MLB Offseason Trades and Free Agency Updates Ahead of Winter Meetings

With the MLB Winter Meetings approaching, teams are actively making moves to strengthen their rosters. The Boston Red Sox recently acquired right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates, trading outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia, which has graded as a B- move for Boston.

They also added veteran pitcher Sonny Gray, restructuring his deal to a one-year rental at $41 million after the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to cover half the salary. The Seattle Mariners traded top-100 catching prospect Harry Ford to the Washington Nationals for lefty reliever Jose Ferrer, a deal that has drawn criticism from fans and graded as a C+ for Seattle.

Meanwhile, the New York Mets signed reliever Devin Williams to a three-year deal worth over $50 million, looking to bolster their bullpen after a disappointing 2025 season. Free agent hitter Kyle Schwarber is expected to draw significant interest during the meetings, with teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and New York Mets among the potential suitors.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been aggressive, signing pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract and targeting players like Kyle Tucker in free agency. The Baltimore Orioles traded for outfielder Taylor Ward while sending pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels, a move that has been graded poorly by analysts.

The landscape is poised for more trades and signings as the Winter Meetings unfold, with teams aiming to capitalize on the offseason opportunities. According to sources, the market might see a shift as teams look to make impactful trades rather than solely relying on free agency, with players like Ketel Marte and Steven Kwan being mentioned as potential trade candidates.