Hot Stove roundup: Byrd flies back to Phillies

The second day of the General Managers Meetings in Orlando, Fla., got off to a quick start, as the Phillies and outfielder Marlon Byrd agreed a two-year, $16 million deal.

Byrd, 36, hit .291/.336/.511 last season with the Mets and Pirates and now returns to the organization where he played his first 3 1/2 seasons after being a 10th-round selection in the 1999 First-Year Player Draft.

Have you heard? #Phillies announce OF @mjbsr6 signed to a 2-year contract today. #GoPHILS14 http://t.co/pJfQ11wrFj pic.twitter.com/0ELzOWFZpC

- Phillies (@Phillies) November 13, 2013

Though that was the day's only significant transaction, there was no shortage of other news, including a late-breaking rumor that has the Phillies making an even bigger splash.

NL East
• The Phillies are discussing a deal that would bring in Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista for a package that includes outfielder Domonic Brown, according to Howard Eskin of FOX 29 TV and WIP radio in Philadelphia.

• The subject of trade speculation a year after the Nationals acquired him from the Twins, center fielder Denard Span is hoping to return to Washington.

• The Mets are looking for outfielders, with free agent Curtis Granderson representing one appealing option.

NL Central
• While rumors continue to swirl about the Cardinals executing a blockbuster deal for Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch plays down the likelihood of that scenario. St. Louis could choose to sign a free agent such as Stephen Drew or orchestrate a trade for a shortstop who wouldn't demand such a hefty return.

• Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer confirmed his club's interest in Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka and acknowledged that other teams have asked about righty Jeff Samardzija.

NL West
• The Rockies offered free-agent catcher Carlos Ruiz a two-year deal worth about $15 million, according to the Denver Post's Troy Renck, but it seems that won't be enough to entice Ruiz to Colorado. Renck writes that the veteran backstop has a two-year, $20 million offer from an unspecified club.

• The Padres could consider trading third baseman Chase Headley if they can't agree on a contract extension to keep him in San Diego beyond this season, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman writes.

AL East
• The Yankees' David Robertson isn't a lock to inherit the ninth inning from the retired Mariano Rivera, with general manager Brian Cashman saying he will explore the free-agent and trade markets for relievers, including closers.

• The Yankees' reported interest in free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran is legit, MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reports.

• The Blue Jays have some money to spend and could look to use it on a free-agent starting pitcher.

• Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal speculates that the Red Sox could be the front-runners for Ruiz.

AL Central
• The White Sox are prepared to welcome back Paul Konerko for his 16th season with the club, but Konerko remains undecided about his future.

• The Indians have interest in free-agent relievers Fernando Rodney and Brian Wilson, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

• According to Heyman, the Twins are exploring a reunion with free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski, whom they took in the third round of the 1994 Draft. Pierzynski, however, figures to have several suitors, including the Phillies.

• Meanwhile, Minnesota might be closer to signing veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Mike Berardino.

AL West
• Heyman reports that multiple teams are interested in Astros catcher Jason Castro, who hit .276/.350/.485 with 18 home runs last season. Our Brian McTaggart downplays the likelihood of a Castro trade, however.

• The Mariners would like to add free-agent outfielders Beltran and Nelson Cruz, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, who also reports that their interest in Jacoby Ellsbury is lower.