Reassessing the Offseason: Key Grades for Each MLB Team
As Major League Baseball (MLB) approaches the halfway mark of the 2026 season, it’s evident that many offseason moves that were anticipated to shape the year's outcomes have not panned out as expected. Evaluating these transactions is crucial for understanding how teams have fared thus far. Here, we break down each team's offseason activities, examining the significant trades and free-agent signings, as well as some regrettable moves left unmade.
Baltimore Orioles: C
The Orioles have welcomed several noteworthy additions, highlighted by first baseman Pete Alonso and utility player Taylor Ward, who have both provided significant offensive contributions. Alonso has belted 16 home runs, and Ward maintains a stellar .404 on-base percentage. In contrast, the pitching acquisitions, including Chris Bassitt and Shane Baz, have struggled, with both currently on the injured list and contributing subpar performances on the mound. The loss of pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano and others weighs heavier in light of these injuries, warranting a C grade.
Boston Red Sox: B
The Red Sox had a mixed offseason, marked by solid pickups like catcher Willson Contreras and left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez. With Contreras achieving an OPS+ of 171 and hitting 16 home runs, he has proved his worth. However, the trade involving Kyle Harrison has raised eyebrows as he was part of an earlier deal involving star Rafael Devers, and his loss is now felt more acutely with the Red Sox sitting in last place. Overall, they receive a positive B for their cautious but effective moves.
New York Yankees: B
The Yankees opted for a “run it back” strategy, adding outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham to their lineup. Both have contributed positively, bolstering the Yankee offense amidst the injuries to superstar Aaron Judge. The Yankees' graded B reflects their steady approach, although there remains a sense they could have pursued more aggressive offensive reinforcements, especially to fill the void created by Judge's absence.
Tampa Bay Rays: C
The Rays' offseason was pivotal given their prior success. New signings like pitcher Nick Martinez have had promising moments, boasting a solid 2.43 ERA which contrasts sharply with the struggles of others like Steven Matz. They also lost notable players like Brandon Lowe, creating uncertainty in their offense. The conservative moves lead to a mixed C grade as the team attempts to reconfigure its success formula.
Toronto Blue Jays: A
In stark contrast, the Blue Jays emerged as one of the offseason winners. Their recruitment of pitchers like Dylan Cease and the addition of slugger Kazuma Okamoto—who already has 15 home runs—has helped them build an impressive roster, minimizing the impact of their losses, particularly Bo Bichette. With Cease’s ERA sitting at 2.91, they stand tall with an A grade for their impactful offseason maneuvering.
Chicago White Sox: A
The White Sox undoubtedly benefitted from signing star Munetaka Murakami, who has made a notable impact with 20 home runs. This addition alongside key strategic signings has allowed the White Sox to maintain competitive momentum, earning them an A for cleverly capitalizing on the offseason's potential.
Cleveland Guardians: D
The offseason has not delivered for the Guardians. With few significant acquisitions and the departures of talents like Lane Thomas weighing down their performance, they land a disappointing D grade. Their meager improvement leaves them vulnerable in the highly competitive landscape of the American League.
Detroit Tigers: D
Similarly, the Tigers expected much from offseason additions like Framber Valdez and Gleyber Torres, yet both have underperformed substantially. Torres has achieved reasonable stats, yet other acquisitions have struggled and fall short of helping the team improve, meriting a low D grade from observers.
Kansas City Royals: F
Disappointingly, the Royals had perhaps the weakest offseason with little to thrill fans. Their gain of outfielder Isaac Collins shows minimal success, and their overall inactivity leads to an F grade, signifying a misfire as they seek to rebuild after a setback from their previous playoff run.
Minnesota Twins: D
The Twins find themselves in a difficult spot after lackluster offseason activities. Their minor acquisitions of Josh Bell and Victor Caratini have not paid dividends as both players are struggling mightily. Grading a D reflects their inability to capitalize on the changing dynamics within their division.
Athletics: F
The Athletics have recently suffered from poor decisions surrounding player management. Their former asset JJ Bleday's impressive performance following his departure only underscores the lackluster approach taken by the Athletics, meriting a frustrated F grade for an offseason that seems to have severely missed the mark.
Houston Astros: F
Echoing the sentiments of the A's, the Astros have fumbled their offseason with ineffective additions and losses that bite deeper into their roster quality. With negligible gains from new players such as Tatsuya Imai, they find themselves facing an underwhelming season, receiving an unacceptable grade of F.
Los Angeles Angels: F
The Angels' decision to overhaul their roster didn’t play out well, as several key acquisitions have fallen short of expectations. The result is a troubling last-place ranking in their division, forcing a seasoned organization to revisit its offseason strategies and securing another dismal F grade.
Seattle Mariners: B
The Mariners stand out as a team that has managed to bolster its roster with effective additions like Josh Naylor and Brendan Donovan. Their steady contributions kept them competitive, showcasing a well-balanced method to offseason moves that earn a respectable B grade.
Texas Rangers: B
From their notable trades and acquisitions, including LHP MacKenzie Gore, the Rangers' offseason strategies are beginning to shine. Players like Jakob Junis excelled in their roles, helping the team secure a strong position within the league while maintaining their value, therefore earning a commendable B grade.
Evaluating All 30 Teams
As we analyze these offseason grades, it’s clear that team strategies range widely across major league baseball. While some teams leveraged their opportunities effectively, others faltered, highlighting the unpredictable nature of player performance and impact after trades. These assessments indicate the current conditions teams face moving forward in this unpredictable MLB season, providing a glimpse into what may lie ahead.
