MLB’s offseason has come to an finish. Gamers have arrived at spring coaching camps throughout Florida and Arizona. The 2026 season will probably be upon us shortly.
To welcome the game again for an additional season, Yardbarker’s staff of MLB writers obtained collectively to evaluate how groups dealt with their offseasons. Did golf equipment tackle all of their wants or fail to plug an apparent gap? It is time for every of them to get graded on their offseason.
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto (7)
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Photos
AL East
Baltimore Orioles | Grade: B+ | 2025 was a giant step again for the Orioles, and the staff got here into the offseason in search of a course correction. Including first baseman Pete Alonso, left fielder Taylor Ward, and utilityman Blaze Alexander will go a good distance in the direction of enhancing a lineup that will even profit from bounceback seasons by shortstop Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman. However did the birds do sufficient to handle their pitching workers with the additions of right-handers Chris Bassitt, Shane Baz, and Ryan Helsley?
Boston Purple Sox | Grade: A |
It didn’t at all times appear obvious, however Purple Sox president of baseball operations Craig Breslow had a plan for the staff’s offseason. Outdoors of being unable to retain Alex Bregman, Breslow appears to have executed it – bolstering the lineup with the additions of first baseman Willson Contreras and infielder Caleb Durbin, whereas creating room for Marcelo Mayer with out sacrificing any of the outfield depth; whereas additionally including right-handers Sonny Grey and Johan Oviedo, plus left-hander Ranger Suarez to elongate an already deep pitching workers.
New York Yankees | Grade: B- | The Yankees had a stable staff a season in the past, ending the common season tied with Toronto for the most effective document within the AL earlier than shedding to the Blue Jays within the Division Collection, however the membership has largely returned the identical roster this season, solely including left-hander Ryan Weathers to deepen a pitching workers that may get a midseason increase from Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón’s returns from damage. Given what the remainder of the division did within the offseason, it won’t be sufficient.
Tampa Bay Rays | Grade: D |
It has largely been a quiet offseason for the Rays. Peter Zelupski formally took over because the membership’s new proprietor late in September, however has remained principally silent within the months since concerning the staff’s future and what his plans are concerning payroll, improvement, and different areas through which the franchise has lagged behind the remainder of the game. The membership’s largest acquisition this offseason might have been renderings for a possible new stadium.
Toronto Blue Jays | Grade: A |
Toronto completed the 2025 season tied with New York for the most effective document within the AL, gained the division by advantage of its season collection outcomes towards the Yankees, after which rolled its method by way of the playoffs to achieve the World Collection, solely to lose the championship to Los Angeles in seven video games. Toronto responded by including right-handers Dylan Stop, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers to a proficient pitching workers, then introduced in third baseman Kazuma Okamoto to assist make up for the lack of Bo Bichette. The Jays will probably be a staff to take care of as soon as once more in 2026.
– Aaron Somers
Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Photos
AL Central
Chicago White Sox | Grade: A |
Though the White Sox are in the midst of their rebuild, they’ve added a number of intriguing items this offseason. Luisangel Acuna, acquired within the Luis Robert Jr. commerce, may very well be a dynamic choice atop the lineup. Munetaka Murakami provides wanted energy to the lineup, and several other additions to the pitching workers have made the White Sox higher. They might not be contenders simply but, however one thing is brewing in Chicago.
Cleveland Guardians | Grade: C |
The Guardians wanted to handle their lineup, however their largest transfer on that entrance concerned signing outfielder Stuart Fairchild to a minor league contract. Sure, Jose Ramirez signed one other extension, and the Guardians have a number of prospects on the cusp of the majors, however the lineup stays a weak spot.
Detroit Tigers | Grade: A- |
The shock addition of Framber Valdez arguably provides the Tigers the most effective rotation within the American League. Nevertheless, Tarik Skubal’s impending free company and questions at third base and shortstop stay. The Tigers stands out as the favorites to win the AL Central, however the lack of firepower within the lineup may very well be their undoing.
Kansas Metropolis Royals | Grade: C |
Just like the Guardians, the Royals wanted to improve the lineup. And, just like the Guardians, their largest transfer of the offseason was to lock up their third baseman to a long-term extension. The additions of Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins ought to assist the lineup to some extent, however neither actually strikes the needle by way of manufacturing.
Minnesota Twins | Grade: F | The Twins held on to pitchers Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan throughout the offseason as a result of they need to contend in 2026. Whereas the Twins mentioned they’d spend, their main additions had been first baseman Josh Bell and a slew of minor league contracts. Dropping Lopez for the season throughout his first simulated sport of spring coaching was a capstone for an offseason spent spinning their wheels.
– David Hill
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12)
Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Photos
AL West
Athletics | Grade: C+ |
The perfect exterior addition the A’s made this offseason was at second base, swapping Luis Urias for 2022 NL batting champ Jeff McNeil. The staff additionally earns excessive marks for extending core younger items in shortstop Jacob Wilson and outfielder Tyler Soderstrom, though the failure to enhance one of many league’s worst pitching staffs brings down its grade.
Houston Astros | Grade: B- |
Even with Framber Valdez’s departure, the Astros have beginning pitching depth after including former Pirates right-hander Mike Burrows, who had 97 strikeouts in 96 innings a season in the past, and Japanese standout Tatsuya Imai, who had a 1.92 ERA throughout 163.2 innings for Seibu within the JPPL in 2025. Joey Loperfido, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays, has upside within the outfield, however Houston’s lineup stays a possible legal responsibility, with essentially the most distinguished query at first base. The staff was unable to commerce Christian Walker, who struggled final season and is getting into Yr 2 of an onerous three-year, $60 million pact, making a bounce-back 2026 from the 11-year vet essential to the Astros returning to the playoffs for the tenth time in 12 seasons.
Los Angeles Angels | Grade: C- |
If the Angels get a season from offseason commerce acquisition Josh Lowe like his 2023, when he slashed .292/.335/.500 with 20 house runs (55 whole extra-base hits) in 135 video games, their offseason will look a lot better. That’s the most important drawback of L.A.’s winter, with the entrance workplace banking on its additions turning again the clock. Grayson Rodriguez, acquired in a commerce with the Baltimore Orioles for Taylor Ward, has 259 strikeouts in 238.2 innings however missed all of 2025 with an elbow damage, whereas reliever Jordan Romano has a 7.83 ERA in 56.1 innings over the previous two seasons after posting a 2.29 ERA in 200.2 innings from 2020-23.
Seattle Mariners | Grade: A |
Extending Josh Naylor, whom Seattle added every week earlier than the 2025 commerce deadline, was one in all a number of glorious strikes that ought to preserve the Mariners on the high of the AL West in 2026. The staff upgraded at second base by buying and selling for Brendan Donovan earlier this month, which created a possible spot for rising prospect Colt Emerson, one of many extra attention-grabbing gamers to trace throughout spring coaching, to crack the beginning lineup within the course of. The three-team deal for Donovan despatched 2025 third baseman Ben Williamson to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Emerson, The Athletic senior MLB author Keith Legislation’s No. 4 total prospect in 2026, might get an prolonged take a look at the nook infield place because of this.
Texas Rangers | Grade: B |
Swapping Adolis Garcia for Brandon Nimmo at this stage of their careers — each flip 33 in March — seems to be an improve. Nimmo is a extra constant batter, a necessity for a staff that squandered a superb season from its league-best pitching workers in 2025. The Rangers additionally improved their beginning rotation, swapping out growing older veteran Patrick Corbin for fellow southpaw MacKenzie Gore, who turns 27 on Feb. 24 and has a 4.03 ERA and 366 strikeouts over the previous two seasons.
– Eric Smithling
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (proper) and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (left)
Sam Navarro-Imagn Photos
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies | Grade: C | Regardless of re-signing slugger Kyle Schwarber and catcher J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies’ solely different offseason strikes had been to usher in Adolis Garcia and permit Ranger Suarez to depart in free company. Philadelphia is taking a giant gamble by counting on its younger prospects, Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter, to make an affect this season.
New York Mets | Grade: A | The Mets collapsed down the stretch final season (with a 28-37 document after the All-Star Break). The membership has finished nicely to show issues round this offseason, swapping out their lineup with a brand new defensive-minded core that features second baseman Marcus Semien, heart fielder Luis Robert Jr., and third baseman Bo Bichette. Including right-hander Freddy Peralta to the highest of the workers additionally helps preserve this staff on par with the Phillies.
Atlanta Braves | Grade: C | The Braves completed the season beneath .500 for the primary time since 2017, due to a number of accidents. The staff did little so as to add to the roster this offseason apart from bringing in reliever Robert Suarez and re-signing shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Accidents have already struck the staff once more, with Kim and right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep happening. The staff’s quiet offseason might come again to chew them.
Miami Marlins | Grade: B | Miami’s bullpen ranked twenty second in ERA (4.28) final season, making it an apparent space of want this offseason. The Marlins added veteran reliever Pete Fairbanks to the bullpen combine, however did little else on that entrance. Buying and selling starter Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs for a bundle of prospects led by outfielder Owen Caissie was a prudent transfer.
Washington Nationals | Grade: Inconclusive (attainable D) | The Nationals are in a interval of transition. Hiring Paul Toboni to exchange Mike Rizzo and bringing in Blake Butera to handle the membership might show to be the most important offseason additions. The Nationals will not have excessive expectations this season, however might want to see development from James Wooden, Jacob Younger, Dylan Crews, and CJ Abrams.
– Zachary Cariola
Chicago Cubs Alex Bregman
Rick Scuteri-Imagn Photos
NL Central
Chicago Cubs | Grade: B |
Chicago responded to shedding All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers with an aggressive offseason of their very own. The pair of key additions in 2025, All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman and RHP Edward Cabrera, sign a win-now strategy following a second-place end within the NL Central final season.
Cincinnati Reds | Grade: C |
Contemporary off its first postseason look since 2020, Cincinnati’s offseason felt extra like a reshuffle than a real improve. The lone headline transfer was bringing again 3B/DH Eugenio Suarez on a one-year, $15 million deal. If the rotation performs as much as expectations, the Reds might contend for a postseason spot for a second-straight season, however the middling offense didn’t get a lot of the wanted jolt.
Milwaukee Brewers | Grade: C+ |
Milwaukee took a number of huge hits, headlined by buying and selling away ace Freddy Peralta — fifth in NL Cy Younger final season — to the New York Mets and rookie third baseman Caleb Durbin – third in NL Rookie of the Yr — to the Boston Purple Sox. Some key items in return carry upside, nevertheless, together with two of the Mets’ top-five prospects, SS Jett Williams and RHP Brandon Sproat, plus further pitching assist from the Purple Sox in LHP Kyle Harrison and LHP Shane Drohan. With 3B Luis Rengifo acquired to probably exchange Durbin, Milwaukee’s 2026 outlook hinges on how the brand new items slot in.
Pittsburgh Pirates | Grade: B+ |
Ending final within the NL Central for a second-straight season, a big half was as a result of a large lack within the hitting division. Pittsburgh ranked final in MLB in house runs (117) — 31 lower than the next-lowest staff (St. Louis) — and close to the underside offensively with the NL’s lowest batting common (.231) and MLB-worst slugging share (.350) and OPS (.655). Making wanted additions, the Pirates introduced in 2025 All-Stars 1B Ryan O’Hearn and 2B Brandon Lowe, in addition to DH Marcel Ozuna, hoping to spice up a struggling offense.
St. Louis Cardinals | Grade: B- |
St. Louis has absolutely dedicated to a youth-driven reset, prioritizing a youthful roster even at the price of parting with established veterans, together with RHP Sonny Grey, INF Brendan Donovan, 1B Willson Contreras, and 3B Nolan Arenado. The short-term outlook for 2026 may very well be tough for St. Louis, however the Cardinals had been capable of bolster their pitching workers by including arms corresponding to RHP Hunter Dobbins, RHP Dustin Might, RHP Richard Fitts, and RHP Ryne Stanek.
– Taylor Bretl
Los Angeles Dodgers proper fielder Kyle Tucker (23)
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photos
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks | Grade: C+ |
The Diamondbacks salvaged their offseason by re-signing ace right-hander Zac Gallen after he discovered a tepid market in free company. To the shock of nobody, righty Merrill Kelly, a Phoenix-area native, returned after being traded to the Texas Rangers ultimately 12 months’s deadline. Signing Paul Sewald to be the nearer is a big gamble, as is including first baseman Carlos Santana and third baseman Nolan Arenado because the nook infielders.
Colorado Rockies | Grade: C |
Of their unending quest to construct a stable beginning rotation, the Rockies signed three veterans – left-hander Jose Quintana and right-handers Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano – to see if they will succeed at Coors Discipline. The offensive additions are depth items: utility participant Willi Castro, infielder Edouard Julien and outfielder Jake McCarthy. Julien is the one one who may have the ability to present long-term assist.
Los Angeles Dodgers | Grade: A+ |
The Dodgers didn’t appear to want any assist after profitable back-to-back World Collection. Nevertheless, Los Angeles made two additions that stamp it because the clear favourite to be the primary staff to win three in a row because the 1998-2000 New York Yankees. Proper fielder Kyle Tucker, who was the most effective participant on the free-agent market, was signed to a four-year, $260-million contract, and star nearer Edwin Diaz obtained three years and $69 million.
San Diego Padres | Grade: D |
Proper-hander German Marquez ought to profit from transferring to Petco Park from Coors Discipline. Nevertheless, designated hitter Miguel Andujar and disgruntled outfielder Nick Castellanos don’t actually transfer the needle. As an alternative, San Diego’s offseason was extra about who it misplaced in right-hander Dylan Stop, nearer Robert Suarez, first baseman Luis Arraez, and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn.
San Francisco Giants | Grade: C |
The Giants made essentially the most attention-grabbing supervisor rent of the winter by plucking Tony Vitello away from the College of Tennessee, the place he gained the Faculty World Collection in 2024. Nevertheless, their roster additions weren’t as attention-grabbing as they signed right-handers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, heart fielder Harrison Bader, and Arraez. San Francisco missed out on a giant bat and a frontline beginning pitcher.
– John Perrotto
