Here’s the morning rundown on the biggest news items from around Major League Baseball for Thursday, December 4th:

• Following the non-tender of Tyler Flowers, the Chicago White Sox agreed to a one-year contract with free agent catcher Dioner Navarro, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
• As also reported by Ken Rosenthal, the Nationals are expected to make infielder Yunel Escobar available in trade talks at next week’s Winter Meetings.
• In other possible trade news, according to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Padres continue to push James Shields in trade talks.
• According to Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com, Cliff Lee has been medically cleared to return to the mound and plans to pitch in 2016.
• As tweeted by Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, industry expectations are that Darren O’Day will sign for a contract in the Andrew Miller range, likely $32-34 million in a four-year deal.
• The Seattle Mariners announced the signing of outfielder Nori Aoki to a one year deal worth $5.5 million with a vesting option for a second season worth $6 million.
• Finally, the Cleveland Indians have shown interest in both Chris Carter and Pedro Alvarez, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.