NEW YORK, NY — The Annual MLB Winter Meetings commence Sunday at the Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida, a fantasy land for tourists and can be for baseball fans. Though not fantasy for 30 of MLB team’s GM’s and their staffs who huddle in suites, look at possible trades or free agent acquisitions that change complexions of their rosters.
And of course, baseball economics is at the forefront with salary structures of teams, and luxury tax guidelines. Baseball is healthy when it comes to economics, though players and owners are putting themselves in position for a looming shutdown of the game in 2027. A new collective bargaining agreement and stubborn attitudes about owners imposing a salary cap and players resisting.
Dave Roberts, manager of the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers said this week he supports a salary cap. Go figure that because they have won two consecutive titles with all-time spending.
Earlier this week, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he would be in support of a salary cap in Major League Baseball – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
He claims the NBA has a good revenue sharing plan with players and owners, an obvious reference to giving low spending teams to spend.
And perhaps in Orlando, the wheels will turn. The A’s, Pirates, Marlins, among low salaried tier teams, reportedly already made plays for some of the high profiled free agents on the market that big spenders know how to cohort and sign.
It’s baseball economics, no doubt, a focus in Orlando. So between now and next Thursday, you will hear the names, the astronomical money and years offered, though not in the category of Juan Soto’s $765 million/15-year contract with the Mets that provided plenty of drama last December.
Juan Soto made for a bidding war and headlines last winter as the Dominican superstar signed a 15-year/$765 million deal with the Mets Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
An old-timer as I am, it is hard to comprehend baseball and salary structures that have reached a pinnacle. It was only yesterday that Bobby Bonilla signed a Mets contract in 1991 and became the highest paid player in the league, earning more than $6 million per year. He later negotiated a settlement after the Mets released him before the 1999 season with annual deferrals of $1.19 million on July 1 every year until 2035. Bobby Bonilla Day is an annual event and gains attention on social media.
Which leads to these Winter Meetings, sorry I won’t be there with other obligations, but Latino Sports will have staff on site and more versed in social media to keep you informed. Regardless as developments occur, with a free agent acquisition and yes, the old fashioned trade, I will offer opinion and analysis. My sources will keep you and I informed.
The Yankees will look to add in the free agent market as well as the trade market this offseason with several moves expected to be made – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
I extensively cover the New York baseball beat with the Yankees and Mets and other teams. The Yankees as reported and been informed won’t be one of those 30 teams spending, the late owner George Steinbrenner, no resemblance to his son Hal, who is adamant about not exceeding a $300 million salary threshold.
So if that holds, the Yankees spending will be limited because Hal won’t exceed the luxury tax. Possible trades are in the works, depending of course on salary structures. Last year they could have retained Soto, but the Mets won the bidding war in the long-run.
The Yankees will make a pitch for Kyle Tucker, but 10-years and over $420 million is a pipe dream to acquire this 28-year old outfielder. Last week, I wrote a pitch for the Yankees to acquire Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres’ outfielder/infielder but that’s a pipe dream. Tucker to the Yankees though could be a potential backup if Cody Bellinger asking price to return is out of their means to spend.
Outside of Kyle Tucker who will cost 350+ million, Cody Bellinger is viewed as the next best option for outfielders on the free agent market – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
And that speculation for the Mets? The go ahead of the pack with Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo, an old fashioned one-on-one trade. And after, signing Devin Williams who goes across town from the Yankees, three years of $50 million+, possibly the eventual closer if Edwin Díaz does not back down from asking price of a five-year contract.
“They’re a team that wants to win,” said Williams at his introductory Zoom press call with the media Friday afternoon. “Steve’s doing all he can to put a winning team out on the field and I’d love to be a part of that,” referring to Mets billionaire owner Steve Cohen.
Devin Williams signed a three-year deal with the Mets earlier this week for more than $50 million with deferred money, no opt-outs and no team options – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
But if Díaz is retained, he and Williams will form a formidable backend of a bullpen that was among five teams at the bottom this past season in ERA.
“I think it’s just a good situation,” said Williams who struggled with the Yankees and became a booing habit victim in the Bronx, though finishing strong. “If he (Díaz) comes back, I think we’re going to have a really good back end of the pen. More good arms is always a good thing.”
One of the best closers in the game Edwin Díaz, a two-time LatinoMVP Reliever of the Year Award winner, is reportedly aiming for a five-year deal – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
And so many of the names could align with the Mets or Yankees, or with another team that does the bidding. It’s the player or more so the agent who negotiates the best price and amount of years.
Consider the Mets re-signing first baseman Pete Alonso and trading homegrown infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil. With Semien in the infield, this is something to monitor regarding McNeil. Or the Red Sox acquiring the homegrown Alonso, a home run hitter and the Mets’ franchise HR leader. It is that marvelous back-and forth banter of the baseball offseason and Winter Meetings. One player or two changes a complexion of the lineup, pitching rotation, and bullpen.
Pete Alonso, one of the top sluggers available this offseason as a free agent, hit 38 home runs and recorded 126 RBI in 2025 – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
So look for these names: Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Cody Bellinger (who the Yankees favored to re-sign). Along with pitchers Framber Valdez (rumored for the Mets) who among other teams are in pursuit of Ranger Suárez as well as Tatsuya Imai (Japan), Zac Gallen, and Robert Suárez.
Or trades for Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal, a pitcher in demand. Or Brewers’ Freddy Peralta, who gives a rotation length. The Twins’ Joe Ryan who is not headed to the Mets from latest reports. Additionally, Red Sox’ Jarren Duran, Marlins’ Sandy Alcántara, and Rays’ Yandy Diaz as these listed teams are looking for top prospects in return.
Anything is possible. What I am saying is, it’s hot stove season. As they say in boxing, may the best man win. This time it’s may the best team win, opening the checkbook or swinging a proper trade that goes for a home run.
Rich Mancuso is a senior writer and columnist at LatinoSports.com – X: @Ring786, Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso
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