As Major League Baseball closes the book on a challenging 2025, six teams are optimistic about rebounding in 2026 with young talent and strategic offseason moves. From the Athletics' promising hitters to the Pirates' build around ace Paul Skenes, these clubs aim to reverse recent fortunes. Key players across the league, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Elly De La Cruz, could define the upcoming campaign.
The 2025 MLB season featured standout performances, but for several teams, it ended in disappointment, prompting renewed hope for 2026. The Oakland Athletics finished 76-86, fourth in the AL West, in their first year in West Sacramento. Despite 86 losses, they boast an exciting group of young hitters under 25, including AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, Tyler Soderstrom, Jacob Wilson, Lawrence Butler, Max Muncy, and Denzel Clarke. Brent Rooker, 31 and signed long-term, along with new addition Jeff McNeil, bolsters the lineup. The Athletics added reliever Mark Leiter Jr. but need pitching depth to reach .500 or better.
The Atlanta Braves also went 76-86, fourth in the NL East, hampered by injuries and a 0-7 start. Pitching woes persisted, but key arms like those injured in 2025 should return by Opening Day, except AJ Smith-Shawver. Offensively, declines from Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies are expected to reverse. Additions include Jurickson Profar, Ha-Seong Kim, Mike Yastrzemski, and bullpen reinforcements Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias. A healthy Ronald Acuña Jr. and rising Drake Baldwin add depth.
Washington Nationals ended 66-96, last in the NL East, but feature youthful leadership with a 33-year-old manager, 35-year-old president of baseball operations, and 31-year-old GM. Their lineup is predominantly under 25, led by Keibert Ruiz at 27. Prospects James Wood, Dylan Crews, and Daylen Lile are poised for breakthroughs.
Baltimore Orioles (75-87, fifth AL East) aggressively pursued talent, acquiring Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Taylor Ward, and Shane Baz. Young hitters need to emerge to complement these moves.
Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91, fifth NL Central) center on Paul Skenes, the league's top pitcher with a career ERA under 2.00 and a 2025 Cy Young. Additions like Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum, and Ryan O’Hearn upgrade an offense that lacked production beyond Spencer Horwitz.
Chicago White Sox improved to 60-102 from 2024's worse mark, going nine games under .500 post-All-Star break. Young hitters Miguel Vargas, Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth, and Colson Montgomery shine, with five Top 100 prospects incoming and the 2026 Draft's No. 1 pick. Signing Munetaka Murakami signals upward momentum.
League-wide, players like Guerrero, who led the Blue Jays to a heartbreaking World Series, and De La Cruz, seeking an MVP leap at 24, will be pivotal. Bounce-back hopes rest on figures like Adley Rutschman for the Orioles and Michael Harris II for the Braves.
