Tuffy Gosewisch is front-runner to be D-Backs’ starting catcher
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(11:35 am ET) Diamondbacks general manager Dave Stewart confirmed once again to MLB.com on Thursday that the team’s search for a catcher is over. The team will head to camp with Tuffy Gosewisch as the starter, Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez as the backup and prospect Pete O’Brien on the cusp of making the major-league roster.

“We sat back and thought about it and talked to our guys internally, our coaching staff, and we’re not going do to anything,” Stewart said. “Tuffy Gosewisch has never had the opportunity to be a front-line guy, but we do know he’s capable of handling the [pitching] staff. If we get some offense from him, it would be great.

“The kid Hernandez we know, through our scouting reports, is a good catch-and-throw guy. And we’re not expecting any offense from him. So if we get it, that would be great. But even more importantly, we think that Peter O’Brien is going to be ready. Our coaching staff says he has a chance to break with us from spring training. And if not spring training, we expect to see him by May or June.”

Cubs avoid arbitration with Welington Castillo
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(11:12 am ET) The Cubs have agreed to a $2.1 million deal with catcher Welington Castillo, avoiding arbitration for 2015, reports CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. He hit .237 with 13 homers and 46 RBI last season.

Marlins, Aaron Crow beat arbitration deadline
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10:57 am ET) The Marlins and pitcher Aaron Crow have agreed to a $1.975 million contract for 2015, avoiding Friday’s arbitration deadline, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

Crow was acquired by Miami from Kansas City via trade in the offseason. According to a report earlier in the offseason, the Marlins will consider using him as a starter. Crow went 6-1 in 2014, but he had a career-worst 4.12 ERA and allowed 10 home runs.

Pirates, Chris Stewart avoid arbitration deadline
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10:54 am ET) Pirates catcher Chris Stewart avoided arbitration on Friday, agreeing to a $1,225,000 contract for 2015, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. He hit .294 with 10 RBI in 49 games last season for Pittsburgh.

Yankees, Stephen Drew agree to one-year, $5 million deal
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10:50 am ET) The Yankees have signed free agent infielder Stephen Drew to a one-year deal, the team announced on Friday. According to the New York Daily News, Drew is expected to make $5 million in 2015. To create space for Drew in the 40-man roster, the Yankees have designated outfielder Eury Perez for assignment.

Drew missed the first two months last season after holding out for a contract. He eventually signed with the Red Sox and was then traded to the Yankees. Drew hit .162 with seven home runs and 26 RBI in 85 games.

Nats, Drew Storen agree to $5.7 million deal for 2015 season
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10:44 am ET) The Nationals have signed closer Drew Storen to a $5.7 million deal in 2015, avoiding arbitration, per Comcast SportsNet Washington. The team also announced the signing, but did not reveal the terms of the deal.

Storen emerged as the team’s closer in September due to Rafael Soriano’s late-season struggles. He finished the year with 11 saves in 14 tries, a 1.12 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP over 56 1/3 innings of relief. With Tyler Clippard now in Oakland via trade, Storen should regain his status as the closer for 2015.

Cubs OF Chris Coghlan agrees to $2.505 million for 2015
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10:21 am ET) Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan agreed to $2.505 million deal for 2015, avoiding arbitration, reports MLB.com on Friday.

Coghlan, 29, hit .283 with nine homers and 41 RBI in 2014, by far his best numbers since his 2009 rookie campaign with the Florida Marlins. He owns a .273/.340/.404 career slash line over his first six years in the majors.

Rays OF Desmond Jennings avoids arbitration
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(10:15 am ET) The Rays have avoided arbitration with center fielder Desmond Jennings on Friday, reports CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. Both sides agreed to $3.1 million for 2015. He will also receive $25,000 for 550 plate appearances.

Jennings was limited to 123 games due to a knee injury in 2014. He hit .244/.319/.378 with 10 home runs, 30 doubles, 36 RBI and 15 stolen bases over 542 plate appearances.

Nationals, RHP Stephen Strasburg avoid arbitration
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9:47 am ET) The Nationals have agreed to terms with right-hander Stephen Strasburg, avoiding arbitration for the 2015 season, per the team’s official website. According to the Washington Post, Strasburg will receive $7.4 million in 2015. He made $3.975 million in 2014.

Strasburg, 26, registered an 3.14 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and 242:43 K:BB ratio over 34 starts (215 innings) in 2014. He lost his only start in the postseason, coughing up two runs — one earned — over five innings of work. He has a career 3.02 ERA through his first five seasons in the majors.

Padres, SS Alexi Amarista agree to two-year, $2.5 million deal
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com

(9:41 am ET) Padres and shortstop Alexi Amarista have agreed to a two-year, $2.5 million deal, reports CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman on Friday. Amarista, 25, slashed .239/.286/.314 with five homers and 40 RBI over 423 at-bats in 2014. He has a .234 batting average through his first four years in the majors.