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Winter meetings live analysis: Breaking down the biggest rumors
by theScore Staff
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The MLB winter meetings are underway and it’s expected to be a busy few days as agents, executives, reporters, and even some free agents have descended upon Orlando. theScore will have you covered to break down all the biggest rumors throughout the event.
Rumor: “Agents and executives in Orlando believe Kyle Schwarber may be the next big domino to fall with the Phillies and others in a holding pattern waiting for that dam to break. Obviously widespread interest in him.” – Chris Cotillo, MassLive.com
What it means: The NL MVP runner-up reportedly received a four-year offer from the Pirates, but that union still feels like a long shot. That offer likely represents the floor now. Could Schwarber’s camp have used the Bucs’ interest to get the incumbent Phillies, or even the Red Sox or Reds, to up their own offers? It certainly feels like a possibility. Wherever Schwarber lands, the signing is going to set off a massive chain reaction around the league. We’re looking at an old school-style winter meetings transaction spree. The Phillies look like the favorites to re-sign Schwarber, but it will be fascinating to see how they pivot if he lands elsewhere.
Rumor: “The Nationals have aggressively been engaged in trade talks with teams involving All-Star pitcher MacKenzie Gore and shortstop CJ Abrams, with two general managers saying Monday morning that they now fully expect to the two players to be traded.” – Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY Sports
What it means: New Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni is wasting no time putting his stamp on a moribund organization. That means taking a bulldozer to a young roster that lost 96 games in 2025, starting with two players who were once key pieces of the Nationals’ future. Gore and Abrams, acquired in the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego at the 2022 deadline, were supposed to be the centerpieces of Washington’s next great team. While both players lived up to the hype – at times – in D.C., the trajectory of the organization as a whole makes it an easy choice to try and move on from them now.
As far as returns go, it feels like Gore will bring back the bigger haul. The 26-year-old has two years of arbitration remaining, and is projected to earn $4.7 million in 2025. Given the state of the starting pitching market in free agency, teams should be lining up for the chance to add Gore as he enters his prime years. Abrams comes with an additional year of control, and an intriguing power-speed combination, albeit with an iron glove at shortstop (minus-6 defensive runs saved). His full potential is tantalizing, though, and some team out there will surely think they can unlock him.
Rumor: “Alonso will take the 90-minute drive to central Florida on Tuesday, according to sources, to meet in person with interested suitors that include the Red Sox and Orioles.” – Mike Puma, New York Post
What it means: Boston needs to add a big middle-of-the order bat with Alex Bregman testing free agency. The club also hasn’t replaced Rafael Devers’ production following his dramatic June exit via a trade to the Giants. Alonso and his career 264 homers makes a lot of sense here for the Red Sox – especially with the Green Monster. However, this could mean the end for Triston Casas or Masataka Yoshida. Maybe even both. Casas could be used as a trade piece despite his knee injury, but Yoshida is still owed $37.2 million over two years after hitting four homers with a .696 OPS in 2025. The Red Sox also want to get better defensively, and Alonso certainly won’t help though. There’s plenty of risk here.
The Orioles, meanwhile, have to make a big splash in free agency after a wasted season. Baltimore must to take advantage of extra payroll space in 2026 before its core gets too expensive. President of baseball operations Mike Elias openly said the team has enough money for a top bat and frontline starter. That’s encouraging for fans because owner David Rubenstein hasn’t landed a big fish in free agency since taking over the team in August 2024. Adding a player like Alonso gives the team another slugger to fortify a deep lineup, which leaves Ryan Mountcastle and/or Coby Mayo expendable. Orioles fans will just hope this doesn’t end as poorly as the last big-ticket first baseman they signed to a long-term deal (Chris Davis).
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