Hot Stove roundup: Nolasco agrees to deal with Twins

One rumored deal overtook the Hot Stove on Wednesday evening, when free-agent right-hander Ricky Nolasco reportedly agreed to a contract with the Twins, according to multiple reports.

According to Yahoo Sports, the contract is a four-year deal worth $49 million with a club option for 2018. The option is worth $13 million and can vest into a player option based on innings pitched in 2016-17.

Nolasco, 30, was one of the top free-agent starting pitchers on this year's market. He is 89-75 with a 4.37 career ERA in 229 games (212 starts) over an eight-year career that was spent with the Marlins for all but the second half of last season after being traded to the Dodgers.

The other big news of the day were the first public comments from Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun since his 65-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs in July.

Braun talked to media following a food drive outside Miller Park, but he did not get into any specifics or details about his violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy.

"I wish I had the ability to go back and change things and do things a lot differently," Braun said. "Unfortunately, I can't do that. All I can do is move on, try to do everything in my power to earn people's trust and respect and support. I don't anticipate winning back everybody's support, but I certainly intend to do everything in my power to do that.

"I won't stop trying."

Other news and notes from Wednesday around baseball:

• The Reds re-signed reliever Manny Parra to a two-year, $5.5-million deal.

• Veteran left-hander Ted Lilly is evaluating retirement.

• MLB.com's Tracy Ringolsby writes the Yankees won't wait on Alex Rodriguez (appeal) and Robinson Cano (free agent) to make roster moves.

• MLB.com's Mark Sheldon opines on the Reds' reported interest in free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran.

• Royals left-hander Noel Arguelles cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha.

• Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said his club has had "several conversations" about potential moves heading into the Winter Meetings.

• Former pitcher and war veteran Lou Brissie died. He was 89.

• The Rays unveiled their Spring Training schedule.

• Toronto's Brett Lawrie, Pittsburgh's Russell Martin, Seattle's Michael Saunders, Cincinnati's Joey Votto and free agent Justin Morneau are finalists for the James "Tip" O'Neill Award, which is given out annually to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseball's highest ideals.

• Orioles directer of player development Brian Graham will be honored at the Winter Meetings with the Sheldon "Chief" Bender Award. The honor is presented to an individual with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development.