Notes: Rumors & Player Moves as Bucs Offseason Remains 2018's Bomb Cyclone

And more randomness as the FO remains quiet as a mouse, as has most of baseball:

• Josh Harrison is drawing interest, with the Yankees, Mets, Twinkies and Blue Jays among those kicking his tires. Cutch and Cole, who knows? Cutch has been associated with a couple of seemingly unlikely clubs (Giants, Mets, Rox, Jays), including the mandatory "mystery" team. The latest Cole piece is from Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report, who has come up with five trade scenarios. His deal: Cole for LHP Stephen Gonsalves and RHP Fernando Romero, the Twins top two pitching prospects who are almost - they'd both start in AAA - ready for prime time. Caveat emptor - it's based on his thoughts and not, so far as we know, any active talks. The Cubs are also late entry, and though discussions are murky, we still wouldn't count the Evil Empire out; the Nats are also mentioned as gently interested.

What Uni Will He Fill in 2018? (image AT&T SportsNet)

• The Pirates claimed RHP Shane Carle, 26, off waivers from the Rockies & DFA'ed RHP Johnny Barbato (0-1, 4.08, 24G). Carle was a Pirates 10th rounder in 2013 and was traded to the Rox in 2014 for Rob Scahill. The one-time starter was converted to the pen in 2016 and was considered a fringe/depth prospect, at least by Colorado. He went 0-0, 6.75 in just four IP.
• Anthony Castrovince of Sports on Earth looks at teams that haven't done any roster work in the offseason and guess which team tops the list? Per the post "...the offseason really has yet to begin for the Buccos, whose exact plans for the New Year remain unclear." Amen.
• Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com predicts 12 minor league breakout candidates for 2018. He includes LHP Taylor Hearn, writing that "...the command still has a ways to go, but the stuff is electric."
• Jared Hughes has signed a two-year deal with the Reds w/$4.5M guaranteed (salary + buyout), a $3M option year and bonus sweeteners as he stays in the division. He was 5-3-1, 3.02, in 67 outings for the Brewers last year.
• RHP Joakim Soria was traded by the Royals to the White Sox. 

On the Move Again - 2017 Topps

• Free agent Tony Watson will be looking for a new home, it appears - the Dodgers just dealt for LHP Scott Alexander, who likely will be slotted to take Tony's place in the LA bullpen rotation.
• The Goose is loose! IF Phil Gosselin has signed a minor-league deal with the Reds. Ditto for IF Ivan De Jesus Jr., who rejoined the Red Sox for the third time. SS Chase DeArnaud inked a MiLB deal with the Giants.
• The Blue Jays and the Pirates are the only two teams not to dip into the MLB free agent market yet. 
• Ed Longenhagen of Fangraphs has the Pirates pre-season (and pre-trade) Top 25 Prospects List. It's worth a peek; there are a few new names in the posse. 
• Asher Feltman of MiLB offers ex-Bucco RHP Drew Hutchinson as his bet as a good "buy low" FA candidate.