The countdown to , when the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants open the Major League Baseball season, is well underway. As teams finalize their rosters and break camp, it’s clear the offseason wasn’t quiet. Several franchises made significant moves to position themselves for contention, and a few stand out as having made the most impactful additions.
AL East: Orioles Bolster Lineup with Pete Alonso
The Baltimore Orioles, after a slight dip in performance, signaled their intent to compete immediately by acquiring first baseman Pete Alonso. While the Orioles also added pitching depth with Shane Baz, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge, Chris Bassitt, Taylor Ward, and Blaze Alexander, Alonso represents the most significant upgrade. He provides the veteran power bat the Orioles needed to complement their core of young hitters. His consistent offensive production and everyday presence are expected to provide a stabilizing force for the lineup, even if questions remain about his defensive capabilities.
AL Central: Tigers Secure Ace Framber Valdez
In a surprising move, the Detroit Tigers landed starting pitcher Framber Valdez, a key piece in their pursuit of a division title. The acquisition came at a pivotal moment, coinciding with an arbitration case involving the Tigers’ own ace, Tarik Skubal. Valdez’s arrival solidifies a rotation that already boasted Skubal, creating a formidable one-two punch at the top. The Tigers, despite some internal challenges, demonstrated a commitment to pitching that could propel them to the top of the AL Central.
NL East: Mets Add Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., and Freddy Peralta in Busy Offseason
The New York Mets engaged in a flurry of activity, ultimately landing shortstop Bo Bichette as a centerpiece of their revamped roster. While initially not a perfect fit given their existing infield depth, the Mets pivoted effectively after the Dodgers secured Kyle Tucker. They followed up the Bichette acquisition with trades for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. And starting pitcher Freddy Peralta, along with several other additions including Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Luis Garcia, Marcus Semien, and Jorge Polanco. Bichette is expected to slot into the lineup alongside Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, forming a potent offensive trio.
NL Central: Cubs Land Alex Bregman
Despite losing out on Kyle Tucker, the Chicago Cubs had a productive offseason, highlighted by the signing of Alex Bregman. Bregman, known for his consistent on-base percentage and right-handed power, is expected to be a stabilizing influence in the Cubs’ lineup and a popular figure at Wrigley Field. His presence alongside Dansby Swanson creates a strong and reliable left side of the infield.
NL West: Dodgers Add Kyle Tucker and Edwin Díaz
The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off back-to-back championships, didn’t rest on their laurels. They made two significant additions, signing outfielder Kyle Tucker and closer Edwin Díaz. Tucker addresses a clear need in the Dodgers’ lineup, providing a dynamic offensive threat and solidifying their outfield defense. Díaz, the top closer available in free agency, bolsters a bullpen that was already a strength. The Dodgers’ willingness to continually improve, even from a position of strength, sets them apart.
Mariners Acquire Brendan Donovan
The Seattle Mariners addressed a specific need by acquiring Brendan Donovan. Donovan, despite often being overlooked, is a versatile player who consistently contributes to winning teams. He provides the Mariners with a left-handed hitter who can get on base, play multiple defensive positions, and grind out at-bats, complementing the power hitters already in their lineup. His fit with the Mariners’ existing roster and playing style appears seamless, potentially elevating them to even greater heights.
As Spring Training gets underway, these moves signal a clear intent from these teams to compete in 2026. While the season is long and unpredictable, these offseason additions have undoubtedly shifted the landscape of Major League Baseball, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
