MLB News Outside the Confines: Winter is here

Major League Baseball enters the offseason with ongoing Milwaukee Brewers World Series celebrations and the start of winter business. The Hanshin Tigers officially posted Japanese Triple Crown winner Teruaki Sato, while clubs began exercising contract options, including the Boston Red Sox picking up pitcher Garrett Whitlock's $8.25 million option and the Tampa Bay Rays exercising Drew Rasmussen's $20 million option.

Other notable transactions include the Baltimore Orioles declining their $20 million option on Luis Robert Jr., making him a free agent, and Cincinnati Reds reliever Emilio Pagán declining his player option. Additionally, the Houston Astros hired Randy Flores as general manager, and former New York Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman passed away at age 83.