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The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their offensive retooling Wednesday, sending longtime second baseman Neil Walker to the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Jon Niese.

The Mets would announce the news on Twitter.

Major League Baseball is taking measures to protect fans by encouraging teams to add extra protective netting around the dugouts in all 30 stadiums. 

Per ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, MLB's new plan will insist teams have netting for all field-level seats within 70 feet of home plate on either side:

The Houston Astros are reportedly willing to consider offers for power-hitting outfielder George Springer in order to upgrade other areas of the roster.

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With Carlos Gomez set to hit free agency in 2016, the Houston Astros may consider trading the outfielder this winter.  

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The Oakland Athletics continued their bullpen rebuild by signing veteran right-hander John Axford. 

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle first reported Axford signed with the A's. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports confirmed the deal. 

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Neil Walker has become an intriguing trade target for teams looking to upgrade at second base this winter.

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Angels, Dodgers in Mix for Walker

Wednesday, Dec. 9

Bob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Post-Tribune reported the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have "very serious" interest in Walker, and while the Los Angeles Dodgers are also interested, it could be to a lesser degree.

After being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers before the 2015 season, the Brewers announced they have traded slugger Adam Lind to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for pitching prospects Daniel Missaki, Carlos Herrera and Freddy Peralta on Wednesday.

The second day of the MLB winter meetings ended with a bang Tuesday, with several moves closing out the night and even more rumors setting up what expects to be an exciting Day 3.

The Starlin Castro era is over in Chicago, after the Cubs traded the shortstop/second baseman to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported the Yankees will send infielder Brendan Ryan and pitcher Adam Warren to Chicago in return for Castro.

The Atlanta Braves continue to make the long-term future their focus after trading Shelby Miller and Gabe Speier to the Arizona Diamondbacks for 2015 No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson, outfielder Ender Inciarte and pitching prospect Aaron Blair.