After striking a deal for Alex Verdugo Tuesday night, it appears the New York Yankees aren’t finished adding to their outfield.
Shortly after the trade went through, Jack Curry of YES Network reported that talks centred around Juan Soto had intensified between the Yankees and San Diego Padres.
Curry went as far as to call a deal “likely,” adding that pitchers Michael King and Drew Thorpe could headline the package heading to San Diego.
Of course, all eyes are on the Shohei Ohtani saga, but as the baseball world awaits a final decision from the 29-year-old, a potential Soto trade could save what has been a quiet Winter Meetings.
In any typical off-season, Soto would be the belle of the ball. The 25-year-old is on a Hall of Fame track and should get the second-largest contract in MLB history when he hits the open market a year from now.
Soto owns a career .946 OPS and is coming off a 2023 season that saw him set career highs in home runs (35) and games played (162) and tie career bests in stolen bases (12) and doubles (32).
While we wait for the two biggest shoes to drop, there are still many names that could be moved in the coming days.
With MLB’s annual gathering wrapping up Wednesday, there could be a flurry of moves as players, executives and agents go their separate ways. Here are some of the latest rumours from around the league.
Could the Brewers trade Burnes?
Another player entering their final year of team control that could be on the move this off-season is Milwaukee Brewers ace and former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes.
On Wednesday morning, The New York Post‘s Jon Heyman reported that teams he had spoken with “believe there’s a decent chance” the 29-year-old could be on the move.
Burnes is coming off a 2023 season in which he made his third straight All-Star team, finished eighth in Cy Young voting and posted a 3.39 ERA over 193.2 innings.
Earlier this off-season, the Brewers non-tendered Brandon Woodruff and lost manager Craig Counsell, prompting some questions about whether Milwaukee might look to take a step back.
Despite some of the speculation around Burnes and other Brewers — such as Willy Adames and Christian Yelich — Milwaukee general manager Matt Arnold told reporters Tuesday that the team is looking to bolster its roster at first and third base.
Red Sox interested in Gurriel Jr.
After trading Verdugo, the Boston Red Sox are reportedly entering the free-agent market to find a replacement in their outfield.
MLB Network‘s Jon Morosi reported that Boston is interested in former Toronto Blue Jay Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
However, he’s not the only outfielder the team is showing interest in. According to KPRC‘s Ari Alexander, they are one of the clubs looking at Michael A. Taylor.
Heyman reported Monday that six teams are in the mix for Taylor, including the New York Mets.
The Red Sox are also reportedly looking into adding some depth behind the plate — specifically in former Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado, per The Athletic‘s Chandler Rome.
Cubs, Hoskins in contact on potential deal
Free agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins has been in contact with the Chicago Cubs, and the two sides have discussed one-year and multi-year contract options, according to Morosi.
Hoskins missed the entirety of the 2023 season after tearing his ACL in spring training, so he could be a prime candidate for a one-year contract, looking to re-establish his value as a perennial 30-home-run bat. Over his six-year career, he is on a 36-homer per 162-game pace.
The 30-year-old would be a logical fit for a Cubs team that could use a significant upgrade at first base and designated hitter.
Cohen flew to Japan to meet with Yamamoto
Japanese starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to fly to the United States this week to start meeting with the finalists for his services, but New York Mets owner Steve Cohen may have gotten a jump on the proceedings.
According to The Athletic‘s Will Sammon, Cohen flew to Japan last week to meet with the three-time Eiji Sawamura Award winner.
Yamamoto is also drawing interest from the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, Morosi reported Wednesday. He also said that the Yankees are expected to meet with the 25-year-old righty on Wednesday.
Expected to receive a deal in excess of $200 million, Yamamoto is considered the top free-agent pitcher available this off-season.
In 2023 with the Orix Buffaloes, he posted a 1.16 ERA over 171 innings, racking up 176 strikeouts while walking just 28 hitters.
He must sign by 5 p.m. ET on Jan. 4.
