MLB Winter Meetings Kick Off in Orlando: Trades, Free Agents, and Buzz
MLB Winter Meetings Kick Off in Orlando
The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings began Monday in Orlando, bringing together executives, managers, and agents from all 30 teams. While the first day was quiet in terms of big moves, several notable developments emerged. Free-agent left-hander Steven Matz signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, marking one of the few transactions so far. Meanwhile, top free agents like Kyle Schwarber remain in high demand, with multiple teams such as the Mets, Red Sox, and Reds showing interest.
Trade Market and Rumors Heating Up
Although free agency has seen limited signings, the trade market is gaining momentum. Teams like the Diamondbacks and Nationals are listening to offers for key players, including Ketel Marte and MacKenzie Gore. The Padres may also move right-hander Nick Pivetta after his strong season. Additionally, the Draft Lottery is set to determine the top picks for next year's draft, with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky as a frontrunner.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday promises more action as the Winter Meetings progress. All eyes remain on marquee free agents and potential blockbuster trades that could reshape team rosters ahead of the 2026 season. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the next wave of deals and signings in this pivotal MLB offseason event.
About the People Mentioned
Steven Matz
Steven Matz is an American professional baseball pitcher, born on May 29, 1991, in Stony Brook, New York. He was drafted by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Ward Melville High School. After recovering from Tommy John surgery early in his career, Matz made his MLB debut with the Mets on June 28, 2015, impressively pitching 7.2 innings while also contributing offensively by going 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and four RBIs in his first game[1][2][3][8]. Matz spent six seasons with the Mets (2015–2020), where he established himself as both a starter and occasional reliever. He then played one season for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 before joining the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022. With the Cardinals, he has primarily pitched out of the bullpen, showing versatility between starting and relief roles[1][3][4]. In 2023, he received the Cardinals’ Darryl Kile Award, recognizing his professionalism and perseverance[2][3]. By 2025, Matz was traded to the Boston Red Sox, becoming a veteran presence in their pitching staff. Over his 11-year major league career, he has compiled a record around 60 wins and 62 losses, with an ERA near 4.19 and nearly 1,000 strikeouts in over 1,000 innings pitched[1][3]. Known for his competitive mentality and resilience, Matz has navigated injuries and role changes while maintaining his value at the major league level. He bats right-handed and throws left-handed, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds. Matz’s hometown roots and early career highlight his dual contributions as a pitcher and occasional hitter[1][2][6].
Kyle Schwarber
Kyle Schwarber is a professional baseball left fielder born on March 5, 1993, in Middletown, Ohio.[2] He attended Indiana University, where he established himself as one of the program's most accomplished players, earning two-time First Team All-American honors and ranking among the school's all-time leaders in several statistical categories.[4] Selected fourth overall in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs—the highest draft pick in Indiana baseball history—Schwarber made his professional debut that same year.[2][4] Schwarber made his MLB debut on June 16, 2015, with the Cubs and was named to the Baseball America Major League All-Rookie Team.[2] He gained prominence during the 2016 World Series, becoming the first major league position player in baseball history to record his first hit of the season during the World Series.[1] Despite being unable to play defense due to injury, he appeared as a designated hitter and contributed significantly to the Cubs' championship run, recording seven hits with a .412 batting average during the series.[1] Throughout his career, Schwarber has played for the Chicago Cubs (2015–2020), Washington Nationals (2021), Boston Red Sox (2021), and Philadelphia Phillies (2022–present).[1] He has been selected as an All-Star three times (2021, 2022, 2025) and won the NL Silver Slugger award in 2022.[2][3] In 2025, he was named Ted Williams All-Star MVP and made the All-MLB Second Team.[3] As of 2025, Schwarber has compiled 340 career home runs across 4,544 at-bats with a .231 career batting average and .846 OPS.[3] He played all 162 games for the Phillies during the 2025 regular season and ranks second in the National League with 340 total bases.[2][3] Schwarber remains an active and productive member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
Ketel Marte
Ketel Ricardo Marte Valdez, born October 12, 1993, in Nizao, Dominican Republic, is a professional Major League Baseball (MLB) player known primarily as a second baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He began his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners, debuting on July 31, 2015, after signing with them in 2010 as a 17-year-old international prospect[1][3][6]. Marte is a versatile, switch-hitter who has played multiple positions including shortstop, second base, third base, and center field, showcasing strong defensive skills across the infield and outfield[2][7]. In 2018, the Diamondbacks transitioned him from shortstop to second base, where he has excelled, leading all MLB players with 12 triples that year[1]. He has established himself as one of the game’s top players, earning MLB All-Star selections in 2019, 2024, and 2025. Marte achieved a career-high of 32 home runs in the 2019 season and has consistently hit over 20 home runs in multiple seasons[1][2][3]. His offensive profile includes a lifetime batting average around .281, with a balanced ability to hit from both sides of the plate, making him a difficult matchup for pitchers[2][3]. In 2023, Marte was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), playing a key role in helping the Diamondbacks reach the World Series[1][3]. He also won National League Silver Slugger awards in 2024 and 2025 and was named to the All-MLB First Team those same years, underscoring his elite offensive performance[3]. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, Marte continues to be a critical contributor to the Diamondbacks, maintaining high rankings in key batting metrics such as on-base percentage and runs batted in during recent seasons[3][4]. His skill set and consistent production keep him relevant as one of MLB’s top players as of 2025.
MacKenzie Gore
MacKenzie Evan Gore, born February 24, 1999, in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a professional baseball starting pitcher currently playing for the Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was selected third overall in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres after an acclaimed high school career at Whiteville High School in North Carolina[1][2][4]. Gore began his professional career in the minor leagues, where he earned several honors including Baseball America Rookie All-Star in 2017, multiple Pitcher of the Week awards in 2019, and the MiLB.com Staff Choice for Best Starting Pitcher the same year. He also was a MiLB.com Organization All-Star in 2019 with the Padres' system[1][2]. He made his MLB debut on April 15, 2022, with the Padres and later joined the Washington Nationals. Gore, a left-handed pitcher standing 6'2" and weighing 193 lbs, is known for his pitching skillset including a strong fastball and effective breaking balls[1][2][4][5]. In the major leagues, Gore has appeared in over 100 games, compiling a win-loss record around 26-41 with an earned run average (ERA) near 4.19 and over 580 strikeouts through 2025. He has been recognized as a National League All-Star in 2025, highlighting his growing impact in MLB[1][2][3]. In the 2025 season, Gore recorded 159.2 innings pitched with a 4.17 ERA and 185 strikeouts. However, his season was cut short due to a right ankle impingement injury, which placed him on the injured list and ended his campaign prematurely[3]. Overall, MacKenzie Gore is regarded as a talented young left-handed pitcher with notable minor league success and increasing prominence at the MLB level, currently contributing as a key starter for the Washington Nationals.
Roch Cholowsky
Roch Cholowsky is a UCLA baseball player who has emerged as one of the most accomplished athletes in college baseball. Born on April 5, 2005, in Chandler, Arizona, Cholowsky grew up in a sports-focused family—his father, Dan Cholowsky, is a former minor league player and long-time scout.[7] He attended Hamilton High School in Chandler, where he developed into Arizona's top-ranked high school baseball player in the class of 2023.[3] Before committing fully to baseball, Cholowsky was a multi-sport athlete. He played quarterback for Hamilton's football team and received college football offers, including one from Notre Dame's then-offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.[1] However, he made the deliberate choice to pursue baseball exclusively, recognizing that few athletes successfully compete at elite levels in multiple sports. He signed with UCLA as a highly recruited prospect and has since become a centerpiece of the Bruins' program.[3] Cholowsky's 2025 season was exceptional. He earned numerous national player-of-the-year honors, including awards from ABCA/Rawlings, Baseball America, D1Baseball, and Perfect Game.[2] He also won the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season—a first for a UCLA player.[2] At the plate, he batted .353 with 23 home runs and 89 hits, while defensively he led the nation in defensive WAR (1.51) and defensive runs saved (20.15).[2] Overall, he led all Division I players with a 6.46 WAR.[1] Cholowsky's leadership extends beyond statistics. His experience as a quarterback translated into vocal leadership in the clubhouse, earning respect from teammates. He helped lead UCLA to its first College World Series appearance since 2013.[1] As a shortstop, he is currently projected as a top prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft, representing one of college baseball's most promising talents.
Nick Pivetta
Nick Pivetta is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on February 14, 1993, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, he was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB draft out of New Mexico Junior College. Pivetta began his professional career in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut. Throughout his career, Pivetta has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies (2017–2019) and the Boston Red Sox (2020–2024), before joining the Padres in 2025. He is known for his strikeout ability, ranking consistently among league leaders, and for recording numerous quality starts—a measure of effective pitching outings. As of June 2025, Pivetta had achieved his 62nd MLB quality start, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness as a starting pitcher[1][3]. In recent seasons, Pivetta has been a key member of his teams' pitching rotations. In 2023, he won the Boston Red Sox Club Man of the Year Award, reflecting both his on-field performance and clubhouse presence. During the 2024 season, after recovering from a right elbow flexor strain, he tied a Red Sox franchise record by striking out eight consecutive batters in a game. He finished that season with a 6–12 record, a 4.14 ERA, and 172 strikeouts over 145⅔ innings pitched[3][4]. In 2025 with the Padres, Pivetta continued to excel, posting a 2.74 ERA and a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.01 over 62⅓ innings pitched, including seven quality starts in 11 games. By mid-season, he ranked tenth in the National League with 190 strikeouts, underscoring his role as a frontline starter[1][8]. Nick Pivetta is recognized for his pitching versatility, ability to maintain solid strikeout rates, and adaptability across different teams and roles, making him a valuable asset in MLB rotations as of the mid-2020s.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Tampa Bay Rays
## Overview The **Tampa Bay Rays** are a professional baseball team based in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the American League East division[1]. The organization’s primary function is to field a competitive MLB team, but it also engages in community outreach, business development, and technological innovation within the sports industry. ## History Originally established as the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1998, the team struggled in its early years, finishing last in the AL East for five consecutive seasons[2]. A turning point came with the hiring of manager Lou Piniella and the development of young stars like Carl Crawford and Aubrey Huff. In 2008, the team rebranded as the Tampa Bay Rays and experienced immediate success, posting their first winning season and advancing to the World Series, where they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies[2]. This marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise, which has since become known for its competitive spirit and smart, cost-effective management. ## Key Achievements - **World Series Appearance**: The Rays reached the World Series in 2008, a remarkable achievement for a once-struggling franchise[2]. - **Division Titles**: The team has won the AL East multiple times, including consecutive titles in 2020 and 2021, and has frequently competed in the postseason[1]. - **Player Development**: The Rays are renowned for developing young talent, both through their farm system and savvy trades, often outperforming teams with much larger payrolls[2]. - **Innovation**: The organization is recognized for its analytical approach to the game, leveraging data and technology to maximize player performance and roster flexibility. ## Current Status As of the 2025 season, the Rays are in a transitional phase. After several years of contention, they finished the 2025 season with a 77–85 record, placing fourth in the AL East[3].
Mets
The organization "Mets" primarily refers to the New York Mets, a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise that has increasingly distinguished itself through innovative use of data analytics, technology partnerships, and fan experience enhancements. The Mets have a rich history as a professional baseball team but have recently become notable for integrating advanced business analytics and technology into their operations. In 2023, the Mets hired Justin Friedman as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Analytics to build a dedicated business-side analytics department, a move that was relatively rare among MLB teams at the time. Friedman brought expertise from the NFL, where he co-founded the league’s first centralized data and analytics department. Under his leadership, the Mets have used analytics not only for on-field decisions but also to optimize business operations such as game start times and promotional activities, aligning with owner Steve Cohen's vision for a data-driven franchise[1]. On the technology front, the Mets have partnered with Samsung since 2021 to transform Citi Field into one of the most technologically advanced ballparks in professional sports. This multi-year phased project involved upgrading legacy systems, including overhauling the control room and installing Samsung’s cutting-edge display technologies to enhance the fan experience. The collaboration reflects the Mets' goal to create a best-in-class stadium environment leveraging digital innovation[2]. Additionally, the Mets have embraced technology like facial recognition ticketing in partnership with computer vision firms to streamline stadium entry, further underscoring their commitment to innovation in fan engagement[4]. Their use of advanced sports technology parallels broader MLB trends involving biomechanics, player fitness, and data-driven decision-making, positioning the Mets as a forward-thinking club in both sports and business domains[3]. In summary, the Mets combine a traditional baseball heritage with a modern approach emphasizing analytics, technology integration, and fan experience innovation, making them a compelling case study in sports business and technology convergence.
Red Sox
The **Boston Red Sox** is a renowned Major League Baseball (MLB) team, not an organization involved in business or technology. However, its rich history and achievements make it a fascinating subject for any audience interested in management, teamwork, and strategic planning. Here's a summary of the Red Sox's history and key aspects: ## Organization Overview The Red Sox are a charter franchise of the American League, founded in 1901 as the "Boston Americans." They adopted the name "Red Sox" in 1908, reportedly due to their distinctive red socks, which became a hallmark of their uniforms[1][4]. The team plays in the AL East Division and has called Fenway Park home since 1912[1]. ## History The Red Sox have a storied past, with early successes that included World Series titles in 1912, 1915, 1916, and 1918[2]. They were led by legendary players like Tris Speaker and Babe Ruth. The team experienced a drought in championships after Ruth's departure, often attributed to the "Curse of the Bambino," which was finally broken in 2004[2]. ## Key Achievements - **World Series Championships**: The Red Sox have won nine World Series titles, with their most recent victories in 2004, 2007, 2013, and 2018[1][2]. - **Iconic Players**: The team has been home to baseball legends such as Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, and David Ortiz[2][5]. - **Historic Moments**: The Red Sox have been part of some of baseball's most memorable moments, including their 2013 World Series win and the dramatic 2004 ALCS comeback against the Yankees[3]. ## Current Status The Red Sox continue to be a competitive force in MLB, with a dedicated fan base and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. They
Reds
The organization "Reds" primarily refers to the Cincinnati Reds, a professional baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member of the National League Central division. Founded in 1881, the Reds are one of the oldest professional baseball teams in the United States and have a rich history in the sport[2][3]. The Cincinnati Reds are historically significant for several reasons: they were a charter member of the American Association in 1881 before joining the National League in 1890. They are famously known for the "Big Red Machine," a dominant team of the 1970s that won consecutive World Series championships in 1975 and 1976, featuring Hall of Famers like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Pérez, and the all-time MLB hits leader Pete Rose[2][3]. The team has won five World Series titles overall, with notable victories in 1919, 1975, 1976, and 1990. The 1919 championship is historically controversial due to the Black Sox Scandal involving the opposing Chicago White Sox[3]. The Reds play their home games at the Great American Ball Park, which opened in 2003. Since 2006, Bob Castellini has been the team’s CEO, overseeing both business and baseball operations[2][1]. Despite their storied legacy, the Reds have struggled in recent decades, holding the longest active drought for playoff series wins in MLB, with the last postseason series victory in 1995[2]. In terms of organizational structure, the Reds maintain a comprehensive front office focused on scouting and player development, with key executives like Vice President and General Manager Nick Krall driving team strategy and talent acquisition[4]. The team generates significant revenue (around $315 million) and employs over 400 people, indicating a substantial business operation within the hospitality and sports entertainment sector[1]. Overall, the Cincinnati Reds combine a deep historical legac
Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Phoenix that competes in the National League West division[1][2]. As a professional sports organization, the Diamondbacks operate to provide entertainment, engage their community, and compete for championships at the highest level of professional baseball. ## History and Early Success Founded in 1998 as an expansion franchise alongside the Tampa Bay Rays, the Diamondbacks achieved remarkable success in their inaugural years[1][2]. The team made history by becoming the most successful expansion franchise in MLB history. Led by Hall of Famer Randy Johnson and key acquisitions like Luis Gonzalez and Matt Williams, the Diamondbacks won the National League West in their second season and captured the World Series championship in 2001—just their fourth year of existence[1][2]. This rapid ascent to championship status remains one of baseball's most impressive achievements. ## Organizational Mission and Values The organization's mission centers on delivering industry-leading entertainment in a clean, family-friendly environment while making positive community impacts[3]. The Diamondbacks emphasize five core pillars: team performance, fan experience, financial efficiency, workplace culture, and community contribution. Their values prioritize excellence, performance, and treating employees and fans as family members united in pursuit of championships[3]. ## Current Operations Today, the Diamondbacks operate Chase Field in Phoenix as their home ballpark under ownership of Ken Kendrick[2]. The organization maintains a complete minor league system, including Triple-A Reno Aces, Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, and lower-level affiliates[6]. The team continues to develop talent and compete for postseason appearances, with recent standout players like Corbin Carroll gaining recognition[2]. The franchise represents Arizona's successful integration into professional sports, transforming from a region previously
Nationals
The term "Nationals" can refer to different entities, but two prominent organizations are the Washington Nationals baseball team and National Business Technologies. Here's a comprehensive summary of both: ## Washington Nationals The Washington Nationals are a Major League Baseball team based in Washington, D.C. They are part of the East Division of MLB's National League. Established in 1969 as the Montreal Expos, the team moved to Washington in 2005. Their home stadium, Nationals Park, is a state-of-the-art facility that has been enhanced with cutting-edge technology. **Key Achievements and Current Status:** - The Nationals won the World Series in 2019, marking their first championship title. - They have been enhancing fan experiences at Nationals Park through partnerships with companies like NTT DATA and FIS. NTT DATA's Smart Venue technology aims to improve operational efficiency and fan satisfaction by reducing concession lines and enhancing data analytics[3][5]. FIS provides payment solutions and analytics platforms to personalize fan experiences[5]. ## National Business Technologies National Business Technologies is a company that provides business technology solutions, including Managed Print Services and Managed IT Services. Locally owned and operated since 1927, it focuses on helping customers reduce unnecessary expenses and boost productivity[2]. **Notable Aspects:** - **History:** Founded in 1927, National Business Technologies has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality technology solutions. - **Services:** The company specializes in managed services that help businesses optimize their operations and reduce costs. - **Industry Position:** It is recognized for its commitment to providing "Best in Class" technology solutions, making it a trusted partner in the business technology sector[2]. Both organizations are recognized for their commitment to innovation and excellence in their respective fields. The Washington Nationals are a leader in integrating technology to enhance fan experiences, while National Business Technologies is renowned for its long history of providing reliable business technology solutions.
Padres
The San Diego Padres are a professional baseball team based in San Diego, California, known for their innovative approach to integrating technology into their operations. The team competes in Major League Baseball (MLB) and has been a part of the league since 1969. ## History and Key Achievements The Padres were established in 1969 and have had several notable achievements throughout their history, including two National League pennants in 1984 and 1998. However, they have yet to win a World Series championship. Despite this, the team has been working diligently to modernize its operations, both on and off the field. ## Current Status and Technology Integration Currently, the Padres are leveraging advanced technologies to enhance their operations. They have adopted IoT solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs at Petco Park, their home stadium[1]. The team's IT department, led by Vice President Ray Chan, has been crucial in implementing modern technologies such as cloud services to enhance collaboration and data management[3]. This includes transitioning from legacy systems to more efficient cloud-based solutions, which have significantly improved email access and file sharing for the team[3]. ## Notable Aspects A notable aspect of the Padres' technology integration is their use of CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems. They have implemented FlashStack to improve data access and performance, allowing sales staff uninterrupted access to critical customer data and enhancing business intelligence capabilities[5]. Additionally, the team uses tools like ClickUp to streamline operations and improve collaboration within the organization[4]. The Padres' commitment to technology has positioned them as a leader in the sports industry, combining traditional sports excellence with modern business innovation. Overall, the Padres are not only a competitive baseball team but also a forward-thinking organization that is setting a new standard for technology integration in sports. Their efforts in modernizing IT infrastructure and leveraging technology for operational efficiency have made them an interesting case study in both sports and business sectors.
UCLA
## Overview The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is an internationally renowned public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California[1][2]. As the #1 ranked public university in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report, UCLA is celebrated for its academic excellence, research output, and vibrant campus life[3]. With over 32,000 undergraduate students and more than 14,000 graduate and professional students, it is one of the largest and most competitive universities in the country[2][5]. ## History UCLA traces its origins to 1881 as the southern branch of the California State Normal School, which later evolved into San José State University[2]. In 1919, it was transferred to the University of California system and became the Southern Branch of the University of California, making it the second-oldest campus in the UC system after Berkeley[1][2]. The university officially adopted the UCLA name in 1927, and its 419-acre campus has since grown into a global academic powerhouse[1][3]. ## Academic and Research Profile UCLA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs—337 undergraduate and graduate degrees—across disciplines such as engineering, business, arts, life sciences, social sciences, and health sciences[2][3]. The university is organized into the College of Letters and Science and twelve professional schools, including highly ranked programs in film, television, digital media (proximity to Hollywood is a notable advantage), engineering, and psychology[2][4]. UCLA is classified as an R1 doctoral university with “very high research activity,” reporting $1.72 billion in research expenditures in 2024 and ranking 7th nationally in research funding[2]. Its faculty and students are consistently recognized for groundbreaking research and innovation, including recent Nobel Prize wins[8]. ## Campus and Student Life UCLA’s campus is known for its picturesque setting, historic architecture, and
MLB
Major League Baseball (MLB) is the premier professional baseball organization in North America, comprising 30 teams divided equally between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). Established in 1903 through the merger of these two leagues, MLB is the oldest major professional sports league globally, with roots tracing back to the 19th century and the formation of the Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869[1][2]. The leagues initially operated independently and competed fiercely until the National Agreement in 1903 formalized cooperation, including the institution of the World Series to determine the national champion. MLB operates a 162-game regular season, typically starting in late March or early April, culminating in a postseason tournament where six teams from each league compete in a four-round playoff, ending with the World Series—a best-of-seven series between the NL and AL champions[2][3]. The league’s teams are organized into three divisions within each league, geographically spread across the U.S. and Canada, with the Toronto Blue Jays as the sole Canadian team[1][6]. The league is governed by a commissioner, currently Robert D. Manfred, Jr., and headquartered in Midtown Manhattan. MLB is notable for its comprehensive farm system, which develops talent through minor league affiliates, and its global scouting operations that extend into Latin America and Asia, reflecting the sport’s international reach[3][4]. Beyond the field, MLB is a significant business entity leveraging media platforms such as MLB Network and MLB.TV, setting records in viewership and digital engagement, while actively promoting community involvement and social responsibility. The league continues to innovate in marketing and content delivery, maintaining baseball’s role as America’s national pastime and expanding its global footprint[4]. Key achievements include the establishment and maintenance of the World Series, a legacy of historic teams and rivalries, and ongoing efforts to balance competitive parity and fan accessibility. MLB remains a cultural and economic cornerstone of North American sports, blending tradition wit
