Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani, Gavin Lux, Winter Meetings updates

At the onset of the Winter Meetings, the Los Angeles Dodgers wasted no time and hired starting pitcher Chris Archer as a special advisor. Yes, we're still calling him a starting pitcher because he's yet to retire! Pretty cool stuff.

The connection was notable because of his Rays days with Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes. It was also timely because the Dodgers have a lot of work to do this offseason and need all different types of insight to get their roster where it needs to be.

But what about everything else? We learned Shohei Ohtani is supposed to make a decision during the Winter Meetings (some said "within the next 72 hours" on Monday). But then MLB insider Jon Heyman interrupted the proceedings, claiming Ohtani probably won't sign with a team during the Winter Meetings.

OK, so first Ohtani was supposed to sign before the Winter Meetings. Then during. Now after? What's next? Christmas Day? MLK weekend? This is getting exhausting.

But Dodgers fans have to stay along for the ride, because he's LA's top target ... and a more disturbing tidbit entered the discourse. According to insider Jon Morosi, the Atlanta Braves are in on the two-way star, something that could really ruin the Dodgers' offseason.

Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani, Gavin Lux, Winter Meetings updates

Bob Nightengale added that "nobody knows what he's thinking" and that he was spotted in San Francisco over the weekend. Heyman added it is believed Ohtani has received multiple offers over the $500 million mark. The Toronto Blue Jays are apparently one of the bigger teams in the mix. Not surprising. But then what's the holdup? Ohtani's the domino that needs to fall to get the offseason going, so let's get on with it.

As for the Dodgers' plans within their control, manager Dave Roberts told the media on Monday that Mookie Betts will be the team's full-time starter at second base in 2024, which raises a ton of questions. On top of that, insider Fabian Ardaya reported the team could be looking for an upgrade at shortstop over Gavin Lux. What is this infield going to look like come Opening Day?

We suspected the Betts move was in the works after the Dodgers re-signed Jason Heyward, and we were right. Now there seems to be less room for Miguel Vargas and Michael Busch, both of whom could be trade candidates as the offseason kicks into high gear. The Dodgers brought back Joe Kelly on a one-year deal over the weekend, which put the 40-man roster (unofficially) at 41. LA needs to clear a ton of spots if they want to make room for incoming free agents and trade acquisitions.

As for SS, we've constantly questioned Lux's long-term role, especially after he suffered a torn ACL last spring training. The Dodgers have seemingly been at arms' length when speaking about Lux being the full-time shortstop, and though Betts' move to second base leaves little room for debate over Lux's role in the infield, Ardaya's report plus the previous commentary now has fans wondering about the former top prospect's future in LA.

What else is happening at the Winter Meetings? Hmmm.

• The Braves and Mariners agreed to a big five-player trade that headlined Jarred Kelenic going to Atlanta
• The Diamondbacks are pondering a run at JD Martinez or Justin Turner
• The Cardinals are listening to trade offers on Tyler O'Neill
• The Brewers re-signed Wade Miley and added Joe Ross
• The Phillies extended manager Rob Thomson
• The Pirates are interested in Jack Flaherty
• Japanese players Jung Hoo Lee and Wook Suk Go have been posted

Stay tuned for more. We're just getting started.