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.
News: "There's a bunch of guys on our roster that we're not looking to have conversations about. ... But I've seen the reports on Tatis and things like that. He's one of the best players in baseball, is a two-time Platinum (Glove) winner. The guy has taken over portions of seasons and games and playoff series and everything like that. I think for us to get to where we want to get to, we need Fernando. ... He's somebody that we're not talking about. However you want to say that; if you want to say that's 'untouchable,' you can say that." - Padres' A.J. Preller to Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune
What it means: It makes sense that the Padres would not want to entertain any trade involving Fernando Tatis Jr. - dealing away arguably your most talented player isn't often a recipe for success. But it's hard to see Preller being able to pull off the type of blockbuster deal that's been reported without involving the three-time All-Star. San Diego's dealing with a flawed roster that needs a number of upgrades. It would be easy for Preller to throw money at his problems, but with the club expected to operate under a similar payroll as last season, it's going to be difficult to address those needs without moving money out. We'll see if Preller is eventually forced to change his mind on Tatis as the offseason goes. Maybe he's presented with a trade he can't pass up. Any move involving Tatis would require him to waive his no-trade clause anyway.
Rumor: "After missing out on slugger Pete Alonso, the Boston Red Sox will now try to get creative in acquiring two bats to bolster their offense. A reunion with Alex Bregman figures to be the main objective at this point, but the Red Sox could also target free agent Eugenio Suárez, who clubbed 49 homers in 159 games last season. At the trade deadline, the Red Sox pursued a trade for Suárez, a league source said, with the intent of having him play first base." - Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic
What it means: The Red Sox can't afford to wait around after coming up short in the Alonso sweepstakes. First base is a particularly pressing area of need, and options on the free-agent market are thin. Suárez is a fascinating potential choice because he's a career third baseman who's played just three career innings at the position. But he also fits the profile of a power-hitting first baseman and he's never been a particularly adept defender at the hot corner. That he's the type of hitter who seems built for success at Fenway Park is a nice little bonus.
Signing Suárez could also allow Boston to give Bregman more money on a longer-term deal. A reunion between the Red Sox and Bregman has always felt like the preferred option for both sides. Bregman's playing the field now, as he should, but it also is starting to feel like a matter of time before he returns to Beantown.
Rumor: "The Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros are among the teams in on Peralta, according to people familiar with the Brewers' discussions. Other clubs, such as the New York Mets, are also believed to be interested, though it's unclear how willing some of those teams would be to meet the Brewers' asking price." - Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, The Athletic
What it means: No matter what the Brewers are saying publicly, it's clear that they're open to the possibility of trading Freddy Peralta before he hits free agency. All of the teams mentioned above could use the right-hander, and they also have the requisite prospects to make a deal happen. But if he is traded, it feels more likely to happen later in the offseason, after starters like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez have signed and the losers of those sweepstakes circle back to Milwaukee. The Brewers don't have to trade Peralta and can afford to sit back and wait out these teams. Ultimately, the ball is in Matt Arnold's court. Milwaukee's shipped off Corbin Burnes and Devin Williams in their final year of team control the last two offseasons to net DL Hall, Joey Ortiz, Nestor Cortes Jr., and Caleb Durbin, so the front office deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Rumor: "The Dodgers continue to 'kick the tires' on trading Teoscar Hernández, a league source said, though general manager Brandon Gomes said Monday that trading the right fielder 'doesn't feel likely.' Still, the Dodgers might feel inclined to deal Hernández, whose defense declined last year, to free up roster space. The Kansas City Royals have coveted an offense-first outfielder, and have interest in Hernández." - Katie Woo and Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic
What it means: Like with Peralta and the Brewers, the fact that these Hernández rumors just won't go away give them some credence. Hernández's bat is still powerful and he remains a key cog of the Dodgers' offense, but is something of an awkward fit in L.A. thanks to his DH-first profile. You may have missed it, but the Dodgers have a pretty good everyday designated hitter, Shohei something-or-other. Anyway, the Dodgers can probably stomach Hernández's poor glove in a corner spot because they already have a glaring need there. If he's dealt, it's likely only going to be to clear space on both the roster and payroll for someone like Kyle Tucker on a shorter-term deal - and as scary as that thought is for 29 other teams, it also feels unlikely.
As for his specific fit in Kansas City, it's easy to see why the Royals might covet Hernández. He's a proven power bat with playoff experience who'd fit nicely alongside Vinnie Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr., and Salvador Perez. However, he'd still have to rotate between DH and a corner outfield spot in spacious Kauffman Stadium. The Royals' ballpark is also a notoriously tough home for power hitters, although that's never mattered to Perez.
Rumor: "A year ago at the winter meetings, the Red Sox parted with catching prospect Kyle Teel as the centerpiece of the blockbuster trade that netted them ace Garrett Crochet. In an ironic twist, Teel is once again a trade candidate this winter after debuting in 2025 - and the Red Sox have shown at least some interest in bringing him back." - Sean McAdam and Chris Cotillo, MassLive.com
What it means: Catching was a weak spot for Boston in 2025, even with Carlos Narváez's surprising breakout season (Narváez struggled in the second half). Solving this issue through a trade seems like the logical route for the Red Sox, and the fact that it's Teel being mentioned also shouldn't be surprising. The Red Sox are obviously familiar with him, and have a surplus of young pitching to match up with the White Sox once again.
Teel being on the block is also the result of a surplus at his position. He's one of two bright young catchers, alongside Edgar Quero, who are now battling to be Chicago's catcher of the future. The rebuilding South Siders can afford to part with one of them in order to improve other areas of the roster as part of a need-for-need trade.
Rumor: "The Pirates are staying aggressive after their pursuit of Kyle Schwarber and are among the teams that have inquired to the Rays about Brandon Lowe." - Jon Morosi, MLB Network
What it means: The Pirates appear to be serious about upgrading an offense that finished last in runs scored in 2025. After missing out on Schwarber, whom the team reportedly made a four-year offer to, Pittsburgh is turning to the trade market to find a bat. The Pirates have been linked to the Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte, but Lowe and his $11.5-million salary appear to be more in their price range, and the Rays are apparently open to trading their longtime second basemen. Lowe's 31 homers last season, tied for the most at his position, would've topped Pittsburgh by a mile, so the fit is there. With NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes anchoring a strong rotation, the starting pitching will go to waste unless the front office makes a move to help improve the lineup.
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 it 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.
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).
