With the holiday season now over, Major League Baseball could soon be in line for an uptick in activity on the free-agent and trade markets. The rumor mill continues to churn, and each day brings new updates and developments as we inch closer to Spring Training.
Here's a look at the latest Hot Stove stories from around the big leagues:
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Reds interested in Arroyo
Cincinnati could be in the market for an experienced starter this winter, and one name has emerged as a potential target. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon tweeted that the Reds are interested in a reunion with veteran hurler Bronson Arroyo, pending the right-hander's recovery from Tommy John surgery in July 2014.
The Reds were one of seven teams rumored to be interested in Arroyo last month, in addition to the Nationals, Pirates, Orioles, Padres, Braves and Phillies.
Arroyo, 38, last pitched in 2014 for the D-backs, going 7-4 with a 4.08 ERA in 14 starts before a torn ulnar collateral ligament ended his season. He spent eight seasons with the Reds (2006-13), including his lone All-Star campaign in '06.
Lee seeking "perfect fit" for MLB return
Cliff Lee is mulling a Major League comeback, but only if he finds a "perfect fit" in free agency, his agent, Darek Braunecker, said Sunday on MLB Network Radio.
Lee, 37, missed the entire 2015 season after elbow and forearm injuries limited him to just 13 starts the previous year. He was cleared to resume throwing last month, and Braunecker said Lee is proceeding with his usual offseason program.
"From a competitive standpoint, from a financial standpoint, from just an overall opportunistic standpoint, it's going to have to be the right fit for him to pursue it, for him to kind of leave home and leave his two relatively young children," Braunecker said. "The last year, he's kind of accustomed himself to being a full-time dad and kind of leaving baseball behind.
"But I think there's still that fire that burns within Cliff -- particularly to win a championship. It's the one thing that's missing from his resume at this point."
Lee has played parts of 13 seasons in the Majors with the Indians, Phillies, Mariners and Rangers, compiling a 143-91 record and a 3.52 career ERA. He's a four-time All-Star and a former American League Cy Young Award winner (2008).
Desmond talking with Padres
Free-agent shortstop Ian Desmond has reportedly landed on San Diego's radar. Both sides are engaged in ongoing discussions, according to FOXSports.com.
The Padres have been linked to Desmond throughout the offseason, as the 30-year-old veteran would fulfill a major need for the club. San Diego has had a revolving door at shortstop since Khalil Greene held the position from 2004-08.
Desmond saw his production dip in 2015, batting just .233/.290/.384 with 19 home runs, which was the first time since '11 he had hit under 20 homers. He declined a qualifying offer from the Nationals, but the Padres' eighth overall selection is protected, meaning they would instead have to relinquish their second Draft pick to sign Desmond.