The winter meetings have kicked off in Florida and here’s everything you need to know as the MLB offseason heats up
Table of Contents
- The winter meetings have kicked off in Florida and here’s everything you need to know as the MLB offseason heats up
- Dodgers consider changes, but Teoscar Hernández stays
- Editorial Selections
- Teams interested in former All-Star, Willi Castro
- Padres will keep 3 relievers in the bullpen and need starters
- What will the Tigers do with Skubal?
- Which Marlins starting pitcher will be traded?
- How far will the Phillies go to keep Schwarber?
- Michael King’s suitors begin to define themselves
- Jorge Polanco could make a decision soon
The MLB Winter Meetings are underway in Orlando, Florida, where the baseball industry gathers for a week packed with rumors, signings and trades.
We’ve got all the coverage for you, with the latest updates and analysis as moves come to fruition.
What big free agents will sign for a team? Who will be the protagonists of the most important transfers? And what rumors will dominate the week? Check the page frequently to stay up to date with the latest news and reactions throughout the week.
RUMORS OF DECEMBER 8
Dodgers consider changes, but Teoscar Hernández stays
It is not expected that Los Angeles Dodgers They’re making big free agent signings this winter, at least not to the same extent as they were in the previous two offseasons, and their statements suggest they’re happy with the team’s current situation.
He General manager of the Dodgers, Brandon Gomesstated on Monday that “there are not many clear options to significantly improve the team.” Previously, Dodgers manager Dave Robertsacknowledging last year’s team philosophy of bringing in new players to maintain an advantage, said: “We really don’t think it’s necessary to make a big signing, because this team is still focused and there is talk of the possibility of winning three consecutive titles.”
However, according to close sources, the Dodgers will continue looking for ways to improve their outfield and strengthen the final part of their bullpen, with the transfer market being the ideal way. A center fielder would be ideal for the Dodgers, as he would strengthen the entire outfield defense, allowing Andy Pageswith his powerful arm, moves to right field and Teoscar Hernandezwith his poor defense, moved to left field.
But Gomes praised Pages’ defense in center field, adding that it gives the team the flexibility to pursue any outfielder. He also denied rumors about a possible transfer of Hernández.
“It doesn’t seem likely,” Gomes said. “Obviously, you can never say never in these types of things, but as for Teo, I know it’s been talked about. It’s not something we contemplate at all.” — Alden Gonzalez
Teams interested in former All-Star, Willi Castro
Los Atlanta Braveslos Pittsburgh Pirates and the Colorado Rockies They are among the teams interested in signing the versatile player Willi Castroaccording to ESPN sources. Castro, 28, was selected to the All-Star Game in 2024 after a solid first half of the season with the Minnesota Twinsbut his performance declined in the second half and during the 2025 season.
The switch-hitter slashed .245/.335/.407 with the Twins in 2025 before being traded to the Chicago Cubs on the transfer deadline. He struggled in Chicago, hitting just .170 with one home run and a .485 OPS in 34 games, and made no postseason plate appearances.
Advanced stats indicate Castro also experienced a defensive decline in 2025, going from 0 to -9 outs above average, but he is a versatile defender who has played second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions. — Jorge Castillo
Padres will keep 3 relievers in the bullpen and need starters
In his appearance before the media during the winter meetings, the manager of the San Diego Padres, Craig Stammendeclared that the team will keep Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon y David Morgan in the bullpen instead of turning them into starting pitchers.
“It’s a risky decision, both in terms of health and performance,” Stammen said.
Therefore, the Padres are actively searching for starting pitchers. – González
What will the Tigers do with Skubal?
Los Detroit Tigers They continue to talk with other teams about a possible transfer of the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, Pull Skubal. At its core, Detroit’s decision on whether to trade Skubal now, before he becomes a free agent next fall, comes down to this question: Will they prioritize Owner Chris Ilitch and the team’s front office the opportunity to win in 2026, or will they value more the extraordinary collection of young players they would presumably acquire in a trade for Skubal?
What complicates this decision is that the Tigers play in the American League Central Division, a very competitive division. The theoretical path to the World Series is probably easier than exiting the American League East, with all its big-budget teams, or the Western Division, where Seattle Mariners They are shaping up to be a formidable force in the coming years. Despite a late-season slump, the Tigers were just one run away from challenging for the American League championship two months ago.
If the Tigers decide to keep Skubal, they will have to accept the reality that they will only get back a fraction of Skubal’s current value if he leaves as a free agent, through draft pick compensation. This is the part of the market equation that has led to the Cleveland Guardians to transfer players like CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee o Francisco Lindor in the past, and the reason why Milwaukee Brewers transferred to Corbin Burnes before the 2024 season. —Buster Olney
Which Marlins starting pitcher will be traded?
It is unlikely that Sandy Alcantara be transferred at this moment, like his partner Eury Perezthe 22-year-old right-handed pitcher with whom the Miami Marlins would like to sign a contract extension. According to a source close to the team, the Marlins starter most likely to be traded is Edward Cabrerawho no longer has options for assignment to the minor leagues and whose contract would be controllable for three years.
Cabrera, 27, posted a 3.53 ERA with 150 strikeouts and 48 walks in 137⅔ innings in 2025. The Marlins would like to use Cabrera, and possibly also Ryan Weathersanother starting pitcher coming off an injury-plagued season, to bolster his offense, primarily at first base.
However, Cabrera is among a large group of starting pitchers available this offseason, along with players such as Freddy Peralta, Kris Bubic, Mitch Keller, Joe Ryan, Hunter Greene and, above all, Pull Skubal. Peralta, Ryan, Greene and Skubal will most likely remain with their teams, but they are still being discussed for possible transfers. – Gonzalez
How far will the Phillies go to keep Schwarber?
Much of the industry is awaiting the decision of Kyle Schwarber as a free agent. Teams from large and small markets want it, but the most important thing will be what the teams offer. Philadelphia Philliesand that answer could come as soon as Monday or Tuesday. Will they match any offer? Will Schwarber accept a lower salary to stay in Philadelphia? Those questions should be answered soon. — Jesse Rogers
Michael King’s suitors begin to define themselves
The free agent pitcher Michael King has half a dozen suitors, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets y Chicago Cubsbut its market has not yet been fully realized. –Rogers
Jorge Polanco could make a decision soon
The free agent second baseman is expected to Jorge Polancowho is coming off a solid 2025 season with the Seattle Marinerssign with a team during the winter meetings. –Rogers
