By Eddie Castro
The 2025 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings kicked off last week as both the Yankees and Mets take the first steps in potentially upgrading their roster via free agency or trade. As of last Wednesday, the meetings have concluded and it has left New York baseball fans with quite a few question marks.
Both the Mets and Yankees were not as active as many thought they would. Although the Meetings have ended, the market for free agents and other transactions still have the ability to heat up at any minute. Here’s what both the Yankees and Mets have done so far and what deals can possibly come into fruition for both clubs.
As I mentioned on last week’s episode of Sports Talk With Eddie podcast, the Mets signed relief pitcher Devin Williams to a 3-year/$51 million deal to be the team’s next closer. Williams had an up a down year in his first season with the Yankees last season. Former Mets closer Edwin Diaz elected to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers for three years at $69 million, which is a new record for a relief pitcher when it comes to average annual value. (23 million per year).
According to many reports, the Mets never reached out to Diaz in regards to the team bringing in Williams. Diaz had a ERA of 2.93, 538 strikeouts and 144 saves in seven seasons with the Mets. The team also lost their All-Time franchise leader in home runs as first basemen Pete Alonso signed a 5-year/$155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Reports indicate the Mets never make an offer to Alonso.
Let’s not forget the team traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers last month. With three big losses to the roster, the team was able to sign one solid player in luring in former Seattle Mariner Jorge Polanco to a two-year deal.
Moving forward, Mets fan can expect the team to explore the outfield, starting pitcher and relief market. The Mets are in desperate mode in trying to acquire a front-of-the-rotation arm. Rumors have the team linked to Ace pitchers like two-time reigning Cy-young award winner Tarik Skubal and former 2022 National League Cy-Young winner Sandy Alcantara. As far as the relief market goes, the Mets have been linked to Mason Miller (Padres) and Mitch Keller (Pirates).
As for the Yankees, the team has been pretty quiet when it comes to any significant deals. The latest rumors is the team is “Still in play” when it comes to re-signing Cody Bellinger. It is a MUST for the team to bring him back. His versatility to hit with power and contact as well as play multiple positions in the outfield is a rare commodity in today’s game. Reports are the Yankees are steady at 5 years while Bellinger’s agent Scott Boras is looking to seal a 7-year deal.
The Yankees are also heavenly involved with the international market having eyes for top Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai. The Yankees are expected to be “fully involved” in the bidding war for him. It will be a huge acquisition for the team with pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon expected to miss at least the first month of the season as they recover from off-season injuries. Bringing in Imai will also snap a longevity drought the Yankees have had coming up short in signing top-tier international pitchers.
The team did bring back Amed Rosario to bolster their bench. During the Winter Meetings, General Manager Brian Cashman said they he is looking to bring in more right-handed bats to the roster. Bringing back Rosario is a good start. The team has also shown interest in bringing back pitcher Michael King, whom they sent to the San Diego Padres as a part of the Juan Soto deal.
Brewers Ace pitcher Freddy Peralta has also been linked to the Yanks as a possible trade destination. It is also interesting to point out that the team has been listening to offers for Jazz Chisholm Jr. to possibly address other needs to the roster. We shall see what happens within the next week or so.
The way the market is shaping out is teams are looking to see what happens to Kyle Tucker who is considered as the top free agent on the market. If we have any breaking News to report as far as the Yankees or Mets, we will definitely cover it on this week’s podcast.
Sports Notes: ALERT: (Basketball) The Brooklyn Nets will welcome the Miami Heat to Barclay’s Center tonight. (Boxing) Tune in this Friday night on Netflix to catch internet sensation boxer Jake Paul battle former Heavyweight Champion Anthony Joshua.
(Football) Breaking News: At his request, the New York Jets are releasing wide receiver Allan Lazard. Lazard hopes to sign with a playoff contending team.