MLB Digest 1/6/26: Winter Meetings, Rebuilds, and Free Agents

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The MLB offseason has shifted into high gear over the past month. December’s Winter Meetings in Orlando set the stage for a dramatic reshuffling of the league’s power structure, headlined by massive defensive pivots and the arrival of elite international talent.

Here is an update on the biggest MLB storylines from the past month (December 2025 – January 2026).

1. The Winter Meetings Blockbusters

The “Hot Stove” officially boiled over in mid-December with three massive veteran deals that redefined their respective divisions:

Pete Alonso to the Orioles: In the biggest splash of the winter, the “Polar Bear” left Queens for Baltimore, signing a 5-year, $155 million contract. For an Orioles team looking to rebound from a frustrating 2025, adding Alonso’s 40-homer potential is a clear signal that they are ready to get back to the top of the AL East.
Edwin Díaz Joins the Dodgers: The rich get richer. The two-time defending champion Dodgers addressed their 2025 bullpen woes by landing the elite closer on a 3-year, $69 million deal. The “Trumpets” will now sound in Los Angeles as the Dodgers eye a historic three-peat.

Kyle Schwarber Stays Home: The Phillies avoided a major hole in their lineup by re-signing the NL MVP runner-up to a 5-year, $150 million extension. Philadelphia fans can rest easy knowing their leadoff power threat remains the heartbeat of the clubhouse.

Schwarbs is staying in Philly 👍#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/EbGSwDyaI6

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 10, 2025

2. The International Invasion

The turn of the year brought a wave of Japanese superstars to the Major Leagues, with the Blue Jays and Astros winning the bidding wars for NPB’s finest.

Kazuma Okamoto (Toronto Blue Jays): On January 4th, the Blue Jays finalized a 4-year, $60 million deal with the Japanese slugger. Okamoto provides much-needed middle-of-the-order protection for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette.
Tatsuya Imai (Houston Astros): The Astros bolstered their rotation on New Year’s Day by signing Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai to a 3-year, $54 million contract. With opt-outs after every season, Imai is betting on himself to become a top-tier MLB starter immediately.

3. Trade Market & Executive Moves

While free agency grabbed the headlines, several teams used the trade market to fill glaring holes:

Red Sox Retooling: Boston has been the most active trade partner this month, acquiring veteran starter Sonny Gray and catcher Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. After losing out on the Pete Alonso sweepstakes, the Sox are banking on veteran stability to compete in the AL East.

Mets in Flux: After losing both Alonso and Díaz, Mets President David Stearns is under immense pressure. The team did manage to land reliever Devin Williams (3 years, $51M) to mitigate the loss of Díaz, but the fan base is still waiting for a “big fish” position player.

4. Unfinished Business: The Top Remaining Free Agents

As we head deeper into January, several “franchise-altering” players remain unsigned. Expect the market for these stars to move quickly now that the international market has clarified:

Player	Position	Market Rumors
Kyle Tucker	OF	Cubs, Mariners, Yankees
Alex Bregman	3B	Red Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers
Bo Bichette	SS	Phillies, Cubs, Yankees
Cody Bellinger	OF	Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays