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GM Meetings Open in Las Vegas as Hot Stove Begins, Gambling Case Looms

Face-to-face sessions set the early market tone ahead of qualifying-offer decisions.

Overview

  • Executives from all 30 clubs and most agents have convened at The Cosmopolitan to handle league business, begin free-agent feelers and lay trade groundwork.
  • Federal prosecutors unsealed fraud, conspiracy and bribery charges against Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz tied to an alleged gambling scheme, making integrity a pressing topic.
  • Signings and trades are considered unlikely during the event as negotiations typically extend beyond these meetings despite the in-person talks.
  • New top decision-makers Paul DePodesta (Rockies), Chaim Bloom (Cardinals) and Paul Toboni (Nationals) are attending in their newly assumed roles.
  • The qualifying-offer deadline falls on Nov. 18 for the one-year, $22.025 million tender, and reporting indicates players such as Gleyber Torres, Brandon Woodruff and Shota Imanaga could consider accepting.