MLB Winter Meetings tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2023 free agency

Edward Sutelan

MLB Winter Meetings tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2023 free agency image

MLB's winter meetings are always a prime time for moves to happen as many of the top executives, players and agents all come together at the same spot.

Last year's winter meetings wound up being explosive. Aaron Judge, Justin Verlander, Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts all came away with new contracts. 

This year's winter meetings could wind up being similarly busy. There is a growing sense Shohei Ohtani could sign during the winter meetings, and a move of that magnitude could kick off the next wave of moves. There's also a number of top players on the trade market, including star Padres outfielder Juan Soto.

Starting Sunday, Dec. 3, and running through Wednesday, Dec. 6, expect MLB's offseason to really kick into high gear.

WINTER MEETINGS: Shohei Ohtani rumors, Juan Soto trade destination come to forefront

Sporting News will be tracking all the latest news and rumors from the 2023 Winter Meetings. Follow for any signings and trades from Nashville.

MLB Winter Meetings rumors, news, signings

Diamondbacks reportedly land Eduardo Rodriguez

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

The reigning NL champions have landed one of the free agent market's top pitchers. Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez has reportedly agreed to a four-year contract with Arizona worth around $20 million per year, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The deal is still pending a physical, per Passan's report.

A season ago, Rodriguez posted a career-low 3.30 ERA across 152.2 innings with the Tigers, and pitched to a 3.66 FIP. He decided to opt out of his deal with Detroit to test the free-agent market.

Juan Soto reportedly traded to Yankees

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Joel Sherman, New York Post

The biggest star on the trade market has reportedly been traded. The Padres have reportedly sent Juan Soto to the Yankees in exchange for four pitchers and catcher Kyle Higashioka, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. Soto immediately adds to a potent left-handed bat to a lineup sorely in need of some thump from the left side, and provides some much-needed support to 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge.

MORE: Full Juan Soto trade details

Craig Kimbrel signs with Orioles

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic and Joel Sherman, New York Post

The Orioles are bolstering their bullpen, signing Craig Kimbrel to a one-year, $13 million deal, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. The NY Post's Joel Sherman reported he has a $1 million buyout for 2025 and a $13 million club option. The 35-year-old right-hander amassed 23 saves in 69 innings in 2023 with a 3.26 ERA. He is sitting on 417 career saves, ranking eighth all-time. He has a chance to vault all the way up to fourth, with Francisco Rodriguez (fourth) at 437 and Kenley Jansen (420 saves) the only other active reliever ahead of him.

Trent Grisham likely headed to New York in Soto deal

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Joel Sherman, New York Post

The Yankees won't just be getting one outfielder from the Padres; it appears they'll be getting two. The NY Post's Joel Sherman reported Trent Grisham would also likely be on the move headed to New York. Grisham enjoyed a pair of breakout seasons to start his career in San Diego and has twice earned Gold Gloves (2020 and 2022), but his offensive production has dwindled, with him batting under .200 in back-to-back seasons.

Juan Soto to Yankees 'close to being finalized'

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

A trade between the Yankees and Padres for Soto is reportedly "close to being finalized," with right handers Michael King and Drew Thorpe expected to highlight the return to San Diego. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported the package will include at least two more players, neither of which will be Alex Verdugo.

Ohtani decision expected to be made before end of weekend

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

MLB free agency remains largely on hold as teams wait for Ohtani to sign, and though it had at at point been reported he could sign during the winter meetings, there appears to be a new timeline. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Ohtani is expected to make his pick before the end of the upcoming weekend. The winter meetings end on Thursday.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto meeting with Yankees, already met with Mets

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network and Will Sammon, The Athletic

The Yankees could be on the verge of adding Soto, but they might not be done. The Yankees are reportedly going to meet with Yoshinobu Yamamoto in New York, the top pitcher on the market, on Monday. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported New York is considered to be one of the top teams to sign him, along with the Red Sox, Giants, Dodgers and Cubs.

That will be the second time Yamamoto has met with a New York team. He reportedly already met with Mets owner Steve Cohen in Japan last week.

'Decent chance' Corbin Burnes is traded this winter

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

Corbin Burnes has been named as one of the top trade candidates in the offseason, and it's looking increasingly plausible he might be dealt. NY Post's Jon Heyman reported one rival believes there's "a decent chance" Burnes is traded this winter. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner is a free agent after the 2024 season, and could be one of the most expensive pitchers to sign.

Marlins 'listening' to offers on young pitchers

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

Miami made a run to the postseason last year on the strength of its young pitching. And there's a chance the Marlins might now look to part with some of that depth to improve other areas of need. NY Post's Jon Heyman reported Miami is at least believed to be listening to trade packages for its young starters, including Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett and Edward Cabrera, among others.

Alex Verdugo 'expected' to stay with Yankees despite potential Juan Soto trade

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

The Yankees acquired Alex Verdugo yesterday from the Red Sox. With the team's reported interest in Juan Soto, there was some speculation that Verdugo could be flipped to the Padres, however, MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported that New York is "expected" to keep the outfielder rather than include him in a deal with San Diego. 

Juan Soto trade to Yankees 'is likely'

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Jack Curry, YES and Brandon Tierney, WFAN

New York landed Alex Verdugo last night in a deal with the Red Sox. It appears the team could be close to landing the biggest trade acquisition of the offseason. YES' Jack Curry reported the Yankees have "intensified efforts" to trade for Soto and that a deal "is likely." He expects New York to deal four or five players.

Additionally, WFAN's Brandon Tierney reported YES was told by the team to prepare for a 2 p.m. ET emergency "Hot Stove Show" and that there is a chance the Yankees complete the deal by lunch.

Orioles 'close to deal' with reliever Craig Kimbrel

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 6
Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic and Joel Sherman, New York Post

The Orioles are said to be "close" to a deal with free agent and former Phillies closer Kimbrel, Rosenthal reported Wednesday morning.

Baltimore will be without All-Star closer Felix Bautista for the entire 2024 season after receiving Tommy John surgery in October. Even though stud reliever Yennier Cano emerged as the top candidate to take the job, Kimbrel could bolster the back end of the O's bullpen.

Victor Caratini lands with Astros

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Chandler Rome, The Athletic and Mark Feinsand, MLB.com

Veteran catcher Victor Caratini is headed to Houston on a two-year deal worth $12 million. The 30-year-old will serve as the backup to new starter Yainer Diaz now that Martin Maldonado has moved on. 

Caratini filled a similar role in Milwaukee the last two years, slashing .259/.327/.383 with seven home runs in 62 games in 2023. 

Pirates acquire Marco Gonzales from Braves

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

Gonzales, who was acquired by the Braves in the trade that helped them land Jarred Kelenic on Sunday, is being re-routed to Pittsburgh for cash and a player to be named later.

Gonzales, 31, is a decent rotation arm with 65 wins, 665 strikeouts and a 4.14 ERA over 893.0 innings pitched in his nine-year career.

Yankees land Alex Verdugo from Red Sox

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

For just the seventh time in the last 50 years (!), the Red Sox and Yankees have agreed to a deal.

Boston will send starting OF Alex Verdugo to New York for RHP Richard Fitts, RHP Greg Weissert and RHP Nicholas Judice.

Verdugo had been the Red Sox's starting outfielder for the last four seasons, coming over as the centerpiece in the trade that sent Mookie Betts to the Dodgers. Verdugo hit .281 with 43 home runs, 206 RBI and 16 stolen bases over 2,071 plate appearances with Boston. He also led the American League in outfield assists in 2020 and 2023.

In return, Boston will get Weissert and two pitching prospects headlined by Fitts — the Yankees' No. 4-ranked pitching prospect and 12-ranked prospect overall.

Relievers Yates, Devenski get one-year deals for 2024

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic and Jeff Passan, ESPN

Veteran relievers Kirby Yates and Chris Devenski know where they'll be pitching in 2024, according to reports Tuesday. 

Yates, who will be 37 when the season begins, is headed to the Rangers on a one-year deal, per Rosenthal. The right-hander, an All-Star closer for the Padres in 2019, posted a 3.28 ERA in 61 appearances for the Braves in 2023. 

Devenski, 33, has agreed to a new one-year deal with the Rays that includes a club option for 2025, according to Passan. Devenski began 2023 with the Angels but was released in late August and signed with Tampa Bay. He posted a 5.08 ERA in 29 games for the Angels and dropped three full runs off that number in nine games with the Rays. 

Dave Roberts says Dodgers met with Ohtani

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Alden Gonzalez, ESPN

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday that the team met with Ohtani for 2-3 hours over the weekend. Roberts said Ohtani is "clearly" the Dodgers' top priority, adding that the team is confident the two-time MVP will pitch again. Roberts wasn't able to offer a timeline for Ohtani's decision.

Pair of pitchers could be signed after Ohtani deal

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

MLB is largely in a holding pattern as it awaits news on Ohtani. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported the Rays could wind up trading Tyler Glasnow shortly after Ohtani signs, listing the Cubs and Reds as top contenders for the ace. He also reported Yoshinobu Yamamoto could sign following Ohtani's deal, and that the Red Sox have him among their top priorities.

Cubs losing optimism in signing Ohtani

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today

The Cubs have been viewed as one of Ohtani's likeliest destinations for a while. It appears that might no longer be the case. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported one high-ranking executive believes the Cubs' optimism of signing Ohtani "has now significantly wanted." The report stated that leaves the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Angels and Giants as the remaining finalists.

Ohtani has 'positive feeling' about Blue Jays

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Jon Heyman, The New York Post

The Blue Jays reported met with Ohtani on Monday, but even before he went to talk with the team, Ohtani reportedly had a "positive feeling about Toronto," along with other cities and teams, including the Dodgers. He has been linked to Toronto and Los Angeles throughout the process.

Mariners considering Cody Bellinger

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

Following the trade the Mariners made with the Braves, MLB Network's Jon Morosi believes Seattle has cleared payroll space and now has room to make a splash for top free agent slugger Cody Bellinger. Seattle has Julio Rodriguez in center, but with Teoscar Hernandez still on the market and Jarred Kelenic now dealt, there is room for him in the outfield.

Blue Jays 'believed' to have met with Shohei Ohtani

Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

While one report earlier Monday indicated Ohtani isn't expected to sign before the end of the Winter Meetings, the process seems to be moving along.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reports Ohtani is "believed" to have met with the Blue Jays at the team's complex in Florida on Monday, far away from the meetings in Nashville. The Blue Jays have been pursuing Ohtani and Juan Soto in hopes of striking a deal for one of the two stars.

Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto decision not expected until after winter meetings

Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Source: Jon Heyman, The New York Post

The baseball markets are waiting for the first major domino to fall this offseason in free agency, but it does not appear as though that will happen before the winter meetings conclude. Jon Heyman reports that neither Shohei Ohtani not Yoshinobu Yamamoto are expected to get a deal done before the final meetings on Wednesday. 

Wade Miley back with Brewers on 1-year deal

Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic and Jesse Rogers, ESPN

Amid a turbulent offseason, the Brewers will keep one piece of their rotation intact as Wade Miley has agreed to return on a one-year deal for 2024 with a mutual option for 2025, per Rosenthal. According to Rogers, Miley will make a base salary of $7 million next season and the option is for $12 million with a $1.5 million buyout. 

The 37-year-old lefty started 23 games for Milwaukee last year, gong 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA. 

Braves are reportedly 'engaged' with Shohei Ohtani's camp

Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

It's not surprising that any and all teams should be interested in Ohtani's services, but imagine the Braves landing the superstar? According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Braves are "engaged" in talks with Ohtani's camp. Imagine a lineup consisting of Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley and Matt Olson?

Sources: Braves are among the teams still engaged with Shohei Ohtani’s camp, as I reported in this @MLBNetwork segment. @MLB pic.twitter.com/lP4lISzttN

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 4, 2023

Korean star Jung Hoo Lee to be posted Monday

Date: Monday, Dec. 4
Source: Jeeho Yoo, Yonhap News

Star Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee is set for a move to MLB. His KBO team, Kiwoom Heroes, announced the 25-year-old will be posted Monday, so his 30-day negotiating window with MLB teams begins Tuesday at 8 a.m. ET. 

Lee was hampered by injury in 2023 but slashed .349/.421/.575 in 2022 with 36 doubles, 10 triples and a career-best 23 home runs. He has a .340 career average in seven KBO seasons and has mostly played center field in recent years. 

Braves land Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales from Mariners

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Ryan Divish, Seattle Times

The Braves have made a splash.

Atlanta has traded its No. 7-ranked prospect, RHP Cole Phillips, and RHP Jackson Kowar to the Mariners in exchange for OF Jarred Kelenic, LHP Marco Gonzales, 1B Evan White and cash.

Kelenic, 24, is the headliner of the deal as a former No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft and top five-ranked prospect in 2021. The 24-year-old has not found any consistency in his MLB career thus far, hitting .206 with a .656 OPS through three tumultuous seasons. He has 32 home runs, 109 RBI and 24 stolen bases in 974 plate appearances.

Gonzales, 31, is also a decent rotation arm with 65 wins, 665 strikeouts and a 4.14 ERA over 893.0 innings pitched in his nine-year career.

Giants emerging as possible frontrunners for Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle

The Giants have missed out on big names in the past like Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa, but they are looking to turn that around in 2023 with heavy involvement and Ohtani, among others. Per San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser, teams believe the Giants "might have an edge" in the pursuit of Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Dylan Cease trade market heating up

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

One of the biggest names on the market early is White Sox ace Dylan Cease in trade talks. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported three teams, the Dodgers, Braves and Orioles, are among several involved discussing a deal for Cease as the winter meetings begin.

Rays, Mariners talking trades in winter meetings

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

The Mariners and Rays have been frequent trade partners in recent years, and there's a chance they could be talking shop again at the winter meetings. MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported the teams are discussing Rays utility infielder Isaac Paredes, and potentially star left fielder Randy Arozarena, in talks to start the winter meetings.

Jays unlikely to land both Ohtani, Soto

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

The Blue Jays have been among the most active names in both the Ohtani and Soto markets. And of course, those talks have had fans dreaming of a lineup that features, Ohtani, Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and George Springer. But MLB Network's Jon Morosi said it's unlikely the Jays will land both star players, reporting they might land one of the two, but they will not add both this offseason.

Ohtani has already received several $500+ million offers

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Jon Heyman, NY Post

It's no surprise the bidding for Ohtani is heating up, with the star expected to sign soon. And New York Post's Jon Heyman reported Ohtani has already received several deals that have topped $500 million, which could mean he winds up being the first $600 million player in MLB history. He added there are believed to be five teams in the running for Ohtani.

Decision near for Ohtani

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

Nothing gets the hot-stove crowd excited like a big move during the winter meetings, and the biggest move of the offseason could come this week in Nashville or soon after. Morosi reports Shohei Ohtani is "likely to decide on a team within the next week," according to a source. 

Status quo on Yankees' Juan Soto trade talks 

Date: Sunday, Dec. 3
Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

The Yankees reportedly are pushing hard to acquire Juan Soto from the Padres, but Heyman says the teams haven't spoken since San Diego requested a six-player package in return for Soto and Trent Grisham. That ask included pitchers Michael King and Drew Thorpe, who the Yankees aren't inclined to move. Stay tuned...

Shohei Ohtani field growing smaller

Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

It has been expected since before he hit free agency that Ohtani would set the record for the largest fully guaranteed contract in North American sports history, with Passan reporting the deal could reach as much as $600 million.

Who will hand him that contract has been much more of a mystery. Little has been leaked about the top suitors for Ohtani beyond the usual suspects. Passan reported that at least three teams initially believed to be in the running — the Mets, Rangers and Red Sox — are believed to be out now. The teams most likely to still be in the mix are the Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays and Angels, with the Giants' status in the race for Ohtani unknown.

Star players could be traded

Date: Friday, Dec. 1
Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

The free agency pool outside of Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell and Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a bit lacking in star power, but the trade market could ensure several big-name players are on the move this offseason.

Passan reported a trade of Soto appears to be "edging closer to becoming a reality," and while several teams are out on him because of his large salary and pending free-agent status, there still could be a large market for the star outfielder.

Much of the rest of the names on the trade market are arms. Dylan Cease and Tyler Glasnow are the pitchers most likely to be dealt this offseason, and Cleveland could also hold a pair of intriguing trade chips in closer Emmanuel Clase and former Cy Young winner Shane Bieber. The Brewers have also begun trade talks for former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes.

Edward Sutelan

Edward Sutelan Photo

Edward Sutelan joined The Sporting News in 2021 after covering high school sports for PennLive. Edward graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019, where he gained experience covering the baseball, football and basketball teams. Edward also spent time working for The Columbus Dispatch and Cape Cod Times.