Jazz Chisholm yawning whilst losing in the third inning of an elimination game loool
George Steinbrenner would have dragged him off the field pic.twitter.com/fURFJM8vfW
— Jed 🇬🇧 (@TigersJUK) October 8, 2025
So many of us used to look forward to the Winter Meetings. They used to run Monday – Thursday. Most organizations’ execs came in the day before on Sunday, and hit the road running on Monday AM. Even Thursday had their activity after the Rule 5 Draft.
This year was a real yawner. There were 4 trades that involved 8 players: 1 MLB, Vaughn Grissom, and 7 MiLB players. One of the 7 was already on the 40 man (Yoneil Curet), and one was added to the 40 man (Daniel Susac).
The Trades:
- Tampa Bay traded MiLB RHP Yoneil Curet to Pittsburgh for MiLB RHP Tommy McCallu5m. Curet was DFA by Tampa Bay but added to Philadelphia’s 40-man.
- Pittsburgh traded MiLB RHP Carter Baumier to Texas for MiLB RHP Jaiker Garcia.
- Minnesota traded Rule 5 draftee C Daniel Susac to San Francisco for MiLB C Miguel Carabello and cash.
- Boston traded 2B Vaughn Grissom to LAA for MiLB OF Isaiah Jackson.
After those overwhelming trades, there were a total of 9 free agents signed at the Winter Meetings. And some of them, I am betting most of you have never heard of:
The Elite Free Agent Signings:
- DH Kyle Schwarber – 5 years, $150MM, re-signed with Phillies
- RHRP Edwin Díaz – 3 years, $69MM, Dodgers
2nd Tier:
- RHRP Kyle Finnegan – 2 years $19MM, re-signed with Detroit
- RHRP Gregory Soto – 1 year, $7.75MM, Pirates
- RHP Steven Matz – 2 years, $15MM, Rays
- RHP Michael Soroka – 1 year $7.5MM, Arizona
The Others:
- RHRP Daison Acosta – 1 year, MLB Minimum, Padres
- RHP Drew Anderson – 1 year, $7MM, Tigers
- RHSP Ryan Weiss – 1 year, $2.60MM, Astros
That was the totality during the Winter Meetings. After the Meetings concluded, the Braves signed RF Mike Yastrzemski for 2 years and $23MM.
One of the biggest buzzes in Orlando was the debunked rumor that the Tigers and Dodgers were going to consummate a trade with Tarik Skubal coming to LAD. Maybe it could happen, but the way it was trending was that it was imminent. It was also rumored that Tyler Glasnow, Emmet Sheehan, and Zyhir Hope were headed to Detroit. At least that was the rumor I read. There may be 15 others that were rumored.
The Dodgers do not make that deal without getting Skubal to agree to an extension. The problem is that Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, and he is not looking for an extension less than $400MM.
A Skubal trade does nothing to improve the offense of an aging team. In fact, it could detract from a somewhat significant trade because two of the best trade options would be gone: Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan.
So I am not buying this trade. The Dodgers could go all in next year when Skubal becomes a free agent. Or he could be traded to NYM, where Steve Cohen might just give him $400MM.
So what tables have been set for pending trades or other FA signings for the Dodgers? I have no clue because AF/BG are silent about what negotiations might be in play.
I’m not buying the Skubal trade either. It would be easier to understand if he were a FA and we were just going for the kill shot.
But having four aces plus Sheehan/Sasaki means the rotation is the last place we need to add.
And ultimately it comes down to cost: gutting the farm and draining the system of young future talent isn’t us.
I wouldn’t trade for Skubal even if he was willing to do an extension. Boras will certainly try to surpass Yamamoto’s contract so we’re looking at 350 mil at a minimum.
Skubal had TJ in college which is almost 10 years ago now. And in 2022 he had flexor tendon surgery.
In my humble opinion, Mr. Skubal is a disaster waiting to happen. We know that very few pitchers have recovered successfully from two TJ’s. To risk that kind of money plus a boatload of prospects or MLB players for that is, in my mind, very reckless.
I agree. Said so a while back. A quick search finds this:
Tarik Skubal has had two significant elbow surgeries: a Tommy John surgery in 2017 during college and a flexor tendon repair (plus a decision against a second Tommy John) in August 2022, which led to extensive rehab but ultimately paved the way for his elite performance, including a 2024 Cy Young Award, notes the Detroit Free Press and The Athletic. The 2022 procedure repaired a frayed flexor tendon, with doctors finding his UCL strong enough to avoid a full Tommy John, allowing him to return to become an MLB All-Star and ace pitcher.
edit:
Skubal throws hard, touching 100 mph. Giving him $400 million sounds risky to me. But who knows, maybe the Dodgers only care about ‘26.
And as for getting younger, the starting lineup for this team will include Ohtani, Betts, Freeman and Smith for a few years to come and none of them are getting younger. Teo is the right fielder, for now and Pages is the center fielder, also for now. Call is 31. Muncy is at third for ‘26, maybe half of ‘26, Edman, Rojas and Kim all fit in somewhere in utility roles, so, who will be added to make this team younger? Bader? He’s 32 in June. Wilyer? 27 in June, so, that would help I suppose.
The point is, as I see it anyway, this team isn’t about getting younger, it’s about adding that piece, probably an outfielder, that fits in with the top, or middle more likely, of that lineup. Who that we will be is anybody’s guess.
And so we wait.
Winter. Bah, humbug.
So which top pitcher would you be willing to trade for? How about Skenes?
To put it another way: Which top pitcher comes with a guarantee to be injury-free?
The Dodgers don’t need another star pitcher.
But does that mean the front office should shun the market?
Another year of no action at the Winter meetings. Like Jeff said, there used to be a lot of movement. I am beginning to think that most of the movement this year will come in January. Royals are interested in Teoscar Hernandez.
I’m interested in their third baseman, Maikel Garcia. Problem is that Garcia for Teo is a very uneven trade in our favor.
Bums, if you’re out there, please lend a hand here. I don’t think the Royals need starting pitching so you can’t send them Glasnow and they aren’t going to want Max so you probably won’t get away with that either.
Here’s your chance to be creative.
Uneven trades in the Dodgers favor are very much Bums’ idea of a fair trade. I like Maikel Garcia as well, but I do not believe KC has any idea to trade him. The Royals are looking to trade LHSP Kris Bubic for a hitting OF, but the Dodgers are not looking to add Kris Bubic. Outside of SP, KC does not have a lot to offer LAD, although they would gladly trade Jonathan India.
Uneven trades in the Dodgers favor are very much Bums’ idea of a fair trade. Not so. There is a difference in wanting players that are mostly untouchable and offering a bag of balls for them which I haven’t done.
Blue, it might take a 3 team trade or trade for a player a few years away from the MLB and use the salary savings to sign Tucker to a 5 year contract at high AAV.
3team trade
miami gets bubic
royals get teo
dodgers get Miami left fielder can’t remember name
Kyle Stovers would be great but Kris Bubic will cost more than Teo alone.
Kyle Stowers, but I can guarantee you the Royals would rather have Stowers than Teo.
Well that could be a starting point if the Dodgers don’t match up with kc. The dodgers could up the offer. Stowers is relatively new with a strong performance last year. A lot of difference playing in Miami vs LA. Teo is solid but costly. Stowers has high upside but still a risk. Probably Miami and kc would each get another player depending on the money involved.
Garcia just signed a 5-year extension with KC.
My sense is that Teo won’t be traded, but will shift to LF, with Pages moving to RF.
At CF the Dodgers could now play Edman or defensive specialist Siani. Or they could acquire Bader or Duran or Kwan or–fingers crossed!–Buxton or ???
I hope the only move the Dodgers make with Teo, is to LF.
It feels like Teo is minutes from the DH role, but a move to LF, along with a new +d outfielder added will be what the Dodgers have in mind. As long as he is healthy his bat plays in the middle of this lineup.
Robert Suarez to the Braves.
3 years/45 mil
Mets still looking
Everything falls into place for NYM with Tucker and Framber Valdez.
what do you think? Suarez at 3/45 or Diaz (and the amazing trumpet entrance) at 3/69?
Well Díaz is 32 and Suarez is 35, so I’ll take the younger guy
The Braves had a lot of concerns last year. They have now re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias for 1 year, and signed closer Robet Suarez for 3 years. They are both RHRP. Does Iglesias drop to the setup role? The Braves have signed two other free agents, both relievers.
At 45 mil Suarez only gets a clarinet.
Trumpet entrance
Personally I had Suarez on my Christmas list. Hope I am proven wrong with that.
I am with you on both counts. I hope AF/BG told Díaz no celebrating scrum after a win in the WBC Díaz says he wants to again represent his country, Puerto Rico, this year. I am sure the Dodgers would prefer him not to, but they are not going to tell him no, only to celebrate from the dugout.
I have been touting my desire for the Dodgers to somehow acquire Nico Hoerner from the Cubs, knowing at the time there was as much of a chance at getting Nico as Bums’ chances at landing Bobby Witt Jr. Today in MLBTR, the Cubs are not necessarily shopping Hoerner but are listening to trade proposals. Hoerner is in the last year of the Cubs control and the end of his 3 year contract (3 years, $35MM).
Nico Hoerner had a throwback 7.6% K rate and a 6.0% BB rate. His career K rate is 11.0%. No slug. 36 HRs in his 6.014 service years. 2 X GG at 2B who can also play a good defensive SS. 4.8 fWAR and a 6.2 bWAR. He will 29 in May. He is represented by Apex Corporation, so could be an extension candidate.
No I do not think this is likely.
Another LF I hope AF/BG checks in on is Detroit’s LH hitting Riley Greene. Not great splits against LHP, but he just turned 25 and started as a MLB OF at 21. He has three more years of control.
I still prefer Jarren Duran, but Greene could be a nice fall back LF. And as long as Harrison Bader is still available, he would still be a nice bridge to the new Fab Four. Same with Jake Meyers.
So you’d want Greene thrown in with Skubal?
LAD doesn;t need Skubal. The asking price is way too high. For a pitcher with Scott Boras as his client, he will probably not agree to an extension. He may have a tenuous elbow and wants the largest pitcher’s contract in MLB history.
Greene is a fall back, and one I doubt that Detroit wound consider. He does have the power the Dodgers covet. He may be a younger Teoscar Hernández. Then again, Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope could be younger versions of Riley Greene. Although at 21, Greene was in MLB while De Paula and Hope will be in AA. Does that say something more about the Dodgers as an organization, or the players? We may soon find out.
I love ex-Stanford Hoerner.
He’s really good
Just to show you how open minded I am, I like him too, even though I went to Cal.
I went to Chico State. I like everybody.
I went to Fresno, so I really just drank a lot
Jeff, if you were to rank our minor league outfielders, how would you (or anybody else here) rank them, from the perspective of who has a chance to be the best MLB player?
I’m not Jeff but it’s a really tough question.
Personally, I’d go Quintero first, since he apparently can do everything well and I like the speed & all-fields approach in a hitter.
Then a three-way tie for 2nd!
I’m not Jeff either and more importantly I’m not a scout. My opinion is Quintero and Sirota are 1A and 1B for versatility and athleticism. DePaula is more likely a DH or maybe a first baseman. Hope, Tibbs III and George are probably trade pieces. Davalan could convert to 2B and showed a good hit tool in Rancho.
Good call on Davalan. He probably needs to be considered alongside Quintero/Sirota/JDP/Hope.
Tibbs needs a year with us to properly evaluate.
Interesting take. Tibbs III needs a year in the organization, but Davalan gets a free ride? Tibbs III has the power, and Davaln has the speed. Which one do you think the Dodgers covet more?
I just think Tibbs III is closer to mlb ready and would be the one other teams would ask for before Davalan. Slug is what the Dodgers covet, but it would be nice to add some contact and speed. Also Davalan appears to have more versatility and that’s something else the Dodgers covet.
Tibbs can also play 1B–and the Dodgers might need a new one in a couple years.
Of course, I also hope that De Paula logs innings at 1B.
A LOT of OF talent. A surplus. Even if the Dodgers hang on to the most touted prospects, the others could spice up the trade market.
That includes old man Ryan Ward too. He could appeal to small-market teams that need power. Teams that covet speed could choose between George and Davalan.
I was replying to Dionysus who intimated that Davalan should be considered in the Fab Four OF group with only 34 AB with A level experience, although it was an impressive 34 AB. And that Tibbs III needs a year to properly evaluate.
I have no problem with Davalan, he just needs more time to be considered in the De Paula, Hope, Sirota, Quintero group. If Tibbs III needs more time, so does Davalan.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Diaz deal includes deferrals of $4.5 million per season, taking the deal down to $21.1 million per season for luxury tax purposes.
Mets fans will tell you that while Diaz will get the job done, don’t expect a smooth outing. With a walk rate of 2.85 (vs 2.09 for Suarez) you can understand their sentiment.
We lived through Joe Kelly, barely keeping our sanity, so by comparison Diaz should be a piece of cake.
Lane Thomas signed with the Royals.
No Teo
i get a kick how they are handling the Edman surgery.
the GM is starting to sound like Roberts. He will be back for spring training, we hope spring training, in case he is not ready for spring training. The way they do it he will be lucky to be back by the all star break. You knew right off the bat he wouldn’t be ready for spring training.
It’s a .67 on the Richter scale
I hope Skubal stays with the Tigers. But come mid-summer, if Detroit isn’t in the playoff hunt, some sort of a deal seems certain.
In the meantime, here’s a simple proposal: Give Steven Kwan, a four-time gold glover in LF, a chance to win one in center.
He may not be great–but how bad could an OF of Teo-Kwan-Pages be? From Kwan, we could expect at least solid defense and high-quality ABs with more contact than power.
The Dodgers’ offer would be headlined by pitching but also include Ryan Ward as a possible replacement for Kwan in LF.
I’ll say it again: Ward could prove to be a late-bloomer who will succeed against ML pitching. The Blue Jays had one guy, Lukes, who spent about 10 years in the minors…
Shohei DH
Mookie SS
Freddie 1B
Smith C
Max 3B
Teo LF
Kwan CF
Pages RF
Kim 2B
Pretty sure the Dodgers would have the first lineup with a Japanese guy, a Korean and a Chinese American.
A big swing for Buxton would be more exciting. But something like this seems very plausible.
Kwan is a terrific fit, as is Duran. The problem is the prospect cost, as you’re looking at for sure giving up one of the OF4 and also probably a young cost-controlled pitcher too m.
Sheehan, Wrobleski, Ferris, River Ryan, Gavin Stone, Casparius, Zach Root, Knack, Bobby Miller and several others are “touchables.” Of course the goal is to create a win-win deal.
I think Duran would cost a bit more than Kwan. Sheehan + ???.
Of all those pitchers, I’d feel the most pain if the Dodgers traded River Ryan. He was so impressive before he got hurt.
Sheehan would have the most trade value. If he is dealt, he could be replaced by Stone or Ryan or ???.
Prospect cost. That is interesting question and really got me thinking.
The Dodgers have proven cost is not the object, the object is the object. They will do what it takes get what they want.
Kwan is good defender who projects a positive OPS+. Is he available and is he the perfect fit? If so, give the Cards what they want. Abreu is younger, projects more offense and is also a good defender. Same situation. And Duran is better than both of them. If the Dodgers decide they want one of these guys, my guess is that any of their top prospects will be made available.
Personally I’m fine with Pages in center. I think it’s important to remember he’s only 25. His prime is yet to come. Put him out there and coach him up over the winter and Spring. He’s athletic enough to do it.
Kwan is a gold glover in LF, but not considered viable in RF.
From my surveys, here are the five thirstiest fan bases for moves:
1. Mets–all that money to spend
2. Boston–in open revolt against owner
3. Cubs–pretty much see above
4. Giants–trying to stay relevant
5. Yankees–entitlement syndrome
I’m fine with Pages in CF. We have to get Teo out of RF. Whatever OFer we get has to be able to play center or right field. Buxton and Skubal could both be available at the deadline. Is anybody trading for Skubal without an extension? Not me. Still would love to have Bichette and figure out the OF at the deadline if needed.
I want Bichette too. Put Ward in left for a few months and see what happens.
But I wouldn’t bet on it.
100% agree with letting Ward/Call/whoever take over LF and see how they do for a few months. It’s quite likely they will exceed whatever Conforto gave us the first half of 2025.
Heck, I could exceed what Conforto gave us. That is a low, low bar!
Rays discussing Baz and Pepiot with the D-Backs in possible trade for Marte.
Dodgers willing to trade Glasnow in the right deal.
AZ could then replace Marte with Bichette
My Glasnow trade thought preceded this news by a month.
KC just gave Maikel Garcia a 5 year extension, so it was definitely not Garcia, that KC was offering in a Teo deal.
MAYBE the zenith of their offer was Kyle Isbel.
I’m a Garcia fan he showed promise when he first came up, then struggled a lot, but he finally put it together last year, and had a pretty good season. Good luck to him.
Dodgers claimed CF Michael Siani off waivers from the Braves. He is 26 years old.
Seems like this year’s version of Justin Dean. Fleet footed outfielder who can’t hit.
He does have options left so maybe he’ll just replace Ward at OKC while Ward winds up leading the NL in homers.
One can always dream.
I like Ward, and think he’s proven himself, just like most of you guys, but if he plays next year for the Dodgers, are we ok with Ward in Left, Pages in center, and Teo in right. That would definitely be a below average OF defense overall.
In the interviews I’ve seen with Andrew, he makes it pretty clear they’ll be getting another position player, either by trade or free agency.
Seems like it would most likely be an outfielder but I guess they could also sign someone like Bichette for 2B and put Edman in CF (assuming his ankle will handle that).
Edwin Diaz being introduced right now via the press conference.
He will wear #3 in LA (#39 was kind of taken).
Mark at ladodgertalk is talking about Bobby Witt, Jr like I talked about him a year ago.
Haha, I thought of you when I read that piece from Mark
When I thought of it a year ago KC was last in attendance, last in minor league ranking, and in last place. It seemed like a 5 for 1 swap would have been something to consider.
Blue Jays sign RHRP Tyler Rogers for 3 years, $37MM. Blue Jays are looking good, and they are not done.
That’s a crazy contract
Diaz signing official. Will wear #3
He will close out the final inning of the 2026 season.
The Bichette rumors have me thinking…
Let’s say the brass passes on Tucker and gives Bichette the $$$ to play 2B.
Then they shock the baseball world by dealing prospects for Buxton. (Never say never,)
So maybe….
Shohei DH
Bo 2B
Freddie 1B
Buxton CF
Mookie SS
Smith C
Max 3B
Teo LF
Pages RF
Bench: Edman, Kim, Rojas, Rushing, Siani/Call
It wouldn’t suck.
“Let’s be pigs.” And ruin baseball!
I’ve been out of touch all day, what Bichette rumors?
That he is willing to play 2B which is where I assumed he play all along
I think some recent LA Dodger Chronicles articles have disappeared.
We’re stuck in the matrix
Groundhog Day
What happened?
My cellphone defaulted to this article last week for several days. So, today it’s what comes up on my laptop. And, back on my cell. Maybe, this is why Jeff got a deal for 2026 by his vendor?
Dustin May signed with the Cards for $12.5MM in ’26 with a mutual option for $20MM in ’27. The Cards starting rotation is down to a couple of unknowns after trading Sonny Grey, Mikolas a FA, and Steve Matz signing with TB.
Good luck Justin! It’s unfortunate May’s body couldn’t hold up as a pitcher. He was so fun to watch when he first came up to the Dodgers. His strikeout of a “disbelieved” Manny Machado will always be remembered.
I read the Bo B news as a direct message to AF – “im all yours if you want me!!”
This guy would be of more use than Tucker. Tommy Tanks can man CF when he’s fit. Give Ward a shot with Pages and Teo until he’s ready.
Bo and Diaz would be an excellent off season.
“Bo and Diaz would be an excellent off season”
Sure would.
Who’s in the outfield?