Here’s what Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease hopes to accomplish with Toronto

The MLB winter meetings are currently taking place, with significant discussions surrounding the trade markets for players such as Edward Cabrera, Sandy Alcantara, and CJ Abrams, as well as the availability of relievers in the free-agent market. Teams are actively seeking to bolster their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

Pete Alonso, the all-time home run leader for the New York Mets, has reportedly agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, marking a significant shift for both the player and the team. This announcement follows the departure of closer Edwin Díaz, who signed a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, indicating a period of transition for the Mets.

The New York Mets faced significant setbacks during the Winter Meetings, losing closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers and seeing star first baseman Pete Alonso enter free agency amid uncertainty from the Mets regarding his future. This hesitancy has opened opportunities for teams like the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles to pursue Alonso.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reevaluating their bullpen options after failing to secure Edwin Diaz, who signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This missed opportunity highlights the Jays' ongoing efforts to enhance their pitching staff, which still requires both starters and relievers despite recent acquisitions.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly considering a pursuit of free agent Kyle Tucker as the Winter Meetings progress, despite having already made a significant acquisition by signing closer Edwin Diaz. This speculation continues to circulate among league insiders, suggesting that Dodgers' president Andrew Friedman may have additional moves planned.

The Cincinnati Reds have entered the trade discussions for Ketel Marte after their ambitious $125 million offer to free agent Kyle Schwarber fell through. Despite returning to the playoffs in 2025, the Reds have not made significant investments in free agency, which raises questions about their strategy moving forward.

The Atlanta Braves aimed to enhance their bullpen by pursuing All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, who ultimately signed a record three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite their interest, the Braves were unable to compete with the Dodgers' aggressive approach during the Winter Meetings, leading to their failure in securing Diaz's services.

The Philadelphia Phillies have retained outfielder Kyle Schwarber, while the Los Angeles Dodgers have added pitcher Diaz as part of the ongoing MLB free agency period ahead of the 2026 season. This marks a significant move for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.