The entire baseball world is in a holding pattern waiting for superstar free agent Juan Soto to sign this offseason. However, once he does, the dam will break and several other big names will be able to determine their next moves.

Soto’s move should also unlock the trade market, as teams missing him will likely turn their attention elsewhere.

One name that should draw particular attention is Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz. The 33-year-old Cuban is heading into the final guaranteed year of his contract and has a team option for 2026. He’s only owed $10 million this season, so he’s certainly affordable for most teams.

Diaz is coming off a season in which he hit .281 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs. He played 145 games, which shows how durable he is. He has played 134 or more full-season games since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Like the Rays looking to topple a fourth-place finish in 2025, they could certainly keep Diaz around. However, if they choose to move it, they should also be able to find useful pieces.

Cuban baseball insider Francys Romero recently posted on social media what the asking price for Diaz could be in a deal:

Yandy Díaz will be one of the interesting names at the Winter Meetings.

He will be at the negotiating table for several MLB teams.

The Rays could request two prospects and one MLB player, sources say.

It’s certainly a steep price, but for a team lacking a bat in its lineup, getting Diaz could go a long way. We know teams asked about Diaz at the trade deadline, but the Rays kept him.

Winter meetings begin December 9.

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