Get to Know These 3 Must-Know Figures at the MLB Winter Meetings

In anticipation of the upcoming Winter Meetings, Yahoo Sports MLB writer Zach Crizer highlights three players who are expected to generate significant attention in Nashville.

Video Transcript

ZACH CRIZER: The baseball world is buzzing as the Winter Meetings approach in Nashville. Keep an eye on these three players who are poised to shake up the offseason with potential trades and signings.

First on the list is none other than Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar whose future with the Angels is up in the air. Ohtani has kept his intentions closely guarded, with teams instructed not to divulge any information. This secrecy has only increased the anticipation around his decision, leaving everyone on edge about his next move.

Next up is Juan Soto, the Padres outfielder known for his impressive on-base hitting. Soto’s impending $33 million arbitration and upcoming free agency make him prime trade bait for the Padres, who are reportedly in discussions with various teams, including the New York Yankees. His availability presents a tantalizing opportunity for any team in need of a powerful bat, with the potential for a less demanding prospect capital to secure a deal.

Finally, enter Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Japanese pitching sensation who is set to make his mark in MLB next year. Yamamoto’s MVP track record in NPB and the possibility of a lucrative $200 million contract has piqued the interest of top spending teams. As the negotiation window extends beyond the Winter Meetings, teams will need to weigh their options between pursuing Yamamoto or seeking interim upgrades like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.