MLB Winter Meetings Highlight Key Trades and Signings

The 2025-26 MLB offseason has gained momentum with significant trades and signings during the winter meetings. Notably, the New York Mets signed infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract, filling the void left by Pete Alonso's departure to the Baltimore Orioles, who signed Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal.

While Polanco had a strong showing last season, hitting .265 with 26 home runs, concerns about his injury history linger, given he averaged just 101 games from 2022 to 2024. Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers bolstered their bullpen by signing veteran closer Kenley Jansen to a one-year, $11 million deal with a club option for 2027.

Jansen, who has 476 career saves, joins a bullpen that already includes Kyle Finnegan and Will Vest, aiming to improve upon a playoff performance marked by a lack of strikeouts. According to ESPN, the Tigers’ bullpen struggled last season, managing only 5.8 strikeouts per nine innings, making Jansen’s experience potentially invaluable.

This offseason is shaping up as competitive, with teams like the Toronto Blue Jays also making headlines by signing top talent, including Dylan Cease to a substantial $210 million contract, aiming to solidify their rotation.

The Dodgers further strengthened their roster by acquiring Edwin Diaz for three years at $69 million, making him the highest-paid reliever based on annual value, as reported by CBS Sports. Overall, these moves indicate a dynamic offseason with franchises looking to reshape their rosters and strategies ahead of the new season.