The offseason decisions made by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams can significantly impact their fortunes when striving for success in October. While some moves can propel teams toward playoff contention, others may leave them in difficult positions for years. This analysis discusses various decisions, both positive and negative, with a focus on their potential ramifications on team performance.

In the past three seasons with the Cleveland Guardians, Andrés Giménez contributed 16.7 bWAR, ranking favorably alongside players like Julio Rodríguez and Yordan Alvarez. Despite this, a considerable portion of his value stemmed from his exceptional defensive skills at second base, while his offensive performance featured a sub-100 OPS+ in both 2023 and 2024. In fact, his OPS+ was among the lowest for qualified hitters last season. The Toronto Blue Jays' need for offensive production makes the acquisition of Giménez puzzling, especially considering they traded away a promising outfielder drafted in the fourth round and a rookie first/second baseman, Spencer Horwitz, who had a commendable performance with 12 home runs and a 125 OPS+ in 97 games the previous season. Horwitz's low cost and potential for cost-effective contributions made him a valuable asset to retain, especially given Giménez’s escalating contract, which will require a significant financial commitment from the Blue Jays in the coming years.

Another notable move in the American League Central included the Guardians' acquisition of Paul Sewald, which raised eyebrows among analysts. Emmanuel Clase, recognized as one of baseball's elite closers, remains in Cleveland, and the addition of Sewald, whose performance has faltered, raises questions regarding team chemistry and resource allocation. The Guardians’ decision to invest in Sewald while potentially compromising the roles of economically viable relievers such as Cade Smith and Hunter Gaddis may lead to imbalances within the team's roster. This pattern continued as they offloaded Giménez, seemingly to save payroll before making additional potentially costly investments, such as contracts awarded to established players like Carlos Santana and Sewald.

The Houston Astros faced significant financial challenges during the offseason, largely due to poor investments, like the three-year deal with José Abreu. With substantial amounts owed to several injured or underperforming players, the team needed to become resourceful to maintain competitiveness in the AL West. Consequently, they traded Kyle Tucker ahead of free agency for younger talent, but this left their roster appearing less formidable. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves have arguably solidified themselves as one of the strongest teams heading into the next season, largely maintaining their competitive edge despite significant losses to their pitching staff. Their acquisition strategy in light of these losses was limited, resulting in uncertainties regarding their rotation for the upcoming season.

In a similar vein, the St. Louis Cardinals faced scrutiny regarding their offseason approach. Announcing plans for a transition and a desire to get younger, the Cardinals have so far left their veteran core intact. In light of this, a reevaluation of their position for the upcoming season could lead to a more aggressive strategy, particularly regarding potential trades for aging players. Lastly, the decision by the San Francisco Giants to invest significantly in Willy Adames warrants discussion. His offensive ability aligns well with their organizational goals, yet concerns about the suitability of his skills within the confines of their home stadium may emerge as an issue worth monitoring.