As spring training approaches, the MLB offseason has concluded with notable successes and shortcomings for several teams and figures. The Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers, and agent Scott Boras emerged as winners through key acquisitions, while the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Major League Baseball itself faced disappointments. These moves have reshaped rosters and heightened concerns about financial disparities.
The MLB offseason delivered a mix of blockbuster trades and free-agent signings, particularly in late January, setting the stage for the 2026 season. Among the standout winners, Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs made pivotal additions, acquiring right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins and signing All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal. These moves, alongside bullpen enhancements, position the Cubs as NL Central frontrunners and serious National League contenders, building on their 2025 NLDS appearance.
The New York Mets, under pressure after missing the postseason despite a $765 million investment in Juan Soto, turned their winter around. They traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien, signed infielder Jorge Polanco and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, then secured Bo Bichette on a three-year, $126 million contract and outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox. Their biggest coup was trading for ace Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers, fulfilling their starting pitching needs.
Toronto Blue Jays, fresh off a World Series run, bolstered their rotation with Dylan Cease's seven-year, $210 million signing and Cody Ponce's three-year, $30 million deal, while adding Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto to boost offense. Though they missed Kyle Tucker, these steps make them AL favorites.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, back-to-back champions, signed closer Edwin Díaz and outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million pact, addressing key gaps with star power. Agent Scott Boras excelled, securing $966.5 million in contracts for clients like Pete Alonso (five-year, $155 million with Orioles), Bregman, and others.
Conversely, the Philadelphia Phillies re-signed Kyle Schwarber for five years at $150 million, added Adolís García and Brad Keller, but lost Bo Bichette to the Mets and Ranger Suárez to Boston, leaving outfield and rotation issues unresolved. Boston Red Sox added Sonny Gray, Ranger Suárez, and Willson Contreras, but failed to retain Bregman and neglected offense amid outfield congestion. Detroit Tigers made minor moves like re-signing Kyle Finnegan and adding Kenley Jansen, risking Tarik Skubal's future in a weak division. Broader concerns loom for MLB, with the Dodgers' spending exacerbating financial divides ahead of the 2026 CBA expiration, potentially leading to a lockout.
