Baltimore is making a serious statement this offseason, and it’s not just about spending money—it’s about winning.
Orioles Lead the Way in a Busy MLB Offseason
Teams are reshaping their rosters, and the Orioles are emerging as early frontrunners.
- The Orioles’ aggressive moves, including acquiring Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, signal a new era of urgency.
- Tatsuya Imai’s signing with the Astros could be a steal, offering frontline starting pitching without a massive long-term commitment.
- Edwin Díaz’s arrival in Los Angeles bolsters a Dodgers bullpen that needed stability after a near-collapse in the World Series.
- The Blue Jays and Pirates are also making significant strides, while the Yankees and Cubs are facing criticism for their inactivity.
- Kyle Tucker remains the most coveted free agent, with Bo Bichette and Cody Bellinger also drawing considerable interest.
The offseason’s biggest impact player so far? Many eyes are on Pete Alonso joining the Orioles. Baltimore, which ranked 12th in the American League in slugging percentage and didn’t have a player hit more than 17 home runs last season, is betting big on the power-hitting first baseman. Pairing Alonso with fellow offseason acquisition Taylor Ward gives the Orioles a potent duo that combined to hit 74 home runs in 2025. The last time Baltimore boasted a similar power combination – Gunnar Henderson and Anthony Santander in 2023 – they achieved a remarkable 101-win season and a division title.
Astros Secure Potential Ace in Tatsuya Imai
The Houston Astros may have landed a frontline starter without breaking the bank. Right-hander Tatsuya Imai signed a three-year, $54-million contract, despite expectations he’d command a longer, more lucrative deal. The 27-year-old, motivated to prove himself after transitioning from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, will slot into the Astros’ rotation behind ace Hunter Brown following the departure of Framber Valdez. Imai boasts a fastball topping out at 99 mph and a unique slider, contributing to a 1.92 ERA with 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings across 163 2/3 innings last year.
Dodgers Fortify Bullpen with Edwin Díaz
Even after signing Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates last winter, the Dodgers’ bullpen looked shaky, nearly derailing their 2025 season. By the end of the World Series, Dave Roberts’ circle of trust had dwindled to Roki Sasaki, Justin Wrobleski, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. While they ultimately prevailed, Los Angeles wasn’t willing to risk a repeat performance. Edwin Díaz, who joined the defending champions in December, provides far more than just ninth-inning certainty. He’s a stabilizing force, filling a void left since Kenley Jansen’s departure, and easing the pressure on Scott, Wrobleski, Alex Vesia, and other relievers.
Who’s Winning the Offseason?
The Orioles are arguably the biggest winners so far. President of baseball operations Mike Elias and his front office have demonstrated a newfound sense of urgency, adding Alonso, Ward, Shane Baz, and Ryan Helsley, while bringing back Zach Eflin and Andrew Kittredge. This comes after a disappointing 2025 season where they finished last in the AL East following consecutive playoff appearances. The O’s are capitalizing on a young, talented core – Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday, Jordan Westburg, and Colton Cowser – while they remain relatively inexpensive. Adding another frontline starter, like Valdez or Ranger Suárez, would further solidify their position.
However, the Blue Jays are making a strong case. While the Orioles had more needs to address, Toronto has added Kazuma Okamoto, Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers, and Cody Ponce, bolstering a team that nearly won the World Series. Their rotation of Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and José Berríos already looked formidable, and the addition of a top free-agent starter and the KBO MVP creates one of the deepest pitching staffs in the majors. Re-signing Bo Bichette or landing Kyle Tucker would cement their status as the clear offseason victors.
Don’t count out the Pirates. For the first time in a long time, Pittsburgh is actively spending money to improve. General manager Ben Cherington pursued star sluggers Josh Naylor and Kyle Schwarber and entered the bidding for Okamoto. When those efforts fell short, he signed Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year deal – the club’s first multi-year contract in nearly a decade – and traded for All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe and young outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia. These moves won’t make the Pirates World Series contenders, but they improve their playoff odds and provide support for Paul Skenes.
Which Teams Are Falling Behind?
The Yankees’ quiet offseason is surprising, especially considering the activity of their division rivals. The Blue Jays, Orioles, and Red Sox have all improved, while the Rays are rebuilding. New York has re-signed Grisham and depth players like Amed Rosario, Tim Hill, and Ryan Yarbrough, but on paper, they appear weaker than last season following the departures of Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Ian Hamilton, Mark Leiter Jr., and Jonathan Loáisiga. Re-signing Cody Bellinger would help, but it might not be enough to appease the passionate fanbase.
The Cubs are also underperforming expectations. Despite a 92-win season and a playoff appearance, Chicago’s front office hasn’t made significant moves to build on that momentum. They risk losing Tucker for nothing a year after acquiring him from the Astros. Re-signing Shota Imanaga and adding Phil Maton, Hoby Milner, Caleb Thielbar, Tyler Austin, Jacob Webb, and Hunter Harvey are underwhelming given the competitive NL Central landscape.
Finally, the Reds are disappointing. After a strong finish and a playoff berth, expectations were high, but Cincinnati has been largely inactive. Attempts to sign Schwarber and trade for Luis Robert Jr. failed, and their primary moves have been re-signing Emilio Pagán, adding JJ Bleday, and trading for Dane Myers. They’ve even been outspent by the Pirates, and the lack of investment is sending a concerning message to players and manager Terry Francona.
Who’s Still Available and Worth Pursuing?
If I were a GM, Kyle Tucker would be my top target. The 29-year-old is a rare five-tool player who consistently delivers offensively, defensively, and on the base paths. He’s a 30-30 threat with 127 home runs, 415 RBIs, and 96 stolen bases since 2021, boasting a 144 wRC+. Only Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have a higher fWAR among outfielders during that period.
Bo Bichette is another intriguing option. The infielder is a game-changer who would instantly elevate any lineup. Since 2021, he ranks among the top 10 shortstops in numerous offensive categories, despite missing half of the 2024 season. He’s a clutch hitter and willing to shift positions, demonstrating a team-first attitude.
Cody Bellinger offers a solid all-around contribution. While he may not recapture his 2019 MVP form, he’s a dependable player who can improve any lineup. He’s lowered his strikeout rate, become more patient, and provides consistent power and defensive versatility. He’s a valuable piece for any contender.
