Everyone loves an MLB notebook.

What’s the latest on Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, or Cody Bellinger? Moreover, there’s been a recent signing, meaning the market is going to get moving. Let’s get started.
<h2>Latest on Juan Soto:</h2>
There’s a high probability that the 25-year-old outfielder will be traded at some point this off-season. In recent times, the New York Yankees, Mets, Chicago Cubs, and even the Blue Jays have been linked to the generational talent, according to Héctor Gómez.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
I&#39;m hearing Yankees, Giants, Mets, Cubs and Blue Jays are showing interest in a trade for Soto. <a href="https://t.co/riWgEqnHUN">https://t.co/riWgEqnHUN</a>
&mdash; Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) <a href="https://twitter.com/hgomez27/status/1729986189388571098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Earlier on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/the-best-fits-for-a-juan-soto-trade">MLB Trade Rumors noted in this article that the Blue Jays would be one of the best fits for Soto</a>, while also adding that the Jays wish to add multiple hitters. As it stands, the Jays are $24,000,000 under the Competitive Balance Tax limit, but they blew past that last season, so I’m not too sure they care at this point.
However, it seems as if the New York Yankees are the frontrunner for the 25-year-old. <a href="https://www.sny.tv/articles/update-yankees-juan-soto-trade-talks">According to this article from SNY’s Andy Martino</a>, the two teams are exchanging names for Soto. I’m sure the Jays have had conversations with the Padres as well, but this is a pretty big report.
Personally, I’d rather Ohtani as he’ll be locked up for at least a decade, whilst Soto’s 2024 will be his final before hitting the open market. Both would be nice, though.
<h2>Latest on Yoshinobu Yamamto:</h2>
The top free agent pitcher (aside from Ohtani) is in the news as well. According to Michael Marino, most teams are interested in the 25-year-old pitcher. However, he notes that Yamamoto could expect closer to $300,000,000, rather than the reported $200,000,000.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Memo to MLB fans. Your team probably wants Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The problem is your friends team also wants Yoshinobu Yamamoto. It’s craziness behind the scenes for him, and the $ might be absolutely absurd. Might be closer to $300M than it is to $200M.
&mdash; Michael Marino (@MarinoMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinoMLB/status/1729930096159445476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
One of the stronger contenders for the right-handed pitcher is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who like the Jays, are pretty much in on all top free agents. This comes from Andy Martino’s report earlier on Wednesday.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
The Dodgers are believed to be a strong contender for Yamamoto, too. If LAD does not end up with Ohtani, that&#39;s a major threat to Yankees/Mets chances.
&mdash; Andy Martino (@martinonyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/martinonyc/status/1729973836135694396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
As you can imagine, the Blue Jays also have interest in Yamamoto, as Ross Atkins personally went to Japan to scout the pitcher.<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/trying-to-separate-fact-from-fiction-in-blue-jays-off-season-pursuits/"> In Shi Davidi’s article, he notes that the Jays may attempt to sign Yamamoto</a>, and then move one of their other starters (potentially José Berríos, Alek Manoah, or Yusei Kikuchi) to get a bat.
Also a brief side note from that article is the fact that they’re treating Manoah’s trade value as the 2022 Cy Young finalist, instead of the rebound candidate other teams could see him as. I don’t believe he’ll be traded this off-season unless a team really overpays.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Shi dropping lots of nuggets here, mentions Rhys Hoskins &amp; IKF. But these three I found the most intriguing/notable: <a href="https://t.co/w3MESRAWMs">https://t.co/w3MESRAWMs</a> <a href="https://t.co/hCLqYPdlQW">pic.twitter.com/hCLqYPdlQW</a>
&mdash; Josh (@Josh_theJaysFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Josh_theJaysFan/status/1729860941146202473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Fun stuff.
<h2>Latest on Shohei Ohtani:</h2>
Well look at that, it’s the bell of the ball. Michael Marino reported that he could confirm for the Ohtani sweepstakes: Toronto, the Chicago Cubs, The Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Angels.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Among the teams I have confirmed are still in for MLB Phenom Shohei Ohtani:
Dodgers Cubs Blue Jays Angels
This isn’t an exclusive list, others still remain in. These are just the ones I know are still in the mix. <a href="https://t.co/t2UG852Xfk">https://t.co/t2UG852Xfk</a>
&mdash; Michael Marino (@MarinoMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinoMLB/status/1729902365992440206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Notably absent are the Texas Rangers, who were widely reported to be interested in the 29-year-old two-way phenom. Marino also notes that the Boston Red Sox are out on Ohtani.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Update: Believe the Boston Red Sox are out, or at the very least looking elsewhere at the moment.
&mdash; Michael Marino (@MarinoMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarinoMLB/status/1729900491042091139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2779736">According to this The Score article</a>, the Blue Jays now have the second highest betting odds to sign Ohtani, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, I’m no betting man as that’s how I lost my first and third wife, but I’d bet my life savings on the Blue Jays signing Ohtani.
All jokes aside, the Toronto Raptors were the odds-on favourite to land Kawhi Leonard in a trade in the 2018 off-season, and a couple weeks later, they did. So I wouldn’t say this is nothing.
<h2>Emilio Pagán signs with the Cincinnati Reds:</h2>
There’s been a handful of small signings in the past day, so let’s take a look at the first one that occurred on Wednesday. It was reported by MLB’s Mark Feinsand that the Cincinnati Reds were signing Emilio Pagán to a two-year deal.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
The Reds have agreed to a two-year deal with RHP Emilio Pagán, per source. The deal is still pending physical.
&mdash; Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) <a href="https://twitter.com/Feinsand/status/1729914809489993825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins, the  32-year-old right-handed pitcher posted a 2.99 ERA and a 3.27 FIP in 69.1 innings pitched. Hilariously enough, the reliever is now the highest-paid player on the Reds with a 2-year, $16,000,000 deal.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Veteran reliever Emilio Pagan just became the highest-paid player on the Cincinnati Reds with his 2-year, $16 million contract. 2024: $8 million. 2025: Player option $8 million. Next highest currently under contract: Hunter Greene ($3 million in 2024)
&mdash; Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/1729935579859816558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
They may not spend a lot at the moment, but the Reds are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the National League Central.
<h2>Garrett Hampson signs with Kansas City:</h2>
I wrote an unreleased Free Agency Profile article on the 29-year-old super utility player, but alas, he signed with the Royals on Wednesday evening.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
We have signed INF/OF Garrett Hampson to a one-year contract.
Welcome to Kansas City, Garrett! <a href="https://t.co/4t6EJTHzOC">pic.twitter.com/4t6EJTHzOC</a>
&mdash; Kansas City Royals (@Royals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1729991483539722360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The 29-year-old had a career-year with the Miami Marlins in 2023, slashing .276/.349/.380 with three homers in 252 plate appearances. He also stole 23 bases in 28 attempts, and his 101 wRC+ and 0.7 fWAR were the highest marks in his career.
Per Jeff Passan, the deal is worth $2,000,000 for the 2024 season.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Utilityman Garrett Hampson and the Kansas City Royals are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract, sources tell ESPN.
&mdash; Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1729992853646942529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Good stuff, and maybe he’ll be a trade candidate for the Jays at the trade deadline?
<h2>Dylan Cease could be traded before the Winter Meetings:</h2>
According to Jon Morosi, talks surrounding the 2022 runner-up for the American League Cy Young award have intensified over the past two days. As it stands, Atlanta seems to be one of the finalists for the 27-year-old.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Sources: Dylan Cease trade talks have intensified in the last 48 hours, and some people close to the negotiations believe a deal *before* the winter meetings is increasingly possible. 
Cease’s hometown Braves are among the finalists. <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBNetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a>
&mdash; Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1729971354307645907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This past season with the Chicago White Sox, Cease posted a 4.58 ERa and a 3.72 FIP in 177 innings pitched, including a 27.3 K% and a 10.1 BB%. This was down from his fantastic 2022 season where he posted a 4.58 ERA and a 3.72 FIP in 177 innings pitched.
I don’t see the Jays having any interest in him, but weirder things have happened!
<h2>Cody Bellinger won National League comeback player of the year:</h2>
There isn’t much in terms of rumours as to where Bellinger will land. However, he was recently in the news as he won the National League comeback player of the season as he slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs in 556 plate appearances with the Cubs.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
Cody Bellinger is the National League Comeback Player of the Year! <a href="https://t.co/z7UhWC8sNq">pic.twitter.com/z7UhWC8sNq</a>
&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1729633781500235911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
&nbsp;
The Blue Jays had interest in Bellinger during the 2022-23 off-season, and it wouldn’t be all too surprising if they believe he can fill the hole in left field.
<hr />
As always, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @Brennan_L_D.
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Everyone loves an MLB notebook.



What’s the latest on Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, or Cody Bellinger? Moreover, there’s been a recent signing, meaning the market is going to get moving. Let’s get started.
<h2>Latest on Juan Soto:</h2>
There’s a high probability that the 25-year-old outfielder will be traded at some point this off-season. In recent times, the New York Yankees, Mets, Chicago Cubs, and even the Blue Jays have been linked to the generational talent, according to Héctor Gómez.

https://twitter.com/hgomez27/status/1729986189388571098

Earlier on Wednesday, <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/11/the-best-fits-for-a-juan-soto-trade">MLB Trade Rumors noted in this article that the Blue Jays would be one of the best fits for Soto</a>, while also adding that the Jays wish to add multiple hitters. As it stands, the Jays are $24,000,000 under the Competitive Balance Tax limit, but they blew past that last season, so I’m not too sure they care at this point.

However, it seems as if the New York Yankees are the frontrunner for the 25-year-old. <a href="https://www.sny.tv/articles/update-yankees-juan-soto-trade-talks">According to this article from SNY’s Andy Martino</a>, the two teams are exchanging names for Soto. I’m sure the Jays have had conversations with the Padres as well, but this is a pretty big report.

Personally, I’d rather Ohtani as he’ll be locked up for at least a decade, whilst Soto’s 2024 will be his final before hitting the open market. Both would be nice, though.
<h2>Latest on Yoshinobu Yamamto:</h2>
The top free agent pitcher (aside from Ohtani) is in the news as well. According to Michael Marino, most teams are interested in the 25-year-old pitcher. However, he notes that Yamamoto could expect closer to $300,000,000, rather than the reported $200,000,000.

https://twitter.com/MarinoMLB/status/1729930096159445476

One of the stronger contenders for the right-handed pitcher is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who like the Jays, are pretty much in on all top free agents. This comes from Andy Martino’s report earlier on Wednesday.

https://twitter.com/martinonyc/status/1729973836135694396

As you can imagine, the Blue Jays also have interest in Yamamoto, as Ross Atkins personally went to Japan to scout the pitcher.<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/trying-to-separate-fact-from-fiction-in-blue-jays-off-season-pursuits/"> In Shi Davidi’s article, he notes that the Jays may attempt to sign Yamamoto</a>, and then move one of their other starters (potentially José Berríos, Alek Manoah, or Yusei Kikuchi) to get a bat.

Also a brief side note from that article is the fact that they’re treating Manoah’s trade value as the 2022 Cy Young finalist, instead of the rebound candidate other teams could see him as. I don’t believe he’ll be traded this off-season unless a team really overpays.

https://twitter.com/Josh_theJaysFan/status/1729860941146202473

Fun stuff.
<h2>Latest on Shohei Ohtani:</h2>
Well look at that, it’s the bell of the ball. Michael Marino reported that he could confirm for the Ohtani sweepstakes: Toronto, the Chicago Cubs, The Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Los Angeles Angels.

https://twitter.com/marinomlb/status/1729902365992440206

Notably absent are the Texas Rangers, who were widely reported to be interested in the 29-year-old two-way phenom. Marino also notes that the Boston Red Sox are out on Ohtani.

https://twitter.com/MarinoMLB/status/1729900491042091139

<a href="https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2779736">According to this The Score article</a>, the Blue Jays now have the second highest betting odds to sign Ohtani, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now, I’m no betting man as that’s how I lost my first and third wife, but I’d bet my life savings on the Blue Jays signing Ohtani.

All jokes aside, the Toronto Raptors were the odds-on favourite to land Kawhi Leonard in a trade in the 2018 off-season, and a couple weeks later, they did. So I wouldn’t say this is nothing.
<h2>Emilio Pagán signs with the Cincinnati Reds:</h2>
There’s been a handful of small signings in the past day, so let’s take a look at the first one that occurred on Wednesday. It was reported by MLB’s Mark Feinsand that the Cincinnati Reds were signing Emilio Pagán to a two-year deal.

https://twitter.com/Feinsand/status/1729914809489993825

In the 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins, the  32-year-old right-handed pitcher posted a 2.99 ERA and a 3.27 FIP in 69.1 innings pitched. Hilariously enough, the reliever is now the highest-paid player on the Reds with a 2-year, $16,000,000 deal.

https://twitter.com/BNightengale/status/1729935579859816558

They may not spend a lot at the moment, but the Reds are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the National League Central.
<h2>Garrett Hampson signs with Kansas City:</h2>
I wrote an unreleased Free Agency Profile article on the 29-year-old super utility player, but alas, he signed with the Royals on Wednesday evening.

https://twitter.com/Royals/status/1729991483539722360

The 29-year-old had a career-year with the Miami Marlins in 2023, slashing .276/.349/.380 with three homers in 252 plate appearances. He also stole 23 bases in 28 attempts, and his 101 wRC+ and 0.7 fWAR were the highest marks in his career.

Per Jeff Passan, the deal is worth $2,000,000 for the 2024 season.

https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/1729992853646942529

Good stuff, and maybe he’ll be a trade candidate for the Jays at the trade deadline?
<h2>Dylan Cease could be traded before the Winter Meetings:</h2>
According to Jon Morosi, talks surrounding the 2022 runner-up for the American League Cy Young award have intensified over the past two days. As it stands, Atlanta seems to be one of the finalists for the 27-year-old.

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1729971354307645907

This past season with the Chicago White Sox, Cease posted a 4.58 ERa and a 3.72 FIP in 177 innings pitched, including a 27.3 K% and a 10.1 BB%. This was down from his fantastic 2022 season where he posted a 4.58 ERA and a 3.72 FIP in 177 innings pitched.

I don’t see the Jays having any interest in him, but weirder things have happened!
<h2>Cody Bellinger won National League comeback player of the year:</h2>
There isn’t much in terms of rumours as to where Bellinger will land. However, he was recently in the news as he won the National League comeback player of the season as he slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs in 556 plate appearances with the Cubs.

https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1729633781500235911

&nbsp;

The Blue Jays had interest in Bellinger during the 2022-23 off-season, and it wouldn’t be all too surprising if they believe he can fill the hole in left field.

<hr />

As always, you can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Threads @Brennan_L_D.

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