Hot Stove Digest: Dodgers eyeing Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda

Welcome to The Stew’s Hot Stove Digest, our daily rundown of MLB news, rumors and gossip for Hot Stove season. Here you’ll find a recap of all the day’s action and other fun stuff from around the Internet.

DODGERS IN ON MAEDA: Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda is catching the eye of the Dodgers, who need pitching and have the money for his $20 million posting fee. [@JonMorosi]

GORDON ON THE SOUTH SIDE? The Chicago White Sox are reportedly interested in signing free-agent outfielder Alex Gordon, which would break hearts in Kansas City. [@Ken_Rosenthal]

DONE DEAL: The Mets are reportedly in agreement with Alejandro De Aza on a one-year contract that will give the team outfield depth, but not the big bat that fans are clamoring for. [Yahoo Sports]

ICYMI: Mike Leake signs a five-year, $80 million deal to join the St. Louis Cardinals. [Yahoo Sports]

KAZMIR NEXT? With Leake off the table, the market may heat up for Scott Kazmir next. The Nats, Orioles and Royals are said to be the most interested teams. [@JonHeymanCBS]

WELCOME TO STL: Kolten Wong is a big fan of #PitchersWhoRake, thus he’s happy to have Mike Leake as a new teammate.

Welcome @MikeLeake44 glad to finally have a pitcher that can hit! No offense @UncleCharlie50 @MichaelWacha @lancelynn31

— Kolten Wong (@KoltenWong) December 22, 2015

YANKEES DOODLE DANGLE: The New York Yankees are reportedly dangling starting pitcher Ivan Nova as trade bait. [New York Post]

LOTS ON LATOS: Mat Latos will likely sign a one-year deal somewhere to re-establish his value after a rough 2015 season. Teams interested right now: Orioles, Pirates, Royals, Rays and Brewers. [@JCrasnick]

CALLING IT: Freddy Sanchez, who won the NL batting title in 2006, officially retires. [ESPN]

JOIN THE TRIBE, MAYBE: The Indians are in agreement with Ross Detwiler, formerly of the Nats, Braves and Rangers, on a minor-league deal. [@JonHeymanCBS]

LEAVE THE TRIBE, FOR SURE: The Indians released Chris Johnson, the once Atlanta Braves third baseman, who is still owed $17 million. [Hardball Talk]

GOOD READ: Managers talk about the difficulty of pitching the third time through the order. [Fangraphs]

THE LAST WORD: Holiday wishes from Milwaukee Brewers infielder Scooter Gennett.

Merry Christmas @Brewers from me and my guy in Sarasota, Florida @HomeDepot happy holiday’s #bestbeardever pic.twitter.com/SnherF7jd9

— Scooter Gennett (@Sgennett2) December 23, 2015