With the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings underway, there is a boatload of MLB rumors swirling around Orlando, FL, this week. On Tuesday, two of the biggest fish in free agency put pen to paper on huge contracts when MVP candidate Kyle Schwarber re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz took a record-breaking deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Let’s take a look at some of the latest rumblings coming out of Orlando on Wednesday.
Atlanta Braves Weary to Give Up Draft Picks for Free Agent
An overlooked aspect of MLB free agency for many fans is that players who declined qualifying offers from their current team, any rival club that signs them must fork over future draft picks following a deal. The Dodgers lost two picks in the upcoming draft by signing Diaz. That was something the Atlanta Braves were unwilling to do despite interest in the star closer.
According to The Athletic, they would have lost the No. 26 by signing Diaz. The club holds a high value on that pick because they have had a previous history of drafting well in the 20s. “Right-hander Hurston Waldrep, who had a 2.88 ERA in 56 1/3 innings as a rookie last season, was the 24th overall choice in 2023. Lefty Cam Caminiti, the Braves’ No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline, went 24th overall in 2024. Shortstop/outfielder Tate Southisene, their No. 3 prospect, went 22nd overall in 2025,” the outlet notes.
While it was too high a cost for a reliever, they do report they might be more willing to give up the pick for a position player. Perhaps Bo Bichette?
New York Mets Will Lose Pete Alonso Too?
Diaz’s departure to the Dodgers was a huge blow to the Mets. Although they signed Devin Williams in the event Diaz left, it hasn’t eased New York fans’ frustration. Well, the bad news may not end there because SNY Mets expert Todd Zeile believes they will also lose All-Star Pete Alonso for a specific reason.
“If you had asked me three days ago, I thought this was a huge priority for the Mets. I thought it was a better than 50-50 likelihood that Pete would be wearing a Mets uniform next year,” he said. “I’m not as optimistic now as I was then… Pete has been pretty adamant about the fact that he wants years. I don’t know that they’re willing to go the years that Pete is going to require.
“That puts Boston and Baltimore at the forefront for me. I hate to say it, but I’m not confident that Pete is going to be a Met.”
Toronto Blue Jays Need to Make a Trade Before Another Signing?
The Toronto Blue Jays made the first big splash of the offseason when they signed star pitcher Dylan Cease. Plus, signing journeyman Cody Ponce earned a lot of praise around the game. Well, it seems that they are not done targeting pitchers this winter.
The Athletic reveals that while they have failed to get a trade partner for Jose Berrios, the team may now look to move either Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw, or Joey Loperfido to free up roster space to add a reliever.
Cincinnati Reds Pursuing Ketel Marte Trade
The Cincinnati Reds were among the teams in on Schwarber. They hoped that being able to play close to where he grew up might lure him to Cincy. It didn’t work, but the team is not done looking to add a big bat. According to The Athletic, they are considering trade offers for Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Ketel Marte and Tampa Bay Rays veteran Brandon Lowe
Marte earned All-Star honors for a second straight year in 2025 as he slugged 28 homers. He still has six years and $102 million left on his deal. Lowe was also an All-Star this season as he mashed 31 homers. He has just one year left on his contract.
