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It’s official, the 2025 common season has come to an in depth. Twelve groups nonetheless have the postseason to give attention to, however the remainder of the league will begin to shift consideration to the offseason. The subsequent few months will probably be a busy time of re-assessing and rebuilding for many, hoping that subsequent season will end in a chance to proceed taking part in into October.
Yardbarker’s MLB writers took a glance forward on the offseason, figuring out one important transfer every membership must make for 2026.
AL East
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero
Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) | Add an elite nearer |
The Blue Jays are AL East champions for the primary time since 2015 and have a lot to sit up for this October. However, they may nonetheless profit from including a lockdown nearer of their bullpen subsequent season, particularly as righty Jeff Hoffman’s 4.37 ERA merely isn’t ok for that position, regardless of the 33 saves he racked up in 2025.
New York Yankees (94-68) | Add a left-handed bat | Acquiring outfielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs was an excellent transfer for the Yankees as a part of their Juan Soto pivot plan. But that doesn’t imply they’ve achieved good lineup steadiness: With highly effective left-handed bats like Kyle Schwarber and Kyle Tucker approaching free company, New York can be foolish to not inquire about one (or each) of these names, given Yankee Stadium’s right-field brief porch and the necessity for cover round captain Aaron Judge.
Boston Red Sox (89-73) | Retain third baseman Alex Bregman | It goes with out saying that the Red Sox wouldn’t be the place they’re if not for Bregman’s successful pedigree and elite numbers (.822 OPS, 3.5 bWAR). The veteran third baseman has an opt-out after this season regardless of signing for a median annual worth of $40 million on a three-year deal final winter. It’s not as if Boston has a greater third base possibility ready within the wings, both.
Tampa Bay Rays (77-85) | Extend third baseman Junior Caminero | The Rays might really feel betrayed after extending former shortstop Wander Franco, however there’s no denying Caminero is the kind of uncommon expertise that shouldn’t be allowed to go away the Tampa space. The 22-year-old’s numbers communicate for themselves: 45 dwelling runs and an .846 OPS in 602 at-bats this season. That’s completely elite manufacturing on the plate, no matter place.
Baltimore Orioles (75-87) | Trade catcher Adley Rutschman for pitching | Baltimore has just a few promising starters in right-handers Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez and Tyler Wells (all of whom have been injured this yr), however extra is required on the beginning pitching entrance. That’s the place catcher Adley Rutschman might assist: With Samuel Basallo set to be the Orioles’ backstop of the long run, Rutschman might doubtlessly be dealt for an impression arm or two this offseason. That’d be a win for either side, with Rutschman getting a wanted change of surroundings, whereas Baltimore would bolster its employees.
— Seth Carlson
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Philadelphia Phillies (96-66) | Re-sign DH Kyle Schwarber |
Schwarber has been the cornerstone of the Phillies’ offense ever because the membership signed him to a four-year, $79M deal in March 2022. The 32-year-old had a profession yr in 2025, posting an NL-leading 56 homers and MLB-best 132 RBI. He has loved his finest seasons in Philadelphia, tallying 187 dwelling runs alongside 434 RBI and an .856 OPS. If the Phillies need to proceed to be aggressive, re-signing Schwarber is a should – irrespective of how a lot cash he instructions.
New York Mets (83-79) | Address the beginning rotation |
The Mets’ epic collapse got here to an in depth on Sunday, with New York lacking the playoffs after shedding 4-0 to the Marlins. Many elements could be attributed to New York’s disappointing season, however beginning pitching could also be the primary wrongdoer. The Mets are in dire want of a frontline starter who can provide them with innings and assist mentor their rookie hurlers. Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen and Framber Valdez headline the 2026 free-agent class.
Miami Marlins (79-83) | Keep Sandy Alcantara |
The Marlins overachieved this yr, and might need one thing particular brewing for 2026. That’s why holding starter Sandy Alcantara, as soon as a major commerce candidate, needs to be a precedence. Miami’s rotation is its greatest energy, with Alcantara, Edward Cabrera, Eury Perez and Max Meyer main the cost. Pair that with a younger, proficient roster, and the Fish may very well be harmful subsequent yr.
Atlanta Braves (76-66) | Acquire a shortstop |
Atlanta has lacked a real shortstop since letting Dansby Swanson stroll throughout the 2022 offseason. Orlando Arcia stuffed in nicely in 2023, however tapered off in 2024, whereas Nick Allen did not hit a homer in practically 400 at-bats this season. The Braves might must discover trades, because the 2026 shortstop free-agent class is sparse. If they want to be the staff to beat within the NL East once more, getting regular manufacturing out of crucial place on the diamond is paramount.
Washington Nationals (66-96) | Supplement roster with veterans |
While the Marlins overachieved, the Nationals underachieved in 2025. What’s clear with this younger and inexperienced squad is that they want a veteran presence. Washington has the potential to be a a lot better staff subsequent season, however that is provided that it provides its younger stars, like James Wood, CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews, with bona fide leaders.
— Lauren Amour
AL Central
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Cleveland Guardians (88-74) | Move on from Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase | The investigation into each pitchers concerning prop bets on their first pitches is ongoing, with Ortiz and Clase remaining on administrative go away. Regardless of the result, the Guardians want to maneuver ahead and handle potential points within the locker room.
Detroit Tigers (87-75) | Find an impression bat | Hot begins by second baseman Gleyber Torres and utility males Javier Baez and Zack McKinstry led to All-Star berths, however they have been unable to maintain that tempo within the second half. Landing one other impression bat, corresponding to third baseman Eugenio Suarez, would make a drastic distinction to the lineup.
Kansas City Royals (82-80) | Finally do one thing concerning the outfield |
The Royals tried addressing the outfield throughout the 2024-25 offseason as they reportedly made a suggestion to Anthony Santander. That quest continued on the commerce deadline with the acquisitions of outfielders Randal Grichuk and Mike Yastrzemski. The Royals must proceed to pursue an impression bat or two of their lineup as they give the impression of being to return to the postseason.
Minnesota Twins (70-92) | Trade pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez | The Twins had a shocking hearth sale on the 2025 commerce deadline, eliminating something that wasn’t nailed down. As they’re clearly in one other rebuilding course of, Lopez and Ryan needs to be the following items out the door and will fetch a big return.
Chicago White Sox (60-102) | Continue to remain the course |
The White Sox aren’t going to be contending subsequent yr, however the future seems brilliant within the Southside. If the White Sox are going to do something within the free agent market, they need to add a few low-cost potential bounce-back candidates with an eye fixed towards the 2026 MLB commerce deadline.
— David Hill
NL Central
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz
Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs (92-70) | Decide which outfield star to lock up long-term |
The Cubs maintain probably the greatest outfield duos with middle fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and proper fielder Kyle Tucker. Crow-Armstrong, beneath staff management by means of 2027, declined a five-year, $75 million contract extension earlier than the season, whereas Tucker – on a one-year deal and a confirmed veteran – would possible get a franchise-record contract. With each elements, it’s unlikely Chicago can preserve each outfielders long run and has to determine how they pursue the long run.
Cincinnati Reds (83-79) | Get Elly De La Cruz to play outfield |
De La Cruz is undeniably the face of the Reds offense, however his defensive struggles at shortstop – main MLB with 26 errors – increase issues. With the Reds coping with an inconsistent outfield all season, usually counting on infielders like Miguel Andujar, Gavin Lux, Noelvi Marte and Spencer Steer to fill in, a place swap may gain advantage each De La Cruz and the Reds. At simply 23 years previous, he possesses the second-strongest arm amongst all MLB infielders, which may very well be impactful when gunning down runners from an extra distance. Similar place adjustments have been seen in gamers like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Oneil Cruz, and De La Cruz might come subsequent.
Milwaukee Brewers (97-65) | Extend Freddy Peralta at an affordable value |
In a career-defining season, Peralta posted a career-best 2.70 ERA and led the National League with 17 wins. With a membership possibility for 2026 and unrestricted free company looming in 2027, the Brewers want to search out the best choice to maintain Peralta in Milwaukee. Peralta’s present five-year, $15.5 million contract is a cut price, however to maintain him in Milwaukee – particularly after an All-Star season – his asking value is sure to skyrocket. The Brewers must discover a sensible, team-friendly deal to maintain the 29-year-old ace in Milwaukee.
Pittsburgh Pirates (71-91) | Maximize Paul Skenes’ worth |
With Skenes on observe to win the NL Cy Young at simply 23-years-old – main MLB with a 1.97 ERA – the Pirates should determine methods to worth Skenes: construct aggressively round him, lower your expenses to re-sign him as soon as he’s due for a brand new contract or commerce him for a haul of gamers. Next season will probably be Skenes’s final yr beneath pre-arbitration.
St. Louis Cardinals (78-84) | Evaluate Nolan Arenado’s future |
Traded to the Cardinals in 2021, Arenado signed the biggest contract in franchise historical past to stick with St. Louis by means of 2027. But with the Cardinals lacking the playoffs for the third consecutive season and trending in the direction of a rebuild, they might want to consider the 34-year-old’s worth for his present price.
— Taylor Bretl
AL West
Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Seattle Mariners (90-72) | Re-sign Josh Naylor | The AL West-winning Mariners made two commerce deadline splashes, buying former All-Stars Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor. While the mashing Suarez struggled to the tune of a .189 batting common post-deadline (the second stint through which he has underperformed in Seattle), Naylor thrived, posting a .299 common with 9 homers and stunning 19 steals.
Houston Astros (87-75) | Get wholesome |
In one sense, the Astros have been wildly profitable at reforming a successful identification after shifting superstars Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman. Unfortunately, accidents plagued present stars Yordan Alvarez (restricted to 48 video games), Isaac Paredes (102 video games), Spencer Arrighetti (restricted to seven begins) and Ronel Blanco (restricted to 9 begins).
Texas Rangers (81-81) | Correct their offensive woes | The 2025 Rangers have been anticipated to be an offense-led membership with sluggers Wyatt Langford (OF), Corey Seager (SS), Adolis Garcia (OF), Joc Peterson (DH) and Marcus Semien (2B) setting the tempo. Shockingly, all of those stars (as a result of both harm or subpar play) failed to fulfill expectations. The Rangers should recapture a harmful lineup to assist a stable, however growing old, pitching employees in 2026.
Athletics (76-86) | Pursue a top-line beginning pitcher |
Perhaps no staff in baseball did extra to positively improve its year-over-year expectations than the Athletics. Nick Kurtz shortly established himself because the AL Rookie of the Year favourite and as one of many league’s premier energy hitters, whereas fellow rookie Jacob Wilson appears destined to develop into a franchise cornerstone. Adding a free agent ace like Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez or Zac Gallen would instantly make the A’s a postseason contender in 2026.
Los Angeles Angels (72-90) | Rediscover Mike Trout’s swing | The Angels have the makings of a stable core centered round Zach Neto (SS), Nolan Schanuel (1B), Jo Adell (OF) and Logan O’Hoppe (C). While franchise icon Mike Trout shook off his appreciable harm historical past to play 130+ video games for the primary time since 2019, he did wrestle to the tune of a .232 common. Rediscovering his Hall-of-Fame-level swing will probably be key to the Halos’ success in 2026.
— Allen Settle
NL West
San Francisco Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge
Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers (93-69) | Fix the bullpen |
Blake Treinen (5.40 ERA) and Tanner Scott (4.74 ERA) are each signed by means of subsequent season, however each are critical query marks heading into the postseason. The Achilles’ heel for Los Angeles is its late-inning pitching, one thing that will preserve the staff from the World Series this season.
San Diego Padres (90-72) | Have the pitching match the lineup |
San Diego’s core place gamers are all locked up with long-term offers, that means the lineup will probably be robust once more, however there may very well be numerous turnover this offseason on the mound. Closer Robert Suarez might decide out of his deal, and starters Dylan Cease and Michael King are anticipated to check free company, that means new Padres arms could also be plentiful in 2026.
San Francisco Giants (81-81) | Figure out first base |
The commerce for Rafael Devers appeared to provide San Francisco its first baseman (though maybe a bit reluctantly) for years to come back. However, Giants’ high prospect Bryce Eldridge goes to wish someplace to play if he’s actually going to make an impression in 2026, so might he slide in at first with Devers shifting to extra of a DH position, or will these roles be reversed?
Arizona Diamondbacks (80-82) | Fill the rotation holes | The Diamondbacks are possible saying goodbye to Zac Gallen whereas Corbin Burnes will nonetheless be rehabbing from Tommy John surgical procedure when spring coaching opens. Filling these two holes with starters that may assist Arizona sustain with the remainder of the NL West will probably be crucial.
Colorado Rockies (43-119) | Figure out the Kris Bryant scenario | Sidelined by lumbar degenerative disc illness, Bryant registered simply 39 at-bats this season, a part of what has been an injury-filled 4 campaigns in Colorado. His seven-year, $182 million deal runs by means of the 2028 season, however Bryant might not have the ability to bodily reside as much as that contract, that means the Rockies must know if he can play in 2026 or they should discover one other veteran bat.
— Kevin Henry
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