MLB Winter Meetings Preview: 10 blockbuster moves that could define the 2024 offseason ft. Juan Soto and Tyler O’Neill

Between December 9-12, all 30 MLB general managers will congregate in Dallas, Texas for the annual MLB Winter Meetings. A chance for the power brokers of the league to touch base and possibly make deals, some potential signings will be top of mind for everyone.

Today, we will be examining ten moves that could emerge out of the summit. Stay tuned to learn which stars could find themselves on the move as a result of the conversations and exchanges that will take place next week.

Top Ten MLB Stories that could emerge from Winter Meetings

10. Jordan Montgomery trade

Although the Arizona Diamondbacks came within a hair of making the postseason, it was not because of pitching. With a team ERA of 4.62 in 2024, the Snakes ranked 27th out of 30 teams. Former All-Star Jordan Montgomery had a particularly heinous season, going 8-7 with a 6.23 ERA. Having exercised his $22.5 million option, the D-Backs now find themselves with six starters. Perhaps GM Mike Hazen can tout Montgomery's former success as a way to offload the struggling arm, with the Mets looking like a strong possibility in terms of a destination.

"Can't help but think that Jordan Montgomery is a seamless fit with this new Mets regime. What trade package could get the deal done with Arizona to bring him in?" - MetsMuse

9. Danny Jansen signed

Danny Jansen remains one of the few somewhat high-profile catchers on the free agency market. Even though the Illnois-born catcher hit a mere .205 with 9 homers, Jansen's defensive play was far from lacking. With the San Diego Padres recently losing catcher Kyle Higashioka to a deal with the Rangers, expect the Frairs to land Jansen, who is still under 30.

8. Kyle Schwarber extension

The 2024 season saw Philadelphia Phillies DH Kyle Schwarber post a 3.5 WAR - the best figure of his career. Although the former Silver Slugger witnessed a slight decrease in power, his .248 average and NL-best 106 walks are massive improvements from the last two seasons, when he led the league in strikeouts. With his $79 million deal expected to expire after next season, expect the Phillies to lock down the super slugger for a few more years.

7. Nick Castellanos is dealt

While Schwarber should be seen as a keeper, Phillies president Dave Dombrowski has also lamented the fact that - after three deep postseason runs - his team has become predictable. The notion of trading outfielder Nick Castellanos has gained traction in MLB circles lately.

"“The Phillies, according to multiple major-league sources, have made Nick Castellanos available in trade talks.” - @MattGeib" - Phillies Tailgate

A 32-year-old with two years left on his five-year, $100 million deal, the Florida native's trade value is likely as high as it will be. A trade for Washington Nationals reliever Kyle Finnegan to help assuage Philly's bullpen woes presents itself as a credible possibility.

6. Alex Bregman sweepstakes

Longtime Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is purportedly holding out for a big deal. However, analysts such as Jeff Passan and Buster Olney have reported that several MLB teams reject the idea that the 30-year-old is worth $300 million. As such, we can expect a situation similar to Blake Snell last year, wherein Bregman will hold out until late spring, with no such deal involving him coming out of next week's meetings.

5. Teoscar Hernandez pens deal

After a tremendous postseason that saw Teoscar Hernandez hit 3 homers and 12 RBIs in 16 games, the Dominican's value as a free agent is through the roof. No stranger to the AL East from his multiple seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees will want a strong bat to replace Juan Soto, and Hernandez appears to be just the man.

4. Tyler O'Neill to the Yankees

In addition to Hernandez, expect the New York Yankees to make a serious play for Tyler O'Neill. During his 2024 campaign with the Red Sox, the Canadian outfielder hit .241/.336/.511 with 31 home runs and 61 RBIs, O'Neill's power is highly attractive to Yanks GM Brian Cashman. Additionally, suggestions are mounting that the addition of two big-time outfielders could prompt a reshuffle that leaves Aaron Judge playing first base.

"O' MY O'NEILL. TYLER GOES YARD AGAIN FOR HIS SECOND MULTI-HR GAME THIS WEEK!" - FOX Sports: MLB

3. Pete Alonso Extension

Despite being a former home run leader, RBI leader, and Rookie of the Year, Pete Alonso has never inked a deal longer than one year with the New York Mets. However, Alonso is now a free agent and the deep-pocketed Mets have to compete with a host of other MLB contenders. Already, Zach Presnell of Newsweek has reported that a multi-year, $125 deal for the first baseman is in the works.

2. Corbin Burnes finds a new home

After going 15-9 with a 2.92 across 194.1 innings, Corbin Burnes rejected a $21.05 million deal from the Baltimore Orioles, becoming a free agent.

"The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly had an in-person meeting with free agent Corbin Burnes, per @JonMorosi" - MLB Network

A former Cy Young Award winner, several MLB clubs would love to have Burnes in the ranks. However, based on a combination of needs and resources, the Blue Jays or Guardians appear to be in the best position to nab him.

1. Juan Soto deal (finally)

At last year's MLB Winter Meetings, the deal that sent Juan Soto from the Padres to the Yankees was hammered out. Now a free agent, reports are coming through that the 26-year-old will attract offers over $750 million - a figure that shortens the list of viable destinations.

"The Red Sox have signed Juan Soto 769 times this offseason. It is an MLB record" - Statfax

At this point, the Mets and Red Sox appear to be the only teams who are serious about making a landmark offer that will make Soto the face of their franchise for nearly a generation to come.