Kyle Schwarber is now with Philadelphia, Beau Bichette has moved to Queens, and Kyle Tucker is joining the aiming for a three-peat championship.
Although some top free agents in baseball have found new homes, there are still opportunities for teams to strengthen their lineups before spring training begins. Key starting pitchers like Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt, Lucas Giolito, Zach Littell, and Max Scherzer remain unsigned. Additionally, intriguing trade possibilities exist, such as the Mariners possibly acquiring All-Star infielder Brendan Donovan or the Rangers adding starting pitcher Mackenzie Gore.
With the 2026 season fast approaching and pitchers and catchers heading to spring training in under two weeks, each team faces a crucial question before camp starts:
Baltimore Orioles: Despite an eventful offseason with acquisitions like Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Taylor Ward, and bolstering the rotation through trading for Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin, do the Orioles still lack a true ace after parting ways with Grayson Rodriguez?
Boston Red Sox: Following the unexpected free-agent departure of Alex Bregman (after Rafael Devers was traded to start him at third base in 2025), will the Red Sox leverage their surplus in outfielders—including Roman Anthony, Jalen Duran, Sedan Rafaela, and Wylier Abreu—to acquire a powerful infielder?
New York Yankees: With the offseason highlight being the return of Cody Bellinger, how will the pitching rotation shape up, especially as key pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clark Schmidt work back from injuries? The bullpen has also seen significant turnover.
Tampa Bay Rays: After a decline from 99 wins in 2023 to just 77 in 2025, are the Rays entering a transitional year despite reinforcing their farm system and adding players like Gavin Lux, Cedric Mullins, and Steven Matz? Can a healthy Shane McClanahan and other additions offset the loss of several key players?
Toronto Blue Jays: Despite pitching improvements, can Toronto’s offense perform effectively without Bo Bichette, who moved to Queens? The team hopes for a comeback from right fielder Anthony Santander to fill some offensive gaps.
Chicago White Sox: The signing of Japanese star Munetaka Murakami to a two-year, $34 million deal stands out this offseason. While his unprecedented power in Japan excites fans, questions about his adaptability and strikeout rate in the MLB persist.
Cleveland Guardians: With Jose Ramirez secured long-term but an offense that ranked near the bottom in key batting categories, can the Guardians’ young lineup and top prospects Chase DeLauter and Travis Bazana provide the needed offensive boost?
Detroit Tigers: The unresolved contract situation with righthander Tarik Skubal looms large. Arbitration hearings are forthcoming, with a significant pay gap potentially affecting his future with the team.
Kansas City Royals: After a last-place finish in outfield offensive metrics, the Royals hope signings like Lane Thomas and Cameron Meisner, alongside the development of top draft pick Jack Carianone, can revitalize their longstanding outfield struggles.
Minnesota Twins: With uncertainty surrounding starters Joe Ryan and Pablo López and a depleted bullpen due to last season’s trade deadline moves, can recent off-season additions Taylor Rodgers and Eric Oze stabilize the relief corps?
Oakland Athletics: Despite surprising last season, pitching challenges persist, especially after a quiet offseason. The team’s pitching ranked near the bottom in ERA and other key stats.
Houston Astros: With five quality infielders competing for four positions and no clear DH role that satisfies them all, will the Astros make a trade before Opening Day to resolve their infield logjam, especially involving stars like Isaac Paredes, Carlos Correa, Jeremy Pena, Jose Altuve, and Christian Walker?
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels took a scattershot approach in signing prospects and veterans to bounce back from underwhelming past seasons. Although promising names were added, adding a proven starter like Zac Gallen or Chris Bassitt could bring much-needed stability.
Seattle Mariners: After losing Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suarez, Seattle surprisingly remained quiet for months but recently moved to acquire infielder Brendan Donovan. This addition brings contact skills potentially offsetting the power lost in the infield and helping an offense struggling with frequent strikeouts.
Texas Rangers: Once a team that contended for titles in 2023, the Rangers have since struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom in OPS. The acquisition of Mackenzie Gore could boost their rotation, but much hinges on young players’ development including Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter, Josh Jung, and Josh Smith.
Atlanta Braves: After dominant offensive years, the Braves have seen performance declines and injuries across the roster. Healthier versions of key players may be necessary for them to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season.
New York Mets: After a dramatic offseason shake-up and the loss of longtime core players like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, the Mets have built a new nucleus around stars such as Bo Bichette and Freddy Peralta. The big question centers on how well these fresh parts mesh and whether they can reclaim the NL East crown.
Miami Marlins: Surpassing expectations last season, the Marlins face questions about their starting rotation after losing Edward Cabrera and trading Ryan Weathers. A combination of youth and veterans like Sandy Alcantara leads their rebuild, with hopes pinned on developing pitching prospects and adding position players.
Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies’ decision to trade Harrison Bader and immediately sign Adris Garcia shows a commitment to retooling the outfield around promising prospect Justin Crawford. How this reshaped outfield performs will have significant implications.
Washington Nationals: New front office moves signal a long-term rebuild with flexibility to trade players like CJ Abrams. Star outfielder James Wood is set to be a cornerstone for the franchise, but needs defensive improvements to fully realize his MVP potential.
Chicago Cubs: Bolstered by key signings including Alex Bregman and relief pitching reinforcements, the Cubs are perhaps better positioned than in recent years to challenge the NL Central-dominating Brewers.
Cincinnati Reds: After acquiring slugger Eugenio Suarez and hoping for production from versatile young player Elly De La Cruz, the Reds aim to improve a lineup that finished weak in home runs last season. Unlocking De La Cruz’s potential is crucial.
Milwaukee Brewers: Although trading Freddy Peralta leaves a hole, the Brewers rely on depth and internal options to maintain their division dominance, a formula that has yielded multiple NL Central titles recently.
Pittsburgh Pirates: While still a low-payroll team, the Pirates made notable moves to improve their offense, bringing in Ryan O’Hearn. Despite past futility at the plate, incremental improvement is expected, given their strong pitching foundation.
St. Louis Cardinals: Amid a rebuilding phase marked by releasing veterans and acquiring pitching prospects, the rise of infielder JJ Weatherholt could offer fans a glimpse of promising talent at spring training and beyond.
Arizona Diamondbacks: With a historically poor bullpen last season, the D-backs have focused on rotation improvements but still require significant help in relief to return to form after their 2023 World Series appearance.
Colorado Rockies: Under new leadership, the Rockies aim to recover from a dismal recent campaign. They are counting on bounce-back performances from underwhelming free-agent signings and hope experienced arms like Michael Lorenzen make a difference.
Los Angeles : Entering the season as favorites for a three-peat, the face concerns about an aging roster. The addition of Kyle Tucker not only boosts the present but also serves as a bridge to sustain future success.
San Diego Padres: After a solid 90-win season, the Padres had a quiet offseason. While the acquisition of Mason Miller helped offset closer Robert Suarez’s loss, questions remain around infield and rotation depth.
San Francisco Giants: Hiring Tony Vitello as manager marks a notable shift, accompanied by moves to improve pitching depth, outfield defense, and offensive firepower. Whether this new direction leads to immediate success remains to be seen.
Fan Take:
These offseasons shape the narrative for all 30 MLB teams and can dramatically impact the balance of power in the league. Baseball fans should watch closely, as player movements and front office strategies now set the stage for potentially thrilling, unpredictable battles in the 2026 season and beyond.
