As the MLB offseason winds down, most prominent free agents have found new teams, and players are beginning their preparations for spring training in Florida and Arizona. With the sounds of mitts and bats ringing out once more, it’s the perfect moment to review the key developments of the MLB Hot Stove period.
This offseason was less about which teams splurged the most and more about which organizations acted decisively versus those that hesitated. Various factors contribute to this divide, and it is expected to deepen as the league nears the expiration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). For now, the question remains: Which teams propelled themselves forward, which faltered, and which players don’t fit neatly into either group? Let’s take a closer look.
Offseason Winners
Toronto Blue Jays
Coming off a narrow loss to the in the World Series, the Blue Jays maintained their momentum with an assertive offseason. Their headline move was locking up Dylan Cease on a seven-year, $210 million deal. Though they parted ways with longtime shortstop Bo Bichette and missed out on Kyle Tucker, they bolstered their lineup by signing Kazuma Okamoto from Japan for four years at $60 million, along with veteran relievers Tyler Rodgers ($37M/3 years) and KBO standout Cody Ponce ($40M/3 years). Despite injury challenges this spring, the Blue Jays seem ready to compete hard in 2026.
Los Angeles
The made headlines, though some fans outside of Los Angeles remained skeptical. They addressed late-inning pitching needs by signing Edwin Diaz from the Mets to a $69 million deal over three years. Next, they surprised many with a historic four-year, $240 million contract for outfielder Kyle Tucker, the highest average annual value ever given to a free agent. With a contentious CBA looming, Los Angeles is investing heavily to capitalize on its championship window featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani.
Baltimore Orioles
After a disappointing 2025, the Orioles were determined to bounce back this offseason. Their major signing was first baseman Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million contract. They also acquired Shane Baz and Taylor Ward through trades and brought in closer Ryan Helsley ($28 million/2 years) to replace Felix Bautista, who is out for 2026 after shoulder surgery. New manager Craig Albanaz arrived from the Guardians, adding fresh leadership.
New York Mets
Following an 83-win season that fell short of the playoffs, the Mets underwent a dramatic transformation under David Stearns. Though criticized for letting Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso sign elsewhere, Stearns rebounded by acquiring Bo Bichette from Philadelphia and bringing in pitcher Freddy Peralta to strengthen the rotation. Key additions now include Marcus Semien, Luis Robert Jr., Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver. While the team is still coming together, it looks formidable on paper.
Chicago Cubs
While Kyle Tucker opted for the , the Cubs made a bold statement by signing Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract and improving their rotation by trading for Edward Cabrera. They also revamped the bullpen with acquisitions such as Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, and Hobie Milner. As the Brewers make adjustments, the Cubs have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the National League Central crown.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers finished the offseason strong after some early uncertainty, particularly over arbitration with Tarik Skubal. They capitalized on Skubal’s one-year deal to add pitchers Framber Valdez and Tigers legend Justin Verlander. With Reese Olson sidelined for the season due to shoulder surgery, bolstering rotation depth was crucial. While the lineup remains largely unchanged, rising star Kevin McGonigle emerged as an exciting contributor. The Tigers enter 2026 as favorites to win the American League Central.
Honorable Mention: Pittsburgh Pirates
Coming off a season where they ranked last in scoring, the Pirates made notable additions including Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Marcell Ozuna. While these moves may not be enough to compete for a playoff spot, they demonstrate a willingness to improve with Paul Skeens still in the roster mix.
Offseason Losers
Philadelphia Phillies
Though the Phillies retained Kyle Schwarber, they lost key pieces like Ranger Suarez, who signed with the Red Sox, and missed out on coveted free agent Bo Bichette, who was traded to the Mets—a move described by Phillies president Dave Dombrowski as a “gut punch.” JT Realmuto remains, but the only significant new additions were Adolis García and Brad Keller. With Joán Durán sidelined for a year, the Phillies face a tough challenge despite being favorites to win the NL East.
Minnesota Twins
Following a disappointing slump last summer, the Twins barely spent this offseason as ownership tried to maintain fiscal stability. GM Derek Falvey and the team parted ways in late January. The biggest signing was Josh Bell, with Victor Caratini returning as a catcher and Taylor Rodgers bolstering the bullpen. The team faces a difficult transition under new manager Derek Shelton.
Milwaukee Brewers
While the Brewers could again claim the NL Central, the offseason raised questions about sustainability. They traded star Freddy Peralta to the Mets and dealt promising rookies Isaac Paredes and Caleb Durbin to address roster needs. Brandon Woodruff’s return is encouraging, but the margin for error is slim moving forward.
Stuck in Neutral
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox bolstered their rotation with free-agent signings Ranger Suárez and Sonny Gray but failed to land top targets Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber and lost Alex Bregman to the Cubs. The infusions of Willson Contreras and Caleb Durbin offer some help but fall short of fan expectations.
New York Yankees
Retaining Cody Bellinger was a positive, but otherwise the roster feels mostly unchanged from last year. The Yankees posted 94 wins in 2025, so stability might not be disastrous. The rotation includes Ryan Weathers and expects Gerrit Cole back, but overall the offseason lacked excitement.
San Diego Padres
The Padres are ready to compete with Michael King and Joe Musgrove returning from injury, yet the ownership situation remains unsettled. Salaries remain flat, and prospects were limited after trading AJ Preller. Their most notable additions were Korean infielders Son Sung-min and Miguel Andújar, without major salary moves.
Too Early to Tell
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals continued their shift by trading veterans like Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, and Brendan Donovan. Led by Chaim Bloom, the club faces lower revenues from TV deals and is reshaping an aging roster. Though these moves are prudent, it will take time to see their impact.
Fan Take
This offseason’s shakeups signal a pivotal moment for MLB, highlighting a divide between teams eager for immediate success and those preparing for longer-term rebuilding. For baseball fans, these moves not only set the stage for an exciting 2026 season but also illustrate the sport’s evolving landscape amid looming labor negotiations and changing economic realities.
