Launchpad at the 2025 MLB Winter Meetings

The Launchpad team was thrilled to be a part of MLB Winter Meetings this year as a vendor at the Clubhouse Managers Association (CMA) Trade Show. 

Winter Meetings were abuzz with all sorts of headlines:  

• Free agency headlines led the way: One of the biggest storylines was Pete Alonso signing a massive five-year, $155 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, a move that shook up the NL East and marked a major departure from the New York Mets. Meanwhile, slugger Kyle Schwarber re-upped with the Philadelphia Phillies on a five-year, $150 million contract, making it one of the richest deals ever for a designated hitter. 
• Pitching market action stood out, too: Star closer Edwin Díaz agreed to a three-year, $69 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving them a huge late-inning boost as they build around their championship core. Veteran hurler Merrill Kelly also found a new home, returning to the Arizona Diamondbacks on a two-year deal, underscoring how teams valued experienced rotation arms even as the overall meetings were quieter than usual. 
• Other notable signings and moves: The Detroit Tigers added veteran closer Kenley Jansen, and the St. Louis Cardinals reportedly signed pitcher Dustin May, bringing more depth to bullpens and rotations league-wide. Additionally, the Mets began reshaping their roster by signing Jorge Polanco as they adjust to the loss of Alonso and Díaz, while trade talks involving players like Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte continued to simmer after the meetings wrapped.

While clubs were making deals, Launchpad was making waves at the CMA Trade Show

But that wasn’t all the club personnel were up to! Launchpad had the opportunity to meet dozens of Clubhouse Managers, Equipment Managers, former MLB players, and fellow vendors. As a Baltimore-native, I’m as excited about the feedback we heard as I am about the Pete Alonso signing. 

Here’s some of what they had to say: 

• “We’ve got players who use some of the other thumb guards because that’s what they know, but this one’s better. I’m going to put this in their hands.” 
• “The way this channel stabilizes the bat is crazy. I feel like my hand is totally locked in.” 
• “Dang, that feels good. Conforms perfectly to my hand and the bat - no discomfort at all and keeps the bat right where it should be.” 

Spring can’t come soon enough. We can’t wait to visit more with teams and players as they get geared up for the 2026 season.