MLB News and Notes

>>Contreras to Cardinals Rumors Heating Up

(St. Louis, MO)  — MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that the Cardinals are pursuing free agent catcher Wilson Contreras.  Contreras just concluded his seventh season playing for the Cubs and is hitting free agency this winter.  The 30-year-old Venezuelan batted .243 with 22 home runs and 55 RBI this past season.  He is a three-time All-Star and his potential signing would be both an upgrade for the Cardinals as well as a vital blow to their division rival.

>>Reds Make Pair of Deals

(Cincinnati, OH)  — The Reds are making a pair of deals as the MLB hot stove warms up.  Kyle Farmer was traded to the Twins in exchange for minor league pitcher Casey Legumina.  The shortstop hit .255 with 14 homers and 78 RBI last season.  The Reds also traded reliever Dauri Moreta to the Pirates for infielder Kevin Newman.  The 29-year-old hit .274 last year with two homers and 24 RBI.