Holiday Cheer, Roster Moves, and a Peek Around the League: A December Day with the Mets
The Mets brought some warmth to a chilly December afternoon with their annual holiday party at Citi Field, and if you’re a fan of baseball with a side of festive spirit, this one had everything-from Santa suits to roster intrigue.
Santa Holmes and the Elf Squad
Clay Holmes traded his usual bullpen role for a red suit and white beard, stepping in as Santa Claus for the day. Flanking him were three young Mets arms-Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong-who embraced their roles as elves with as much enthusiasm as they bring to the mound.
Tong, the right-hander who continues to climb the Mets’ prospect ladder, couldn’t hide his excitement about being part of the organization. “It’s truly one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my entire life,” he said, reflecting on the joy of giving back to kids and how the event reminded him of his own childhood. That kind of perspective speaks volumes about the culture the Mets are trying to build-one where players embrace the moment, both on and off the field.
McLean, never one to miss a chance for a good one-liner, joked, “I don’t know who Nolan is, I’m just an elf.” That kind of energy? It plays in December and in the late innings of a tight ballgame.
Sproat, meanwhile, showed just how tight-knit this young group is. He lit up when recalling the debuts of McLean and Tong, admitting he was jumping up and down and shouting during their outings. That’s the kind of clubhouse camaraderie that doesn’t show up in a box score but can carry a team through a long season.
Holmes also took a moment to talk about his teammate Luke Weaver, who’s back in Queens. “Luke’s great.
He’s got some spunk to him, he’s got some character. He’s just got a good energy to him.”
Weaver’s return gives the Mets a known quantity with a bit of edge-something every rotation can use.
Roster Moves and a Familiar Pipeline
The holiday party wasn’t the only thing making headlines. The Mets continue to reshape their roster heading into 2026, and one of the more intriguing moves involves a familiar storyline-plucking talent from across town.
Wandy Asigen, a top international shortstop prospect, has opted out of his deal with the Yankees and is signing with the Mets. It’s another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Mets tapping into the Bronx pipeline, and it adds yet another high-upside name to a farm system that’s starting to build real depth.
Jorge Polanco will don number 11 in his first season with the Mets, while Ronny Mauricio is switching things up and going with zero. It’s a small detail, sure, but it’s one that fans will notice-and it could signal a fresh start for Mauricio as he looks to carve out a bigger role.
The Mets also inked Kevin Herget to a minor league deal. He saw some action with the team last year, and while he’s not a headliner, he adds to the organizational depth that becomes crucial over 162 games.
And in a nice nod to Mets history, Jesse Orosco will be honored at the upcoming BBWAA Awards. Orosco, of course, remains a beloved figure in franchise lore, and this recognition is well-earned.
Around the NL East: Trades, Prospects, and Front Office Moves
Elsewhere in the division, the Phillies may be on the verge of dealing lefty reliever Matt Strahm. With the bullpen market heating up, Strahm’s name is one to watch.
Philadelphia is also evaluating the future of Aidan Miller, their 2023 first-round pick. Drafted as a shortstop, there’s now some question as to whether he’ll stick at the position long-term. It’s a familiar crossroads for young infielders, and the Phillies will be weighing both his bat and glove as they plan ahead.
In Atlanta, the Braves are continuing their "Season of Giving" campaign, finding ways to give back to the community as the holidays roll on.
The Marlins locked in a one-year deal with Christopher Morel, a versatile player who brings pop and positional flexibility-two things Miami could use more of.
The Nationals made a significant front office move, hiring former Phillies assistant GM Anirudh Kilambi as their new general manager. He steps into a key role for a team still in the thick of a rebuild but showing signs of traction.
And speaking of the Nats, left-hander MacKenzie Gore is drawing trade interest despite a 4.17 ERA this past season. Gore’s still young, still left-handed, and still flashing the kind of stuff that made him a top prospect. Contenders looking to add rotation depth will be watching closely.
Around MLB: Free Agency, Team USA, and Big Checks
Across the league, the offseason continues to unfold with a mix of movement and waiting games.
Free agency has been moving at a slower pace, with the Qualifying Offer system once again proving to be a speed bump for certain players. Still, there are plenty of arms with nasty stuff still on the market, and teams looking to shore up their bullpens have options.
Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster just got even more loaded. Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller, David Bednar, and Paul Skenes are all in. That’s a group that could dominate any international lineup-and probably a few MLB ones too.
The Dodgers’ postseason shares came in at just under half a million dollars per player, a reflection of their deep October run. The total player pool nearly matched last year’s record-setting figure.
The Blue Jays, fresh off a near-miss, are retooling their pitching staff with an eye toward 2026. They’re not standing pat-and they shouldn’t.
Michael King is heading back to the Padres on a three-year, $75 million deal with opt-outs after each of the next two seasons. It’s a big payday for a pitcher who’s shown flashes of top-tier stuff, and it gives San Diego a key piece as they try to stay competitive in a loaded NL West.
The Yankees made Cade Winquest their first Rule 5 pick since 2011, a move that reflects their interest in adding controllable arms to the mix.
The White Sox acquired outfielder Tristan Peters from the Rays in a low-risk move that could pay off if Peters clicks at the next level.
The Guardians added Shawn Armstrong on a one-year deal, bolstering their bullpen with a veteran presence.
And the Cubs dipped into the international market, signing Tyler Austin to a one-year deal. Austin’s spent the last six years in Japan, and now he’s back stateside looking to make an impact in Chicago.
Final Thought
It’s not just the hot stove that’s heating up-it’s the energy around the league. From holiday parties to roster shuffles, from trade rumors to international signings, baseball in December continues to deliver.
The Mets, in particular, are mixing youth, experience, and personality as they prepare for a pivotal 2026 campaign. And if this week is any indication, there’s plenty more to come.