Much of the baseball attention over the last few days went towards the big free agents and the big trade targets. However, the 2025 Winter Meetings saw other moves take place. The Rays are on the verge of adding a left-hander to their group, while a former Padre found a home in Japan. Here’s a recap of what else went down over the past few days.
Tampa gets Matz
While not official yet, the Rays appear to be adding pitcher Steven Matz via free agency. Per reports (h/t MLB.com), the Rays will add Matz on a two-year deal worth $15MM in total.
Traditionally a starter, Matz worked almost exclusively as a relief pitcher in 2025. The 34-year-old only started two games last season, split between the Cardinals and Red Sox.
A heavy sinkerballer, Matz pounds the zone with regularity; he only walked 11 over 76 innings last year. Additionally, Matz worked with a curveball and changeup as his primary secondary offerings.
Additionally, the Rays traded pitcher Yoniel Curet to the Phillies.
Reynolds and McCusker to Asia
Aside from the Matz move, there were other signings, including one non-MLB related. Sean Reynolds, who pitched parts of two seasons with the Padres (2024-25), will join the Yokohama Bayhawks of the NPB, per the New York Post.
The Twins, meanwhile, released outfielder Carson McCusker. It’s expected that he will go play in Asia next season.
McCusker, an undrafted free agent pickup by the Twins, tore up the Minors this past season and forced his way to the Majors in 2025. However, he slashed .172/.200/.172 with 16 strikeouts over 30 plate appearances in limited action with the Twins.
Other moves
Here’s a look at other moves made during the Winter Meetings:
- The Orioles claimed Josh Walker off waivers on December 10. Additionally, the team DFA’d catcher Drew Romo. Romo was claimed off waivers last week.
- Texas signed utilityman Tyler Wade and infielder Andrew Velazquez to a Minor League deal.
- Boston traded Vaughn Grissom to the Angels for outfield prospect Isaiah Jackson. Grissom, acquired in the Chris Sale trade nearly two years ago, hit 13 home runs and 37 extra-base hits over 96 games with Triple-A Worcester in 2025. He did not play in the Majors last year.
- The Padres signed pitcher Evan Fitterer to a Minor League deal.
- Carl Edwards Jr. signed a Minor League deal with the Mets.
- Colorado signed infielder Nicky Lopez to a Minor League deal.
Check out more of our MLB coverage, including dives into the signings of Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, and Edwin Diaz.