3 Bold Predictions For The MLB Winter Meetings

A trade sending Ketel Marte back to the Seattle Mariners is a slam-dunk idea. It aligns the Arizona Diamondbacks’ pursuit of pitching with Seattle’s immediate need for a superstar bat to get them over the ALCS hump. For Arizona, the motivation is to acquire the controllable starting pitching they desperately need (like a Bryce Miller type). The Diamondbacks also want to manage their long-term payroll and move Marte before he gains full no-trade rights in 2026. From the Mariners’ perspective, they acquire the best second baseman in baseball, a switch-hitter who can provide the much-needed balance of offense in the lineup.

The trade makes sense for both sides because Seattle possesses a deep farm system that includes pitching prospects Arizona may covet. There is a history of deal-making between both franchises, which may make the process easier. If a deal like this comes to fruition, it will catapult the Mariners as the favorites to represent the American League in the Fall Classic next season. A deal of this magnitude is perfect to get the hot stove going and conclude at the MLB Winter Meetings.

A Polar Bear Arrives In Charm City

The Baltimore Orioles boast one of baseball’s strongest young cores, featuring talents such as catcher Adley Rutschman and shortstop Gunnar Henderson. The young core led Baltimore to two consecutive years of playoff berths (23-24), which came as no surprise with the abundance of talent the team had throughout the roster. During this past season, it was a different story for the team; players struggled, and the front office did not add enough talent during the offseason. The Orioles would finish below .500 for the first time since 2021. Expectations are high for Baltimore to make a splash during the Winter Meetings because of having an influx of young talent and payroll flexibility.

Alonso would be a big-time move for the Orioles to make at the Winter Meetings that would send shockwaves throughout the baseball world. He brings a pedigree of being one of the best premier power bats in all of baseball, and that’s what Baltimore has been missing. Adding Alonso would give protection to not only Henderson but also Rutschman, depending on how the order shakes up. Alonso would instantly improve the offensive unit and make it one of the most feared in all of baseball.

The front office and ownership have stated that they are willing to spend what’s necessary to make the franchise World Series contenders, and Alonso would be the perfect start. The Orioles are in MLB’s toughest division. It includes the AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, who are expected to be aggressive in free agency, along with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and the unpredictable Tampa Bay Rays. A signing of this importance would be one of the biggest ever during the winter meetings’ history.

Mets Land Skubs

The 2025 MLB season was disastrous for the New York Mets. They entered the 2025 season with World Series aspirations, having impressed in the 2024 postseason. The franchise would go on to make the biggest move at last year’s winter meetings, signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a 15-year, 765 million contract. There were many issues throughout the season for New York. Its hitters had many cold streaks, the bullpen would blow games, but the glaring issue was the starting rotation fizzling out after a very good start to the season. Heading into this year’s winter meetings, the Mets would like to come away with an ace-level starter.

A trade sending Tarik Skubal to New York is a compelling, high-stakes move that addresses a clear and urgent need for the franchise. For the Mets, the acquisition of the two-time Cy Young award winner is the kind of franchise-altering move owner Steve Cohen craves. This move would instantly grant them the top of the end rotation arm they needed so badly to contend for a World Series title.

From the Detroit Tigers’ perspective, this blockbuster trade is a difficult but calculated business decision. Contract negotiations have been at a standstill, and Skubal is expected to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Trading him at the apex of his value secures a massive haul of premium prospects and major league talent that can ensure the Tigers’ long-term competitiveness. If this deal were to happen, the Mets would once again steal the show at the MLB winter meetings.

End Of My Winter Meetings Rant

With the Winter Meetings getting underway, the anticipation is building for the kind of bold franchise-altering decision that changes the balance of power in the sport. Whether it’s a star switching coasts, a surprising contender making a bold move, or a blockbuster sending shockwaves through the league, this is the week front offices prove themselves. Seattle, Baltimore, and New York have clear pathways to make massive statements. One thing is for certain: the Winter Meetings will deliver drama, and the moves made over these few days could define the 2026 season before a pitch is even thrown.