MLB Winter Meetings Wrap: Padres Quiet, Trade Winds Swirling Around Pivetta, Laureano
The MLB Winter Meetings are in the rearview, and while several teams made noise, the San Diego Padres left Nashville without addressing their most pressing need: starting pitching. That silence doesn’t mean inactivity, though.
Padres GM A.J. Preller is reportedly working the phones, and the trade market is where he’s looking to make his move.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Preller is in talks with the New York Mets - and yes, that includes the possibility of trading Nick Pivetta. The right-hander was a standout in his first year in San Diego, showing flashes of dominance that made him a key piece of the rotation. But with the Padres needing to retool and reallocate assets, Pivetta’s name is now in the mix.
He’s not alone. Bullpen arms like Mason Miller, as well as outfielder Ramón Laureano, have also come up in discussions. There’s no deal on the table yet, and nothing appears imminent, but the Padres are clearly exploring multiple avenues to reshape their roster.
Padres Eyeing Outfield Help?
If Laureano is on the move - and there’s been real interest from other clubs - the Padres could be in the market for an outfielder. One name that’s surfaced: Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. According to reports, San Diego is one of at least three teams that have checked in on the dynamic outfielder’s availability.
Robert Jr. would be a big swing. He’s a high-upside player with power, speed, and defensive chops in center field. If the Padres are serious about contending in 2026, adding a player of his caliber would be a bold step in the right direction.
Around the League: Signings, Trades, and a New Look for the Mets
The Mets made their own splash, agreeing to a two-year, $40 million deal with Jorge Polanco. With Pete Alonso now in Baltimore, the plan is for Polanco to split time between first base and designated hitter duties. That’s a shift in role for the longtime middle infielder, but his bat remains a valuable asset in a reshaped Mets lineup.
Veteran closer Kenley Jansen is heading to the Motor City. He’s signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Tigers, where he’ll take over ninth-inning duties. Jansen, now entering his 17th MLB season, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to a young Tigers bullpen.
The Yankees made a smaller move, signing utility man Amed Rosario to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Rosario offers positional versatility and a solid contact bat - a useful depth piece for a New York team looking to stay healthy and competitive across a long season.
In a trade between the Royals and Brewers, Kansas City acquired outfielder Isaac Collins and right-hander Nick Mears in exchange for lefty Angel Zerpa. It’s a swap of depth pieces, but one that could pay off depending on how these players settle into their new roles.
Brendan Donovan Drawing Interest, Cardinals Add Dustin May
The trade market isn’t slowing down either. The San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners have emerged as the two teams most likely to strike a deal with the St.
Louis Cardinals for infielder Brendan Donovan. San Francisco is looking to add a reliable bat to its lineup, while Seattle sees Donovan as a potential replacement for Polanco.
Even as the Cardinals entertain trade offers, they’re not standing pat. They’ve added to their pitching staff, signing free agent Dustin May to a one-year deal. May, when healthy, offers electric stuff and could be a high-upside addition to the rotation.
What Comes Next
The Winter Meetings may be over, but the MLB offseason is far from done. With the Padres active in trade talks and several big-name players still on the move, the next few weeks could reshape the landscape heading into Spring Training. Keep an eye on San Diego - Preller’s track record suggests the quiet won’t last long.