MLB Winter Meetings: Edwin Diaz to Dodgers, Kyle Schwarber Re-signs

Day 2 of MLB’s Winter Meetings brought the kind of action that can flip an offseason on its head. A market-shifting deal for Kyle Schwarber, a big bullpen move for the Dodgers with Edwin Díaz, fresh World Baseball Classic buzz, and a swirl of trade and free-agent rumors all started to reshape the 2025 picture.

From blockbuster contracts to subtle front-office moves, the day showed just how fast the balance of power can shift in today’s game.

Kyle Schwarber’s Landmark Return to Philadelphia

The Phillies made the splash of the day, re-signing Kyle Schwarber on a five-year, $150 million deal. For a DH about to turn 33, that’s more than just a fat payday—it’s a market reset.

How Schwarber Just Changed the DH Market

Schwarber’s contract just redrew the lines for power-first, bat-only players. Now, elite DHs aren’t just part-timers—they’re cornerstone bats, paid like it too.

This isn’t just about Schwarber’s home run totals. Teams finally seem ready to build around a DH long-term, which is honestly overdue if you ask me.

• Elite home run and walk rates
• Proven postseason production
• Durability across 162 games in a physically demanding role

For Philly, it’s a statement. They’re betting on Schwarber and an offense built on getting on base and flexing real power.

Dodgers Land Edwin Díaz to Anchor the Bullpen

The Dodgers didn’t mess around—they locked in Edwin Díaz at $23 million a year. Even if he’s not at his absolute peak, Díaz immediately gives LA one of the top bullpen arms in the National League.

Why Díaz Fits the Dodgers’ World Series Blueprint

Díaz may have slipped a bit last year, but his profile still screams “closer for a contender.” The Dodgers needed late-inning stability, and Díaz brings it.

Come October, high-leverage outs are everything. By paying up for a proven ninth-inning guy, Los Angeles is sticking to a familiar plan: power arms, short games, and a rotation that can breathe a little easier.

World Baseball Classic Storylines Take Shape

The Winter Meetings aren’t just about MLB rosters. The global game keeps evolving, and the World Baseball Classic grabbed some headlines on Day 2.

Team USA Loads Up as Chapman’s Future Turns International

Team USA added some serious juice, getting Schwarber, Gunnar Henderson, and Will Smith on board. That’s a mix of power, youth, and defense that makes their lineup look pretty scary.

Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman might pitch for Great Britain—a twist I didn’t see coming. His presence alone would give that staff some instant credibility and probably a bit more attention, too.

Front-Office Shakeup: Zack Scott’s New Path

Former Mets GM Zack Scott popped back up in a surprising way, taking a job as an agent—but not for players. He’ll represent coaches and execs.

An Underserved Corner of the Baseball Business

Scott’s move shines a light on a niche that’s been mostly ignored. As coaching salaries rise and front offices get more complicated, having someone who knows the ropes could really change how managers, coaches, and execs negotiate.

Free-Agent Buzz and Trade Market Heat Up

Even with the headline deals, the rumor mill kept spinning around a few big names whose futures are still up in the air.

Bellinger, Alonso, Bregman, Tucker: Uncertain Futures for Impact Bats

Four names kept popping up:

• Cody Bellinger – He’s coming off a bounce-back year, but with his injury history and streaky play, he’s one of the biggest risk-reward bets this winter.
• Pete Alonso – The home run machine, but questions about his long-term fit and contract demands are front and center in New York.
• Alex Bregman – Still gets on base and plays defense, but his offense has been up and down, making his next deal tough to peg.
• Kyle Tucker – A star talent with power, athleticism, and age on his side. He’s the kind of guy teams want to trade for or lock up long-term.

Each has a unique track record and injury history. Any move involving these guys will shake up both their new team and the market.

Marlins Shopping Edward Cabrera, Orioles Circle

The Marlins are openly shopping righty Edward Cabrera, and the Orioles look like a logical match.

Why Cabrera Appeals to a Rising Contender

Cabrera has electric stuff and years of team control—the exact combo a team like Baltimore wants as they build out their young rotation. For Miami, it’s a shot to leverage pitching depth and address some offensive gaps.

With so few frontline arms available, a controllable mid-rotation guy like Cabrera becomes a pretty hot commodity.

Under-the-Radar Starters: Tatsuya Imai and Ranger Suárez

It wasn’t just the big names getting attention. Scouts at the Meetings spent a lot of time on two interesting starters: Tatsuya Imai and Ranger Suárez.

Metrics Point to Hidden Value on the Mound

Both pitchers drew praise for their underlying numbers, which hint at more upside than their surface stats show.

Imai offers international flair, strikeout potential, and durability. Suárez, meanwhile, has quietly turned into a reliable arm with playoff experience and strong run prevention. For teams priced out of the top tier, these guys could deliver real value over a full season.

Astros’ Offensive Slide and the Yordan Effect

The Astros’ recent struggles at the plate came up a lot, with most of the blame landing on Yordan Alvarez’s limited availability.

Injuries Force Organizational Reflection in Houston

Without Alvarez’s middle-of-the-order thunder, Houston’s lineup just didn’t scare anyone the way it used to. That’s forced the club to take a hard look at itself and rethink how it builds around its superstar core.

Even teams that always seem to be in the mix can crumble when they lose a bat like that. Depth isn’t just nice to have anymore—it’s essential.

As Day 2 of the Winter Meetings wrapped up, the season ahead started to take shape. Big bats are landing huge contracts, bullpens are getting beefed up for October, and international storylines are popping up everywhere.

The trade market? It’s wild, honestly, with plenty of big names still floating around. Feels like the real drama of this offseason hasn’t even started yet.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Winter Meetings live updates: Edwin Diaz signs with Dodgers, Kyle Schwarber re-signs with Phillies