The baseball world descends upon Orlando, Florida this week as the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings officially begin on Monday, December 8, promising to deliver the kind of franchise-altering transactions that define the sport's offseason theater.

The hot stove has already been burning bright. The Toronto Blue Jays made a significant splash by signing right-hander Dylan Cease to a massive $210 million contract, a deal that includes $64 million in deferred payments extending all the way through 2046. It is the kind of creative financial structuring that has become increasingly common in modern baseball economics, allowing teams to land premium talent while managing their immediate payroll obligations.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays added outfielder Cedric Mullins on a $7 million deal, continuing their reputation for finding value and building competitive rosters through shrewd acquisitions.

But the real fireworks are expected to ignite once the meetings begin in earnest. Industry insiders have identified three teams as possessing the strongest trade capital heading into the week: the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Mariners, in particular, find themselves in an enviable position. With eight players currently ranked on the Top 100 Prospects list, Seattle has assembled the kind of prospect arsenal that makes them a prime trade partner for any team looking to reload with young talent. For a franchise that has struggled to break through in recent postseasons despite solid regular-season performances, the Winter Meetings present an opportunity to convert some of that prospect depth into proven major league contributors.

The Mets, never shy about making headlines, are reportedly in active pursuit of top-tier pitching. Their primary target appears to be Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the electric left-hander who has established himself as one of the game's premier starters. Adding Skubal to an already formidable Mets rotation would send a clear message about their championship intentions for 2026.

The Dodgers, as always, lurk as potential disruptors in any major transaction. With deep pockets and an aggressive front office, Los Angeles remains capable of pivoting toward any opportunity that might strengthen their pursuit of another World Series title.

Prospect trades are expected to dominate the conversation throughout the week, as teams balance the eternal tension between winning now and building for the future. The concentration of elite young talent across several organizations creates natural trade partners, with contenders looking to accelerate their timelines and rebuilding clubs seeking to stockpile the next generation of stars.

Adding to the weekend's drama, the Hall of Fame Contemporary Era committee will announce Sunday whether controversial candidates Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, or fan favorite Don Mattingly will earn induction into Cooperstown. The decision promises to reignite familiar debates about the steroid era's place in baseball history.

As executives, agents, and media converge on Orlando, the stage is set for a Winter Meetings that could reshape the competitive landscape for years to come. With major deals already completed and bigger ones potentially on the horizon, baseball fans have every reason to keep their eyes fixed on Florida this week.

The only certainty heading into Monday is that nothing is certain. In baseball's annual game of high-stakes chess, the next move could come from anywhere.