The annual MLB Winter Meetings are scheduled to commence this Sunday, indicating an escalation of activity across the league. Here, CBS Sports has gathered all of the news and transactions from Friday into a single, easy-to-access location.
Executives of Twins Express Confidence in Retaining Key Players
Although it is still early in December and strategies are subject to change, the Twins are not currently anticipating the trade of outfielder Byron Buxton or right-handed pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo López, according to a report from The Athletic.
Ryan, of the three, seemed the most likely candidate for a trade. With only two seasons remaining before free agency, he would have been highly regarded among available starting pitchers. Throughout his five seasons in the major leagues, he has recorded a 3.79 ERA (111 ERA+) and a 4.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio. It was reported that the Twins had discussions about him with the Red Sox, along with other teams, leading up to the trade deadline.
López is bound by contract through the 2027 season but only made 14 starts last season due to an injury. Meanwhile, Buxton is contracted through the 2028 season, and recent reports hinted at a potential willingness to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate a transaction.
The Twins are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase following a subpar season. Leading up to the trade deadline, they parted ways with several established veterans, including shortstop Carlos Correa.
The Cubs are reportedly among the teams expressing interest in acquiring third baseman Alex Bregman, as reported by The Athletic. The Tigers and Red Sox, Bregman’s current team, are also reportedly in consideration, according to the New York Post.
Interestingly, these three teams were the last contenders for Bregman’s services in the previous offseason. He ultimately agreed to a three-year contract with Boston, which included an opt-out clause after the first two seasons.
Bregman, who is 31, performed exceptionally well with the Red Sox. He posted a batting line of .273/360/.462 (128 OPS+) along with 18 home runs and a 3.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) rating. CBS Sports had Bregman ranked as the second-best free agent available, only behind outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Mets and Orioles Considered Frontrunners for Valdez
The Mets and Orioles are being viewed as leading candidates to acquire free-agent left-hander Framber Valdez, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Valdez, aged 32, was identified by CBS Sports as the premier starting pitcher in the free-agent market this winter. Over his eight seasons, he has maintained a 3.36 ERA (124 ERA+) and a 2.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He has been a candidate for the Cy Young Award on four separate occasions.
As Feinsand points out, the upper management of baseball operations for both teams has connections to the Astros and Valdez, to whatever degree that may influence the situation.
Is There a Strong Push from the Mets for Schwarber?
Buster Olney from ESPN has reported that the “most compelling rumor” circulating this week suggests that the Mets are aggressively pursuing outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. Olney mentions that even if the Mets do not succeed in signing Schwarber, their interest could potentially drive up the cost for the Phillies, or whichever team eventually secures an agreement with him.
Schwarber, also 32, recorded a batting average of .240/.365/.563 (150 OPS+) and hit 56 home runs, resulting in a 4.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rating. It remains to be seen whether the Mets, who have publicly expressed a desire to improve their defensive capabilities, would utilize him as a designated hitter, or whether they would experiment with him in left field or at first base.
ESPN further indicates that Schwarber is expected to secure a five-year contract.
Another Pitcher Added to Red Sox Roster
On Thursday night, the Red Sox and Pirates finalized a trade involving five players. Right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo, minor-league left-handed reliever Tyler Samaniego, and catcher Adonys Guzman were sent to Boston. In return, outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and pitching prospect Jesus Travieso were acquired by Pittsburgh.
Oviedo, at 27 years of age, represents the second starting pitcher secured by the Red Sox this offseason, following the acquisition of Sonny Gray. He was limited to just nine starts during the previous season, where he achieved a 3.57 ERA (121 ERA+) and a 1.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 40 innings. Oviedo possesses a diverse range of pitches, including a couple of fastballs and breaking balls. He is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation during spring training.
Garcia, who will be 23 within a few days, is regarded by some sources as a top 100 prospect. Garcia, also known as “The Password,” had a batting record of 1 for 7 during his initial exposure to major league play in 2025. Garcia possesses above-average natural power, having recorded exit velocities surpassing 110 mph in the minor leagues. However, he has shown a susceptibility to striking out. He is likely to receive considerable playing time in Pittsburgh’s outfield.
