The start of the 2026 MLB season has prompted teams to reflect on their decisions from the previous offseason. With about a third of the season already in the books, several franchises wish they could rewind the clock and undo some of their pivotal moves (or lack thereof). This retrospective offers a look at notable regrets that could impact teams as the season unfolds.
Arizona Diamondbacks: The Ketel Marte Dilemma
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, the decision to not trade Ketel Marte stands as a prominent offseason regret. Amidst discussions of potentially moving the three-time All-Star and his hefty contract, which has nearly six years and $103.5 million remaining, the team opted to keep him in hopes that a consistent .887 OPS from his previous three seasons would translate into stellar contributions for 2026. However, a disappointing .654 OPS performance has made Marte one of the team’s weakest links so far. While the optimism remains that he may bounce back in the summer months, like he often does, the pressure mounts as the team weighs its future with an asset that could quickly become a liability.
Oakland Athletics: The JJ Bleday Non-Tender
The Athletics found themselves regretting their decision to non-tender JJ Bleday. Originally viewed as an understandable move due to his underwhelming .723 OPS and defensive struggles, the team's current outfield issues tell a different story. With Denzel Clarke sidelined, Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler failing to impress, the team's outfield has contributed poorly, collectively registering below the Mendoza Line. In contrast, Bleday has thrived since joining the Reds, producing a remarkable 1.241 OPS in his recent major league stint. This hindsight leaves Oakland questioning their judgment and roster management.
Atlanta Braves: Missed Opportunity with Drake Baldwin
Drake Baldwin's stellar performance as the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year warranted consideration for an early contract extension, similar to moves made with Ronald Acuña Jr. and other young talents. However, the Braves failed to secure Baldwin before his injury sidelined him. He has showcased an impressive OPS vastly superior to his rookie performance, underscoring the consequences of not locking him down when his value was ripe.
Baltimore Orioles: Regret Over Zach Eflin's Return
Returning Zach Eflin to the roster for $10 million proved to be one of the Orioles’ biggest offseason mistakes. Eflin’s persistent injuries this season have been compounded by a 5.93 ERA across 14 starts before he succumbed to Tommy John surgery. The financial investment looks like a sunk cost, especially as the team seeks to pull together its pitching staff.
Boston Red Sox: Infield Frugality
While the Red Sox bolstered their outfield at a low-cost, their reluctance to invest in the infield could haunt them. With a lack of significant upgrades among key infield positions, their offensive capabilities have suffered dramatically. Currently, they are at the bottom of the American League in runs scored, often unable to break the four-run mark consistently. The failure to act in a crucial area due to perceived salary constraints has left the team in a precarious position.
Chicago Cubs: Troubled Transactions
Seeking a solution for their bullpen woes, the Cubs signed Phil Maton only to witness an alarming decline in his performance, with an 8.78 ERA which has seen him struggle repeatedly despite some moderate success in save situations. This echoes their past regret of trading for Ryan Pressly previously, creating a pattern of poor decisions in their relief pitching strategy.
Chicago White Sox: Regret in Signing Munetaka Murakami
Limiting Munetaka Murakami's contract to two years initially seemed prudent. Still, given his explosive start leading the American League with 17 home runs, the White Sox now wish they had committed to a longer-term deal. His early impact has brought renewed life to the franchise despite ongoing struggles from their pitching staff.
New York Mets: Missteps in Acquisition Strategy
The Mets’ offseason fervor has left them disappointed. Efforts to diversify the field with players like Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette have backfired, leaving the team regretting their high investment in players who have struggled at new positions. The expectation to reap rewards through aggressive trades has only compounded the frustration as they assess their roster's effectiveness.
Tampa Bay Rays: Mixed Results with Cedric Mullins
Signing Cedric Mullins to a $7 million deal turned out to be more of a gamble than anticipated. While he showed glimpses of potential with a recent four-hit game, his overall performance thus far has been lackluster—culminating in the lowest OPS among qualified hitters. The team's uncertain direction in mixed offseason strategies resulted in little return on investment.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Decisions
As the MLB season progresses, it is evident that several teams are grappling with offseason decisions that hinder their current performance. The benefits of hindsight highlight the crucial need for effective decision-making when handling player contracts and trades. From the Diamondbacks’ struggles with Marte to the Cubs’ bullpen missteps, this season has been a reminder of the impact that offseason choices hold on a team's success. Each franchise will have to navigate these regrets as they move through the remainder of the season with an eye toward making necessary adjustments.
