As the Winter Meetings approach, baseball insiders Mark Feinsand and Jon Paul Morosi have weighed in on some of the burning questions that fans have leading up to the event. With several teams looking to make moves and key players potentially on the trade block, this year's Winter Meetings in Nashville are shaping up to be an exciting affair.

According to Feinsand, the New York Yankees are poised to be one of the most active teams during the Winter Meetings. While they continue to engage in discussions with the San Diego Padres regarding a potential trade for Juan Soto, they are also targeting free agents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. However, Feinsand also believes that the Chicago Cubs will be power players in the market. After bringing in manager Craig Counsell, the Cubs are looking to address their needs at starting pitcher, outfield, and third base.

On the other hand, Morosi anticipates that the San Francisco Giants will make a splash during the Winter Meetings. Following an offseason where they narrowly missed out on big-name free agents like Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa, the Giants are determined to send a message that they are serious about returning to postseason contention.

Moving on to the free-agent market, Feinsand suggests that pitcher Jordan Montgomery is the most likely to sign a deal by the end of the Meetings. As Aaron Nola, Sonny Gray, and Kenta Maeda have already found new teams, Montgomery could follow suit as several teams are in need of starting pitching.

Meanwhile, Morosi predicts that the attention and interest surrounding Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto will likely lead to him signing during the Winter Meetings. With multiple teams vying for his services, Yamamoto's market is expected to narrow down in the coming days.

Regarding the highly anticipated Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, both Feinsand and Morosi believe that the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorites to secure his signature. Although there has been some buzz surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers are still considered the leading possibility.

As for the potential trade of Juan Soto, Feinsand suggests that a deal involving the star outfielder could be completed during the Winter Meetings. The New York Yankees, with their young, Major League-ready pitching and financial resources, appear to be the most logical landing spot for Soto. Morosi, however, believes that Soto will stay with the San Diego Padres until Opening Day, but ultimately predicts that the Yankees will acquire him, addressing their need for a left-handed power bat.

Looking at the starting pitching market, Feinsand points to Tyler Glasnow of the Tampa Bay Rays as a likely player to be traded before or during the Meetings. The Rays are reportedly seeking to shed Glasnow's hefty salary and several executives have expressed confidence that a trade will be accomplished swiftly.

On the other hand, Morosi suggests that Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox could be on the move. Cease trade talks have intensified and the Atlanta Braves, Cease's hometown team, are among the leading contenders to acquire him. The Giants and Dodgers are also mentioned as possible suitors, depending on the outcome of their free-agent pitching pursuits.

Lastly, for sleeper teams that could make a big move, Feinsand highlights the Miami Marlins. With new president of baseball operations Peter Bendix looking to build on the momentum from their 84-win season, the Marlins are expected to get creative on the trade front in search of an impact bat.

Morosi, on the other hand, identifies the Minnesota Twins as a potential sleeper team. With multiple rotation vacancies and a shortage of impact bats available in free agency, the Twins may look to leverage outfielder Max Kepler in the trade market to improve their roster.

With the Winter Meetings right around the corner, baseball fans eagerly await the flurry of activity that is sure to unfold. As teams position themselves for success in the 2024 season, expect plenty of trade talks, free-agent signings, and potentially blockbuster deals to dominate the headlines in Nashville.