What's Next: How Top MLB Signings and Trades Affect New Teams, Free Agency

When a free agent signs a new deal or a big-name player gets traded, there's always a big question everyone will ask: What's next?

A player's new deal will have ramifications for his team (whether it's a new one) and the overall free agency market. The same goes when a top player gets traded to a ring-chasing contender or a rebuilding club. 

We're breaking down all angles of the notable MLB deals as the offseason rolls on. And check out who we think are the top 30 free agents of the offseason.

JUMP TO: Alonso | Cease | Díaz | Gray | Grisham | Naylor | Semien/Nimmo | Schwarber | Torres | Williams

1B Pete Alonso Signs with Orioles

(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

A year ago, Alonso was unable to secure the long-term deal from the only MLB team he had ever played for after coming off a down year by his standards. Now the winter of change continues in Queens, leaving an already distressed Mets fanbase wondering what their team has cooking coming off a highly disappointing 2025 season. READ MORE.

RHP Dylan Cease Signs with Blue Jays

(Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

The top starting pitcher on the market this winter, Cease eclipsed more than 200 strikeouts and at least 32 starts in each of the past five seasons. These days, that type of durability is unheard of. Will it be worth the massive seven-year, $210 million contract that will take him through his age-36 season? READ MORE.

RHP Edwin Díaz Signs with Dodgers

 (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

Three-peat already sealed? For the second straight winter, the top closer on the market is bound for Los Angeles as longtime Mets closer Edwin Díaz agreed to a three-year, $69 million deal with the Dodgers. By offering Díaz the highest average annual value ever for a reliever, the Dodgers managed to fill their most obvious need and secure one of the game’s most overpowering late-inning arms without needing to offer a fourth or fifth year. READ MORE.

RHP Sonny Gray Traded to Red Sox

(Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

The Red Sox have added another former AL Cy Young runner-up to pair with Garrett Crochet, but still work to do in bolstering the bullpen and adding another impact bat with third baseman Alex Bregman now a free agent. Meanwhile the Cardinals try to get back on track after missing the playoffs each of the last three years and making it no further than the wild-card round over the past six years. READ MORE. 

CF Trent Grisham Re-Signs with Yankees

(Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

A return on a one-year, $22 million deal means the Yankees aren’t confident that their prospects are ready to take the next step as everyday contributors at the major-league level. Grisham also gives the team a parachute in case it does not sign a top free-agent outfielder this winter. What's next for the Yankees and the other top free agent center fielders? READ MORE. 

3B Josh Naylor Re-Signs with Mariners

(Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Mariners general manager Justin Hollander described Naylor as one of the smartest players he has ever had. Naylor’s perfect 19-for-19 mark on stolen bases in Seattle was an example of that. Despite being one of MLB's slowest players, Naylor enjoyed a 20-30 season despite having never stolen more than 10 bases in a season — a credit to his baseball IQ. What's next for the Mariners? READ MORE. 

SS Marcus Semien to Mets/OF Brandon Nimmo to Rangers

Brandon Nimmo was the longest-tenured Met before he agreed to waive his no-trade clause, authorizing the club to send him to Texas in exchange for veteran All-Star infielder Marcus Semien. The shocking trade removed a clubhouse leader and fan favorite from New York, but added a defensive upgrade with a championship pedigree at second base. READ MORE.

DH Kyle Schwarber Re-Signs with Phillies

(Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Re-signing Schwarber was the team’s top priority this winter, and it’s impossible to overstate how crucial it was that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski got the deal done. It would’ve been difficult to map out a pivot for the Phillies had Schwarber signed elsewhere, both in terms of talent and significance to the fan base. READ MORE.

2B Gleyber Torres Re-Signs with Tigers

(Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

Coming off hernia surgery, Torres expected to be ready for spring training. It must mean the Tigers feel good enough about the second baseman's recovery to make him the second-highest paid player for the upcoming season behind All-Star slugger Javier Baez. What's next for the Tigers, keeping Tarik Skubal, and the other top second basemen? READ MORE. 

RHP Devin Williams Signs with Mets

(Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Williams is a former Rookie of the Year and two-time recipient of the National League Reliever of the Year award. Despite his rocky season with the Yankees, his strikeout rate remained elite. The Mets, for their part, are aiming to correct both of those departments while trying to retain All-Star closer Edwin Diaz. READ MORE. 

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