Here’s the morning rundown on the biggest news items from around Major League Baseball for Sunday, December 6th:

• In response to the Diamondbacks signing top target Zack Greinke, the San Francisco Giants have agreed to terms with free agent Jeff Samardzija on a five-year deal worth $90 million.
• Ben Zobrist is expected to make his decision very soon, with the Mets heavily involved in discussions with the free agent second baseman.
• It appears the Giants, Dodgers, and Mariners are three of the teams most heavily involved in talks with free agent right hander Hisashi Iwakuma, according to reports by Ken Rosenthal.
• Even after the Giants signed Samardzija, they are also still interested in Mike Leake, according to a report by Buster Olney of ESPN.
• Free agent Japanese right hander Kenta Maeda apparently would favor signing with the Dodgers, according to a report by Patrick Newman
• Up to five different teams have made contact with non-tendered first baseman Pedro Alvarez and ten teams have shown interest in pitcher Henderson Alvarez.
• According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Cubs are exploring a trade for a “top closer” and the Houston Astros are exploring Drew Storen as a backup trade option if they do not get another high profile closer.
• Finally, the San Diego Padres would appear to prefer to trade Andrew Cashner and would only trade Tyson Ross if the return was enormous, according to reports by Jon Heyman.