Major League Baseball’s 2023 Winter Meetings are being held in Nashville this week, and one of the most notable players is baseball’s biggest free agent, Shohei Ohtani. The two-time American League MVP hasn’t signed yet, but his most serious suitors are starting to emerge. 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. In addition to Ohtani’s free agency, the Padres’ Juan Soto is also very available on the trade market, with the Yankees continuing to show interest in the superstar outfielder.
Ohtani could sign a contract this week, with his decision expected by mid-December. However, the timing of a trade for Soto is unclear, and there’s always a chance San Diego will keep him. The Yankees have been most linked to Soto and reportedly remain interested in him after trading 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. If Ohtani signs, the market could really open up, 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.