Halfway through the 2025 MLB offseason, teams are categorized into seven tiers based on their moves, from aggressive additions to rebuilding efforts. The Los Angeles Dodgers lead with a historic signing, while others like the St. Louis Cardinals signal a rebuild. Many clubs remain active as free agents and trade chips abound.
The MLB offseason, roughly halfway complete as of late December 2025, shows varied strategies among the 30 teams. Significant transactions have slowed during the Christmas-New Year's period, but four of the top five free agents and seven of the top 10 remain available, alongside major starting pitchers on the trade market.
In Tier 1, aggressively adding teams include the Los Angeles Dodgers, who signed reliever Edwin Díaz to the largest salary for a relief pitcher in history, maintaining their championship core. The Toronto Blue Jays built on their World Series return by acquiring Dylan Cease, signing Cody Ponce for $30 million, and adding Tyler Rogers. Baltimore Orioles traded for Taylor Ward, signed Pete Alonso and Ryan Helsley, and got Shane Baz from the Rays. Philadelphia Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber, added Brad Keller and Adolis García, and traded Matt Strahm.
Tier 2 teams are shaking it up: New York Mets swapped contracts like Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien, traded Jeff McNeil, signed Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver. Boston Red Sox completed 10 trades, including Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo, and Willson Contreras. Atlanta Braves re-signed Ha-Seong Kim and Raisel Iglesias, added Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, and Mauricio Dubón. Texas Rangers exchanged Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo, signed Danny Jansen and relievers. Pittsburgh Pirates traded Mike Burrows for Brandon Lowe and Johan Oviedo for Jhostynxon Garcia.
Tier 3 teams thread the needle: Milwaukee Brewers extended a qualifying offer to Brandon Woodruff and traded Isaac Collins for Angel Zerpa, pondering a Freddy Peralta deal. Houston Astros acquired Mike Burrows and may trade Isaac Paredes or Christian Walker. Kansas City Royals added Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, and Matt Strahm. Arizona Diamondbacks re-signed Merrill Kelly, added Michael Soroka, and consider trading Ketel Marte for Alex Bregman. San Diego Padres re-signed Michael King and signed Sung-Mun Song.
Lower tiers include running it back (Seattle Mariners re-signed Josh Naylor; Detroit Tigers signed Kenley Jansen and re-signed Gleyber Torres), lying in wait (New York Yankees re-signed minor players after losing Cody Bellinger), rebuilding (St. Louis Cardinals traded Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras; Tampa Bay Rays traded Brandon Lowe and Shane Baz), and half-measures (Minnesota Twins signed Josh Bell; Los Angeles Angels traded Taylor Ward for Grayson Rodriguez). This assessment highlights a league in flux, with spring training approaching.
