The MLB offseason is bustling with trades and signings that will significantly influence fantasy baseball drafts for 2026. As of early January, the movement of key players like J.T. Realmuto, Bo Bichette, and Framber Valdez continues to reshape fantasy rosters nationwide, making a close watch on these transactions essential for fantasy managers.
Throughout the winter meetings held in Orlando, Florida, from December 7 to 10, several pivotal deals were finalized, with many more expected as the new year progresses. Following this evolving landscape is crucial for fantasy players aiming to understand which athletes offer potential value in various league formats.
Impactful Offseason Moves by Position and Their Fantasy Implications
Catchers: Emerging Candidates and Team Changes
The Washington Nationals recently acquired Harry Ford from the Seattle Mariners, where he was blocked behind Cal Raleigh. Ford, a former No. 12 amateur draft pick in 2021, impressed with a 16% walk rate and a .408 OBP over 97 Triple-A games last season, signaling solid on-base skills meaningful for points leagues. His stolen base ability adds another layer of appeal for fantasy managers, albeit with questions about his power and defensive role as he might move away from catcher. Veteran names like J.T. Realmuto, Mitch Garver, and Christian Vazquez remain players to watch among catchers.
First Basemen: Veteran Signings and Power Upgrades
Ryan O’Hearn joined the Pittsburgh Pirates after a 2025 season where he combined 17 home runs for the Orioles and Padres, boasting a notable .832 OPS against left-handed pitchers. O’Hearn’s versatility to play first base, corner outfield, or designated hitter positions makes him a late-round pick candidate in many leagues despite the pitcher-friendly nature of Pittsburgh’s ballpark.
Willson Contreras landed in Boston from the Cardinals, shifting eligibility away from catcher, which has affected his fantasy value. With 20 home runs and 80 RBIs last season but a declining walk rate, Contreras’ move to Fenway Park’s favorable dimensions could boost his production amid a stronger lineup, keeping him relevant in fantasy drafts alongside players like Christian Walker and Spencer Torkelson.
Josh Bell signed with the Minnesota Twins, following a consistent 2025 where he hit 22 home runs and walked 57 times for the Nationals. Known for his contact approach and low strikeout rate, Bell remains a strong late-round target in deeper fantasy formats and could be available outside the top 400 overall picks.
After opting out from a previous contract with the Mets, Pete Alonso signed with the Baltimore Orioles, bringing much-needed power to a team lacking consistent home run hitters. Alonso’s previous six full seasons of 34+ home runs make him one of the premier power bats in the American League East, and Camden Yards‘ adjusted dimensions could enhance his long ball potential. His presence alongside emerging star Gunnar Henderson is expected to uplift the Orioles’ run production significantly.
Josh Naylor re-signed with the Seattle Mariners after a surprising 30 stolen bases and solid fantasy finishes last season. Seattle’s aggressive baserunning approach and pitcher-friendly Safeco Field create a mixed bag regarding power but position him as a top-10 fantasy first baseman with a credible chance of sustained value comparable to Freddie Freeman.
Other first basemen to monitor include Paul Goldschmidt and Rhys Hoskins, who remain key fantasy considerations depending on team roles and performance.
Second Basemen: Versatility and New Opportunities
Willi Castro’s signing with the Colorado Rockies adds positional flexibility to a team with a hitter-friendly home park, which could boost his batting average and run production despite his typical league-average status. His strong line-drive rate complements Coors Field’s spacious outfield and high BABIP environment.
The Oakland Athletics acquired Jeff McNeil from the Mets, positioning him as a regular second baseman in Sacramento’s hitter-friendly stadium. McNeil’s contact skills and expected playing time assure fantasy managers of steady production at this position.
Brandon Lowe moved to the Pittsburgh Pirates after a 2025 campaign with 31 home runs, the highest among middle infielders. His power against right-handed pitching is reliable, but a falling walk rate and durability issues temper enthusiasm. Despite Pittsburgh’s low team home run totals, Lowe should remain a valuable mid-range fantasy option, though not a top-100 pick.
Jorge Polanco signed with the New York Mets, likely to fill the void left by Pete Alonso’s departure. After a career-best 26 home runs and improved strikeout reduction in 2025, Polanco offers switch-hitting versatility and second base eligibility, making him an undervalued target entering 2026 drafts.
Marcus Semien also joined the Mets but comes off a disappointing year with diminished power and injuries. At age 36, his downward trend suggests limited draft appeal, though his defense and baserunning might preserve some value for deeper leagues.
Other notable second basemen generating buzz are Luis Arraez and Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Shortstops to Watch
While fewer significant offseason moves have occurred at shortstop, players like Bo Bichette and Luis Rengifo remain on fantasy radars for their continuing potential impact in 2026.
Third Base: High-Profile Trades and New Contracts
Nolan Arenado was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks by the Cardinals, bringing defensive prowess and a modest offensive outlook. Despite diminished power and batting average in 2025, Arenado’s consistency in lower strikeout and high contact rates maintains moderate points league appeal.
His acquisition aligns with the Diamondbacks’ plan to move prospect Jordan Lawlar to the outfield, as Lawlar offers upside via speed and eventual power potential, making him an intriguing fantasy investment over Arenado in some formats.
Alex Bregman signed with the Chicago Cubs, continuing his role as an underrated fantasy contributor known for excellent contact and plate discipline. Bregman’s stable lineup position should maintain consistent production, although roster moves involving Matt Shaw could affect playing time and eligibility options.
Kazuma Okamoto joined the Toronto Blue Jays on a four-year contract after a promising career in Japan, though an elbow injury limited him in 2025. Expected to contribute solid power numbers, Okamoto projects as a mid-tier draft option who will benefit from Toronto‘s hitting environment.
Munetaka Murakami, another top Japanese slugger, signed with the Chicago White Sox. Despite concerns about batting average and strikeouts, his power potential puts him within reach of top-200 players in many points leagues.
Continuing to monitor are Eugenio Suarez, Justin Turner, and Yoan Moncada as third base options with varied upside.
Outfield: Changing Landscapes and Emerging Stars
Josh Lowe moved to the Los Angeles Angels with hopes to rebound from recent injury issues. The more favorable hitting environment and increased opportunity make Lowe a name to watch for improvement, particularly in roto leagues.
Gavin Lux was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays from the Cincinnati Reds. Although initially listed at outfield-only, Lux is expected to transition to second base and leadoff hitter duties, with his contact-oriented profile and new ballpark likely sustaining steady if unspectacular fantasy value.
Kyle Tucker’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers significantly bolsters one of baseball’s most powerful lineups, joining teammates Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman. Tucker, returning from injury struggles in late 2025, is positioned to be a top-first-round pick due to volume, lineup quality, and park factors.
Adolis Garcia signed with the Philadelphia Phillies but comes off a career-low season in terms of OPS. Moving from Globe Life Field to a hitter-friendlier Citizens Bank Park could spur some bounce-back, though Garcia remains a deeper league consideration given recent trends.
Mike Yastrzemski joined the Atlanta Braves and continues to offer value in deeper leagues or five-outfielder formats thanks to his strong walk rates and consistent playing time. His historically low production against left-handed pitching suggests some platoon usage.
Cedric Mullins signed with the Tampa Bay Rays after an underwhelming 2025, but his power-speed mix maintains relevance in leagues with categories. Although a platoon approach is likely, Mullins could rebound marginally in batting average and counting stats.
Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Texas Rangers, expected to hit near the top of the lineup. Despite a dip in walk rate and the move to pitcher-friendly Globe Life Park, Nimmo’s on-base ability and modest power keep him as a reliable mid-round pick.
Taylor Ward moved to Baltimore from the Los Angeles Angels, bringing much-needed power to the Orioles after a career-high 36 home runs and solid walk totals. The improved supporting cast in Baltimore may offset any park-related disadvantages, making Ward a valuable fantasy bat likely selected in the middle rounds of drafts.
Other outfielders worth tracking include Cody Bellinger and Starling Marte.
Designated Hitters: Established Power Producers Returning
Kyle Schwarber re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for five years, following a dominant 2025 with a 56-home run season, a 14.9% walk rate, and consistent run production. Designated hitter-only in 2026, Schwarber remains an attractive early-round fantasy asset due to this reliable power and on-base combination.
Marcell Ozuna and Andrew McCutchen are additional DHs drawing some fantasy interest.
Starting Pitchers: Key Trades and Signings to Monitor
Ranger Suarez signed with the Boston Red Sox after a solid four-year tenure in Philadelphia, delivering a 3.38 ERA and 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings despite limited durability. Suarez is projected as a top-50 starter with consistent fantasy point contributions, though volume may be constrained.
Ryan Weathers joined the New York Yankees, offering left-handed pitching depth with potential Opening Day opportunities, especially with injury concerns affecting other starters.
Chicago Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from Miami, hoping his recent improved walk rates and strikeout ability will translate into a reliable fantasy starter. His split between Miami’s pitcher-friendly park and road games introduces some risk.
Tatsuya Imai signed a three-year deal with the Houston Astros, bringing his impressive 1.92 ERA and high strikeout rates from Japan’s Seibu Lions. Scouts rate him as a potential mid-rotation starter, though uncertainty remains regarding adaptation to MLB hitters and a tougher hitting environment.
Shane Baz was traded to the Baltimore Orioles after undergoing recovery from two elbow surgeries, showing promising velocity and peripheral stats despite a 4.87 ERA last year. Health permitting, Baz has breakout potential as a 2026 fantasy starter.
Johan Oviedo was acquired by Boston from the Pittsburgh Pirates, offering upside as a back-end rotation candidate with a more strikeout-oriented approach post-Tommy John surgery, though control issues and consistency remain concerns.
Cody Ponce signed a three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays following remarkable success overseas, including a KBO MVP and Cy Young equivalent. Though adjustments will be necessary, Ponce’s enhanced pitch arsenal and velocity make him a late-round sleeper in drafts.
Dylan Cease also moved to Toronto, known for his strikeout prowess and durability, though his inconsistent ERA and WHIP create uncertainty despite solid fantasy volume.
Sonny Gray was traded to Boston, maintaining a solid track record with 14 wins and over 200 strikeouts in 2025 despite some late-season struggles in velocity and home runs allowed.
Grayson Rodriguez was traded to the Los Angeles Angels after missing the entire 2025 season due to injuries. Once a top prospect, Rodriguez’s health and performance will be closely monitored as he attempts a return to form.
Other starting pitchers drawing attention include Framber Valdez, Lucas Giolito, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Zac Gallen, and Chris Bassitt.
Relief Pitchers: Bullpen Upgrades and Fantasy Closer Races
Angels signed Kirby Yates to bolster a struggling bullpen, reuniting him with coach Mike Maddux following his successful 2024 comeback. If healthy, Yates could rise to a top-25 fantasy reliever by the start of the season.
Pete Fairbanks joined the Miami Marlins and is expected to assume closing duties, provided he maintains health and strikeout effectiveness. Fairbanks offers valuable save potential but is not among the top-tier closers.
Kenley Jansen, now with the Detroit Tigers, continues to produce solid fantasy numbers despite being in the twilight of his career. His 2025 performance was his best since 2021, making him a reliable middle-round relief pick.
Robert Suarez signed a three-year deal with the Atlanta Braves after leading the National League in saves for the Padres. Role clarity with veteran Raisel Iglesias remains pending but Suarez’s skill set ensures upside as a top relief option.
Edwin Diaz secured a three-year contract with the Dodgers, likely serving as their primary closer and benefiting from a high-scoring offense projected to provide numerous save opportunities. Diaz finished fourth among relievers in 2025 fantasy points and is expected to remain a fantasy elite reliever alongside names like Josh Hader and Andres Munoz.
Devin Williams signed with the Mets to fill the closer void left by Diaz’s departure. Despite a down 2025, Williams’ improved late-season performance and favorable pitcher-friendly home park indicate potential bounce-back upside and top-10 positional draft value.
Ryan Helsley inked a deal with the Orioles, aiming to return to his form as a high-strikeout closer despite a poor stint with the Mets last season. With teammate Felix Bautista unavailable for 2026, Helsley is positioned to capture the closer role and offers meaningful upside for fantasy managers.
Why These Moves Matter for Fantasy Baseball in 2026
This flurry of offseason activity fundamentally alters team dynamics across MLB, with major fantasy implications. The shifts in player roles, team ballpark factors, and individual health statuses require fantasy managers to stay vigilant and adjust draft strategies accordingly.
Players like Kyle Tucker joining Los Angeles and Pete Alonso moving to Baltimore inject star power into premium lineups, while mid-tier players such as Jorge Polanco and Willi Castro offer upside through positional versatility and playing time. Meanwhile, the influx of international pitching talent like Tatsuya Imai and Cody Ponce opens new doors for late-round draft gambles.
Relief pitching remains as unpredictable as ever, but investments in rebounds like Devin Williams or new opportunities for proven closers such as Edwin Diaz could define league-winning strategies. The emphasis on staying ahead of roster changes during the hot stove season cannot be overstated as managers build rosters for what promises to be an intense 2026 fantasy baseball campaign.
