MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani, Red Sox, Padres, Astros, Brewers

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on as he hits a two run home run during the ninth inning of a game between the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 17, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 17: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on as he hits a two run home run during the ninth inning of a game between the Los Angeles Angels and Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 17, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Could a team that’s already loaded for this season be interested in landing Shohei Ohtani next offseason? It’s one of the MLB rumors we are tracking as we inch ever closer to spring training.

MLB rumors: San Diego Padres to make a push for Shohei Ohtani?

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Padres could be the “stiffest competition” for their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the chase for Ohtani’s services next offseason. Nightengale writes that the Dodgers are staying below the luxury tax (thanks to moves like the recent trade with the Miami Marlins for shortstop Miguel Rojas) this year in order to lure Ohtani to Chavez Ravine after his contract expires with the Los Angeles Angels next offseason. However, the Padres, who have been very active this offseason, “plan to be all in” for Ohtani for the 2024 season and beyond.

Could a Southern California battle be brewing between the Angels, Dodgers, and Padres to keep him? It’s very possible, and whoever wins that battle is expected to pay a record salary to land him.

MLB rumors: Boston Red Sox could bring in another shortstop

With Xander Bogaerts now in San Diego and Trevor Story out of the lineup for a bulk of next season following elbow surgery, the Red Sox have “expressed interest in free-agent shortstop Elvis Andrus and free agent infielder/outfielder Jurickson Profar,” Nightengale writes.

Manager Alex Cora recently said that the team was looking at whether Enrique Hernandez would be a better fit for Boston in the outfield or at shortstop, but bringing in Andrus, who played a big role for the Chicago White Sox last season in the absence of Tim Anderson, or Profar would answer that question and allow Hernandez to focus on the outfield.

MLB rumors: David Stearns the focus for Houston Astros as general manager

The defending World Champion Astros parted ways with GM James Click early in the offseason, and are still operating without a full-time GM. However, Nightengale says that the Astros could find a temporary solution this season at the GM spot and wait for Milwaukee’s David Stearns to become available once his contract with the Brewers ends after the season. According to Nightengale, Stearns is “the Astros’ ultimate prize once the season ends.”

Next. Can the Chicago Cubs take the next step in 2023?. dark