MLB Winter Meetings tracker: All the news, rumors, signings and trades for 2022 free agency

Joe Rivera

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MLB Winter Meetings tracker: All the news, rumors, signings and trades for 2022 free agency image

Winter is coming. But first, winter meetings.

Business was conducted, news was broken, players were signed when MLB front offices, players and agents all met in sunny San Diego for this year's baseball Winter Meetings, from Sunday, Dec. 4, to Wednesday, Dec. 7.

This offseason, the majority of eyes were set on MLB's literal and figurative biggest free agent, outfielder Aaron Judge. The AL home run king ultimately re-signed with the Yankees on a monster nine-year, $360 million contract that should keep him in pinstripes for the remainder of his career. Judge, though, wasn't the only player who rocked the market.

A number of stars made headlines across the sport for signing mega deals during the winter meetings: Justin Verlander (Mets), Trea Turner (Phillies) and Xander Bogaerts (Padres) all found new homes this offseason. Still, this free agency class is pretty loaded with available talent, including shortstop Carlos Correa, pitcher Carlos Rodon and a number of names who may be on the trade market (Bryan Reynolds, anyone?).

MORE: MLB free agency tracker — Latest news, updates for 2022 class

The Sporting News tracked the latest news, updates and more out of San Diego below. 

MLB Winter Meetings rumors, news, signings

Brandon Nimmo stays in the Big Apple

Date: Thursday, Dec. 8 

Source: Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman and Jeff Passan

Mets add pitcher David Robertson

Date: Thursday, Dec. 8

Source: Jeff Passan 

Padres make splash with Xander Bogaerts monster deal

Date: Thursday, Dec. 8

Source: Jeff Passan

Braves add Joe Jimenez to bullpen

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Atlanta Braves

The Braves swung a small trade for Tigers reliever Joe Jimenez, sending prospects Justyn-Henry Malloy and Jake Higginbotham to Detroit. Jimenez had the best season of his career out of the Tigers' bullpen in 2022 and will be a free-agent after 2023.

Red Sox add Japanese star

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

The Red Sox went international to bolster their lineup, agreeing to a five-year, $90 million deal with Masataka Yoshida. Yoshida was an on-base machine for the Orix Buffaloes and is still only 29 years old. Boston also had to pay a $15.4 million posting fee to land Yoshida's rights, so their total commitment is north of $100 million.

Aledmys Diaz signs with Athletics

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Joel Sherman

After winning the World Series with the Astros, Aledmys Diaz is staying the AL West. The Athletics are reportedly inking Diaz to a two-year deal worth around $14 million, per Joel Sherman.

Is Xander Bogaerts staying in Boston? 

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post / Peter Abraham, Boston Globe

Hours after their division rivals dug deep to retain a superstar free agent, the Red Sox may be doing the same. Jon Heyman reports the Sox are in "heavy discussions" to retain Xander Bogaerts, one of the elite shortstops on the open market. Peter Abraham says the Boston ownership group had a call with front office executives in San Diego for the Winter Meetings on Tuesday night, and the Sox are set to meet with Bogaerts' agent Scott Boras on Wednesday. 

Willson Contreras reaches deal with Cardinals

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

Longtime Cubs catcher Willson Contreras has absconded for a division rival. The Cardinals signed Contreras to a five-year contract worth $87.5 million, plugging their catcher hole after Yadier Molina's retirement.

Red Sox fill closer hole with Kenley Jansen 

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

After going closer-by-committee in 2022, the Red Sox are adding a seasoned arm to the back of their bullpen for 2023 in Kenley Jansen. Jeff Passan reports the former Dodgers and Braves closer has agreed to a two-year, $32 million deal with Boston. Tanner Houck, Matt Barnes and John Schreiber led the last-place Sox in saves last season with eight apiece while Jansen had an NL-leading 41 for Atlanta. 

Mets add more rotation help with Jose Quintana

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, The Athletic

The rotation hole left by the departure of Jacob deGrom, Taijuan Walker and presumably Chris Bassitt from Queens will be filled not only by Justin Verlander, but also veteran lefty Jose Quintana. The Athletic reports the longtime Chicago rotation fixture for both the White Sox and Cubs, who most recently impressed for St. Louis at the end of the 2022 season, has agreed to a two-year, $26 million deal with the Mets. 

Giants turn attention to high-profile shortstops

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Bob Nightengale, USA Today

After missing out on Aaron Judge, the Giants will turn their attention to the star shortstops on the market, Bob Nightengale reports. Carlos Correa, Xander Bogaerts and Dansby Swanson all are in line to sign hefty deals, albeit not as hefty as Judge's. 

Aaron Judge staying with Yankees on mega-deal

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 7

Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network / Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

The most anticipated news of the hot stove season dropped early Wednesday morning with Jon Morosi's report that Aaron Judge had agreed to return to the Yankees. Ken Rosenthal followed minutes later with the terms: nine years for $360 million. It's the third-highest total value for a deal in MLB history behind Mike Trout ($427 million) and Mookie Betts ($365 million) but has a higher average annual value than either of those contracts. 

MORE: Details of Aaron Judge's new Yankees deal and where it ranks all-time

Cubs closing in on Jameson Taillon

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com

The Cubs and starter Jameson Taillon are trying to finalize a deal, according to Mark Feinsand. Joel Sherman reports Taillon and the Cubs are meeting Tuesday night to try to reach the finish line.

Taillon had a few ups and downs with the Yankees in 2022, but he proved he can stay healthy and re-established his value. The Cubs already have a former Yankees prospect, Hayden Wesneski, slotted into their rotation and have been in the market for arms.

Phillies add to bullpen

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

Dave Dombrowski made another addition to the Phillies' pitching staff on Tuesday night, agreeing to a two-year, $15 million contract with reliever Matt Strahm. Strahm was a rare bright spot in the Red Sox' bullpen this past season cashes in with a deal that will pay him $7.5 million annually. Strahm joins Taijuan Walker as new additions to Philadelphia's staff on Tuesday.

Phillies land Taijuan Walker to fill out rotation

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Robert Murray, FanSided

The Phillies and starting pitcher Taijuan Walker agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract, according to Jon Heyman.

Walker is a major addition to a Phillies rotation thinned out by free agency behind Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. With Zach Eflin and Kyle Gibson headed elsewhere plus Noah Syndergaard on the open market, Philadelphia nabs Walker from an NL East rival for $18 million annually.

Giants bolster outfield, but not with Aaron Judge

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

The Giants and former Mariners outfielder Mitch Haniger have agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million contract, according to Jeff Passan.

While Giants fans are awaiting a decision from Aaron Judge, Haniger provides some much-needed power for San Francisco's lineup after hitting 39 home runs during his last full season in 2021. According to Jon Heyman and Ken Rosenthal, signing Haniger does not prevent the Giants from adding Judge.

Cubs add to outfield with former MVP Bellinger

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

The Cubs won the Cody Bellinger sweepstakes, handing the former NL MVP and 2017 Rookie of the Year a one-year, $17.5 million contract as first reported by Jon Heyman. 

Bellinger is coming off a pair of difficult seasons at the plate for the Dodgers and was non-tendered in November, but he reportedly had a busy market. Agent Scott Boras said he was seeking a one-year deal to prove himself, and the Cubs will give him that opportunity.

If Bellinger is able to regain some of his past form in Chicago's lineup, one has to wonder whether he could be a midseason trade candidate.

Rangers add to rotation again with Andrew Heaney

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic / Alden Gonzalez, ESPN

After their big-money move for Jacob deGrom last week, the Rangers added another rotation piece in agreeing to a two-year deal with lefty Andrew Heaney, Ken Rosenthal first reported. The deal has a total base salary of $25 million but could rise to $37 million with incentives, according to Alden Gonzalez. It also includes an opt-out after the 2023 season. 

Josh Bell headed to Cleveland

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

Josh Bell came up in the NL Central with the Pirates. After spending the last two seasons between Washington and San Diego, he's headed to the AL Central on a two-year deal with the Guardians. Jon Heyman reports the deal is worth a total of $33 million and includes an opt-out after the 2023 season. Bob Nightengale reports that salary is split evenly, $16.5 million per season. 

Cardinals eye Willson Contreras

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

The Cardinals are pondering a player they have seen plenty of over the years, Willson Contreras, as a possible Yadier Molina replacement. Jon Heyman reports St. Louis is among the favorites to land the longtime Cubs catcher as he hits the open market. The Astros also have been prominently mentioned as a possible landing spot. 

Pirates land veteran RHP Vince Velasquez

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Kiley McDaniel, ESPN / Robert Murray, FanSided

Pittsburgh has made a move to shore up its pitching staff, with Kiley McDaniel reporting the Pirates have a one-year deal with right-hander Vince Velasquez. The 30-year-old was a swingman for the White Sox last season, starting nine of his 27 appearances, and previously was a fixture in the Phillies' rotation. Robert Murray reports Velasquez will make $3.15 million.

Giants make giant offer to Aaron Judge

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

The feeling around baseball seems to be that Aaron Judge is likely to return to the Yankees, but the Giants seem set on making that decision as difficult as possible for the slugger. Jon Heyman reports San Francisco has made an offer in the range of $360 million, which would put him in discussion with Mookie Betts (12 years, $365M) for the second-largest MLB deal behind Mike Trout in total value, but the Yankees remain the favorites. 

Buffaloes post Yoshida

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jeff Passan, ESPN

The Orix Buffaloes of NPB have posted outfielder Masatako Yoshida, meaning he will have 30 days to sign with an MLB club. Yoshida is best known for his contact-heavy bat, and has hit 133 home runs over seven seasons in NPB.

Blue Jays in on big bat

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

The Blue Jays could be looking to lengthen their lineup by way of Cody Bellinger. Bellinger, former NL MVP, is coming off a few down years with the Dodgers and was non-tendered by the organization following the year. Bellinger is looking for a one-year, $20 million deal per Heyman.

Justin Turner talking with Dodgers, others

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Jon Heyman, New York Post

Justin Turner could be in line for a reunion with the Dodgers, but he's also speaking with the Marlins, Heyman reports.

Yankees bolster bullpen

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 6

Source: Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

The Yankees are bringing back a familiar face to strengthen their bullpen. Reliever Tommy Kahnle and the Yankees are in agreement on a two-year deal, per the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal. Jeff Passan reports the contract is worth $11.5 million. 

Cubs front office given green light to spend

Date: Monday, Dec. 5 

Source: David Kaplan, ESPN Chicago

After a few lean offseasons, the Cubs may be major players this winter. According to David Kaplan, the Ricketts family have given Jed Hoyer the "green light" to spend money to fix the team. We'll see what that amounts to.

AL West rivals could swing trade

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com

The Astros are looking for catching reinforcements, and an AL West rival could provide a solution. Mark Feinsand reports that Sean Murphy could be a solution for Houston. 

Giants feel good about Aaron Judge chances

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Farhan Zaidi, Giants president of baseball operations

The Giants feel like they're in a good spot with the Aaron Judge negotiations, per president Farhan Zaidi. That's a positive for San Francisco, who likely made a strong offer to bring Judge back out to the West Coast.

Aaron Judge in Tampa

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Aaron Judge in Tampa

It's not uncommon for MLB players to winter in Florida, but there might be reasons behind Aaron Judge's appearance in Florida. Judge was seen hanging out on the field prior to the Buccaneers-Saints "Monday Night Football" matchup, leading some to question why he's in Tampa when the Winter Meetings are in San Diego. Well, maybe he was there meeting with Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, who presumably has a home in Tampa — where Yankees facilities are — so maybe that's a 

Steinbrenner did, in fact, meet with Judge, so maybe there's more to it there. Or maybe he's just taking in a football game. Who knows?

Trade market for Liam Hendriks starting to materialize

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com

The White Sox may be fielding offers for reliever Liam Hendriks, per Mark Feinsand. Hendriks is due $14 million in 2023, as well as another $15 million in 2024 should he be traded. Hendriks also has a partial no-trade clause.

Yankees not offered last offer 'assurance' from Judge camp

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Brian Cashman, Yankees GM

The Yankees might have an opportunity to get a final offer in for Aaron Judge, according to Brian Cashman. The Yankees GM said that Judge's camp hasn't offered the "assurance" that the team will have an opportunity to beat an offer on the table for Judge, certainly heightening tensions between both sides.

Astros could strengthen backstop

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Dusty Baker, Astros manager

The Astros are coming off a season in which the catching position was among the worst in all of baseball. That could change in a hurry, according to Dusty Baker. Baker said that the team is in contact with Willson Contreras' camp, this after rumors that the Astros were targeting him around the trade deadline.

Blue Jays eyeing Bryan Reynolds

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

The Blue Jays are a team to watch in the Bryan Reynolds market, according to Morosi. They're looking to add some oomph to their outfield, but any offer would have to include one of their top two prospects to get a deal done.

Mets are eyeing Japanese starter Senga

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Jon Morosi, MLB Network

The Mets aren't done trying to upgrade their rotation, according to Jon Morosi. With the Metropolitans signing Justin Verlander, they're looking at Japanese starter Kodai Senga. Senga has posted a 2.59 ERA in 11 seasons in NPB. The Red Sox, Angels and Blue Jays are also expected to be in on Senga.

Yankees sign GM Brian Cashman to new deal

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Some had thought, or hoped, that the Yankees might make a change atop their front office structure after yet another playoff disappointment, but it appears that won't happen anytime soon. The team announced on the first full day of the Winter Meetings that GM Brian Cashman has signed a new deal through the 2026 season. 

Cashman, 55, began working for the franchise as an intern in 1986 and has been in charge of baseball operations since February 1998. He's the longest-serving GM in MLB. 

Trea Turner heads to Phillies on monster deal

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel, ESPN

The Trea Turner to the Phillies buzz that has pervaded for weeks turned out to have merit. The free agent shortstop has agreed to a deal with Philadelphia that will pay him $300 million over 11 years and includes a full no-trade clause, ESPN reports. 

Turner, 29, will return to the NL East and be reunited with former Nationals teammate Bryce Harper to terrorize Washington for years to come. He broke into the majors with the Nats in 2015 and played there until being traded to the Dodgers along with Max Scherzer in a July 2021 deadline deal. Turner was an All-Star in both seasons in LA and won the NL batting title in 2021. 

Twins open to trading Luis Arraez

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Dan Hayes, The Athletic

Reigning American League batting champ Luis Arraez could be on the move this offseason. Dan Hayes reports the Twins are open to trading Arraez "in the right deal" as they look to bolster their starting rotation. 

Hayes reports that the Rangers' five-year, $185 million deal with Jacob deGrom has the Twins' front office thinking they'll have better luck landing a top-end starting pitcher via trade than the open market, and the 25-year-old Arraez could be their most valuable chip. 

Justin Verlander signing with Mets

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

Source: Andy Martino, SNY

Justin Verlander is headed to Queens. The reigning AL Cy Young winner, who will turn 40 during spring training, has a two-year deal with the Mets that includes a vesting option for a third season, Andy Martino of SNY first reported. 

The deal is worth at least $86 million and includes a full no-trade clause, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. 

Dodgers make Clayton Kershaw return official

Date: Monday, Dec. 5

The Dodgers officially announced Clayton Kershaw will be back next season. Robert Murray of FanSided reported the veteran lefty will make $20 million in 2023, including a $5 million signing bonus. 

Yankees are in on Bryan Reynolds

Date: Sunday, Dec. 4

Source: Jason Mackey, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Yankees are looking to bolster the outfield, and Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds could be an option for them, according to Jason Mackey.

Reynolds recently requested a trade despite signing a two-year deal with Pittsburgh around the trade deadline this year, but he has two years of arbitration eligibility beyond 2023, making him for a very intriguing, controllable and productive player on the market. 

Athletics could be close to dealing Sean Murphy

Date: Sunday, Dec. 4

Source: Mark Feinsand, MLB.com

The Athletics appear ready to resume their roster blowup, this time shipping off their No. 1 catcher. Feinsand reports that mulitple teams are in the hunt for the 28-year-old Murphy but the Braves are not one of them, updating an earlier report.

Murphy hit a career-high 18 home runs for Oakland in 2022, a key component in his 122 wRC+. He won a Gold Glove in 2021.

Joe Rivera

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Joe Rivera is in his seventh year with The Sporting News, handling NFL, MLB and some things pro wrestling. A proud-ish Rutgers University graduate, Rivera combines a new-school flair with an old-school soul. He loves dingers, wrestling, comic books, movies, music and really bad puns. He is also a card-carrying BBWAA member and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater.

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