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Excitement was minimal at the 2023 Winter Meetings in Nashville, Tenn. this year, keeping up with the trend of a quiet offseason. But don’t be fooled, things might be about to heat up after Wednesday’s Juan Soto trade from the Padres to the Yankees.
Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the offseason landscape in the wake of the Winter Meetings. Get ready for some major stories, significant free agents still available, and potential trade opportunities.
Who are the top free agents left on the board?
One standout is Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar who has been keeping everyone guessing. Also, be on the lookout for 25-year-old Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a three-time recipient of the Eiji Sawamura Award for best pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Most of the players from MLB.com executive reporter Mark Feinsand’s initial rankings of the Top 25 free agents at the start of the offseason are still available. Only four have agreed to deals so far.
If you’re curious about the complete list of available free agents and deals made this offseason, check it out here.
What are the key stories to watch?
1. When (and where) will Ohtani sign?
It seems we’re on the edge of finding out where Ohtani will go after recent meetings with multiple teams. The Dodgers, Blue Jays, Giants, Angels, and Cubs are said to be the finalists, with the bidding potentially reaching as high as $600 million.
2. The trickle-down effect for the market when Ohtani is off the board
Ohtani’s presence in the market has slowed activity for other major free agents. Clubs are waiting to see the outcome before making their next moves.
3. How high will the bidding get for Yamamoto?
