Hey there, baseball enthusiasts! Let's dive into some exciting offseason moves that could shake up the league. The quest for perfection is never-ending, and these teams are determined to find it.
Each MLB franchise has its fair share of weaknesses, but the offseason is a golden opportunity to address them. As we approach Spring Training, let's explore the top 10 positional upgrades made by teams through free agency and trades.
While some of these moves might not pay off immediately, each club has taken significant steps to fix their 2025 woes.
Athletics: Second Base - A New Champion at Second?
In 2025, the A's second base situation was a mess. Zack Gelof's injury-plagued season left a gaping hole, and the collective efforts of Luis Urías, Max Schuemann, and Max Muncy resulted in one of the worst offensive performances at any position in the league, with a wRC+ of just 53.
How they fixed it: The Athletics acquired former NL batting champion Jeff McNeil from the Mets. McNeil's recent performance (102 wRC+) might not set the world on fire, but it's a massive upgrade for Oakland at second base.
Cubs: Third Base - The Chase for Bregman Pays Off
After missing out on free agent Alex Bregman, the Cubs turned to prized prospect Matt Shaw, but he struggled mightily. Shaw's rookie season ended with a .690 OPS over 126 games.
Their strategy: With the potential departure of Kyle Tucker looming, the Cubs knew they needed another powerful bat. Seiya Suzuki's versatility allowed them to shift him to right field, and prospect Moisés Ballesteros could fill the DH role. So, Chicago went all-in again for Bregman, who opted out of his Red Sox contract and signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs.
Dodgers: Closer - A New Era in the Bullpen
The 2025 Dodgers had a rough time with their closer situation. Tanner Scott's four-year, $72 million deal didn't pan out, and the one-year contract with Kirby Yates was a flop too. Other potential options, Michael Kopech and Evan Phillips, were injured for most of the season.
Their solution: The Dodgers signed top free agent Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract. While Teoscar Hernández will take over left field, Tucker's arrival effectively fills the void left by Michael Conforto's departure.
Mets: Center Field - A Gamble on Luis Robert Jr.
Offseason acquisition Jose Siri's season was cut short due to injury, and Tyrone Taylor stepped in as the starting center fielder until the Mets traded for Cedric Mullins in July. Mullins' performance after the trade was underwhelming, with just a .565 OPS.
The trade: The Mets acquired Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox, sending Luisangel Acuña and Truman Pauley in return. It's a $22 million gamble on Robert's health and ability to recapture his 2023 All-Star form (38 HR, 20 SB, .857 OPS). The 28-year-old hasn't come close to those numbers in the past two seasons.
Orioles: First Base - A New Era at First?
The Orioles ranked 22nd at first base in 2025, with just 14 home runs from the position. Ryan Mountcastle, their Opening Day starter, missed over two months due to injury and struggled upon his return.
Their move: The O's gave rookie Coby Mayo an extended look at first base, but even with a strong finish, Mayo's OPS was .687 for the year.
Pirates: Second Base - A Ray of Hope
The Pirates had a tough 2025, ranking last in the Majors in runs scored. Their second base situation was particularly weak, with just eight home runs and an 80 wRC+.
The trade: The Pirates acquired Brandon Lowe from the Rays in a three-team trade involving the Astros. Despite injury concerns, Lowe ranks third among primary second basemen with 120 home runs over the past five years, and he brings a .792 OPS to the table.
Red Sox: First Base - A Former Catcher's New Role
Their acquisition: The Red Sox acquired Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. Contreras, a former catcher, moved to first base last year and had a solid season, posting a 2.8 fWAR and a .791 OPS. Boston's move became even more crucial after Bregman signed with the Cubs.
Red Sox: Starting Rotation - A Messy Situation, But a Bright Spot
Boston's starting rotation had its fair share of issues in 2025. The trade for Garrett Crochet was a success, and Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito had solid seasons. However, the rest of the rotation struggled, including the disappointing free-agent signing of Walker Buehler and a rough campaign from 2024 All-Star Tanner Houck.
The bright side: Red Sox starters not named Crochet, Bello, or Giolito combined for a 5.18 ERA and 1.8 fWAR in 76 games, during which Boston went 33-43.
White Sox: First Base - A New Beginning
The White Sox benched Andrew Vaughn after a disappointing start to his career, and their first base situation was a mix of players, resulting in an 83 wRC+ and -0.5 fWAR.
Honorable Mentions:
- Pirates' Designated Hitter
- Blue Jays' Starting Rotation
- Royals' Left Field
These teams have made significant strides to improve their weaknesses. But here's where it gets controversial: Will these moves pay off? And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about the stats; it's about the impact these players will have on their new teams. So, what do you think? Are these upgrades enough to propel these teams to success? Let's discuss in the comments!
