MLB Teams With the Most Work to Do in Free Agency
The MLB offseason has reached that awkward middle stretch, where plenty of money has already been spent, yet most of the biggest questions remain unanswered. The calendar itself is starting to apply pressure. These teams still have plenty of work ahead if 2026 is going to surpass 2025.
Boston Red Sox
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Zero dollars spent on MLB free agents stands out when you’re a large-market club. Boston added salary through trades for Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Johan Oviedo, which pushed the team’s 2026 budget close to $40 million. The lineup still lacks a steady veteran bat, and the bullpen features only one established left-hander beyond Aroldis Chapman. Alex Bregman remains unsigned, and his .821 OPS and All-Star season in 2025 still fit a roster that needs stability. Losing him would also mean no draft compensation would be due, as per the qualifying offer rules.
Cincinnati Reds
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The postseason berth masked a clear offensive issue. Cincinnati finished 14th in runs with 716 despite playing in Great American Ball Park. The rotation, led by Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Lodolo, carried much of the load. Elly De La Cruz needs protection, and the club pursued Kyle Schwarber before he returned to Philadelphia. Eugenio Suárez remains a logical target based on power history, even if his defense limits him to first base or DH.
New York Mets
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Turnover defined the winter in Queens. Brandon Nimmo was traded, Pete Alonso left in free agency, and Edwin Díaz signed elsewhere. Marcus Semien and Jorge Polanco add talent, but positional alignment remains unresolved across the infield and outfield. Cody Bellinger fits because of his experience at center field, first base, and left field, plus his 29 home runs in 2025. The rotation still lacks a true ace after second-half collapses from Kodai Senga and David Peterson.
Chicago Cubs
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Pitching depth has been the focus for Chicago, but a frontline starter is still missing. Shota Imanaga returned on a qualifying offer after a step back in his second season. Matthew Boyd is coming off a career year at age 34, and Cade Horton remains unproven at the MLB level. Ranger Suárez posted a 3.20 ERA across 157.1 innings and owns a 1.48 postseason ERA. Health concerns exist, but upside matters for a club expecting to contend.
Pittsburgh Pirates
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Aggression has finally shown up on the ledger. A four-year, $125 million offer to Kyle Schwarber signaled a shift, even though he signed elsewhere. Ryan O’Hearn adds offense, but the lineup still lacks a right-handed power threat. Paul Skenes brings star power to the rotation, yet the 2025 team won only 71 games. Kazuma Okamoto remains an option, with an .882 OPS across 11 seasons in Japan and a fast-approaching posting deadline.
Los Angeles Angels
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Spending under $13 million does not match the organizational pressure. Perry Minasian is entering a contract year, and new manager Kurt Suzuki signed for one season. The roster still needs a starting third baseman, a reliable starter, and late-inning relief. Eugenio Suárez fits cleanly because he can stay at third base. Angel Stadium has ranked 11th in park factors since 2023, which supports his power profile.
Colorado Rockies
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The Rockies’ lack of major league free agent signings reflects a familiar pattern. Coors Field continues to complicate roster construction, especially for pitching. The club finished outside the playoff picture again in 2025. Internal development remains the stated plan, yet the absence of veteran depth leaves little margin for progress. Even modest bullpen help could reduce strain on young starters.
New York Yankees
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A $29 million total feels light for a team with title expectations. Trent Grisham returned on a qualifying offer, but the lineup lost punch elsewhere. Cody Bellinger’s 29-homer season came across town, and the Yankees have not replaced that production. The rotation still relies heavily on health rebounds. Depth additions remain thin as camps approach.
Washington Nationals
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Only $5.5 million in guarantees signals patience, but perhaps a bit too much of it. The rebuild continues after another losing season. Young position players need support that has not arrived through free agency. Pitching depth remains shallow beyond the top prospects. A short-term veteran bat could stabilize daily lineups.
Houston Astros
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Spending under $4 million is rare for this organization. Recent seasons featured deeper rosters and more certainty. Several veterans departed, which thinned both the lineup and the bullpen. Internal replacements are available, but the variance increases without insurance. Late-market signings may become necessary once prices soften.