MLB 2025 Winter Meetings: Winners, Losers & What Comes Next

The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings wrapped up in Orlando, and while this year didn’t feature a mega-deal on the level of last winter’s $700M blockbuster, the week still delivered plenty of storylines, key signings, and surprising developments. From major sluggers landing new homes to blockbuster trade rumors gaining traction, the league’s offseason landscape is starting to take shape—just not in the ways many expected.

Key Signings: Quiet Volume, Big Impact

The first major domino to fall was veteran slugger Kyle Schwarber, who chose stability by returning to Philadelphia on a five-year deal. Shortly after, the Dodgers made one of the week’s boldest moves by securing elite closer Edwin Díaz on a record-setting AAV contract for relievers. The Orioles, determined to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign, joined the action by locking up Pete Alonso on a five-year agreement of their own.

These weren’t seismic shocks, but each deal carries major implications for the 2026 season.

Rumors That Stole the Spotlight

Tarik Skubal Trade Buzz

The most persistent chatter centered around Detroit ace Tarik Skubal. Tigers leadership refused to shut down speculation, openly stating that “no player is untouchable.” With Skubal likely commanding massive money next winter, Detroit appears willing to consider a move—something that would upend the pitching market.

Dodgers Listening on Tyler Glasnow

Tyler Glasnow’s name surfaced often, with L.A. reportedly willing to entertain offers. While pricey, his elite stuff continues to entice front offices. Some insiders even teased a scenario where Glasnow helps facilitate a potential Skubal blockbuster.

Corey Seager Shockwaves

The Texas Rangers quietly signaled they are open to listening on superstar shortstop Corey Seager. It would take a monster offer to pry him loose, but the simple fact that Texas is even listening shows how deep their roster restructuring may go.

New ABS Challenge System: A Hidden Shift

One under-the-radar storyline involved MLB’s upcoming automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system. Managers admitted they’re still figuring out strategy, but one consensus emerged: catchers will likely control defensive challenges, making pitch-framing and game-calling more valuable than ever. Expect new metrics, new tactics, and new debates.

The Market for Pitching: Slow, But About to Heat Up

Starting pitching remains the slowest-moving sector of the offseason. Outside of a few bullpen deals and Toronto’s aggressive play for Dylan Cease, top starters have yet to finalize moves. But with Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai facing a Jan. 2 deadline, the market should ignite soon.

Favorite Moves So Far

Our BetNow analysts see a few standouts:

• Dodgers landing Díaz on a short-term, high-AAV contract—classic L.A. efficiency.

• Baltimore swinging big for Alonso, injecting power and leadership into a young lineup.

• Toronto doubling down on contention by making a major push for frontline pitching.
  

Head-Scratching Moves

A surprising decision from Baltimore raised eyebrows: trading pitcher Grayson Rodriguez for only one year of Taylor Ward. With pitching clearly their biggest need, following that move by prioritizing another slugger over rotation help left many analysts confused.

Meanwhile, the Mets suffered a brutal sequence: missing Schwarber, losing Díaz, and watching Alonso walk—all within 24 hours. It felt like a franchise reset in real time.

Deals That Could Still Happen

• Edward Cabrera (Marlins) is drawing real interest, and Baltimore appears to be a frontrunner.

• MacKenzie Gore (Nationals) is heavily discussed and could be the next SP to move, with AL East contenders lurking.

• A wave of second basemen—Ketel Marte, Brendan Donovan, Brandon Lowe, Cronenworth, Chisholm Jr., McNeil—could reshape multiple lineups before spring arrives.
  

Winners & Losers of the Meetings

Biggest Winner: Philadelphia

Securing Schwarber eliminates a potential disaster and stabilizes a contender entering 2026 with real momentum.

Biggest Loser: New York Mets

Losing three franchise pillars in a matter of days was a gut punch for a fan base already on edge. The front office has work to do—and resources to do it—but patience is wearing thin.

Who’s Under the Most Pressure Now?

• The Mets, who must find a way to replace star-level production quickly.

• The Reds, who may have squandered a rare chance to land an elite hometown slugger.

• The Yankees, watching Toronto outmaneuver them early and needing an urgent response.

• The Blue Jays, who now sit in a window of opportunity that demands bold, all-in moves.
  

The Winter Meetings didn’t deliver fireworks—but the fuse has been lit. With major names still in play and several front offices facing pressure to deliver, the next few weeks could reshape the 2026 landscape in a big way.