As the MLB Winter Meetings draw near, the baseball hot stove continues to sizzle with rumors of free agent signings and blockbuster trades. Today's buzz centers around trade talks involving White Sox right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease and the New York Yankees' potential acquisition of Padres slugger Juan Soto.

According to MLB.com, trade discussions for Dylan Cease are heating up, with a trade possibly happening before the Winter Meetings kick off. The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to Cease this offseason, and it's likely that other teams have shown interest as well. Cease, who will turn 28 next month, was the AL Cy Young runner-up last year. Although he had a slightly off year, posting a 4.58 ERA in 177 innings, it is worth noting that the White Sox's poor defense played a role in his performance. With his premium stuff and two years of team control, Cease remains one of the most sought-after starters on the trade market.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are aiming to bolster their lineup, which struggled outside of Aaron Judge last season. General Manager Brian Cashman is reportedly prioritizing the addition of multiple outfielders for the 2024 season and beyond. One prominent name in trade discussions is Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres, according to sources. Talks between the Yankees and Padres have progressed to the point of exchanging player names, but an agreement is still far from close. Soto, known for his power and patience at the plate, would be an ideal fit for the Yankees' offense. However, the Padres' desire to reduce payroll and Soto's expected high salary in 2024, his final arbitration year, means the trade cost could be significant but likely not prohibitive.

In other news, the Toronto Blue Jays' general manager, Ross Atkins, has dismissed rumors of a potential trade involving shortstop Bo Bichette. While acknowledging that rumors and speculation often have a grain of truth, Atkins affirmed that Bichette is the team's shortstop moving forward. Bichette, 25, has been a standout player both offensively and defensively and is under contract at reasonable rates until 2025. As the Blue Jays aim to contend, it comes as no surprise that they have no intention of parting with their star shortstop.

Additionally, the Cincinnati Reds have reportedly reached an agreement on a two-year contract with right-handed reliever Emilio Pagán, pending a physical. The deal, which guarantees Pagán $16 million and includes a player option after the first year, has been confirmed by Mark Feinsand. Pagán, 32, had an impressive 2023 season with the Minnesota Twins, posting a 2.99 ERA and a 3.10 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 69 1/3 innings. Throughout his seven-year MLB career, Pagán has showcased his reliability on the mound, with an ERA+ of 112.

As the MLB Winter Meetings approach, these trade talks and signings continue to fuel speculation and anticipation among fans and experts alike. Stay tuned for more updates as the hot stove heats up and teams make moves to shape their rosters for the upcoming season.