MLB rumors: Twins not expected to trade star players, favorites emerge for Framber Valdez and more
We're gathering the latest intel from baseball's hot stove with the 2025 Winter Meetings right around the corner
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3 min read
Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings will get underway on Sunday, meaning that business is picking up across the industry. Below, CBS Sports has compiled all of Friday's murmurs and moves in one convenient spot.
Twins don't expect to trade stars
It's only December and plans can change, but the Twins currently do not expect to trade either outfielder Byron Buxton or right-handers Joe Ryan and Pablo López, according to The Athletic.
Of the three, Ryan seemed the likeliest to be moved. He's now two seasons away from free agency and would've been considered one of the best starters on the market. In parts of five big-league campaigns to date, he's compiled a 3.79 ERA (111 ERA+) and a 4.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Twins reportedly discussed him with the Red Sox, among other teams, as far back as the trade deadline.
López is under contract through the 2027 campaign, but started just 14 times last season on account of injury. Meanwhile, Buxton is under contract through the 2028 season and recent reports suggested he was more open about waiving his no-trade clause to facilitate a move.
The Twins are in the midst of a rebuild following a disappointing season. At the deadline, they traded away a number of veteran mainstays, including shortstop Carlos Correa.
Cubs, Tigers in on Bregman
Count the Cubs among the teams pursuing third baseman Alex Bregman, according to The Athletic. The Tigers and Red Sox, Bregman's incumbent club, are in the mix as well, per the New York Post.
Amusingly, those three teams were also the three finalists for Bregman's services last winter. He eventually signed a three-year pact with Boston that allowed him to opt out after each of the first two seasons.
Bregman, 31, had a fantastic season with the Red Sox. He hit .273/360/.462 (128 OPS+) with 18 home runs and 3.5 Wins Above Replacement. CBS Sports ranked Bregman as the No. 2 free agent in the class, behind outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Mets, Orioles favorites for Valdez
The Mets and Orioles are considered among the favorites to land free-agent lefty Framber Valdez, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
Valdez, 32, was ranked by CBS Sports as the top starter available this winter. In parts of eight seasons, he's compiled a 3.36 ERA (124 ERA+) and a 2.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He's received Cy Young Award consideration on four separate occasions.
As Feinsand notes, the top baseball operations for both organizations have ties to the Astros and to Valdez, for whatever that ends up being worth.
Mets pushing on Schwarber?
ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the "juiciest rumor" he's heard this week has the Mets pushing hard for outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber. As Olney notes, even if the Mets don't sign Schwarber, they can increase his cost to the Phillies, or whichever team does reach an agreement with him.
Schwarber, 32, hit .240/.365/.563 (150 OPS+) with 56 home runs and 4.7 Wins Above Replacement. It's unclear if the Mets, who have openly discussed wanting to improve their team defense, would place him at DH, or experiment with him in left field or first base.
ESPN adds that Schwarber is expected to get five years.
Red Sox add another arm
The Red Sox and Pirates agreed to a five-player trade on Thursday night. Right-hander Johan Oviedo and minor-league lefty reliever Tyler Samaniego and catcher Adonys Guzman were moved to Boston in exchange for outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia and pitching prospect Jesus Travieso.
Oviedo, 27, is the second starting pitcher the Red Sox have obtained this winter, joining Sonny Gray. He was limited to nine starts last season, during which he compiled a 3.57 ERA (121 ERA+) and a 1.83 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 40 innings. Oviedo has a varied arsenal, including a pair of fastballs and breaking balls. He figures to compete for a rotation job in the spring.
Garcia, 23 in a matter of days, is considered by some outlets to be a top 100 prospect. Garcia -- nicknamed "The Password" -- went 1 for 7 in his initial exposure to the majors in 2025. Garcia has above-average raw strength, having posted exit velocities north of 110 mph in the minors. He's been prone to striking out, however. He should receive a long look in Pittsburgh's outfield.
