The MLB offseason has concluded with most top free agents secured and players preparing for spring training at sites in Florida and Arizona. As teams ready for the upcoming season, it’s clear that the offseason’s defining factor was not total spending, but which organizations acted swiftly and decisively to improve their rosters. This analysis evaluates which teams advanced, which fell behind, and which remain uncertain as the league approaches the 2026 campaign.
Teams Emerging Strong from the Offseason
The Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off a narrow World Series loss to the Dodgers, maintained momentum by aggressively strengthening their roster. The standout move was signing pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. While they parted ways with longtime shortstop Bo Bichette and missed out on Kyle Tucker, Toronto added Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto on a four-year, $60 million deal, veteran reliever Tyler Rogers for three years at $37 million, and KBO rising star Cody Ponce on a three-year, $40 million contract. Despite some injury worries during spring training, the Blue Jays appear motivated to complete their quest for the championship in 2026.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, under pressure to maximize their current championship window, made significant moves, most notably signing closer Edwin Díaz from the Mets to a three-year, $69 million deal. They then stunned the league by securing outfielder Kyle Tucker to a historic four-year, $240 million contract, the richest average annual value ever. With stars like Shohei Ohtani on the roster, the Dodgers clearly signaled their intent to compete at the highest level amid looming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) discussions.
The Baltimore Orioles, recovering from a disappointing 2025 season, made impactful additions in free agency and trades. Their headline acquisition was Pete Alonso, who signed a massive five-year, $155 million contract. Baltimore also traded for Shane Baz and Taylor Ward, and signed closer Ryan Helsley for two years at $28 million to replace Félix Bautista, who will miss 2026 after shoulder surgery. The Orioles start the next chapter with new manager Craig Albernaz, who arrives from the Guardians.
The New York Mets underwent a significant overhaul after missing the playoffs with an 83-win season. Despite criticism over losing Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso to other teams, general manager David Stearns made bold moves by signing shortstop Bo Bichette from the Philadelphia Phillies and acquiring starting pitcher Freddy Peralta. Other notable additions include veterans Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver. While the roster still requires adjustment, the Mets have assembled a competitive and revamped lineup.
Chicago Cubs fans can look forward to an upgraded roster following their signing of Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract. The team also enhanced its rotation by obtaining Edward Cabrera and improved its bullpen with new arms such as Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, and Hoby Milner. Positioned as frontrunners in the National League Central, the Cubs make a statement with these moves as the Milwaukee Brewers rebuild.
The Detroit Tigers proved to be unexpected winners late in the offseason. After arbitration challenges with Tarik Skubal, Detroit capitalized on the available window by signing Framber Valdez and veteran Justin Verlander to strengthen their rotation. With Reese Olson sidelined due to shoulder surgery, this depth is critical. The Tigers’ batting lineup remains consistent, but prospect Kevin McGonigle promises to be a future impact player. Entering 2026, Detroit looks like the top contender in the American League Central.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Pirates, who struggled offensively last season, took steps toward improvement by adding Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna. While these additions might not push them into playoff contention immediately, they indicate a commitment to growth with Paul Skenes leading their pitching prospects.
Teams That Lost Ground Over the Offseason
The Philadelphia Phillies sit in a challenging spot despite retaining Kyle Schwarber. They lost key pitcher Ranger Suárez to the Red Sox and failed to sign coveted shortstop Bo Bichette, who chose the Mets—a move Phillies president Dave Dombrowski called a “gut punch.” J.T. Realmuto returns, and new additions include Adolis García and Brad Keller, but overall, Philadelphia’s offseason fell short of expectations. Still, they remain favorites to win the National League East due to their solid core and promising young talent.
The Minnesota Twins endured a tough offseason marked by minimal spending and organizational upheaval. Following a disappointing trade deadline last summer, they parted ways with general manager Derek Falvey in late January. Their biggest free-agent signing was Josh Bell, supplemented by catcher Victor Caratini and the return of reliever Taylor Rogers. With a new manager, Derek Shelton, tasked with stabilizing the clubhouse, the Twins enter the new season facing uncertainty and a rebuilding phase.
The Milwaukee Brewers continue their pattern of trading star players, this time sending Freddy Peralta to the Mets. Despite these losses, the team made moves to fill gaps by trading promising rookies Isaac Collins and Caleb Durbin and retaining Brandon Woodruff. While cautious optimism exists that they might repeat as NL Central champions, the margin for error is slim given the roster’s diminishing depth and talent.
Teams Holding Steady but Without Clear Direction
The Boston Red Sox had a mixed offseason, enhancing their pitching rotation with the signings of Ranger Suárez and Sonny Gray. However, they missed out on key free agents Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber and lost Alex Bregman to the Cubs. With hopes pinned on healthy seasons from Roman Anthony and contributions from Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin, the Red Sox enter the year hoping to balance their roster, though power hitting remains a concern.
Yankees fans may feel underwhelmed as the team largely retained its previous core after signing Cody Bellinger. Though the Yankees won 94 games last year, their offseason lacked marquee additions aside from rotation depth from Ryan Weathers. Gerrit Cole is expected back during the season, leaving the roster to rely on last year’s foundation while seeking incremental improvements.
The San Diego Padres remain competitive but with limited payroll flexibility. Returning players Michael King and Joe Musgrove help solidify the pitching staff, but the team’s offseason brought in few external reinforcements, such as Korean infielder Sung-Mun Song and Miguel Andujar. Ownership uncertainties and aggressive trading led by A.J. Preller have left the farm system thin, and trade talks offered no significant payroll relief heading into the season.
Teams with Uncertain Outcomes from Their Offseason Moves
The St. Louis Cardinals took a decisive step toward rebuilding by trading away veterans like Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan. Led by baseball operations head Chaim Bloom, the team adjusts to financial realities that come amid a changing television contract landscape reducing revenue streams. Bloom’s youth-focused plan aims to phase out an aging and flawed roster in favor of long-term success, but results will likely take multiple seasons to materialize.
