Mets Daily January 8, 2026

Edward Cabrera is off the board. The Cubs landed him in a deadline-style prospect haul. For the Mets, that matters because it’s one less “mid-rotation upside with years of control” arm available… and it tightens the trade market fast.
The Freddy Peralta smoke is still real. Mets are one of the teams poking Milwaukee, and it makes sense: 17–6, 2.70 ERA, 204 K, and only $8M in 2026. That’s a cheat code for a team living in tax-land. The price is going to hurt, though.
Rotation shopping just got more expensive. Cabrera moving for a premium package is the Brewers’ favorite negotiating tactic. Milwaukee can now point at that deal and say, “Start there.”
The bullpen plan is clearer than the internet wants to admit. The Mets are building a “shorten the game” bullpen, not a “pray the starter goes 7” staff. Luke Weaver (3.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP) gives length and stability. Devin Williams (90 K in 62 IP) gives swing-and-miss, even if 2025 was messy.
The real question today: Do the Mets pay the Peralta tax (prospects + dollars + urgency), or do they keep hoarding flexibility and look for the next arm the market forgets?

Cubs got Cabrera. Big velocity, big upside, big “finally stayed on the mound enough” energy. That trade is going to echo through every pitcher negotiation for the next month.
Rockies signed Michael Lorenzen on a 1-year, $8M deal with a 2027 option. Colorado finally bought an inning-eater.
Blue Jays are pushing hard for Kyle Tucker. Toronto’s acting like a team that’s tired of “almost” and ready to light money on fire for a bat that travels in October.
Angels made it official with Kirby Yates on a 1-year, $5M deal. Another bullpen lottery ticket with real upside if the body cooperates.

Braves

Added outfield depth with DaShawn Keirsey Jr. on a minors deal. Defense/athleticism play, not a headline.

Phillies

Signed lefty Tucker Davidson to a minor league deal. Rotation depth, insurance, spring competition.

Marlins

Traded Edward Cabrera and kept rebuilding like it’s a personality trait.
Pete Fairbanks is still their late-inning anchor add this winter (power arm, high variance, very “welcome to Miami, now close”).

Nationals

Claimed Joey Wiemer off waivers. Legit glove, legit arm, real questions with the bat.

Gary Carter was elected to the Hall of Fame (January 8, 2003). Still one of the most beloved Mets ever, forever “The Kid.”
The Mets signed Dae-Sung Koo (January 8, 2005). Quiet move at the time, classic “depth matters” Mets offseason note.
Mike Cameron birthday check-in (born January 8). A Met for a blink, remembered for playing like his hair was on fire.

Freddy Peralta (2025): 17–6, 2.70 ERA, 204 K, 1.08 WHIP. If the Mets land him, it’s not “depth.” It’s a statement.
Luke Weaver (2025): 3.62 ERA, 64.2 IP, 1.02 WHIP. This is the kind of arm that keeps losing streaks from turning into funerals.
Devin Williams (2025): 90 K in 62 IP. The ERA was ugly, the bat-missing wasn’t. If the Mets’ pitching group stabilizes his command and usage, the ninth inning stops being a group therapy session.