Now that outfielder Cody Bellinger has re-signed with the New York Yankees, most of the impact free agents are off the board. Although another transaction or two may happen, teams have a sense of their rosters as spring training approaches.
Not every offseason is equal. Some teams have taken steps to improve their playoff chances, while others stand pat or take a step backwards. Let’s take a look at three teams that improved the most so far.
Three most improved teams of the 2025-26 offseason
The Dodgers had two holes to fill on their roster — a dominant closer and a corner outfielder. They took care of both with the best options available. Closer Edwin Diaz signed a three-year deal worth $69 million, giving the Dodgers the proven option in the ninth inning that they needed.
The Dodgers’ biggest move came in the middle of January. They signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract with an opt-out after the second year, filling their hole in right field. The Dodgers’ already formidable lineup is more dangerous as they look to win a third consecutive World Series.
The Mets’ offseason had been defined by the players they lost. Diaz left New York for the Dodgers while first baseman Pete Alonso signed with the Orioles. The Mets did sign Devin Williams to shore up the back of the bullpen, but he is a step backward for Diaz.
However, the Mets made several improvements. Acquiring second baseman Marcus Semien and outfielder Luis Robert in trades drastically improves their defense. Infielders Bo Bichette, who the Mets stole from the Phillies, and Jorge Polanco added depth to the lineup. Reliever Luke Weaver adds another solid option to a bullpen that faltered in the second half in 2025. The Mets also did not move any of their top prospects, with outfielder Carson Benge and pitchers Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat potentially having roles on the 2026 roster.
The White Sox are not going to contend in 2026, but they have made several interesting moves to supplement the roster. Former top prospect Luisangel Acuna was acquired as part of the Luis Robert trade and should see plenty of playing time in Chicago. Scott Merkin from MLB.com reported that general manager Chris Getz expects to be “very active” with the additional money saved from Robert’s contract.
As it is, the White Sox have made several intriguing additions in free agency. Third baseman Munetaka Murakami gives the White Sox a power element that has been lacking from the lineup. Former first-round pick Anthony Kay resurrected his career in Nippon Professional Baseball and could be a solid addition to the rotation. Sean Newcomb will also get a chance to re-establish himself as a starter and could bring back a decent return at the trade deadline if successful. The White Sox have a solid young core and have brought in several high-ceiling options to supplement the roster.
