by Ken Rosenthal

MLB Hot Stove

Ken Rosenthal and our MLB crew have you covered. Check out all the news and notes from the hot stove. Angels sign Abreu to 1-year deal Sources: Nats land Dunn w/2-year deal Updates: Lefty relievers getting offers Wolf, Dodgers agree to $5M deal Sources: Mets ink deal to keep Perez Braves, Kotchman avoid arbitration Sources: Rays, Shouse OK deal Report: Varitek to stay with BoSox Mets, Maine avoid arbitration Pirates sign P Maholm to 3-year deal

The Cubs' first priority remains the acquisition of a left-handed hitter; they are considering trades for players such as the Marlins' Jeremy Hermida and free agents such as Milton Bradley, Raul Ibanez and Bobby Abreu.

No deal for Peavy can be completed until the Cubs' new owner is identified; the new owner would need to approve the addition of the four years and $63 million remaining on the pitcher's contract.

The Phillies have emerged as the potential third team in the Peavy discussions, with the Padres targeting Phillies lefty J.A. Happ and Cubs infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa emerging as a possibility for the Phillies.

The Cubs would need to move right-hander Jason Marquis to clear payroll and roster space for Peavy. Marquis could go to the Padres as part of the deal or to another club in a separate trade.