The Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings are about to start in Nashville, and the next few days could be slow or full of big moves. The Reds signed Nick Martinez early Thursday morning, indicating that the pitching market is moving faster than the position-player side.
Let’s round up the rest of Thursday’s news and rumors.
Yankees Interested in Juan Soto
The Yankees need help in the outfield and are interested in Juan Soto, but they face competition from other teams. The Yankees are concerned about their ability to land Soto, especially with the competition for Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto being fierce. Soto would be a great offensive addition to the team alongside Aaron Judge.
Mets Likely to Sign Yamamoto
Reports suggest that the Mets are leading in the race to sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old pitcher is in high demand and is expected to secure a lucrative contract. The Mets have the resources and a need for quality pitchers, making them strong contenders for Yamamoto.
Red Sox Looking for Big Move
The Red Sox are determined to make a significant move this offseason, with rumors suggesting that they are eyeing some big names, including Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Cody Bellinger. The competition for these players is intense, but the Red Sox are determined to make a major addition to their roster.
Twins Seeking Starting Pitcher
The Twins are looking to bolster their rotation after the departure of Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda. They plan to pursue at least one starting pitcher this offseason and may also add a veteran on a minor-league deal for depth. The Twins’ rotation currently lacks depth and a frontline starter, making it a top priority for the team.
Possible Cease deal might have to wait
The White Sox are considering holding onto pitcher Dylan Cease until after the big free agent starters have signed with other teams. This strategy could increase demand for Cease and drive up his price in the market. Cease’s performance in the previous season has made him an attractive option for teams seeking a frontline starter.
If the White Sox don’t get a favorable deal this offseason, they could wait until the trade deadline to explore potential trades for Cease.
