The 2024-25 Major League Baseball offseason is well underway, and already notable free-agent names are off the board. With the Winter Meetings mere days away, we’re being treated to an almost daily supply of rumors regarding free agency, trades, and the like. Speaking of all that, Tuesday’s supply of scuttlebutt – scuttlebutt! – can be found just below.
Soto nearing decision as bidding clears $600 million
Juan Soto, the winter’s top free agent, has begun the process of eliminating teams from contention for his services, agent Scott Boras said during Blake Snell’s introductory press conference with the Dodgers media.
Boras didn’t offer details on which teams, exactly, were out of the running to sign Soto. Thus far this winter, the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Dodgers have been closely linked to the star outfielder. And The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the bidding for Soto has now crossed over the $600 million threshold.
Additionally, Boras didn’t offer a timetable on when Soto might sign. Alden Gonzalez of ESPN adds that Soto is expected to sign before the end of the Winter Meetings on Dec. 12. Recent history suggests sooner than later, as both Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani — the top free agents in each of the last two winters — inked their deals within the first 10 days of December.
Arenado trade more likely than not
Veteran third baseman and potential future Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado has an uncertain future with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are pivoting toward a