MLB Winter Meetings: Soto’s Record Deal Sparks Frenzy

MLB Winter Meetings: Soto’s Record Deal Sparks Frenzy

The MLB winter meetings are officially here, kicking off Monday in Dallas, and baseball fans, buckle up—this week promises to be a whirlwind of rumors, signings, and blockbuster trades. With Juan Soto’s jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets now in the books, the dominoes are set to fall. Who’s next to make headlines? Which teams will make bold moves to reshape their rosters? Let’s dive into the predictions, buzz, and rumors swirling around the league as the action unfolds.

Winter Meetings Predictions

Now that Soto is off the board, who will be the biggest name to sign (or get traded) in Dallas?

Jorge Castillo: Corbin Burnes is my pick to sign with one of the teams that missed out on Soto. While Burnes is arguably the best player left in free agency, I don’t think he’s a bigger name than Alex Bregman, who could also ink a deal in the coming days. My money is on Bregman being the headline-grabber this week.

Alden Gonzalez: Max Fried. The Yankees and Red Sox have been circling Fried for weeks, and their interest isn’t necessarily tied to Soto’s signing. With the Dodgers now out of the picture after committing $182 million to Blake Snell, the path is clear for one of these AL East rivals to lock down Fried.

Jesse Rogers: Soto’s move to the Mets will set off a chain reaction, starting with Cody Bellinger getting traded. Teams that missed out on Soto will pivot to the Cubs, who are reportedly open to dealing the former National League MVP. Chicago is keeping a close eye on its payroll and could move Bellinger to free up funds for other offseason needs.

Surprise Moves to Watch

What is one move fans might not be expecting that you predict will go down this week?

• Castillo: Garrett Crochet could be on the move, with the Yankees or Red Sox as potential landing spots.
• Gonzalez: My bold prediction? Alec Bohm gets traded to the Mariners. With Jerry Dipoto and Dave Dombrowski at the helm, this deal feels like a perfect match.
• Rogers: Christian Walker will sign with the Yankees, who are looking to rebound after missing out on Soto.

Rumors That Will Dominate the Week

What is the one rumor that will dominate the week?

Castillo: The biggest buzz will center around the remaining frontline starting pitchers and the teams vying for their services. Expect a game of musical chairs as clubs scramble to bolster their rotations.

Gonzalez: One name to watch is Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The winter meetings are a breeding ground for speculation, and Guerrero, who has yet to sign an extension with the Blue Jays beyond 2025, could be a hot topic.

Rogers: Corbin Burnes will be linked to several big-market teams, with the San Francisco Giants leading the pack. Will they offer him a Stephen Strasburg-type deal? Buster Posey has already opened the checkbook this offseason—why stop now?

Winter Meetings News and Rumors

Dec. 9 Buzz

Buehler Drawing Interest

Walker Buehler is attracting attention from about 10 teams after his stellar postseason performance. He threw 10 scoreless innings between the NLCS and World Series, including the final inning of the 2024 Fall Classic to seal the Yankees’ fate in Game 5. While some teams see Buehler as a short-term gamble following his second Tommy John surgery, others view him as the ace who finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 2021. A deal could range from a short-term “prove-it” contract to a longer-term commitment of three to four years. — Jesse Rogers

Estevez a Name to Watch

Closer Carlos Estevez is generating buzz, with his market heating up as the meetings progress. The Yankees, having cleared some payroll, could be a strong fit for Estevez, especially after losing Clay Holmes to the Mets in free agency. Other potential suitors include Toronto and Philadelphia, where Estevez finished the season. — Rogers

As the winter meetings continue, one thing is clear: the MLB offseason is just getting started, and the moves made this week could shape the league for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds in Dallas.