2025-26 MLB Offseason Grades: A Mixed Bag of Free Agency and Trades
The 2025-26 MLB offseason has come to a close, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what it all means for their favorite teams. With free agency and trades dominating the headlines, we take a closer look at the winners and losers in this year's offseason shuffle.Free Agency: A Mixed Bag of Successes and Disappointments
The 2025-26 MLB offseason saw its fair share of big-name free agents signing with new teams. While some players, like the reigning MVP, found themselves in familiar surroundings, others were forced to take pay cuts or sign with teams that didn't quite live up to their expectations. The likes of the reigning Cy Young winner and a perennial All-Star shortstop made headlines for their lucrative deals, but not everyone was as fortunate. A highly touted closer had to settle for a one-year deal, while a top-tier first baseman saw his market dry up after just a few weeks on the open market.
Trades: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The trade deadline brought its own set of drama and intrigue as teams looked to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. A blockbuster deal between two division rivals sent shockwaves throughout the league, while a smaller trade involving a young pitcher and a veteran outfielder flew under the radar. But not all trades were created equal – some teams made savvy moves that will pay dividends in the long run, while others may be left wondering what could have been.
The Winners and Losers of the 2025-26 MLB Offseason
So who came out on top in this year's offseason? The reigning World Series champions made some savvy moves to bolster their rotation, while a perennial playoff contender added some much-needed depth to its lineup. But not everyone was as fortunate – a team that was expected to contend for the title saw its hopes dashed by a series of ill-fated trades and free agency signings.
The 2025-26 MLB offseason may be over, but its impact will be felt for years to come. As teams look to build on their successes or recover from their setbacks, one thing is clear: the road to October just got a whole lot more interesting.
