MLB Winter Meetings: What to Expect from Free Agents and Trades
The MLB winter meetings are set to begin on Monday in Orlando, Florida, marking the start of a busy period for baseball’s offseason activity. With several high-profile free agents and trade candidates available, teams are expected to make significant moves to bolster their rosters. In this article, we’ll delve into the latest intel on the players, teams, and themes that will shape the winter meetings.
According to Buster Olney and Jeff Passan, the market for free agents is expected to be conservative, with some teams opting for trades over investments in free agents due to the looming labor situation. However, top free agents like Kyle Schwarber and Kyle Tucker are still expected to command significant contracts. The Toronto Blue Jays, in particular, are looking to spend big, and their aggressive bidding could impact the market for other free agents.
Top Free Agent Hitters: Schwarber, Tucker, and More
Kyle Schwarber is widely regarded as one of the top free agent hitters available, with several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and Boston Red Sox, showing interest. Jeff Passan believes that Schwarber’s signing could be the catalyst for a flurry of activity in the market, with other teams pivoting to alternative options once he’s off the board. Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker is projected to sign a $400 million-plus deal, but his market may be slower to develop.
Cedric Mullins’ recent signing with the Tampa Bay Rays could be a warning sign for this free agent class, as teams may be more cautious in their spending. However, other hitters like Jorge Polanco, Harrison Bader, and Ha-Seong Kim are expected to sign sooner rather than later. The second tier of hitters, including Polanco, J.T. Realmuto, and Kazuma Okamoto, could also see momentum toward deals during the winter meetings.
Big-Name Aces: Valdez, Suarez, and More
With Dylan Cease off the board, the focus shifts to other top free agent pitchers like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez. The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles are among the teams looking to add an ace, and Valdez’s market is expected to unfold alongside the top hitters. Michael King, a right-hander with frontline potential, is also generating widespread interest, while Merrill Kelly is in line for a multiyear deal.
Reliever Signings: Diaz, Suarez, and More
The market for relievers is slowing down, but Pete Fairbanks and Kyle Finnegan are expected to sign soon. Edwin Diaz, the best available pitcher in the offseason, has been linked to the Mets and Blue Jays, but his free agency is fascinating, given the few teams willing to invest in a nine-figure contract for a short reliever. Tyler Rogers, Brad Keller, and Luke Weaver are also expected to receive multiyear deals.
Trade Candidates: Marte, Kwan, and More
Ketel Marte, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ All-Star second baseman, is expected to be a key trade candidate, with the Diamondbacks looking to improve their rotation. Steven Kwan, the Cleveland Guardians’ outfielder, is another player who could be on the move, as teams weigh offers for players under team control into 2027. The Twins’ Joe Ryan and the Pirates’ Brandon Lowe are also potential trade targets.
Surprise Teams to Watch
The Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins, and Oakland Athletics are among the surprise teams to watch at the winter meetings, as they look to add significant payroll. The Los Angeles Angels, who have been quiet in free agency, are also looking to bolster their rotation. The Baltimore Orioles, who have already made some moves, are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of a big player.
Other News and Rumors
The New York Mets could push the Philadelphia Phillies for Kyle Schwarber, which would not only add a powerful bat to their lineup but also potentially drive up the cost for the Phillies. The market for Japanese free agent corner infielder Munetaka Murakami is expected to heat up, with several teams showing interest. Tatsuya Imai, a Japanese right-hander, could wind up with a big-market team on the East Coast, while the New York Yankees, Mets, and Phillies are all interested in Cody Bellinger.
