Let's dive into the fascinating world of MLB's 2026 season and the grades for each team's offseason moves. With the season approaching its halfway mark, it's time to reassess those moves and see if they've paid off or not.
American League East
Baltimore Orioles: C
The Orioles made some solid hitting acquisitions, with Alonso and Ward leading the way. However, their pitching additions have been a major letdown, with injuries and underperformance plaguing the likes of Bassitt and Eflin. The team's antsy about Baz's extension, given his early struggles.
Boston Red Sox: B
Craig Breslow's work has been a bright spot for the Red Sox. The additions of Contreras, Suárez, and Gray have been solid, and not keeping Bregman is looking like a wise decision. The Harrison-for-Durbin trade, though, is shaping up to be a blunder.
New York Yankees: B
The Yankees' 'run it back' campaign has had its ups and downs. Bellinger has been a positive surprise, but the team might have benefited from adding another offensive star, especially with Judge's injury. Weaver's absence is felt in their bullpen struggles.
Tampa Bay Rays: C
The Rays' trades of Lowe and Baz are yet to show their true impact. They're certainly missing Lowe's power, but Martinez has been a pleasant surprise with his solid ERA. Matz, on the other hand, has been a disappointment.
Toronto Blue Jays: A
The Blue Jays have had a strong showing despite some key losses. Bichette's struggles with the Mets are a far cry from his replacement's success in Toronto. Cease, Rogers, and Corbin have been solid additions, contributing to a strong pitching staff.
American League Central
Chicago White Sox: A
Murakami has been a revelation for the White Sox, and they got him without a big bet. Peters has also been a great find. Kay, Fedde, and the bullpen anchors have contributed to a successful offseason.
Cleveland Guardians: D
The Guardians' offseason was underwhelming, to say the least. Armstrong and Holderman have been bright spots in an otherwise quiet period for the team.
Detroit Tigers: D
Torres accepting the qualifying offer has been a win for the Tigers, but the rest of their acquisitions have been underwhelming. Finnegan is the only other real positive, with Valdez and Verlander's injuries being major setbacks.
Kansas City Royals: F
The Royals' inactivity during the offseason is a disappointment, especially after their 2024 playoff run. Collins' bet hasn't paid off, and the team looks like they missed an opportunity to strengthen.
Minnesota Twins: D
The Twins' big splashes, Bell and Caratini, have been largely non-factors. While they can't be expected to do much after last year's sell-off, their inactivity is still notable.
American League West
Athletics: F
The A's loss of Bleday and Newcomb is a bitter pill to swallow, especially with McNeil's struggles. Their pitching acquisitions have done more harm than good, making for a disappointing offseason.
Houston Astros: F
Imai and Burrows have been disasters, and the Allen-for-Dubón trade is not working out. Dubón's success with the Braves is a stark contrast to Allen's injury-plagued season. Valdez's departure is also felt, despite his struggles in Detroit.
Los Angeles Angels: F
The Angels' offseason moves have a 'Why, though?' vibe. Their new additions have been underwhelming, and the team could really use Ward's bat right now.
Seattle Mariners: B
The Mariners haven't felt the losses of Polanco and Suárez. Naylor and Donovan have been solid additions, and Ferrer has been a pleasant surprise. The team's bullpen has been a strength.
Texas Rangers: B
The Rangers' bullpen, led by Junis and Alexander, has been a major success. Gore and Nimmo have justified their trades, and the team has managed to avoid major losses.
National League East
Atlanta Braves: A
Suarez and Iglesias in one offseason is a major win for the Braves. They're also winning the Dubón trade, and Smith and Mateo have exceeded expectations. The bullpen has been exceptional.
Miami Marlins: F
The Marlins' offseason prizes, Caissie and Fairbanks, have been a disappointment. King is the only real positive, with a solid ERA in limited innings.
New York Mets: F
The Mets' offseason has been a major letdown, with Bichette, Polanco, and Semien underperforming. Peralta and Weaver are the only real positives, but they can't make up for the losses of Alonso, Nimmo, and Rogers.
Philadelphia Phillies: C
Schwarber's power has been a bright spot, but the rest of the new additions have struggled. García's injury and Suárez's departure are felt, especially in the rotation.
Washington Nationals: C
The Nationals' offseason had low stakes, but they've scored wins with Griffin and Mead. The Ford-for-Ferrer trade is already looking questionable, and the Gore trade will take time to judge.
National League Central
Chicago Cubs: D
The loss of Tucker isn't hurting the Cubs, but the big swing on Bregman hasn't paid off yet. The rotation needs a boost, with Imanaga and Cabrera struggling.
Cincinnati Reds: C
Suárez and Pagán have been underwhelming, but Bleday and Lowe have been unexpected stars. The team has managed to overcome Martinez's departure.
Milwaukee Brewers: C
Harrison has been a revelation, but the Peralta trade isn't looking great yet. Sánchez is the only other real positive, with the rest of the additions being disappointing.
Pittsburgh Pirates: B
Ozuna's struggles are a self-own, but Lowe and O'Hearn have been solid additions. The team's offensive improvements are notable.
St. Louis Cardinals: C
The Cardinals' trades were mostly about payroll reduction, and the Donovan deal is the only interesting prospect return. May has been solid, but the team's success is largely down to Bloom's kept players.
National League West
Arizona Diamondbacks: B
Gallen and Kelly's returns are backfiring, but Arenado and Soroka have been redeeming factors. Sewald, Clarke, and Loáisiga have also contributed solid bullpen innings.
Colorado Rockies: C
Sugano and Bernardino have been solid, and the new hitters have mostly performed. The Rockies were in a position to take what they could get, and they've made some progress.
Los Angeles Dodgers: F
The Dodgers' offseason has been a major disappointment, especially for a team of their caliber. Tucker and Díaz were meant to be stars, but they've underperformed.
San Diego Padres: D
The losses of Cease, Suarez, and Arraez are felt, and the additions haven't made up for it. King has been the best of the new guys, but the team needs more impact players.
San Francisco Giants: C
Arraez's defensive transformation has been a surprise, but the rest of the offseason has been a mixed bag. Houser and Mahle have been underwhelming, and a bigger swing was needed.
As we reflect on these grades, it's clear that some teams have made the most of their offseason, while others are still searching for that winning formula. It's a fascinating insight into the world of MLB strategy and the impact of player movements.
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