The 2023 Major League Baseball winter meetings kicked off Monday in Nashville, and there’s no shortage of storylines for this year’s event.
Shohei Ohtani’s looming decision obviously will dominate headlines, regardless of whether he signs on the dotted line this week, but Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bellinger are among the other notable players available in free agency.
Plus, there’s the trade market, where San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto leads an intriguing group of All-Stars who could be moved.
We’ll do our best to keep you up to speed on the latest rumors, rumblings and more right here in our MLB winter meetings live blog. Even if this week doesn’t produce a flurry of trades and signings, it still could lay the groundwork for subsequent moves that shake up the offseason.
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DAY 1 (Monday)
12:45 p.m. ET: The Braves and Mariners wasted no time in getting the party started Sunday night, completing a five-player trade that sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic, first baseman Evan White and left-hander Marco Gonzales to Atlanta and right-handers Jackson Kowar and Cole Phillips to Seattle.
This marks the second time Kelenic, the sixth overall pick in 2018, has been traded, as Seattle acquired him in December of that year as part of the blockbuster that sent Edwin Díaz to the New York Mets. Kelenic later developed into one of baseball’s top prospects and showed glimpses of his potential at the MLB level in 2023, but he’ll nevertheless open the 2024 campaign elsewhere after Sunday night’s fascinating swap.
1 p.m.: Yoshinobu Yamamoto recently was posted by the Orix Buffaloes, his team in Nippon Professional Baseball, and the New York Post’s Mike Puma reported Sunday night the pitcher will meet with MLB teams within the next week.
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The Japanese ace widely is considered the second-best free agent available this offseason, with his youth and upside separating him from some of the other free agent starting pitchers.
Puma added that Yamamoto is expected to meet with the New York Mets, who are coming off a disappointing 2023 despite a massive payroll.
1:15 p.m.: Yamamoto isn’t the only international free agent to watch this week. Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee and reliever Woo Suk Go — both of the Korea Baseball Organization — have officially been posted, according to ESPN’s Alden González.
1:25 p.m.: The Milwaukee Brewers made some history, signing top prospect Jackson Chourio to an eight-year contract extension that runs through 2031 with two club options for 2032 and 2033.
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The deal — reportedly worth $82 million guaranteed, with the potential to max out at $142.5 million — is the largest ever given to a player prior to making their MLB debut.
1:30 p.m.: So, will Shohei Ohtani find a new home during the winter meetings?
Well, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Sunday, citing a source engaged with the top end of the free agent market, that Ohtani is likely to make his decision within the next week.
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3:40 p.m.: Another starting pitcher is off the market.
The Brewers, who’ve been mentioned in trade rumors regarding their top two starters (Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff), announced they re-signed Wade Miley to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2025.
Miley, 37, wasn’t the biggest name available. But he’s nevertheless a solid veteran left-hander capable of eating innings at the back end of Milwaukee’s rotation.
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3:45 p.m.: The Brewers weren’t done after inking Miley. They also agreed to a major league contract with free agent pitcher Joe Ross, sources told Robert Murray of FanSided.
3:50 p.m.: Interesting note from Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on MLB Network: Los Angeles plans on Mookie Betts being its everyday second baseman in 2024.
Betts is a Gold Glove outfielder who bounced around the diamond in 2023, and it sounds like the Dodgers will lean into his ability to provide elite offense from the keystone moving forward. Take notes, fantasy owners.
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4:45 p.m.: Padres general manager A.J. Preller addressed the trade rumors surrounding Juan Soto during an MLB Radio Network interview Monday.
Basically, teams have reached out to the Padres and they’re willing to listen. But Preller, understandably, left the door open for Soto to return to San Diego in 2024, with or without a long-term contract extension.
It certainly feels inevitable that Soto will be traded. But stranger things have happened. And the Padres might be the most unpredictable team in MLB.
6:00 p.m.: Fans expecting three of the offseason’s biggest moves may have to wait a bit longer for that type of news.
In a new piece for the New York Post, MLB insider Jon Heyman believes that a deal for San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto may be delayed until recently posted Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and two-way free agent Shohei Ohtani make their decisions on what team to sign with.
If these players find new teams in the coming days, priorities could shift at the winter meetings.
6:25 p.m.: Yoshinobu Yamamoto remains as arguably the top free agent starting pitcher. The 25-year-old comes over from Japan after being posted by the Orix Buffaloes. With the increased interest, his market could greatly benefit.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden projects that Yamamoto could potentially sign a deal in the area of $300 million total. New York Yankees starter Gerrit Cole remains the only pitcher to have sign for north of $300 million.
6:35 p.m.: Highly-coveted free agent Shohei Ohtani spent his first six major league seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. While the two-way superstar has several suitors this offseason, the Angels still may not be out of the mix.
In an availability with new Los Angeles manager Ron Washington, the 71-year-old declined to give insight into Ohtani’s negotiations while leaving the door open for speculation, per Jeff Fletcher of SoCal News Group.
Ohtani remains one of the top players on the open market.
7:50 p.m.: The New York Yankees continue to poke around on a potential deal for San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto. Without getting into details of negotiations, Yankees manager Aaron Boone did express his opinion on the star slugger.
“He’s a great Padre right now, so we’ll see what happens as the week unfolds,” Boone said on YES Network, as transcribed by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “But all I can say is, he’s a pretty special player.”
Additionally, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that the Yankees remain “hopeful” that a deal can eventually be done to bring Soto to New York.
11:15 p.m.: Without moves to report, Jon Heyman of the New York Post did link a few major pitchers to potential new teams.
Beginning with the Red Sox, Heyman reported that the team is still in on starter Jordan Montgomery, though a return to the Texas Rangers may still be the most likely option.
Heyman also tied the Red Sox to right-hander and former Mets and San Diego Padres pitcher Seth Lugo, who posted a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts last season.
As for the New York Mets, the team highly covets Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but could turn attention to Blake Snell if they cannot sign the young Japanese starter.
12:00 a.m.: The first bidding war on the pitching market could be coming to a close.
Per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, right-hander Erick Fedde could reach a decision between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.
The 30-year-old dominated in the KBO last season, going 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA in 30 starts with the NC Dinos.
DAY 2 (Tuesday)
12:15 p.m. ET: It’s worth noting the MLB draft lottery will take place at 5:30 p.m. ET. The 18 teams that missed the 2023 postseason have a chance to win one of the top six picks in the 2024 MLB Draft.
12:25 p.m.: Did the Blue Jays meet with Shohei Ohtani?
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that Toronto club officials are believed to have met with the two-way superstar Monday at the Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, Fla.
There’s been a layer of mystery to Ohtani’s free agency process, but Toronto might be gaining steam — at least from a public perception standpoint — as a potential landing spot for the reigning American League MVP.
2:35 p.m.: So, let’s say Shohei Ohtani leaves the Angels and signs elsewhere in free agency. Could Los Angeles then pivot and trade Mike Trout as part of a rebuild?
It sure seems possible, as the Halos could use a fresh start. But Angels general manager Perry Minasian emphatically shot down the idea Tuesday.
“Mike Trout is not getting traded,” Minasian said, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. “100 percent.”
2:40 p.m.: Several teams have been linked to Seth Lugo, a mid-tier option who successfully transitioned to the rotation on a full-time basis last season with the San Diego Padres, but the Red Sox are stepping up their efforts to sign the right-hander, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Heyman added Tuesday that four or five other teams, including the Braves, are interested in Lugo, as well.
A source told MassLive’s Chris Cotillo the Red Sox are “expected” to make an offer to Lugo, which obviously doesn’t guarantee he’ll sign with Boston but nevertheless is another indication of the club’s reported interest.
Lugo, 34, spent his first seven MLB seasons with the New York Mets, serving as both a starter and a reliever. He went 8-7 with a 3.57 ERA in 26 starts (146 1/3 innings) with the Padres in 2023.
2:55 p.m.: It sounds like there’s a strong market for Jordan Hicks, a hard-throwing reliever with late-inning experience. Injuries plagued him in the past, but his potential remains very high at age 27.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Monday the Astros, Rangers, Orioles and Cardinals were among the teams with interest in Hicks.
Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 added Tuesday, citing sources, that at least six teams have shown continued interest in Hicks. The Red Sox and Angels have checked in, per Alexander.
3:15 p.m.: Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been candid about the need to bolster Boston’s starting pitching. Maybe that’ll include landing the top starter available in free agency?
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Tuesday that Yoshinobu Yamamoto is one of the Red Sox’s top priorities at the winter meetings.
Morosi added that Yamamoto is expected to sign after Shohei Ohtani makes his decision but before the end of this month.
3:40 p.m.: The Red Sox showed interest in free agent starter Lucas Giolito, per Morosi.
Giolito reportedly is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Mets, Diamondbacks and Royals, as well.
5:30 p.m.: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters the club recently met with Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium.
This is a somewhat surprising admission — Ohtani reportedly doesn’t want information regarding his decision to be leaked — but there’s nothing shocking about Los Angeles’ actual pursuit.
“Clearly, Shohei’s our top priority,” Roberts said, per ESPN’s Alden González.
6:15 p.m.: Are the Yankees showing their cards for a big move?
MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch noted that the team’s top faces such as Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman have been fairly open in discussing Juan Soto, the current San Diego Padres outfielder. The 25-year-old has been in the center of trade discussions between the teams, though talks had recently stalled.
Additionally, Red Sox manager Alex Cora believes that the Yankees could be active after a recent conversation with Boone at the winter meetings, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
6:55 p.m.: One pitcher has made his decision on his future.
After reportedly being down to two teams on Monday night, former big leaguer and recent KBO right-hander Erick Fedde is heading to the Chicago White Sox on a two-year, $15 million deal, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
7:00 p.m.: While Shohei Ohtani has not made his decision, one team has had an interesting day regarding the superstar free agent.
After USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Chicago Cubs were no longer active in talks for Ohtani, Cubs executive Jed Hoyer confronted the reporter with “stern words,” per ESPN’s Jesse Rodgers on ESPN1000.
9:25 p.m.: In a rare trade between longtime rivals, the Red Sox reportedly traded outfielder Alex Verdugo to the New York Yankees in exchange for three pitchers, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
After the deal was reported, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi noted that the Red Sox could be interested in free agent Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to fill the recently-opened outfield spot.
As for the Yankees, SNY’s Andy Martino reported that acquiring Verdugo does not take the team out of potentially trading for San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto.
YES Network’s Jack Curry elaborated that discussions “intensified” between the Padres and Yankees, even after the Verdugo deal.
10:10 p.m.: In a follow up deal from the Jarred Kelenic deal, the Pittsburgh Pirates are acquiring pitcher Marco Gonzales from the Atlanta Braves, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
DAY 3 (Wednesday)
11:20 a.m.: YES Network’s Jack Curry provided another update Wednesday morning on the reported Juan Soto trade talks between the Yankees and Padres.
According to Curry, a trade is likely, in wake of New York intensifying its efforts to land the All-Star outfielder. Curry speculates the Yankees could part with four or five players to complete the deal, including pitchers Michael King and Drew Thorpe.
12:45 p.m.: It appears Juan Soto could be headed to the Bronx.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, citing a source, a deal between the Yankees and Padres is “close to being finalized.”
San Diego’s return for Soto reportedly will include Michael King, Drew Thorpe and at least two additional players. Alex Verdugo, whom the Yankees just acquired from the Red Sox, reportedly is not included in the trade.
12:50 p.m.: The Orioles, who could be without closer Félix Bautista for the entire 2024 season, are close to a deal with free agent reliever Craig Kimbrel, a source told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
12:53 p.m.: We might not have to wait too much longer for Shohei Ohtani’s decision.
MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Ohtani is expected to choose his free agency destination before the end of the weekend.
4:05 p.m.: Eduardo Rodriguez met with teams at the winter meetings and narrowed his list down to two clubs, per the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
Rodriguez reportedly will make his free agency decision by Thursday.
4:10 p.m.: Only medicals and minor details stand in the way of Juan Soto being traded to the Yankees, per the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
The Yankees reportedly will receive Trent Grisham from the Padres, as well, giving New York a new-look outfield mix featuring Soto, Grisham, Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo.
4:15 p.m.: Craig Kimbrel’s deal with the Orioles is done, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, citing a source.
MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported, per a source, Kimbrel will earn $12 million in 2024 with a $13 million club option ($1 million buyout) for 2025.
5:10 p.m.: MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Juan Soto to the Yankees is being “finalized.”
According to Morosi, the Yankees would receive Soto and Trent Grisham in exchange for five players: Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, Randy Vásquez, and Kyle Higashioka.
6:50 p.m.: The Angels seem to be on the verge of adding to their bullpen as they are in talks with reliever Adam Cimber, per The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya.
7:01 p.m.: The White Sox at the moment are “pulling back” on Dylan Cease trade talks, rival teams told the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. Heyman noted that Cease most likely will be traded, but the White Sox want to wait out the Yoshinobu Yamamoto market first.
8:13 p.m.: Tyler Glasnow could be finding a new home soon as the Chicago Cubs remain in on trade talks with the Tampa Bay surrounding the right-handed pitcher, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
10:25p.m.: It’s down to two teams for former Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks are the finalists to land the veteran left-handed pitcher.
10:37 p.m.: The Yankees completed a blockbuster deal with the San Diego Padres to acquire Juan Soto, according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman. Trent Grisham will also head to New York. The package the Yankees gave up has not been revealed yet.
10:55 p.m.: ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that Eduardo Rodríguez has signed on with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Rodríguez’s deal is worth a reported four years with the left-hander receiving around $20 million per year.
11:10 p.m.: The package needed for the Yankees to land Juan Soto is revealed with New York giving up right-handed pitchers Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Randy Vásquez, Jhony Brito and catcher Kyle Higashioka, per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner.
Featured image via Jeff Curry/USA TODAY Sports Images
