Will Soto Sign? Which Dominoes Fall Next? Trades? 8 Things to Watch at Winter Meetings
The Winter Meetings are always a time of excitement and anticipation for baseball fans, and this year’s event in San Diego should be no different. With several big-name free agents still on the market, including Juan Soto, there’s plenty of potential for movement. Here are eight things to watch for at the Winter Meetings:
1. Will Soto sign?
The biggest question mark heading into the Winter Meetings is whether or not Juan Soto will sign a long-term contract with the San Diego Padres. The Padres acquired Soto from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, and they are reportedly eager to lock him up to a long-term deal. However, Soto is one of the most sought-after players in baseball, and he could command a record-breaking contract. If the Padres can’t sign Soto, he could become a free agent after the 2024 season.
2. Which dominoes fall next?
If Soto signs with the Padres, it could have a ripple effect on the rest of the free agent market. Several other big-name players are still available, including Xander Bogaerts, Carlos Correa, and Trea Turner. If Soto signs, it could create a domino effect that leads to other players signing long-term contracts.
3. Will there be any trades?
The Winter Meetings are also a time for teams to make trades. With so many big-name players available, there’s plenty of potential for movement. The Padres are reportedly interested in trading for a shortstop, and the Chicago Cubs could be willing to trade All-Star shortstop Dansby Swanson. Other players who could be on the move include JT Realmuto, Willson Contreras, and Bo Bichette.
4. What will the new CBA look like?
The current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between MLB and the players’ union expires after the 2026 season. The two sides are currently in negotiations on a new CBA, and the outcome of those negotiations could have a significant impact on the game. Some of the key issues that are being discussed include the luxury tax, the competitive balance tax, and the international draft.
5. What will the new rules look like?
MLB is also expected to announce new rules for the 2023 season at the Winter Meetings. The new rules are designed to make the game more exciting and faster-paced. Some of the proposed rules changes include a pitch clock, a ban on defensive shifts, and a larger bases.
6. What will the new uniforms look like?
Several teams are expected to unveil new uniforms at the Winter Meetings. The Padres are one of the teams that is expected to get a new look, and they have already teased a new brown and gold color scheme. Other teams that could get new uniforms include the Cubs, the Marlins, and the Rays.
7. What will the new TV deals look like?
MLB is currently negotiating new TV deals with its broadcast partners. The new deals are expected to be worth billions of dollars, and they could have a significant impact on the way that fans watch baseball. MLB is reportedly considering selling the rights to its games to streaming services, such as Amazon and Apple TV+.
8. What will the new labor landscape look like?
The Winter Meetings are also a time for the MLBPA to discuss its plans for the future. The union is currently led by Tony Clark, who has been in the role since 2013. Clark’s contract expires after the 2023 season, and there could be a change in leadership at the union. The MLBPA is also facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing lockout and the threat of a work stoppage.
The Winter Meetings are always a time of excitement and anticipation for baseball fans, and this year’s event in San Diego should be no different. With several big-name free agents still on the market, including Juan Soto, there’s plenty of potential for movement.
Will Soto sign? Which dominoes fall next? Trades? 8 things to watch at Winter Meetings
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