The 2025-26 MLB offseason has kicked off with a flurry of activity, featuring major signings and trades that are reshaping team rosters for the upcoming season. Experts are providing grades and analysis on these moves, highlighting key transactions that could impact the competitive landscape.
The hot stove season is officially underway, with teams aggressively pursuing free agents and engaging in trades to bolster their lineups. ESPN analysts Bradford Doolittle and David Schoenfield are evaluating each move, offering insights into the strategic implications for franchises. This period marks a critical time for general managers to address weaknesses and position their teams for success in 2026.
One of the notable deals involves the Boston Red Sox acquiring first baseman Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals. In exchange, the Cardinals received pitcher Hunter Dobbins and minor leaguers Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. Contreras, known for his consistent hitting, brings power to the Red Sox’s lineup, but concerns about his age and recent performance trends are noted. The Red Sox grade this move a B, seeing it as a solid addition, while the Cardinals get a B for gaining a young pitcher with control.
In a significant international signing, the Chicago White Sox secured Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami on a two-year, $34 million contract. Murakami, who set records in Nippon Professional Baseball, is praised for his exceptional power, earning an A+ grade for the White Sox. However, questions remain about his defensive abilities and adjustment to MLB pitching, making this a high-risk, high-reward acquisition for the rebuilding team.
A complex three-team trade saw the Pittsburgh Pirates acquire second baseman Brandon Lowe and others from the Tampa Bay Rays, with the Houston Astros receiving pitcher Mike Burrows. The Pirates are bolstering their offense with Lowe’s power, grading the move an A-, while the Rays add prospects Jacob Melton and Anderson Brito, earning a B+. The Astros, however, receive a D+ for giving up top prospects for a back-of-the-rotation pitcher.
The Baltimore Orioles addressed their pitching needs by trading for Shane Baz from the Rays, sending several prospects including Slater du Brun and Caden Bodine. Baz, recovering from injury, showed promise in 2025, and the Orioles hope he can regain his top form. The move is graded C for Baltimore, as it provides cost-controlled pitching, while the Rays get an A for acquiring valuable young talent.
Other key transactions include the Philadelphia Phillies trading reliever Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals, and the New York Mets acquiring second baseman Marcus Semien from the Texas Rangers. The MLB.com tracker details numerous signings and trades across all teams, indicating a busy offseason with players like Pete Alonso joining the Orioles and Dylan Cease moving to the Toronto Blue Jays.
The analysis emphasizes how these moves fit into broader team strategies. For instance, the Red Sox are seeking to improve their infield, while the White Sox are investing in future potential. Grades reflect both immediate impact and long-term value, with some deals seen as savvy and others as questionable.
As the offseason progresses, more moves are expected, with free agents like Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker still available. The grades and analysis provide fans and analysts with a framework to evaluate team decisions, setting the stage for spring training and the 2026 season. The narrative highlights the dynamic nature of MLB’s hot stove season, where every transaction can alter a team’s fortunes.
