MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes could last a while, Justin Turner to be pursued by NL champs

Major League Baseball’s offseason is in its early levels, sure, however that also way a common provide of hot-stove rumors and knowledgeable hypothesis. Monday events any other spherical of that – particularly with the once a year GM conferences on faucet for later this week – so let’s soar proper in. 

The maximum coveted member of the 2023-24 unfastened agent elegance, Ohtani would possibly not pitch subsequent season as he recovers from an elbow process, however he’s going to proceed his paintings as probably the most best energy hitters in all of baseball. The two-way superstar figures to fetch the most important contract in MLB historical past, however it is not one that is most likely to come in combination straight away. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, “is in no rush, so look for the Ohtani sweepstakes to be going full throttle in December.”

It figures to be a crowded fray of suitors for Ohtani. Early readings of the tea leaves has the Dodgers because the favorites, however he’s going to be coveted by nearly each high-revenue membership with a willingness to put money into the roster. You can take a take a look at a rating of Ohtani’s touchdown spots right here.

Cubs might be energetic on industry marketplace

With the Cubs coming off a quite unusually decent 2023 season and rising from a rebuilding segment, they are going to be taking a look to make stronger the roster for 2024 and past. On that entrance, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic write: “The expectation is that the Cubs will be seeking out trade partners to upgrade various aspects of the club.”

Whether that is to the tip of fortifying the lineup, including to the bullpen, or, say, changing the opted-out Marcus Stroman within the rotation stays to be noticed. One identify who could be a part of such discussions, Sharma and Mooney file, is younger first baseman Christopher Morel. Across portions of 2 big-league seasons in Chicago, the 24-year-old has racked up 42 house runs in 220 video games. 

D-backs excited about scorching nook

As for the reigning NL champions, the Diamondbacks will be taking a look to improve their state of affairs at 3rd base for 2024 and in all probability past. Nightengale reports that veteran batsman Justin Turner is a number one goal for Arizona this offseason. Turner, who quickly turns 39, spent the 2023 season with the Red Sox. In 146 video games, he batted .276/.345/.455 with 23 house runs. However, he basically crammed the DH position and spent simply a bit greater than 100 defensive innings mixed at 3rd base and 2nd.