8 teams that could still have some big moves up their sleeves
The past two weeks saw a flurry of moves around baseball: The Dodgers signed Kyle Tucker, the Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger, the Mets dealt for Freddy Peralta and signed Bo Bichette, the Red Sox signed Ranger Suárez, the Rangers traded for MacKenzie Gore, and the Giants added Harrison Bader.
While those moves put a bow on the offseason for some of those teams, others are still working to put the finishing touches on their rosters for 2026.
“I think teams like Baltimore, Tampa, Pittsburgh and the Athletics are still looking for starting pitching,” an American League executive said. “Some of the bats still out there are interesting, [Eugenio] Suárez and [Luis] Arraez, in particular. I don’t know who’s on them, but I have to think they are landing somewhere.”
A number of notable players remain on the free-agent market, while the trade market is also simmering with some interesting names.
Here’s a look at eight teams (listed alphabetically) that still have some work to do as we rapidly approach the beginning of Spring Training.
Athletics
The Athletics have had a relatively quiet offseason, trading for infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil and signing righty reliever Mark Leiter Jr. But the rotation lacks experience behind Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs, creating a glaring need for at least one more starter. It’s unlikely that the A’s will sign any of the top pitchers still on the market, but veterans such as Jose Quintana, Zack Littell or Jordan Montgomery could make sense.
Braves
The Braves have had a busy offseason, signing reliever Robert Suarez, outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, and shortstops Ha-Seong Kim (who will now miss several months following hand surgery) and Jorge Mateo. Atlanta also re-signed closer Raisel Iglesias and relievers Tyler Kinley and Joel Payamps, while trading for utility man Mauricio Dubón (Kim’s replacement). But the Braves remain in the market for a starting pitcher, with options including Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen if either is willing to take a shorter-term deal. Chris Bassitt could also be a possibility.
Brewers
The Brewers made their anticipated trade of Freddy Peralta, sending the ace (along with Tobias Myers) to the Mets for Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat, the latter of whom is expected to compete for a spot in the rotation. But with very little experience behind Brandon Woodruff in that rotation, Milwaukee could look to add a veteran arm before the season. A reunion with Jose Quintana is always a possibility, though there are a number of free agents who could fit the bill.
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Giants
San Francisco added Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser to its rotation this winter, then brought in Harrison Bader to fill its outfield vacancy – but the feeling among rival executives is that Buster Posey has one more trick up his sleeve. “I could see the Giants surprising people and making a big move,” an NL exec said. Three-quarters of the infield is set with Rafael Devers, Willy Adames and Matt Chapman, but second base remains a need, one that could be filled by a trade for either Brendan Donovan or Nico Hoerner. The Giants would benefit from the addition of more pitching, as well, either in the rotation or the bullpen – or ideally both.
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Mariners
The Mariners jumped the market to re-sign first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million deal, but Seattle lost Jorge Polanco to the Mets and has yet to replace the infielder. With young infielders Colt Emerson, Cole Young and Ben Williamson close to making an everyday impact, Seattle would like to fill Polanco’s spot with a short-term commitment; a trade for Brendan Donovan (who is under club control for two seasons and offers positional versatility) would accomplish that goal.
Orioles
Baltimore made our list of teams that won the offseason thanks to the additions of Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Shane Baz and Ryan Helsley, but the Orioles still have a hole atop their rotation that should be addressed. Framber Valdez makes the most sense, because the starting staff lacks a workhorse who can effectively eat innings, though Zac Gallen could also be a strong fit. If the Orioles can add a frontline starter between now and Opening Day, it would make them a serious contender in the loaded American League East.
Phillies
The Phillies did their heavy lifting early, re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a five-year, $150 million deal and later bringing back J.T. Realmuto on a three-year, $45 million contract. They lost Ranger Suárez to free agency, and while the plan is for top prospect Andrew Painter to ultimately fill that spot, Philadelphia could look to add starting pitching depth, possibly with a swing-man type who could move to the bullpen when Painter is ready. The Phillies could also use a right-handed-hitting outfielder such as Miguel Andujar or Randal Grichuk.
Red Sox
The Red Sox have been active this offseason, adding Ranger Suárez, Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras, but the loss of Alex Bregman created a huge hole in the infield. Marcelo Mayer is capable of playing either second or third base, giving the Red Sox some options. Could Eugenio Suárez be the solution at third, adding a big power bat to the lineup? Or perhaps a trade for Isaac Paredes or Brendan Donovan is the preferred route? Either way, Boston remains in need of a starting infielder and seems likely to add one soon.