 2014 non-waiver deadline in late July.

“I think the one thing — obviously the Cubs are going to make every play — I get the feeling the Cubs think he’s going to go back to Boston,” Gammons said Tuesday.

Report: DH Billy Butler agrees to $30 million deal with Oakland
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11/18/2014) Former Royals designated hitter Billy Butler agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Athletics, reports MLBDailyRumors.com. The Royals had declined their 2015 option on Butler, who hit .271 with nine homers and 66 RBI in 549 at-bats.

Butler, 28, reportedly will receive a $5 million signing bonus.

Cardinals add C Cody Stanley to 40-man roster
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11/18/2014) The Cardinals added catcher Cody Stanley to their 40-man roster, reports CardinalsFarm.com. Stanley batted .283 with 12 homers and 43 RBI in 103 games at Double-A Springfield this past season.

Cards release OF Shane Robinson, outright P Keith Butler
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11/18/2014) The Cardinals released center fielder Shane Robinson and outrighted pitcher Keith Butler to Triple-A Memphis, reports MLBTradeRumors.com. Robinson batted .150 in 60 at-bats this past season. Butler is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Nationals release C Jhonatan Solano
by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(11/18/2014) The Nationals released catcher Jhonatan Solano, reports MLBDailyDish.com. Solano, 27, batted .251 with 10 homers and 53 RBI at Triple-A Syracuse this past season.

Report: Marlins interested in SP James Shields
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11/18/2014) The Marlins have expressed interest in free agent pitcher James Shields, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports on Tuesday. The move would cost the team their No. 12 pick in this year’s draft.

Marlins general manager Dan Jennings has ties with Shields. Jennings drafted Shields in the 16th round of the 2000 amateur draft when he was with Tampa Bay.

In 2014, Shields helped lead the Royals to their first World Series appearance since 1985 by going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA.