MLB offseason grades reward Dodgers’ super winter but who got an F?
As the dust settles on the Major League Baseball offseason, evaluations are coming in. While acknowledging that true team form often doesn’t materialize until well after the new year, USA TODAY Sports recently issued grades for all 30 MLB teams based on their activity this past winter.
American League
Oakland Athletics: C+
The Athletics focused on building towards their anticipated move to Las Vegas, signing slugger Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year deal and acquiring Jeff McNeil. However, a competitive season in their current location, during the next two years, remains uncertain. A potential upgrade to an “A” grade hinges on acquiring left-hander Framber Valdez. Recent trades for right-hander Shane Baz, power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward, and the signing of Pete Alonso signal improvement, and a strong closer like Ryan Helsley would further solidify their winter.
Boston Red Sox: C
The Red Sox strategically acquired Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras from the Cardinals. However, they missed out on Alex Bregman, who signed with the Cubs. Ranger Suárez was brought in to bolster the rotation, but concerns remain regarding potential holes and injury risks within the everyday lineup.
Chicago White Sox: C-
The White Sox are attempting a rebuild, with the hope that Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami can deliver on his potential. Their fortunes largely depend on how well Murakami performs.
Cleveland Guardians: C
The Guardians had a relatively quiet offseason, extending Jose Ramírez and providing opportunities for young players like Chase DeLauter. They didn’t make significant external acquisitions, though Steven Kwan remains a key player.
Detroit Tigers: C
The Tigers retained Tarik Skubal and improved their bullpen by re-signing Kyle Finnegan and adding Kenley Jansen. They are considered a strong favorite to win the Central division, though some feel the team’s activity didn’t fully capitalize on Skubal’s final year before potential free agency.
Houston Astros: B-
Finishing 87-75 and three games out of the division race, the Astros traded lefty Framber Valdez for Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, and added Mike Burrows from Pittsburgh. The acquisition of Carlos Correa in August added to a crowded roster, with Isaac Paredes and Zach Cole potentially seeing limited playing time. The recent decision to move the fences in at their stadium may also impact their performance.
Los Angeles Angels: C-
The Angels made several minor moves, including a flyer on Grayson Rodriguez, reuniting with Yoan Moncada, and acquiring Vaughn Grissom. However, these moves don’t represent a major overhaul.
Minnesota Twins: D+
The Twins’ roster was significantly altered by trades at the 2025 deadline, and they added Josh Bell and Rogers relief pitching. Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan remain key players.
New York Yankees: C
The Yankees brought back Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, and Ryan Weathers is expected to help fill in for injured starters. The offseason was not particularly dynamic, but the team believes it has a solid roster.
Seattle Mariners: B+
The Mariners secured Josh Naylor and likely made the right call moving on from Jorge Polanco. They may still be looking for another infielder.
Tampa Bay Rays: C+
The Rays underwent a typical offseason, trading Shane Baz, Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe, and Pete Fairbanks for Gavin Lux, Cedric Mullins, and Steven Matz. It remains to be seen if these moves will translate into improved performance.
Texas Rangers: A-
The Rangers aimed for a reset, trading Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo and acquiring MacKenzie Gore. Their success hinges on Gore reaching his potential.
Toronto Blue Jays: A
Despite losing Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays made significant additions, acquiring Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to strengthen their rotation. The price for Kazuma Okamoto was considered reasonable, though the team may miss Bichette’s overall contribution.
National League
Arizona Diamondbacks: C-
The Diamondbacks re-signed Merrill Kelly and acquired Nolan Arenado and Michael Soroka. However, they still need to address their bullpen, with A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez recovering from surgeries.
Atlanta: C
The Braves signed Robert Suarez, Mauricio Dubón, and Mike Yastrzemski, and re-signed Ha-Seong Kim. They still need a front-line starter to solidify their rotation.
Chicago Cubs: A
After missing out on Alex Bregman a year ago, the Cubs successfully acquired him this offseason. They also bolstered their bullpen with Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, and Hoby Milner, positioning themselves as contenders in the NL Central and potentially challenging the Dodgers.
Cincinnati Reds: F
The Reds failed to add significant offensive firepower despite pursuing Kyle Schwarber. They brought back Emilio Pagán and added relievers Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson, but these moves weren’t enough to address their offensive needs.
Colorado Rockies: F
The Rockies have endured three consecutive 100-loss seasons and have done little to improve their outlook for 2026. They appointed Paul DePodesta but made only minor acquisitions.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A
Following consecutive World Series titles, the Dodgers continued to strengthen their roster, addressing their bullpen issues by acquiring Edwin Diaz and adding right fielder Kyle Tucker. Their payroll now stands at $413 million.
Miami Marlins: D
The Marlins traded away starters Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers and only signed closer Pete Fairbanks. Their chances of contending in the NL East appear slim.
Milwaukee Brewers: D
The Brewers traded ace Freddy Peralta and let Jose Quintana and Rhys Hoskins depart. They spent only $1.25 million on free agents.
New York Mets: B
The Mets signed Bo Bichette, traded for Freddy Peralta and reliever Tobias Myers, and acquired Luis Robert Jr. However, questions remain about how these players will fit together and whether they will live up to their potential.
Philadelphia Phillies: D+
The Phillies failed to acquire Bo Bichette and settled for Adolis Garcia and reliever Brad Keller. They are essentially running it back with a largely unchanged roster.
Pittsburgh Pirates: B-
The Pirates added Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn, and Jhostynxon Garcia to their lineup and are hoping for contributions from top prospect Konnor Griffin.
San Diego Padres: F
The Padres have significantly reduced spending and traded away key players like Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez. Their outlook for 2026 is bleak.
San Francisco Giants: C-
The Giants signed Harrison Bader and added starters Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser. However, they haven’t made the moves necessary to seriously challenge the Dodgers.
St. Louis Cardinals: D-
The Cardinals are undergoing a full-scale rebuild, trading away Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras. Their highest-paid player is now Dustin May.
Washington Nationals: F
The Nationals fired president Mike Rizzo and manager Davey Martinez and are embarking on another rebuild. They traded starter MacKenzie Gore and spent only $5.5 million on free agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team received the highest grade from USA TODAY Sports?
The Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers both received an “A” grade, indicating they had the most successful offseasons according to USA TODAY Sports’ assessment.
Which teams received the lowest grades?
The Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, and Cincinnati Reds all received an “F” grade, suggesting they had the least productive offseasons.
What was a common theme among teams that received low grades?
Teams receiving low grades generally lacked significant acquisitions, were undergoing rebuilds, or faced financial constraints that limited their ability to improve their rosters.
Considering the varying levels of offseason activity across MLB, how do you think these early assessments will hold up as the 2026 season unfolds?