No teams have admitted to having conversations about signing Shohei Ohtani, and his representative Nez Balelo is reportedly “off site” for the GM meetings. Despite this, the Dodgers are still widely considered to be the best team in the league due of their regular winning record, less salary, and possible geographical advantage. Apparently Ohtani has a soft spot for the Golden State.
Both the Angels and the Padres, the current champions, are considering it.
Padres GM A.J. Preller has no interest in dealing Juan Soto and is exploring the possibility of a long-term contract for the star outfielder. It’s unlikely that the Padres will trade for Soto right now, but if they end up signing Ohtani, things could change.
The Yankees, Mets and other big-market teams will check on Ohtani, but some say he’s reluctant to live in New York (or he was six years ago anyhow). …
Cody Bellinger should be at the center of a big-market struggle between the incumbent Cubs (who he loved very much) and the Yankees, who need at least one outfielder and maybe two. Yankees newcomers Kevin Kiermaier and Korean import Jung-Hoo Lee are also good fits.
During the sessions, Matt Chapman talked to the current Jays leadership. Surprise teams like the Diamondbacks and Giants are also interested in third base. The Jays made a springtime offer in excess of $100 million, but negotiations stalled. Chapman is likely aiming for at least $150 million. The Mets don’t seem interested in Chapman, instead giving Brett Baty or Ronnie Mauricio a shot to win the third base job.
Several MLB teams are interested in Jeimer Candelario, including the Diamondbacks, Reds, and Angels.The Astros may try to extend contracts to Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman, both of whom will become free agents in 2019. The hope is that Altuve will improve their chances slightly.
There’s no sign the Mets are about to make a huge move to sign Pete Alonso, but nobody thinks they’ll deal him, either. … Trevor Bauer, who threw 99.3 mph on the gun and developed a splitter while pitching for the Yokohama BayStars, is looking to make his way back to Major League Baseball.
