Winter meetings live analysis: Breaking down the biggest rumors
The MLB winter meetings are underway and it's expected to be a busy few days as agents, executives, reporters, and even some free agents have descended upon Orlando. theScore will have you covered, breaking down all the biggest rumors throughout the event.
Rumor: "The Miami Marlins, progressing in their efforts to trade right-hander Edward Cabrera, are talking with the Baltimore Orioles among other clubs, according to people familiar with the discussions." - Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, The Athletic
What it means: Although the Orioles have been connected to free-agent starter Framber Valdez, their pursuit of Cabrera indicates they feel a trade is the more viable option to improve their starting pitching. Could this be because they need the payroll space to sign a big bat? If Baltimore surrenders a top position player prospect like Dylan Beavers or Enrique Bradfield Jr. in order to acquire Cabrera, it will be a clear sign that they're all-in on opening the wallet for Kyle Tucker or Pete Alonso.
The Marlins, meanwhile, need offense and have enough starting pitching depth to consider trading a controllable arm like Cabrera. They've found bats in Baltimore before, acquiring Kyle Stowers from the O's for Trevor Rogers in a 2024 deadline trade that's worked out well for both clubs. Turning Cabrera into a good young bat with upside who's getting squeezed out of a job in Baltimore would be a good piece of business for Peter Bendix and Co.
Rumors: "(The Red Sox) have discussed second baseman Ketel Marte with the Diamondbacks, shortstop Corey Seager with the Rangers, third baseman Isaac Paredes with the Astros, and infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan with the Cardinals, a source said." - Tim Healey, The Boston Globe
"I'm hearing the Red Sox are not in on Bo Bichette unless his market changes." - Julian McWilliams, CBS Sports
What this means: The Red Sox have plenty of infield needs, but it seems like they'd now prefer to fill these holes via the trade market. Of these names, Marte's fit makes the most sense. His offensive approach would play well at Fenway Park, and the Red Sox have enough young pitching to potentially satisfy the D-Backs' asking price. Donovan is more of a puzzle piece who can provide solid play all over the diamond at a reasonable price. Paredes would solve Boston's first base issues if the team doesn't land Pete Alonso, and his pull swing is built for the Green Monster. Trading for Seager seems to make the least sense, as he'd come with a heavy contract and force Trevor Story to once again change positions.
The Red Sox seemingly backing away from Bichette means they may be moving closer to a different free-agent signing, be it a reunion with Alex Bregman or a megadeal for Pete Alonso. Bichette's a near-perfect fit for the Red Sox if he's willing to play second base, but they don't seem likely to sign both him and Alonso. With first base being a far more pressing need, it's easy to see why the Red Sox might back away from Bichette if they feel his asking price won't fit their budget. What that does for his market overall remains to be seen.
Rumor: "The Chicago Cubs had a Zoom meeting with free-agent infielder Alex Bregman a few weeks ago, sources familiar with the situation say. Bregman has had 'several' Zoom meetings with other teams." - Robert Murray, FanSided
What it means: The Cubs are on the hunt for an impact bat to replace Kyle Tucker, who seems destined to sign elsewhere. Chicago still clearly likes Bregman after reportedly offering the three-time All-Star a four-year, $115-million pact before he joined the Red Sox last offseason. The 31-year-old provides solid production on both sides of the ball, going deep 18 times with an .821 OPS in 114 games while placing in the 83rd percentile in outs above average at the hot corner in 2025. However, the Cubs already have Matt Shaw at third. So, the fit on paper isn't ideal, but Bregman is a clear upgrade following the 24-year-old Shaw's up-and-down rookie campaign.
Rumor: "The Orioles have spoken with Kyle Tucker's camp." - Jon Morosi, MLB Network
What it means: Clearly, Baltimore is serious about making a splash. The Orioles were apparently one of the runners-up for Kyle Schwarber, reportedly offering the slugger the same five-year, $150-million deal that he took from the Phillies. They're said to be meeting with Pete Alonso. Now comes word that Tucker - arguably the best position player available in free agency - has sat down with the O's. The immediate fit is a bit awkward, as the Orioles have a glut of outfielders, but that's a problem that could easily be solved. The bigger question is whether owner David Rubenstein would really be willing to meet Tucker's price tag, which could wind up in the $400-million range. It's also fair to wonder whether Tucker's camp is using Baltimore to squeeze more money out of bigger-market suitors, including the Orioles' AL East rivals in Toronto. What's clear is that with Schwarber off the board, Tucker's market is starting to move.
News: "The sticking point between the Mets and (Pete) Alonso could very well be years, as sources say that the Mets may be hesitant to go more than three years with the first baseman." - Mark Feinsand, MLB.com
What it means: Alonso's potential departure, coming on the heels of Edwin Díaz reportedly bolting Flushing for Hollywood, surely has Mets fans sweating bullets. For as much as Díaz's departure hurts, the prospect of losing Alonso over term feels even more devastating. Alonso, a lifelong Met and the successor to David Wright as the homegrown face of the franchise, has hit more home runs than any other player in team history. New York, obviously, has the money to keep Alonso, and even if it overpays, the club can't afford to let him walk for reasons that go well beyond the field. But if the front office is going to draw this line in the sand with a Scott Boras client, it's starting to seem clear that Alonso's played his final game in blue pinstripes.
News: "I don't believe in untouchable players at any level. It's not a commentary on Tarik (Skubal), it's more of a blanket approach to building a winning organization. My job is to make this organization better ... which means that I need to listen to every opportunity no matter how likely or unlikely it is to actually happen." - Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris
What it means: Harris is in a difficult position. Skubal's coming off back-to-back Cy Young wins and is poised to become the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history when he hits free agency next winter. Of course, the Tigers should do everything in their power to try to extend him, but it's typically not that easy - especially when we're talking about the money Skubal is set to make. Factor in that the left-hander is a Scott Boras client, and things only get more complicated. So Harris is doing exactly what he should be doing: keeping the door to a trade open. If the Tigers are convinced the money won't be there, they need to entertain all trade offers.
Rumor: "Two sources familiar with the Padres' discussions said Preller is shooting big. One source said the Padres are working multiple fronts that could result in deals that rival the massive trade in which they acquired four major leaguers in exchange for Juan Soto and Trent Grisham at the winter meetings two years ago. Another source said Preller's plans coming to fruition would make the deals he made at the past two trade deadlines pale in comparison." - Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune
What it means: AJ Preller continues to be baseball's most fun executive. Who knows what the Padres are cooking up behind the scenes, but consider us very intrigued. Preller is never satisfied with his team and seems hellbent on delivering the biggest shock of every offseason and trade deadline. San Diego's dealing with a number of key departures in Dylan Cease, Michael King, Robert Suarez, Luis Arraez, and Ryan O'Hearn, and filling those holes won't be easy or cheap. With the franchise potentially going up for sale, and having dealt with payroll limitations in recent years, Preller will need to get creative to keep his club in postseason contention. Making matters difficult is the fact that Xander Bogaerts, Manny Machado, Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish and Fernando Tatis Jr. all have full no-trade clauses, while Tatis is likely the only one of those players who would bring back tangible assets. Mason Miller and Jackson Merrill could headline a strong package, though each are young and cheap, exactly what the Padres need. Not to mention the haul Preller gave up to acquire Miller just a few months ago. Preller probably has a few prospects he can dust off and sell should he need to. For now, we can just hope that whatever Preller is planning comes to fruition.
Rumor: "Bo Bichette and the Red Sox had a Zoom recently. It went well on both sides, per sources. Bichette came away impressed with the Red Sox, I'm told. The Red Sox have shown to be serious about the free agent." - Ari Alexander, 7News Boston
What it means: Bichette could very well make his way back to Toronto, but it appears he's at least checking his options, as the Blue Jays have already reportedly met with fellow star free agent Kyle Tucker. Bichette's willingness to play second base during the World Series likely caught the attention of a number of clubs hoping he'd be willing to come off shortstop moving forward. With Trevor Story in Boston, Bichette would likely need to play either second or third base. The Red Sox have been heavily linked to every star free-agent bat - in addition to trade targets like Ketel Marte (see below) - so it should come as no surprise to see them interested in Bichette. While he's had his struggles defensively, Bichette would be an excellent fit at Fenway Park offensively, where he's a career .329/.382/.524 hitter over 35 games.
Rumor: "While discussions are still at an early stage, the Red Sox and Diamondbacks have had trade talks centered on infielder Ketel Marte. ... To date, the talks have included some exchanges of names by the two teams with Arizona intent on acquiring controllable starting pitching, preferably with some major-league experience." - Sean McAdam and Chris Cotillo, MassLive.com
What it means: D-Backs general manager Mike Hazen said earlier Monday that he's received more calls on Marte over the years than any of his other players. Hazen acknowledged that Marte's production, combined with a team-friendly contract, are contributors to that, and he's certainly not wrong. The 31-year-old is coming off a 4.6 fWAR season, and is owed $91 million over the next five years. While Arizona is not obligated to deal Marte, there does seem to be considerable smoke around him this winter, and the Red Sox are a great trade match. Boston is deep with starting pitching depth, has a number of solid prospects, and possesses an outfield logjam that likely could meet any demands Hazen might have. Marte would represent the elite bat Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is looking for, and also address a second base position the franchise has spent years trying to fill. While the acquisition cost for Marte would be high, his contract will most likely be significantly cheaper than the big free-agent bats (Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman) the Red Sox are looking at.
News: "Chaim Bloom if anything had changed with the Cardinals and Nolan Arenado and if the teams' stance was still that they would trade him or play him - and that releasing the All-Star is not being considered. 'That is not an option,' Bloom repeated." - Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
What it means: You really have to wonder if Arenado regrets nixing a trade to the Houston Astros last offseason. A move to one of his preferred landing spots never materialized, and now he enters another winter as part of an organization that would rather he be elsewhere. The 34-year-old remains an excellent defender, but even his glove isn't able to carry a significantly declining bat. Arenado hit just 12 homers with a .666 OPS in 107 games last season, pretty much ending any possibility of the Cardinals being able to offload the final two years and $37 million left on his deal. It also makes sense for Bloom to shoot down the thought of releasing Arenado to keep at least some of his negotiating power in trade tralks. Either the Cardinals are going to have to eat a large portion of Arenado's deal - something ownership was willing to do in order to move Sonny Gray - or take on another bad contract in return.
News: "Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes on the possibility of trading Teoscar Hernández: 'That doesn't feel likely. Obviously you can never say never on those types of things, but Teo, I know that's come up. That's not something we anticipate at all.'" - Alden Gonzalez, ESPN
What it means: The Dodgers are clearly prepared to live with the good and bad that Hernández provides unless something unexpected happens. The two-time All-Star has hit a combined 58 homers with 188 RBIs and a .793 OPS over the last two years en route to helping Los Angeles win back-to-back titles. The 33-year-old also struck out 322 times during that time, and finished in the third percentile for outs above average defensively this season. With Ohtani cemented as the DH, the Dodgers will have to continue to deploy Hernández in the field. He still has two guaranteed years left on his deal after signing a three-year, $66-million pact last January. It's strange to say, because we're used to seeing the Dodgers get the top free agents, but Hernández will likely be in the outfield on Opening Day instead of a big star like Kyle Tucker. Maybe a market for Hernández develops, but the Dodgers would likely need to be willing to eat some of his deal in order to have a more flexible roster.
Rumor: "Agents and executives in Orlando believe Kyle Schwarber may be the next big domino to fall with the Phillies and others in a holding pattern waiting for that dam to break. Obviously widespread interest in him." - Chris Cotillo, MassLive.com
What it means: The NL MVP runner-up reportedly received a four-year offer from the Pirates, but that union still feels like a long shot. That offer likely represents the floor now. Could Schwarber's camp have used the Bucs' interest to get the incumbent Phillies, or even the Red Sox or Reds, to up their own offers? It certainly feels like a possibility. Wherever Schwarber lands, the signing is going to set off a massive chain reaction around the league. We're looking at an old school-style winter meetings transaction spree. The Phillies look like the favorites to re-sign Schwarber, but it will be fascinating to see how they pivot if he lands elsewhere.
Rumor: "The Nationals have aggressively been engaged in trade talks with teams involving All-Star pitcher MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams, with two general managers saying Monday morning that they now fully expect to the two players to be traded." - Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports
What it means: New Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni is wasting no time putting his stamp on a moribund organization. That means taking a bulldozer to a young roster that lost 96 games in 2025, starting with two players who were once key pieces of the Nationals' future. Gore and Abrams, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego at the 2022 deadline, were supposed to be the centerpieces of Washington's next great team. While both players lived up to the hype - at times - in D.C., the trajectory of the organization as a whole makes it an easy choice to try and move on from them now.
As far as returns go, it feels like Gore will bring back the bigger haul. The 26-year-old has two years of arbitration remaining, and is projected to earn $4.7 million in 2025. Given the state of the starting pitching market in free agency, teams should be lining up for the chance to add Gore as he enters his prime years. Abrams comes with an additional year of control, and an intriguing power-speed combination, albeit with an iron glove at shortstop (minus-6 defensive runs saved). His full potential is tantalizing, though, and some team out there will surely think they can unlock him.
Rumor: "Alonso will take the 90-minute drive to central Florida on Tuesday, according to sources, to meet in person with interested suitors that include the Red Sox and Orioles." - Mike Puma, New York Post
What it means: Boston needs to add a big middle-of-the order bat with Alex Bregman testing free agency. The club also hasn't replaced Rafael Devers' production following his dramatic June exit via a trade to the Giants. Alonso and his career 264 homers makes a lot of sense here for the Red Sox - especially with the Green Monster. However, this could mean the end for Triston Casas or Masataka Yoshida. Maybe even both. Casas could be used as a trade piece despite his knee injury, but Yoshida is still owed $37.2 million over two years after hitting four homers with a .696 OPS in 2025. The Red Sox also want to get better defensively, and Alonso certainly won't help there. There's plenty of risk here.
The Orioles, meanwhile, have to make a big splash in free agency after a wasted season. Baltimore must take advantage of extra payroll space in 2026 before its core gets too expensive. President of baseball operations Mike Elias openly said the team has enough money for a top bat and frontline starter. That's encouraging for fans because owner David Rubenstein hasn't landed a big fish in free agency since taking over the team in August 2024. Adding a player like Alonso gives the team another slugger to fortify a deep lineup, which leaves Ryan Mountcastle and/or Coby Mayo expendable. Orioles fans will just hope this doesn't end as poorly as the last big-ticket first baseman they signed to a long-term deal (Chris Davis).