Five Things to Look Out For in the 2023 Winter Meetings

The MLB world will (mostly) converge in Nashville this week for the annual Winter Meetings. The past month of the offseason has been relatively quiet, but it will heat up. But, will that happen over the next few days? Here’s our preview of the 2023 Winter Meetings, including five things to look out for this week.

1. Will the Ohtani sweepstakes conclude?

Right now, the MLB free agent market is at a virtual standstill. Now, that doesn’t mean nothing is getting done. It’s just that much of the attention has gone to one singular name: Shohei Ohtani.

It does look like a decision is nearing, at least based on the rumor mill. Per Sportsnet in Canada, the two-time AL MVP is meeting with prospective teams in Los Angeles this weekend in what’s been dubbed “the final stretch” of negotiations. The Dodgers have long been considered the favorites, but the Cubs, Blue Jays, Giants, and Angels lurk.

When the Ohtani sweepstakes inevitably ends, things will likely get very interesting. The teams that don’t land Ohtani will look toward other free agents or trade options. But for right now, the baseball world has eyes squarely focused on the two-way sensation.

2. Movement in the starting pitcher market

We’ve already seen several teams bolster their pitching staffs. St. Louis signed a trio of veteran righties in November, highlighted by 2023 AL Cy Young Award finalist Sonny Gray. The Reds signed ex-Padre Nick Martinez, while the Phillies re-signed star pitcher Aaron Nola.

Still, there are plenty of top arms available. Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is expected to get paid, as is Japanese import Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, and Marcus Stroman are among other high-end starting pitcher options.

3. How will the Padres handle Soto?

Less than a year and a half after Juan Soto was traded to San Diego, his impending free agency and a payroll crunch mean that the 25-year-old will likely call somewhere else home in 2024.

The question now becomes where Soto winds up. There have been several potential destinations rumored, including the Mariners and Yankees. Both fit the type of team that would make sense for the three-time All-Star: a big-market team that could afford a potential extension and are win-now clubs.

However, what exactly will take to land the star outfielder? Given that the Padres are set to lose multiple starters, a Major League starter would likely be part of any return. But what else could San Diego seek? The Padres won’t get the same package they gave up to get Soto, but a potential bidding war could jump the price.

4. Outfielders could steal the show

We already mentioned Soto, but other prized outfielders could find new homes soon.

1B/OF Cody Bellinger got back on track in 2023 and is expected to command a nice payday. The same could be said for Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who was a key piece to the D-Backs’ National League pennant. Teoscar Hernandez has been consistent since 2018, as the 31-year-old belted at least 20 home runs in each of the past five full seasons.

Former Marlin Jorge Soler hits the market again after two seasons in Miami. Soler hit 36 home runs with the Marlins in 2023, his best total in a full season since he led the AL in home runs (48) in 2019.

5. The Rule 5 Draft

We can’t end our 2023 Winter Meetings preview without mentioning the Rule 5 Draft. This coming week, MLB teams will take part in the annual Rule 5 Draft. While it won’t get much attention, baseball fans should keep an eye on what takes place during the Draft.

Teams can find some intriguing bats in the Rule 5 Draft. Just think of Ryan Noda and Blake Sabol, both of whom were drafted last year. And as always, teams will be on the hunt for arms.

Several promising players taken in the 2020 MLB Draft, like OF Hudson Haskin (Orioles), Tanner Burns (Guardians), and Cole Wilcox (Rays) will be available. The same could be said for A’s prospect J.T. Ginn, whose injury history and sinker/slider combo make him a prime candidate to be a future reliever.