MLB offseason grades: Dodgers get top marks, plenty of Fs to go around
- - MLB offseason grades: Dodgers get top marks, plenty of Fs to go around
Gabe Lacques and Bob Nightengale, USA TODAYJanuary 29, 2026 at 3:05 AM
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There’s a reason why midterm winter grades are a foolish exercise in Major League Baseball: Simply, some teams do not yet begin to cook until well after the New Year.
With just one of the top 10 consensus free agents still available, and two of the best arms on the trade market changing hands, the heavy lifting is all but over. Certainly, we’ll see some end-of-roster and depth moves, and perhaps more trades during the course of spring training.
But with most of that tranasactional hay in the proverbial barn, USA TODAY Sports issues grades for all 30 teams this offseason:
American League
By Gabe Lacques
Athletics: C+
They locked down another piece of their ostensibly Vegas-bound core, signing slugger Tyler Soderstrom to a seven-year deal, and acquired Jeff McNeil to add some seasoning to their talented young infield. Yet serious competition doesn’t seem to be reality in the second of these three Yolo County years.
Baltimore Orioles: B+
This becomes an easy A if left-hander Framber Valdez falls to them in free agency, giving them admirable pitching depth. As it is, trades for right-hander Shane Baz and power-hitting outfielder Taylor Ward and the signing of Pete Alonso brings significant improvement. Ryan Helsley capably locking down the ninth would make this a fine winter.
Boston Red Sox: C
Picking apart the remains of the Cardinals organization for Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras was wise. Yet Alex Bregman was the guy they had to have and they let him slip away to Wrigley Field. Nice of them to pivot to Ranger Suárez to buff out the rotation, but too many potential holes and injury history in the everyday lineup.
Chicago White Sox: C-
Munetaka Murakami
Hey, it’s movement. The White Sox will more closely resemble a big league team this year, their fortunes largely hinging on seeing something in Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami that apparently everyone else missed.
Cleveland Guardians: C
Fairly standard winter here: A Jose Ramírez extension some onramp granted to young players like Chase DeLauter and little material external gains. At least Steven Kwan is still a Guardian.
Detroit Tigers: C
They held onto Tarik Skubal, thank goodness, and buffed out their late-inning look by re-signing Kyle Finnegan and adding Kenley Jansen. A really good team, one that should be prohibitive favorites to win the Central again. Just a bummer the activity wasn’t commensurate with the opportunity Skubal’s final year offers.
Houston Astros: B-
They finished 87-75 and three games out of the division race, and essentially swapped lefty Framber Valdez for Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, while Mike Burrows was a nice low-key rotation add from Pittsburgh. Carlos Correa’s acquisition in August crowded the roster, with Isaac Paredes and prospect Zach Cole ticketed for part-time roles.
Kansas City Royals: B
Does moving the fences in count toward the grade? There were a few tucks around the edges, too, most notably a contract extension for Maikel Garcia and acquiring Isaac Collins and Nick Mears from Milwaukee, and reuniting with lefty reliever Matt Strahm.
Los Angeles Angels: C-
Just a little more snipping around the edges: A flyer on Grayson Rodriguez. Reuniting with Yoan Moncada. Vaughn Grissom is here. You get the idea.
Minnesota Twins: D+
The roster thoroughly flattened by the 2025 trade deadline added Josh Bell along with the more cost-effective Rogers relief twin. At least Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan are still here.
New York Yankees: C
Trent Grisham: Back. Cody Bellinger: Back. Ryan Weathers: Aiming to hold down the fort for the injured starters. A dynamic winter, this was not, but still an all right ballclub.
Seattle Mariners: B+
Something tells us they may not be done yet but it’s been a nice offseason anyway. Locking up productive glue guy Josh Naylor early on was huge and they probably hopped off the Jorge Polanco train at the right time. Probably one infielder short still.
Tampa Bay Rays: C+
A real classic Rays winter – Shane Baz, Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe and Pete Fairbanks are out, Gavin Lux, Cedric Mullins and Steven Matz are in. They received an impressive haul for Baz, but it’s tough to ascertain how much more they improved for 2026.
Texas Rangers: A-
They needed a fairly big reset and got it, exchanging Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo and trading for coveted lefty MacKenzie Gore to immediately rebrand them as contenders. Winning that trade – and any shot at the West – must involve unlocking greater consistency from Gore.
Toronto Blue Jays: A
That’s not to say we’re thrilled with an endgame that includes no Bo Bichette. But the early strikes for Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce solidify a very good rotation beyond 2026, and the price for Kazuma Okamoto was not exorbitant. They may miss the elites like Bichette and Kyle Tucker not so much in topline production, but overall depth.
$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BbBTB0gY_scJA2Vi6I3GfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2d1cf7ebf0084f8f62b2dce6d854b1b0 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
">$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BbBTB0gY_scJA2Vi6I3GfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2d1cf7ebf0084f8f62b2dce6d854b1b0 class=caas-img>$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8T9jPw3ulIlBJCn9DtKDIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5370c6d3b6634c591bdd6aaf90e67b85 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)
">$700,000,000: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8T9jPw3ulIlBJCn9DtKDIA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5370c6d3b6634c591bdd6aaf90e67b85 class=caas-img>$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.lFAcNeqDV4KbiDI8mKHew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b886ce6837701d4aa78caf8ee8e7b842 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)
">$500,000,000: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (2026-39)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.lFAcNeqDV4KbiDI8mKHew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b886ce6837701d4aa78caf8ee8e7b842 class=caas-img>$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8lHk0k9XiFHaJ6c5rEsT0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9a0078a40ba701c10ef9c3d4a704380f class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension
">$426.5 million: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2019-2030)* includes extension
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8lHk0k9XiFHaJ6c5rEsT0Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9a0078a40ba701c10ef9c3d4a704380f class=caas-img>$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/igo7.aEiNHxn6w74ySEmNw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9c7076ca2d38c525869e5dea9691742b class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)
">$365 million: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (2020-32)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/igo7.aEiNHxn6w74ySEmNw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9c7076ca2d38c525869e5dea9691742b class=caas-img>$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.kll14vX6LcqdhExyl0EbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9cc03e22a2bf51cdf4a86e4634b128b8 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)
">$360 million: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (2023-2031)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.kll14vX6LcqdhExyl0EbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9cc03e22a2bf51cdf4a86e4634b128b8 class=caas-img>$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/489C8Uiz4K18k0UaChoTDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/860307f78d595727e6e056b84eeceac3 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
">$350 million: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/489C8Uiz4K18k0UaChoTDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/860307f78d595727e6e056b84eeceac3 class=caas-img>$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OlIVsNZftaHaoMhKYUpaxQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5ada6776ea13e9cde6228fc88a01381c class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)
">$341 million: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (2022-31)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OlIVsNZftaHaoMhKYUpaxQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03OTQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/5ada6776ea13e9cde6228fc88a01381c class=caas-img>$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nAWm1NU2va2O8TaQSWb5Jg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/99c8b8c453356255eb69f4c1edc6d727 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)
">$340 million: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (2021-34)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nAWm1NU2va2O8TaQSWb5Jg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/99c8b8c453356255eb69f4c1edc6d727 class=caas-img>$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vTT.7jmm.2S2rDEw.vCqaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aae056c8a95eac53b3c2f235c441afd6 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)
">$330,000,000: Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (2019-31)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vTT.7jmm.2S2rDEw.vCqaw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aae056c8a95eac53b3c2f235c441afd6 class=caas-img>$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rejTtT8F3p..Y76ZUwSV1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f3e45e0582b1418670cfc97f0641bb class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017
">$325 million: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins (2015-2027) – traded to New York Yankees in 2017
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rejTtT8F3p..Y76ZUwSV1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/57f3e45e0582b1418670cfc97f0641bb class=caas-img>$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RgZhb1qSNBYgaH_1_Cc5jQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/966d60fa6d1283cbc2dd2fa783ab24f9 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)
">$325 million: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers (2022-31)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RgZhb1qSNBYgaH_1_Cc5jQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/966d60fa6d1283cbc2dd2fa783ab24f9 class=caas-img>$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lSdeRQvP1KPkItsoq01YBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/83315c6d9a3edbb46f34dacdb98675b5 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)
">$325,000,000: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Los Angeles Dodgers (2024-35)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/lSdeRQvP1KPkItsoq01YBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/83315c6d9a3edbb46f34dacdb98675b5 class=caas-img>$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/x8DM4RIMW4eE7Hg_wXw2Hw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a35ff3082fdf49d59d7749b357ef28e0 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025
">$313.5 million: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (2024-33) - traded to San Francisco Giants in 2025
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/x8DM4RIMW4eE7Hg_wXw2Hw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a35ff3082fdf49d59d7749b357ef28e0 class=caas-img>$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeKFEThPO8G6eCNYto7KLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c0a891a1472e16bee0cc77274aa2ead3 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)
">$300 million: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies (2023-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ZeKFEThPO8G6eCNYto7KLg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c0a891a1472e16bee0cc77274aa2ead3 class=caas-img>$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ggsml8VRS_RwaU2agZdX5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8296307ccc972e17866a7ffd7caafe8e class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension
">$292 million: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers (2014-2023)* includes extension
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ggsml8VRS_RwaU2agZdX5g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8296307ccc972e17866a7ffd7caafe8e class=caas-img>$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nqb775teZ.817KIvs2ufBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff98dab5bf5ff88624dc5b3973c080ff class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)
">$288,777,777: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2024-34)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Nqb775teZ.817KIvs2ufBA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff98dab5bf5ff88624dc5b3973c080ff class=caas-img>$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u5fNioGA2.yQhrSmmzcBmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a5591057a30e8c6b81501683a37bb196 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
">$280 million: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres (2023-33)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u5fNioGA2.yQhrSmmzcBmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a5591057a30e8c6b81501683a37bb196 class=caas-img>$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H8LuE2ckvvTNvLGWAukiSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/347655c39ed7790bc4d104af4615e597 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)
">$275 million: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees (2008-2017)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/H8LuE2ckvvTNvLGWAukiSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/347655c39ed7790bc4d104af4615e597 class=caas-img>$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IvbqOARKziWMmgH3qA7pLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/260810052760990bc890e853f6dc9646 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026
">$260 million: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies (2019-26) - traded to St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, traded to Arizona Diamondbacks in 2026
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/IvbqOARKziWMmgH3qA7pLQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/260810052760990bc890e853f6dc9646 class=caas-img>$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/faE5rKUtgq.5L5BB_DvcmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/64d718bbc082f2bca9a2b21072e9c990 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)
">$252,000,000: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers (2001-10)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/faE5rKUtgq.5L5BB_DvcmQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/64d718bbc082f2bca9a2b21072e9c990 class=caas-img>$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KHaZlC.wJkkdK1TPyGCUMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8f0f94d0247161e36e3fda9b50c063f1 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)
">$245 million: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (2020-26)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KHaZlC.wJkkdK1TPyGCUMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8f0f94d0247161e36e3fda9b50c063f1 class=caas-img>$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GUTK08VMaYmxWf3n5asqUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8162f10d4cc405865cc017f05b06c033 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)
">$245 million: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels (2020-26)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/GUTK08VMaYmxWf3n5asqUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8162f10d4cc405865cc017f05b06c033 class=caas-img>$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2jlNLLPP.u4gyGXiCITJyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41170380d0717f5e973007e247234984 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)
">$240,000,000: Kyle Tucker, Los Angeles Dodgers (2026-29)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2jlNLLPP.u4gyGXiCITJyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/41170380d0717f5e973007e247234984 class=caas-img>$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u0l6Vucr6b0MkIN_NAdlzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4210575f3dfb2db0e3523d345526b97 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)
">$240 million: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (2012-2021)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u0l6Vucr6b0MkIN_NAdlzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b4210575f3dfb2db0e3523d345526b97 class=caas-img>$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/._q7zA_CAsNSdC7enwvKYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f04369c084e5545ba7c7f13af6ea0b1f class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019
">$240 million: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners (2014-2023) – traded to New York Mets in 2019
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/._q7zA_CAsNSdC7enwvKYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f04369c084e5545ba7c7f13af6ea0b1f class=caas-img>$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Mm4pk_iWSO8rSn3L8nVk9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07910bf43223573ee164a1b4a21df426 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)
">$225 million: Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds (2012-2021)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Mm4pk_iWSO8rSn3L8nVk9Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/07910bf43223573ee164a1b4a21df426 class=caas-img>
$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BBrZz3plb50eeKJbVbunRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/21fec3299c141480bcb8ea60254fc543 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
">$217 million: David Price, Boston Red Sox (2016-2022) – traded to Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/BBrZz3plb50eeKJbVbunRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/21fec3299c141480bcb8ea60254fc543 class=caas-img>$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gZbSH4CNxy9A_z7o8Metrg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2851068c5e3cb4fd2dd8adf68f08c998 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)
">$215 million: Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (2014-2020)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gZbSH4CNxy9A_z7o8Metrg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2851068c5e3cb4fd2dd8adf68f08c998 class=caas-img>$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/waSRwKmedTQ2XMHAS_DLbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db5290de7002d2a3e7bebcc7096bb0b2 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)
">$215 million: Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers (2020-28)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/waSRwKmedTQ2XMHAS_DLbA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MzQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/db5290de7002d2a3e7bebcc7096bb0b2 class=caas-img>$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jXXE8dkiBUz.BWaa85kncw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3706ea3428251f5bbbd0c6df5160b7 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013
">$214 million: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers (2012-2020) – traded to Texas Rangers in 2013
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jXXE8dkiBUz.BWaa85kncw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3706ea3428251f5bbbd0c6df5160b7 class=caas-img>$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WDpn2R7koOyeXO.hTHimdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6a394302180544140e99d48a214f2f1 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)
">$212 million: Austin Riley, Atlanta Braves (2023-32)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/WDpn2R7koOyeXO.hTHimdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f6a394302180544140e99d48a214f2f1 class=caas-img>$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3HjTMdYcofVBOpSKmvLEJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d02ae94ac11a2f856442ccfaaffabd8b class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)
">$210 million: Corbin Burnes, Arizona Diamondbacks (2025-30)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3HjTMdYcofVBOpSKmvLEJQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d02ae94ac11a2f856442ccfaaffabd8b class=caas-img>$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DE5EHlAfM9KCvW19wKpMPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1fe5175fc826e42fc8f026c900890d63 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)
">$210 million: Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (2015-2021)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DE5EHlAfM9KCvW19wKpMPQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1fe5175fc826e42fc8f026c900890d63 class=caas-img>$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RqsG6pFSGDiOzFjJdj1K2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e0455d59c4ea1f7b884646125b46ed59 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)
">$209.3 million: Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2023-34)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RqsG6pFSGDiOzFjJdj1K2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e0455d59c4ea1f7b884646125b46ed59 class=caas-img>$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RtC0j_oWFejJJw0LWhjwEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/62f8d63b0aa1060ecf644665b5fafc65 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019
">$206.5 million: Zack Greinke, Arizona Diamondbacks (2016-2021) – traded to Houston Astros in 2019
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RtC0j_oWFejJJw0LWhjwEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/62f8d63b0aa1060ecf644665b5fafc65 class=caas-img>
$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/i_R8thR.NAKPj.nUZPataw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/370ead9a26a28c5fae48479b264927c2 class=caas-img data-headline="MLB's $200+ million contracts" data-caption="
$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025
">$200 million: Carlos Correa, Minnesota Twins (2023-28) - traded to Houston Astros in 2025
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/i_R8thR.NAKPj.nUZPataw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/370ead9a26a28c5fae48479b264927c2 class=caas-img>
1 / 39MLB's $200+ million contracts
$765,000,000: Juan Soto, New York Mets (2025-39)
National League
By Bob Nightengale
Arizona Diamondbacks: C-
The Diamondbacks were able to pull off a couple of moves in their hopes of getting back to the playoffs, but they still have holes. The D-backs re-signed Merrill Kelly to a one-year, $20 million contract after trading him to the Texas Rangers in July. They acquired former Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado to replace Eugenio Suarez. They took a flier on starter Michael Soroka. And they re-signed backup catcher James McCann.
Still, they have yet to address their bullpen. Their best two closing options are A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez, but each are recovering from elbow surgeries. Puk could return in mid-season while Martinez is expected to be out until late season. They will rely on Kevin Ginkel and Ryan Thompson for the time-being.
Atlanta: C
Some nice under-the-radar moves by signing former Padres closer Robert Suarez to a three-year, $45 million contract, infielder Mauricio Dubón and outfielder Mike Yastrzemski. They also re-signed Gold Glove shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who will now be out until mid-May after fracturing his finger when he slipped on ice, and reliever Raisel Iglesias.
Still, they need a front-line starter if they’re going to return to being the class of the division. It’s hard to believe they won’t sign a free-agent starter to join Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider in the rotation.
Chicago Cubs: A-
Alex Bregman and family outside Wrigley Field.
Oh, what a difference a year makes.
A year ago, the Cubs were bidding for All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, but finished third in the sweepstakes to Boston and Detroit. Well, after making the playoffs, and having their zealous fanbase feeling like it’s 2016 all over again, the Cubs went out and made sure they got Bregman this time around.
They also rebuilt their bullpen with veterans Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb and Hoby Milner.
Now, after watching their little brothers up north in Milwaukee pound them year after year – winning three consecutive division titles and four of the last five – the Cubs believe this is the year it all changes.
They not only are favorites to win the NL Central, but perhaps could be a legitimate threat to the Dodgers too.
Cincinnati Reds: F
The Reds did make a strong push to bring Kyle Schwarber back to his home state and were willing to offer even more than the Phillies’ five-year, $150 million deal, but couldn’t make up for his loyalty and love for Philadelphia.
Instead of pivoting, they stopped and still haven’t added to their offense.
They did bring back closer Emilio Pagán, signed relievers Pierce Johnson and Caleb Ferguson and traded for reliever Brock Burke. They also acquired outfield depth with Dane Myers and JJ Bleday.
Still, there were no big moves for a team that made great strides and reached the playoffs last year.
Colorado Rockies: F
The Rockies have had three consecutive 100-loss seasons, including a 43-119 record last year.
They have done nothing this winter to believe it won’t be a fourth in a row.
The Rockies turned over the reins of the franchise to Paul DePodesta, who had been out of baseball for a decade, but their only notable moves were signing Michael Lorenzen to a one-year, $8 million deal and acquiring outfielder Jake McCarthy from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It will take years before the Rockies are even a .500 team again.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A
Kyle Tucker
The Dodgers became the first team to win consecutive World Series since the New York Yankees in 1996-2000, so what did they do?
Got even better, positioning themselves for a three-peat.
The Dodgers’ biggest nemesis last season was their bullpen, becoming such a mess that starters Roki Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and even Clayton Kershaw pitched in relief in the postseason.
So instead of simply hoping that their bullpen would improve and Tanner Scott would bounce back from his horrific year, they went out and grabbed perhaps the best closer in baseball in Edwin Diaz. And if the Mets weren’t infuriated enough by the Diaz signing, the Dodgers took their No. 1 free-agent target away from them in right fielder Kyle Tucker, paying him a sunning four-year, $240 million contract.
Just like that, the Dodgers become Exhibit 1-A for a labor war with their $413 million payroll, and mocking the mantra that the “Dodgers are ruining baseball.’’
Miami Marlins: D
The Marlins still want to contend in the powerful NL East, but how is that possible when you trade away starters Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers, and your only free-agent signing is closer Pete Fairbanks?
They at least kept former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, but that could change dramatically at the trade deadline. If Alcantara can improve on his finish – yielding a 2.68 ERA while giving up just 36 hits while striking out 42 in 53.2 innings – he can be an invaluable trade chip.
The Marlins offense should be improved, grabbing Cubs outfield prospect Owen Caisse in the Cabrera deal, but for a rotation that ranked 26th in baseball with a 4.84 ERA last season, things got worse.
Milwaukee Brewers: D
The Brewers were able to keep veteran starter Brandon Woodruff, but dealt ace Freddy Peralta.They also let starter Jose Quintana and first baseman Rhys Hoskins walk, while trading outfielder Isaac Collins to the Royals for left-hander Angel Zerpa.
The small-market Brewers, who spent a grand total of $1.25 million on free agents this winter (outfielder Akil Baddoo), but every time you think they’ve got no shot, they find a way to playi in October.
Still, the cold-hearted reality in 2026 is that the Cubs got better, and the Brewers got worse.
New York Mets: B
David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations, isn’t going to win any popularity contests in New York after letting Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz walk away.
Yet, he badly wanted to re-shape the team after their historic collapse, remained patient, and then struck last week. In a matter of six days, he signed Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract, traded for Brewers ace Freddy Peralta and reliever Tobias Myers, and White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr.
Just like that, the Mets are back in business, but it’s a $343 million gamble in their new players. Bichette has never played third base. Jorge Polanco, who replaces Alonso, has never played first base. Robert has played more than 110 games just once in six years. And what if Bichette exercises his opt-out, costing them $47 million and $15.2 million in luxury tax penalties for one season?
Is this really an improved team over the one that won 83 games last season and missed the playoffs by a day?
We’re about to find out.
Philadelphia Phillies: D+
The Phillies wanted to shake things up after fizzing out the last three years in the postseason, and were poised to do so with a seven-year, $200 million offer to Bo Bichette – until the Mets swooped in at the last second.
So, now they’re running it back again with an infusion of youth led by rookie center fielder Justin Crawford, and the gamble that new outfielder Adolis Garcia can resemble the player who hit 39 homers with 107 RBIs two years ago with the Texas Rangers.
Yet, for the most part, it’s the same team, but a year older.
They had to re-sign DH Kyle Schwarber. They re-signed catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million contract once Bichette left them at the altar. But outside Garcia, their only other notable acquisition is reliever Brad Keller (two years, $22 million).
The fanbase is upset they’re running it back, but it’s still a team that won 96 games last season and 95 games in 2024.
Pittsburgh Pirates: B-
The Pirates recognized they needed some offense, and this time actually opened up their wallet, giving Cy Young winner Paul Skenes and the rotation a real chance to win some games.
The Pirates brought in Brandon Lowe, Ryan O’Hearn and Jhostynxon Garcia to their lineup in what has been GM Ben Cherington’s most aggressive winter.
Lowe was their big acquisition after hitting 31 homers with 83 RBIs last season for the Rays. They spent $29 million on O’Hearn for two years after he slashed .281/.366/.437 with 21 doubles and 17 home runs. And Garcia was a Red Sox prized prospect who could make the team after hitting 21 homers with 75 RBIs last season at Class AA and Triple-A.
And, yes, don’t forget about having the game’s best prospect in Konnor Griffin, who turns 20 in April, and produced a.941 OPS across three levels in his first pro season last year. He’ll arrive at some point.
Who knows, maybe the Pirates will be a playoff contender before Skenes departs.
San Diego Padres: F
The Padres spent wildly for years, but suddenly the money has dried up, and so have the hopes of knocking off the Dodgers.
They were engaged in plenty of trade talks early in the winter, but since have flat-lined, losing starter Dylan Cease, closer Robert Suarez, and first base/outfielder Ryan O’Hearn.
They were able to bring back starter Michael King and signed backup infielder Sung-Mun Song, but that’s it.
Their best chance of improving the roster is if Yu Darvish walks away from the remaining three year and $45 million in his contract, and using that money to acquire more help.
San Francisco Giants: C-
The Giants’ offseason wasn’t bad, but acquiring a defensive center fielder and adding back-end starters were hardly the moves to make the Los Angeles Dodgers sweat.
After all, this is a team that is 18-40 against the Dodgers the last four years.
“Obviously, it's not fun for me to watch the team that won it and the team that kicked our ass a lot last year," ace Logan Web said at the club's Fanfest, “go out and get some really good players just to make it more difficult. But at the end of the day, you just got to play better and be better. Hopefully we do that."
The Giants did make a nice pickup signing defensive whiz Harrison Bader, 31, to a two-year, $20.5 million contract, helping shore up an outfield that ranked last in outs above average last season. He will play center field, pushing Jung Hoo Lee to right field and helping cover ground in left field for defensively-challenged Heliot Ramos.
The Giants added starters Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser to fill out their rotation behind Webb, Robbie Ray and Landen Loup, along with relievers Sam Hentges and Jason Foley.
Their best chance to make the playoffs is for Rafael Devers to start hitting like he did in Boston and Willy Adames to play like the shortstop who earned a $182 million contract.
St. Louis Cardinals: D-
The Cardinals, for the first time in 30 years, are going into a full-scale rebuild.
They dumped three veterans – Sonny Gray, Nolan Arenado and Willson Contreras – and tossed in $59 million for them to go away, picking up horde of prospects.
And they still are hoping to trade infielder/outfielder Brendan Donovan before spring training.
The Cardinals’ highest-paid player now is Dustin May ($12.5 million) and they don’t have a single player under contract past 2026.
This is going to be the first of several long years for the passionate Cardinals’ fanbase.
Washington Nationals: F
The Nationals were on their way to contention, with their front office believing they were about three free agent players shy of making ground.
Instead, president Mike Rizzo and Davey Martinez were fired, and with Paul Toboni taking over, they have embarked on another rebuild. They already traded starter MacKenzie Gore with shortstop CJ Abrams on the trade block. And all they spent in free agency this winter was $5.5 million on Foster Griffin, who had been pitching for the Yomiuri Giants since 2023.
They did receive a nice package for Gore, highlighted by third baseman Gavin Fien, the Rangers’ first-round draft pick of a year ago and wound up getting five of the Rangers’ top 15 prospects.
Still, with a team so young that their only player under contract past 2026 is catcher Keibert Ruiz, it will be years before this team is competitive again.
Houston Astros players Yuli Gurriel (10) , Carlos Beltran (15) and George Springer (4) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Beltran won his only World Series with the Astos.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9HEb2sRjoW1mTeardnT8ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05Nzg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68d711a32b858c687b034d295ea5db7d class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Houston Astros players Yuli Gurriel (10) , Carlos Beltran (15) and George Springer (4) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Beltran won his only World Series with the Astos.
">Houston Astros players Yuli Gurriel (10) , Carlos Beltran (15) and George Springer (4) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium. Beltran won his only World Series with the Astos.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/9HEb2sRjoW1mTeardnT8ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05Nzg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68d711a32b858c687b034d295ea5db7d class=caas-img>Carlos Beltran celebrates after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the 2004 NLDS.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Kr8.VGWUTehL9LGBMokQow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODk3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eaf30c9982897a1357ace58f3e36c431 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Carlos Beltran celebrates after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the 2004 NLDS.
">Carlos Beltran celebrates after hitting a home run against the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the 2004 NLDS.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Kr8.VGWUTehL9LGBMokQow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODk3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eaf30c9982897a1357ace58f3e36c431 class=caas-img>Carlos Beltran H celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning in Game 3 of the 2004 NLCS.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DTNyz74alJHet2FAEClujg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7826237b7d86abcca322e797032119dd class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Carlos Beltran H celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning in Game 3 of the 2004 NLCS.
">Carlos Beltran H celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the top of the ninth inning in Game 3 of the 2004 NLCS.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DTNyz74alJHet2FAEClujg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7826237b7d86abcca322e797032119dd class=caas-img>
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran (back) steals second base against San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro (front) during the first inning of Game 7 of the 2012 NLCS at AT&T Park on October. 22, 2012. Beltran finished his career with 312 stolen bases.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gE5gmAFFknEZHM9okuwayw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ee72ef1b4d971a2872e365dd08932844 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran (back) steals second base against San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro (front) during the first inning of Game 7 of the 2012 NLCS at AT&T Park on October. 22, 2012. Beltran finished his career with 312 stolen bases.
">St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran (back) steals second base against San Francisco Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro (front) during the first inning of Game 7 of the 2012 NLCS at AT&T Park on October. 22, 2012. Beltran finished his career with 312 stolen bases.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gE5gmAFFknEZHM9okuwayw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ee72ef1b4d971a2872e365dd08932844 class=caas-img>
Carlos Beltran heads for first after he hit his 400th career home run in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2016 in the Bronx. Beltran would end his career with 435 home runs.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vcQXaAuzE8RpdaEXj_Wrow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDEy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a067c8160613d0dff2d96e872240928e class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Carlos Beltran heads for first after he hit his 400th career home run in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2016 in the Bronx. Beltran would end his career with 435 home runs.
">Carlos Beltran heads for first after he hit his 400th career home run in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on May 15, 2016 in the Bronx. Beltran would end his career with 435 home runs.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vcQXaAuzE8RpdaEXj_Wrow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDEy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a067c8160613d0dff2d96e872240928e class=caas-img>Know for power hitting and great defense, Andruw Jones best years were with the Atlanta Braves from 1996-2007.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nQGjAfvlrHJizCYuHb4GJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODU3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/906c33d5d51b1ef9022f8f834254b9f3 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Know for power hitting and great defense, Andruw Jones best years were with the Atlanta Braves from 1996-2007.
">Know for power hitting and great defense, Andruw Jones best years were with the Atlanta Braves from 1996-2007.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nQGjAfvlrHJizCYuHb4GJg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODU3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/906c33d5d51b1ef9022f8f834254b9f3 class=caas-img>Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones watches his second home run fly out of the park in the third inning of Game One of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York 20 October. Jones, the youngest player to hit a home run in the World Series, had two home runs in his first two at bats. Jones was the youngest player to hit home run in postseason at age 19.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jxXg7KYNKMrzueNzqIGKeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDYx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9dd3170ba9de2094e5699dd0c78ea779 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones watches his second home run fly out of the park in the third inning of Game One of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York 20 October. Jones, the youngest player to hit a home run in the World Series, had two home runs in his first two at bats. Jones was the youngest player to hit home run in postseason at age 19.
">Atlanta Braves player Andruw Jones watches his second home run fly out of the park in the third inning of Game One of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York 20 October. Jones, the youngest player to hit a home run in the World Series, had two home runs in his first two at bats. Jones was the youngest player to hit home run in postseason at age 19.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jxXg7KYNKMrzueNzqIGKeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDYx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9dd3170ba9de2094e5699dd0c78ea779 class=caas-img>Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colo. on Sept. 12, 1996. Andruw Jones played 17 seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Braves, from his debut in 1996 until his last MLB game in 2012, also playing for the Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox, and Yankees, before finishing his career in Japan in 2013.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UcyY66PPBCFoc423D4TNQg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTAx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e487991f2b7c28cd380660009e973daa class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colo. on Sept. 12, 1996. Andruw Jones played 17 seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Braves, from his debut in 1996 until his last MLB game in 2012, also playing for the Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox, and Yankees, before finishing his career in Japan in 2013.
">Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field in Denver, Colo. on Sept. 12, 1996. Andruw Jones played 17 seasons, primarily with the Atlanta Braves, from his debut in 1996 until his last MLB game in 2012, also playing for the Dodgers, Rangers, White Sox, and Yankees, before finishing his career in Japan in 2013.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UcyY66PPBCFoc423D4TNQg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTAx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e487991f2b7c28cd380660009e973daa class=caas-img>
Andruw Jones #25 is greeted by A.J. Pierzynski #12 and Mark Kotsay #7 of the Chicago White Sox at home plate after hitting Jones hit his 400th career home run in 2010.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZz.1zyyuSKfuR9YPKj7OQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDEw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2f6f8c9c6d51ed7eba8acb2f354e5665 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Andruw Jones #25 is greeted by A.J. Pierzynski #12 and Mark Kotsay #7 of the Chicago White Sox at home plate after hitting Jones hit his 400th career home run in 2010.
">Andruw Jones #25 is greeted by A.J. Pierzynski #12 and Mark Kotsay #7 of the Chicago White Sox at home plate after hitting Jones hit his 400th career home run in 2010.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZz.1zyyuSKfuR9YPKj7OQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDEw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2f6f8c9c6d51ed7eba8acb2f354e5665 class=caas-img>Andruw Jones hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 7, 2012. Jones was with the Yankees for two years hitting 27 home runs.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hhI4s3Dy2mQ6vTovaMCiiA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1a34049529e31d4a2fad75eca881d8b2 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
Andruw Jones hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 7, 2012. Jones was with the Yankees for two years hitting 27 home runs.
">Andruw Jones hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 7, 2012. Jones was with the Yankees for two years hitting 27 home runs.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hhI4s3Dy2mQ6vTovaMCiiA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzc4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1a34049529e31d4a2fad75eca881d8b2 class=caas-img>
San Francisco Giant Jeff Kent pumps his fist after hitting a two-run home run against the Anaheim Angels in the sixth inning in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4EOO6rG0xLagh0Q730eOeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjI0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/723fdab1266cff4f4b1ae5c31543ccd7 class=caas-img data-headline="Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees" data-caption="
San Francisco Giant Jeff Kent pumps his fist after hitting a two-run home run against the Anaheim Angels in the sixth inning in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series.
">San Francisco Giant Jeff Kent pumps his fist after hitting a two-run home run against the Anaheim Angels in the sixth inning in Game 5 of the 2002 World Series.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4EOO6rG0xLagh0Q730eOeg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNjI0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/723fdab1266cff4f4b1ae5c31543ccd7 class=caas-img>
1 / 29Who's going to Cooperstown? See 2026 Baseball Hall of Fame inducteesNew York Mets right fielder Carlos Beltran hits a double in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 6, 2011. Carlos Beltr‡n was an exceptional switch-hitting center fielder who played 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, known for his rare combination of power, speed, and defense.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLB offseason grades reward Dodgers' super winter but who got an F?
Source: “AOL Sports”
