The 2025 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings began today in Orlando, marking the busiest four days of the offseason with trades, signings, and league events. All 30 clubs and top agents are attending, fueling rumors and negotiations. Key highlights include the Contemporary Era Hall of Fame vote and the 2026 Draft Lottery.
The Winter Meetings, held annually to facilitate offseason moves, started on December 7, 2025, in Orlando. This gathering draws all 30 MLB clubs and prominent agents, leading to a flurry of trades, free agent signings, and persistent rumors across team rosters.
One major event today is the Contemporary Era Hall of Fame Committee vote. The ballot features eight players, including former Mets Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, and Gary Sheffield, alongside Don Mattingly, Fernando Valenzuela, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Dale Murphy. Results are set to air at 7:30 p.m. ET on MLB Network.
The 2026 Draft Lottery, now in its fourth year, determines the top six picks among non-playoff teams, excluding the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, and Washington Nationals. The Rockies are ineligible after receiving lottery picks in 2024 and 2025, while the Angels and Nationals qualify as revenue-sharing payor clubs that cannot secure consecutive lottery selections. The lottery assigns four-number combinations based on win-loss records, with the New York Mets holding a 0.67% chance for the first overall pick due to their .512 winning percentage.
Wrapping up the meetings on Wednesday is the Rule 5 Draft. Eligible players not on a team's 40-man roster can be selected for $100,000 and must remain on the active roster for the season, barring minor league options. If waived and cleared, they return to their original team for $50,000. The Mets protected prospect Nick Morabito by adding him to their 40-man roster, avoiding potential loss. Their last notable Rule 5 acquisition was pitcher Sean Gilmartin in 2014. Teams without 40-man openings cannot participate.
Additional announcements during the meetings cover the Scout of the Year, BBWAA Excellence Award, and Ford C. Frick Award. Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen is nominated for the Frick Award for the second straight year.