Introduction

As spring training unfolds and teams prepare for the 2026 MLB season, the buzz surrounding offseason trades and signings is palpable. With most roster adjustments officially in the rearview mirror, it’s the perfect time to take stock of how each team's winter decisions will shape their prospects moving forward. From significant free-agent acquisitions to trades involving veteran players, let's delve into the top three offseason moves for each MLB team, focusing on their potential impact for the upcoming campaign.

Arizona Diamondbacks

1. Signed SP Merrill Kelly2. Re-signed SP Zac Gallen3. Traded for 3B Nolan Arenado

The Diamondbacks made headlines this offseason by signing SP Merrill Kelly and re-signing Zac Gallen to a one-year, $22.025 million deal, ensuring their rotation remains competitive. Gallen's contract includes $14.025 million deferred. The acquisition of Nolan Arenado is significant, as the Cardinals are covering $31 million of his remaining $42 million salary, raising questions about his effectiveness following an underwhelming 2025 season.

Oakland Athletics

1. Extended SS Jacob Wilson2. Extended OF Tyler Soderstrom3. Traded for 2B Jeff McNeil

The A’s have focused on securing their offensive core by extending Jacob Wilson and Tyler Soderstrom, who are now locked in for seven more seasons. Their trade for 2B Jeff McNeil strengthens the middle of their lineup significantly and could pay off, especially if veteran Aaron Civale contributes stability to the rotation.

Atlanta Braves

1. Signed RP Robert Suárez2. Re-signed RP Raisel Iglesias3. Signed OF Mike Yastrzemski

The Braves have created a dynamic bullpen with the signings of Robert Suárez to a three-year deal and the re-signing of Raisel Iglesias for one year. There is now an effective closer strategy in place, especially with the addition of Yastrzemski expected to serve as a primary left fielder. Injuries, however, impacted some plans with Ha-Seong Kim sidelined for the start of the season.

Baltimore Orioles

1. Signed 1B Pete Alonso2. Traded for SP Shane Baz3. Traded for OF Taylor Ward

In a transformative offseason, Baltimore boosted their power with the addition of 1B Pete Alonso. They also acquired SP Shane Baz, who brings valuable pitching depth, and OF Taylor Ward, adding offensive consistency to the lineup.

Boston Red Sox

1. Signed SP Ranger Suárez2. Traded for 1B Willson Contreras3. Traded for SP Sonny Gray

The Red Sox fortified their roster by securing veteran talent with Ranger Suárez as a new starter and acquiring Contreras at first base. Their trade for Sonny Gray demonstrates a clear focus on elevating their competitive stance in the American League East.

Chicago Cubs

1. Signed 3B Alex Bregman2. Traded for SP Edward Cabrera3. Re-signed SP Shota Imanaga

In a bold move, the Cubs secured 3B Alex Bregman, breathing new life into their roster. Their shifts in pitching strategy are highlighted by acquiring Edward Cabrera, adding crucial depth, while re-signing Shota Imanaga kept their rotational plans in check.

Chicago White Sox

1. Signed 1B Munetaka Murakami2. Traded away OF Luis Robert Jr.3. Signed RP Seranthony Domínguez

With nothing to lose as they rebuild, the White Sox signed Japanese League star Munetaka Murakami, adding intrigue to their lineup. However, trading away Luis Robert Jr. marks a pivotal shift in strategy, as the team's direction moves towards a youth-focused future.

Cincinnati Reds

1. Signed DH Eugenio Suárez2. Re-signed RP Emilio Pagán3. Signed OF JJ Bleday

The Reds made important strides by re-signing Pagán after a strong season, ensuring bullpen consistency. They also added Suárez and Bleday to their lineup, aiming to boost scoring through strategic offensive signings.

Cleveland Guardians

1. Extended 3B José Ramírez2. Signed RP Shawn Armstrong3. Signed RP Colin Holderman

The Guardians ensured star José Ramírez remains a franchise centerpiece by extending him through 2032. Their minor signings reflect an effort to maintain depth in the rotation with strong bullpen options, but major moves remain sparse.

Colorado Rockies

1. Signed SP Michael Lorenzen2. Traded for IF Edouard Julien3. Signed UT Willi Castro

By adding starter Michael Lorenzen, the Rockies are enhancing their rotation significantly. The acquisition of Julien focuses on potential, aiming to cultivate young talent while adding experience with Castro.

Detroit Tigers

1. Signed SP Framber Valdez2. Re-signed 2B Gleyber Torres3. Signed SP Justin Verlander

Detroit made major waves with the arrival of Valdez and Verlander, solidifying a robust pitching rotation. Re-signing Torres further assures that they maintain an offensive presence, showcasing a strategic approach to both defense and bats.

Houston Astros

1. Signed SP Tatsuya Imai2. Traded for SP Mike Burrows3. Traded for OF Joey Loperfido

The Astros' acquisition of Tatsuya Imai is aimed at enhancing their rotation. Meanwhile, the strategic trades for Burrows and Loperfido underline an emphasis on both short- and long-term success.

Kansas City Royals

1. Extended 3B Maikel García2. Traded for OF Isaac Collins3. Traded for RP Matt Strahm

By locking in Maikel García for the long-term, the Royals also made significant trades to bolster their squad, showcasing an investment in both core development and rebuilding efforts.

Los Angeles Angels

1. Traded for SP Grayson Rodriguez2. Traded for OF Josh Lowe3. Signed SP Alek Manoah

The Angels are banking on the upside of their trades for Rodriguez and Lowe, while adding Manoah brings potential back to the mound after his previous success.

Los Angeles Dodgers

1. Signed OF Kyle Tucker2. Signed RP Edwin Díaz3. Extended 3B Max Muncy

The addition of top talents like Tucker and Díaz immediately strengthens key positions for the Dodgers. Muncy's extension is a recognition of his ongoing contribution to a championship-level squad.

Miami Marlins

1. Traded for OF Owen Caissie2. Signed RP Pete Fairbanks3. Signed IF/OF Christopher Morel

The Marlins focused on offensive production with the trade for Owen Caissie, aiming to rectify a lack of firepower, while acquiring promising talents Fairbanks and Morel further enriches their organizational depth.

Milwaukee Brewers

1. Traded away SP Freddy Peralta2. Re-signed SP Brandon Woodruff3. Signed 3B Luis Rengifo

The decision to move Peralta signals a shift towards a younger team, while re-signing Woodruff stabilizes a largely untested pitching staff.

Minnesota Twins

1. Signed RP Taylor Rogers2. Signed 1B Josh Bell3. Signed C/DH Victor Caratini

The Twins are enhancing their lineup through veteran signings, notably securing Rogers for a seasoned presence in the bullpen while Bell's signing adds needed depth and versatility to their offense.

New York Mets

1. Traded for SP Freddy Peralta2. Signed 3B Bo Bichette3. Signed RP Devin Williams

The Mets made headlines with their high-profile trades, notably acquiring Peralta to shore up their rotation and signing Bichette, highlighting a commitment to both immediate competitiveness and future planning.

New York Yankees

1. Re-signed OF Cody Bellinger2. Traded for SP Ryan Weathers3. Re-signed OF Trent Grisham

Maintaining depth in the outfield, the Yankees bring back Bellinger and Grisham while fortifying their pitching with the addition of Weathers, aiming to set the tone early in a changing division landscape.

Philadelphia Phillies

1. Re-signed DH Kyle Schwarber2. Re-signed C J.T. Realmuto3. Signed OF Adolis García

Securing star players like Schwarber and Realmuto represents a commitment to keeping a strong, mature roster, while García's signing adds offensive potential as the Phillies look to capitalize in a competitive division.

Pittsburgh Pirates

1. Traded for 2B Brandon Lowe2. Signed 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn3. Signed DH Marcell Ozuna

To combat a lackluster offensive performance last season, the Pirates added significant power with Lowe and O'Hearn, along with Ozuna, serving as critical acquisitions aimed at revitalizing their batting order.

San Diego Padres

1. Re-signed SP Michael King2. Signed IF Sung-Mun Song3. Signed DH Miguel Andujar

The Padres worked to retain key players while introducing fresh talent into the mix, keeping their roster dynamic in a competitive league.

San Francisco Giants

1. Signed SP Tyler Mahle2. Signed OF Harrison Bader3. Signed 2B Luis Arraez

With Mahle coming onboard, the Giants have resolved key rotation issues while also adding Bader, enhancing their defensive prowess in the outfield with promising potential.

Seattle Mariners

1. Re-signed 1B Josh Naylor2. Traded for IF Brendan Donovan3. Traded for RP José A. Ferrer

Naylor's return ensures continuity in the Mariners' lineup while bolstering their infield depth with Donovan and strengthening their bullpen through Ferrer's acquisition.

St. Louis Cardinals

1. Traded for SP MacKenzie Gore2. Traded for OF Brandon Nimmo3. Signed C Danny Jansen

The Cardinals’ offseason revolved around offloading key veterans in favor of youth, starting a rebuilding process that sees them transition towards promising future players.

Tampa Bay Rays

1. Traded for SP Shane Baz2. Traded 2B Brandon Lowe3. Traded for 2B Gavin Lux

The Rays combined opportunistic selling with strategic acquisitions, leading to a fortified roster and solidifying depth across various positions.

Texas Rangers

1. Traded for SP MacKenzie Gore2. Traded for C Harry Ford3. Signed SP Foster Griffin

By trading for Gore, the Rangers made a move that positions them for the future, while simultaneously enhancing their lineup with Ford, and securing pitching stability through Griffin.

Toronto Blue Jays

1. Signed SP Dylan Cease2. Signed 3B Kazuma Okamoto3. Signed SP Cody Ponce

Focus on depth continued with the addition of Cease, while Okamoto further cements their offensive lineup for a more explosive future.

Washington Nationals

1. Traded SP MacKenzie Gore2. Traded for C Harry Ford3. Signed SP Foster Griffin

In a busy offseason, the Nationals bolstered their farm system through smart trades while securing potential in Griffin’s signing to bring competitive energy to their rotation.

Conclusion

The MLB offseason has been characterized by a flurry of activity that will significantly impact the 2026 season. As each team entered a new chapter, fans can expect these strategic moves to reshape the competitive landscape of baseball. With spring training underway, teams are now focused on honing their rosters and preparing for an exciting season ahead.