MLB

MLB Offseason Round-Up: The Calm Before The Storm?

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2023

Danny Demilio

This is one in a series of daily articles highlighting the latest news and notes from the MLB offseason.

When you think Winter Meetings, you think chaos and blockbuster deals. There was none of that on Monday.

While rumors swirled around the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., there was an absence of action in terms of free agent agreements and trades.

Did someone forget to turn on the hot stove? Perhaps this is simply the calm before the storm. Or maybe, the market is being held up by the stars atop the free agent class — mainly Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s looming decision could be holding everything up.

Regardless of whether Ohtani signs at the Winter Meetings or waits until later in the MLB offseason, there should be a flurry of activity over the next couple days.

TORONTO-HTANI?

One tidbit that did surface late-night was that the Toronto Blue Jays are believed to have met with Ohtani in Dunedin on Monday, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Dunedin is the home of the Blue Jays’ spring training complex.

The Blue Jays have emerged as a legitimate possibility to land the two-way sensation in free agency this winter. They are joined in pursuit by the Dodgers, Angels and Cubs. The Giants and Braves have also been linked to Ohtani this winter.

DETAILES FOR MILEY

The Brewers announced their re-signing of left-hander Wade Miley. It’s a one-year deal with a guarantee of $8.5 million. The deal comes with a $12 million mutual option for the 2025 season.

Miley enjoyed a strong showing last year in his first season with Milwaukee. In 23 starts, the 37-year-old had an impressive 9-4 record which was accompanied by a 3.14 ERA.

PADRES EXPLORING REUNION

The San Diego Padres are in need of another backstop this offseason, and they could bring back a familiar face.

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres are discussing a reunion with Gary Sánchez. The two sides have talked about a deal that would come with an average annual value in the $6-8 million range.

Sánchez, who recently turned 32, slugged 19 home runs and drove in 46 runs in only 72 games after coming over from the New York Mets in May. Along with his big power numbers, Sánchez had the best defensive season of his career in terms of both defensive runs saved and fielding percentage.

OTHER NEWS AND NOTES

The Orioles, Astros, Cardinals and Rangers are all expressing interest in flamethrowing reliever Jordan Hicks, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Right-hander Seth Lugo is drawing interest from the Braves, Red Sox and Diamondbacks, according to Heyman. The Dodgers and Tigers have also been rumored as teams with interest in the 34-year-old.
Erick Fedde, who is coming off of a terrific season in the KBO, is closing in on a two-year deal with either the Mets or White Sox, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.