LAS VEGAS -- While the 2018 Winter Meetings didn't feature an extravagant press conference announcing a landmark signing for hometown star Bryce Harper -- or Manny Machado, for that matter -- the sport's top decision-makers departed the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino with a deeper understanding of this offseason's marketplace.
Here are five takeaways from the week:
1. J.T. Realmuto is a popular guy
While baseball fans are enthralled by Harper and Machado, baseball executives are similarly entranced by a 27-year-old catcher from Midwest City, Okla., who is coming off his first career All-Star appearance.
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Realmuto was the most valuable catcher in baseball this year, according to FanGraphs.com's Wins Above Replacement rankings. The fact he's under control through 2020 -- and affordably so, via salary arbitration -- only adds to his appeal.
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The Marlins' talks have advanced to the point that a trade before the New Year is increasingly probable, with the Mets among the favorites to land him. The Padres, Braves and Dodgers all remain involved. Sources say several moves across the industry hinge on where Realmuto is dealt.
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2. As much as the Phillies, the White Sox are ready to spend
While the Phillies' anticipated spending this offseason has been discussed broadly for months, the White Sox eagerness to make dramatic upgrades has been a subtler story. But the Winter Meetings made clear that the White Sox are central to the Harper and Machado markets. It is very possible that they will be the highest bidder for one -- or perhaps both. Then it will be up to the two stars to consider general manager Rick Hahn's recruiting pitch and vision for the future.

With that, the White Sox aren't waiting around for the superstars. They are active among starters and relievers, including free agent Adam Ottavino.
3. Speaking of the bullpen, that market is starting to move
Now that Jeurys Familia and Joe Kelly have new multiyear contracts -- at healthy salaries -- it won't be a surprise if Ottavino and Player Page for David Robertson sign soon, as well. The Red Sox, facing the loss of Kelly and possibly Craig Kimbrel, could sign one of them.

Kimbrel is poised to exceed $17.3 million in average annual value -- a record among relievers, set by Wade Davis last offseason. The question is the number of years, with a report by ESPN's Buster Olney saying Kimbrel has asked for a six-year deal.
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Meanwhile, the Cardinals and Phillies are looking for left-handed relievers in a market headlined by Zach Britton and Andrew Miller.
4. The Indians were (and are) serious about making trades
The prospect of Cleveland trading Corey Kluber or Trevor Bauer was a major headline as the Winter Meetings began. The Indians made a deal on Thursday morning, but it wasn't the one observers had been expecting. They reacquired Carlos Santana in a three-way trade with the Mariners and Rays that sent Edwin Encarnacion to Seattle and -- significantly -- saved some money for the Indians.
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Notably, the Indians didn't declare that both Kluber and Bauer will remain on the roster by Opening Day, in part because the Indians need to (a) add at least one outfielder and (b) create the necessary financial flexibility to do so. A trade of Kluber or Bauer could accomplish both objectives and therefore remains a possibility, especially if the Dodgers include center field prospect Alex Verdugo in the deal.

5. The Angels are lurking
Quietly, the American League West is becoming one of baseball's most intriguing divisions. The Astros enter 2019 as favorites to finish first for a third consecutive season, but their rotation is uncertain after Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. The Mariners have initiated a rebuild after winning 89 games. The Rangers remain a team in transition.
The Athletics stunned the baseball world by finishing with the Majors' fourth-highest win total in 2018, but they could struggle to replicate the performance of an ephemeral, effective starting rotation. And then there are the Angels, an average team this year in both winning percentage and run differential.
The Angels aren't trading Michael Trout -- at least, not now. With a better rotation, contention in 2019 is a reasonable aspiration. Dallas Keuchel may prove too expensive, but there are signs the Angels will remain in touch with him and other free-agent starters in case one falls into their price range.