Major League Baseball’s winter meetings kick off on Sunday, signaling an uptick in industry activity. CBS Sports has gathered Friday’s key tweets and updates for easy access.
The Minnesota Twins do not currently plan to trade outfielder Byron Buxton or pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez, according to The Athletic. Among these players, Joe Ryan has drawn significant attention, being two years away from free agency with impressive past performance including a 3.79 ERA and a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio. Although Lopez is under contract until 2027, his playtime was limited last year due to injury, while Buxton is signed through 2028 and reportedly more willing to waive his no-trade clause.
The Twins are rebuilding after a poor season, having traded veteran shortstop Carlos Correa at the deadline. The Athletic reports that the Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox are all interested in third baseman Alex Bregman. These same three teams were finalists for Bregman last winter before he signed his current three-year deal with the Red Sox, which includes opt-out options after the first two seasons. In 2025, Bregman posted strong stats with an average of .273 and 18 home runs, making him the second-best free agent of this class according to CBS Sports, behind Kyle Tucker.
Free agent left-hander Framber Valdez is a target for the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles, per MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Valdez, highly rated by CBS Sports as the best available starter, boasts a 3.36 ERA over eight seasons and has been a Cy Young Award candidate four times. Both teams have connections to the Astros, Valdez’s former team, which could influence trade value.
The Mets are reportedly pushing hard to sign outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, as reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney. Schwarber, who hit 56 home runs in 2025, offers strong offensive power but questions remain about his defensive role on the Mets. ESPN also notes Schwarber faces a five-year prison sentence, adding a complex layer to his signing prospects.
The Boston Red Sox strengthened their pitching by trading for right-hander Johan Oviedo, lefty reliever Tyler Samaniego, and catcher Adonis Guzman from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Oviedo, coming off a 3.57 ERA last season despite only nine starts, is expected to compete for a rotation spot. In exchange, Boston sent outfielder Jostinkson Garcia and pitching prospect Jesus Travieso to Pittsburgh. Garcia, a promising young player known for his raw strength and speed, is poised for significant playing time with the Pirates.
Fan Take: This surge of activity at the winter meetings is crucial as teams reshape their rosters for the upcoming season, potentially altering the competitive landscape. The moves and interest surrounding key players like Bregman, Valdez, and Schwarber highlight the ongoing shift and excitement in baseball, promising fans a dynamic and unpredictable season ahead.
