The winter meetings are a yearly free agency event every December. This year, it was from December 8 to December 12. During the winter meetings, all 30 GMs are in the same place, allowing moves to be made with relative ease.
Right before the winter meetings started, the baseball world was given the bombshell that Juan Soto had agreed to a world-breaking $765 million contract with the Mets. Many people felt this would start a domino effect to allowing moves to happen and that’s exactly what we saw.
Winter Meetings Moves
Max Fried to the Yankees
After losing Soto right before the winter meetings, the Yankees were looking to show they can build a good team without Soto. Signing Max Fried is a good move to keep the Yankees a threat in the American League. As I outlined in my free agency predictions, Fried has been a consistent starter throughout his career. He is a good number-two starter behind Cole. He can also open up trade opportunities, as the Yankees now have seven starting pitchers. Fried also comes with world series experience, winning the clinching game of the 2021 World Series.
Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox
The Yankees rivals the Red Sox were also looking to send a message during the winter meetings. The Red Sox had a solid season, but narrowly missed the playoffs. The Red Sox have built up a good farm system, which allows them to make some big trades. They did exactly that when they gave up four prospects to get Garrett Crochet. In his first full season as a starter in 2024, he made the all-star team and had a 3.58 ERA.
Photo via CBS sports
Nathan Eovaldi returns to the Rangers
Nathan Eovaldi was a huge part of why the 2023 Rangers won the World Series. However, there were serious questions about whether the Rangers would move on from pieces from that team and build something new. However, Eovaldi’s three-year extension shows the Rangers might believe this team can bounce back from their poor 2024 season. Eovaldi has won two world series in his career, so his steady hand can be extremely helpful for the Rangers.
Andres Gimenez to the Blue Jays
I also highlighted in my free agency prediction article how the Blue Jays would likely have an aggressive offseason because Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is in the last year of his contract. Andres Gimenez, despite his bat not being as good as it was in 2022, is still one of the best fielders in baseball. He was signed to a massive extension after 2022. The Guardians cut costs and believed he was no longer worth his contract. Perhaps moving to a more hitter-friendly park and division in Toronto can turn around his fortunes.
Alex Cobb to the Tigers
Alex Cobb was acquired by the Guardians at the 2024 trade deadline. He was in the process of recovering from offseason surgery. The season before was his best season, which resulted in an all-star appearance. Cobb made just three regular season starts for the Guardians but pitched well with a 2.76 ERA. It was clear that the Tigers would need SP this offseason after relying on openers to make the playoffs. If Cobb can stay healthy he’s a big addition to the Tigers rotation.
Jordan Romano to the Phillies
Jordan Romano entered this season as one of the best relievers in baseball, making the all-star teams in 2022 and 2023. However, his 2024 got off to a poor start with a 6.59 ERA in 15 appearances. Before he had a chance to bounce back it was revealed he would need season-ending surgery. The Blue Jays decided to non-tender him, making him a free agent. The Phillies are losing several relievers to free agency and decided to take a gamble on Romano. The Phillies have been able to get the most out of relievers before. For example, Jeff Hoffman went from a career journeyman to an all-star in 2024.
