As expected, not much happened in terms of roster moves during this offseason’s GM Meetings. Since they only took place a week after free agency really began, it would’ve been shocking to see a big name sign or get traded.
With that being said, the GMs who were able to get to Las Vegas were all in one hotel discussing the state of their teams. Even though nothing major officially went down, rumors ran rampant all week.
With the information that was made public, we can declare the winners and losers of the week, predicting what’ll happen this winter as a result.
🏆 The Winners
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles were one of MLB’s most disappointing teams in 2025, going 75-87 and finishing in last place. Injuries didn’t help, but this team wasn’t good enough, particularly on the pitching side.
In an effort to get back to the postseason, GM Mike Elias seems intent on improving the pitching staff even if that means doing something he’s historically been uncomfortable with: spending big.
“We’re still down from where our 2025 payroll was. We’ve got quite a bit to go just to get back to 2025 levels… The ownership group has a lot of willingness to invest, but also wants to win.” — Mike Elias, Nov 12, 2025
Elias specifically said he’d like to add a frontline starter, a closer, and a veteran hitter. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand backed this up, stating, “Industry sources believe the Orioles will be aggressive in free agency.” Early signs suggest big-money moves will be made.
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox got back to the postseason, but losing in the Wild Card Series to the Yankees is not good enough. GM Craig Breslow seems intent on delivering the necessary moves.
Breslow stated that the Red Sox are prioritizing a “middle-of-the-order power bat” and a “starting pitcher to co-anchor the rotation” alongside Garrett Crochet. This is exactly what fans want to hear. The Red Sox offense, which was without Rafael Devers for three months, must add power. Breslow is certainly saying the right things.
Detroit Tigers
Once the Tigers were eliminated, the Tarik Skubal discourse began. It felt like a matter of when and where the back-to-back Cy Young winner would be traded.
Fortunately for Tigers fans, it sounds like he’s staying put. FanSided’s Robert Murray reported: “My feeling early this offseason has been that the Detroit Tigers will hold onto the star left-hander…”
This is a win-win for Detroit. Either they get an absurd haul for a player one year from free agency, or fans get to watch the best pitcher in baseball rep the Old English D for one more year. That’s a far better position than a desperate fire sale.
📉 The Losers
Pittsburgh Pirates
On one hand, the Pirates made it clear that 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is not going anywhere. But a damaging report surfaced from a former Skenes teammate:
“Trust me, he wants to play for the Yankees. I’ve heard him say it multiple times.”
Skenes denied it, but as a player under team control through 2029, he has no incentive to tell the truth. If it’s true, it means Skenes is already disgruntled. The Pirates have gone a combined 147-177 in Skenes’ two seasons. They better start winning, or the trade talks will only get louder.
San Diego Padres
It was revealed that the Padres are exploring a sale of the franchise. This uncertainty is the last thing the team needs.
If the new ownership group is a “penny-pinching billionaire,” how can they compete with the Dodgers? The team is reportedly in a “substantial debt hole,” and to save money, Fernando Tatis Jr.—the face of the franchise—has seen his name “dangled” on the trade block. Beyond the baseball implications, the Seidler family opting to sell, not even two years after Peter Seidler passed away, is frustrating.
Scott Boras
Is it just me, or is the Scott Boras “shtick” starting to get old? His annual pun-filled press conference left a lot to be desired, and his claims about his clients were questionable.
On Cody Bellinger: Boras called him “the only 5-tool outfielder on the free agent market.” This ignores Kyle Tucker, this offseason’s “white whale,” who is the clear-cut better hitter and a more valuable baserunner.
On Pete Alonso: Boras tried to downplay concerns about Alonso’s defense, saying, “There aren’t many first basemen that can play first base and keep the position.” Scott – Alonso only played because the Mets needed his bat, not his glove.
Teams want Alonso for his bat, and Bellinger is a very good player. There is no need to try and convince us otherwise.
