Major League Baseball’s 2023 Winter Meetings are being held in Nashville this week, and the main focus is on two big names who could change teams this offseason: Shohei Ohtani and Juan. It’s Soto. Two-time American League MVP Ohtani remains unsigned, but Soto will be the center of attention Wednesday. The Yankees have been interested in the Padres outfielder all offseason and are close to acquiring the star slugger. The teams have been negotiating throughout the day and are still finalizing the contracts of seven potential players as of Wednesday night.
The Yankees were the team most linked to Soto, and interest continued after they traded him for Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo on Tuesday night. The Verdugo trade has been the most notable deal of the winter meetings so far, but progress has been uncharacteristically slow as teams, agents and players await Ohtani’s decision. The Dodgers, Blue Jays and Giants have reportedly met with Ohtani in recent days, and the incumbent Angels are still interested in re-signing him.
If Ohtani signs, it could really open up the free agent market, especially for Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The teams that are pursuing Ohtani are also reportedly interested in Yamamoto, who could be signed in the range of $250 million to $300 million.
CBS Sports will provide live updates on the latest rumors, contracts and trades throughout this week’s winter meetings, so tune in below.
