MLB Winter Meetings: Key Updates on Braves, Reds, and Blue Jays

The 2025 MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida, are witnessing significant developments as teams strategize for the upcoming season. Three organizations, the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and Toronto Blue Jays, are particularly active in their pursuit of impactful players.

Atlanta Braves Explore Free-Agent Options

The Atlanta Braves have shown interest in signing free-agent closer Edwin Díaz and other late-inning relievers. However, the team ultimately decided against signing Díaz due to strategic considerations involving draft picks. Teams that sign players rejecting qualifying offers forfeit a draft pick.

• The Braves’ first pick, No. 9 overall, is protected.
• Their second-highest pick, No. 26, is valued highly due to the Prospect Promotion Incentive awarded for Drake Baldwin’s NL Rookie of the Year win.

Right-hander Hurston Waldrep, taken 24th overall in 2023, posted a 2.88 ERA over 56 1/3 innings last season. Importantly, the Braves prefer to maintain the No. 26 pick for more impactful positions than a reliever.

Remaining free-agent pitchers who rejected qualifying offers include Zac Gallen and Framber Valdez. The Braves did not surpass the luxury-tax threshold last season, meaning they face fewer penalties for signing such players.

Cincinnati Reds Pursue Hitter Options

The Cincinnati Reds are exploring potential additions to their lineup. While they are eyeing batters like Kyle Schwarber, they are also considering trades for Arizona’s Ketel Marte and Tampa Bay’s Brandon Lowe.

• Marte’s contract includes $102.5 million over six years, including deferred payments.
• Lowe is due $11.5 million in the final year of his contract.

The Reds initially offered Schwarber a five-year deal valued at around $125 million, indicating a willingness to invest in a player who could energize their fan base. However, acquiring Marte may require relinquishing top young talents, a move they are hesitant to make.

Toronto Blue Jays Continue to Seek Pitching Help

Despite already acquiring free-agent right-handers Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, the Toronto Blue Jays remain active in the pitching market. The organization does not anticipate moving right-hander José Berríos, who is owed $66 million over the next three seasons.

The Blue Jays are contemplating trades involving outfielders such as Nathan Lukes and Myles Straw to enhance their pitching depth, including interest in reliever Robert Suarez.

Additional News from the MLB Winter Meetings

• Germán Márquez, a free-agent right-hander, is meeting with clubs as he recovers from injury.
• The Pittsburgh Pirates are open to trading pitchers like Mitch Keller and Mike Burrows for offensive players.
• Milwaukee’s bullpen is generating interest, particularly in Trevor Megill and Nick Mears.

As the MLB Winter Meetings unfold, teams are making strategic decisions that could significantly affect their rosters for the upcoming season. The Braves, Reds, and Blue Jays are particularly focused on improving their standings as they navigate free agency and trades.