In a dramatic end to the 2025 postseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in an extra-innings, winner-takes-all Recreation 7 to develop into the primary repeat World Collection champions for the reason that 2000 New York Yankees.
Now the offseason begins. Contract choices to contemplate! Free company! Commerce rumors! Let the enjoyable start.
We kick all of it off with our annual Means-Too-Early Energy Rankings — specializing in how groups look proper now, minus their free brokers, whereas factoring in rookies and younger gamers who will make an impression subsequent season and contemplating second-half performances, age of the roster and holes to repair. The highest staff? In all probability not a shock.
Ultimate 2025 Energy Rankings | Ultimate 2025 regular-season grades
2025 file: 93-69
Ultimate 2025 rating: 3
Look, there isn’t a doubt {that a} rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow can get the Dodgers again on high and possibly even again to 100 wins. That group wasn’t fully wholesome in 2025 till late within the season, so they need to produce extra quantity and extra worth in 2026. The bullpen shall be higher, particularly if that is the place Roki Sasaki finally ends up, however there are issues with the age-related problems with the lineup. Freddie Freeman turns 36; Mookie Betts, coming off his worst offensive season, shall be 33; Max Muncy turns 35; and Teoscar Hernandez turns 33. That was the oldest lineup within the majors in 2025 — although it scored probably the most runs within the Nationwide League — and one turning into closely depending on Ohtani. However now they’ve a brand new motivation: A 3-peat is on the road.
2025 file: 94-68
Ultimate 2025 rating: 4
The Blue Jays have been two video games beneath .500 by means of Might 27 when the offense took off — all the way in which to a World Collection look (and a crushing Recreation 7 loss). And so they relied on the most effective contact charge within the sport and manufacturing up and down the lineup to do it.
All the important thing place gamers are again aside from Bo Bichette (who heads to free company after hitting .311 with 94 RBIs within the common season and the clutch three-run homer in Recreation 7 of the World Collection) — and whilst you can count on some regression from George Springer and Ernie Clement, the Jays can count on higher numbers from Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander and Addison Barger. The massive holes to fill shall be within the rotation, which can make re-signing Bichette troublesome. Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer are free brokers and Shane Bieber has a $16 million participant possibility he’ll doubtless decline (plus Jose Berrios missed the postseason with an elbow harm). Trey Yesavage will be part of the rotation, in fact, and will make for a dynamic 1-2 punch with Kevin Gausman.
If the Jays can fill out that rotation, possibly they are going to be again within the Fall Basic once more subsequent 12 months — with a special final result.
2025 file: 90-72
Ultimate 2025 rating: 5
The 2025 Mariners made it nearer to the World Collection than any Mariners staff ever has earlier than — and followers will spend the offseason questioning what may need occurred if supervisor Dan Wilson had introduced in Andres Munoz within the seventh inning of Recreation 7.
The excellent news: A lot of the staff returns, though you all the time wish to see weaknesses addressed. Josh Naylor is the highest free agent, and the Mariners will undoubtedly make a powerful bid to convey him again. They will most likely let Eugenio Suarez depart as a free agent, with high prospect Colt Emerson doubtless taking on at third base. Jorge Polanco (participant possibility) is one other potential free agent who was a key hitter in the course of the lineup, though they do have Cole Younger prepared at second base. The Mariners have by no means received back-to-back division titles. With the rotation projecting to have a greater efficiency, they will be favored to repeat in 2026.
2025 file: 94-68
Ultimate 2025 rating: 6
There may be an argument to rank the Yankees first general. They will be including Cam Schlittler (2.95 ERA in 14 begins) and 2024 Rookie of the 12 months Luis Gil (3.32 ERA in 11 begins) to the rotation full time and getting Gerrit Cole again sooner or later in 2026. Together with Max Fried, Carlos Rodon and Will Warren, that may give the Yankees the most effective rotation in baseball.
Alternatively, Cody Bellinger (participant possibility that he’ll presumably flip down) and Trent Grisham are free brokers, and that is 63 house runs and eight.5 WAR to exchange between the pair. The Yankees may let each stroll as they will preserve Jasson Dominguez in left subject and provides Spencer Jones the chance in heart. There are additionally potential points at shortstop, with Anthony Volpe coming off a foul season, and third base, as Ryan McMahon did not hit after coming over on the commerce deadline.
2025 file: 89-73
Ultimate 2025 rating: 9
Again within the playoffs for the primary time since 2021, the Crimson Sox will look to pursue their first AL East title since 2018. The staff is constructed round Cy Younger contender Garrett Crochet and budding celebrity Roman Anthony, who produced 3.1 WAR in simply 71 video games and was beginning to hit for energy till lacking September with an indirect pressure.
We’ll see if Alex Bregman opts out (he will get $40 million if he would not) and whether or not Lucas Giolito takes his $19 million possibility after a stable comeback season. Even with out Giolito, rookie lefties Connolly Early and Payton Tolle look able to contribute, and remember Kyle Harrison, who came visiting within the Rafael Devers commerce. The offseason intrigue: Will the Crimson Sox commerce one in all their 4 outfielders (Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu)?
2025 file: 92-70
Ultimate 2025 rating: 7
Whereas the Cubs will doubtless half methods with free agent Kyle Tucker, this may nonetheless be a staff constructed round a superb offense and very good protection. After all, whether or not they get first-half Pete Crow-Armstrong or second-half PCA shall be an enormous key there, however outfielder Owen Caissie (.937 OPS in Triple-A) and DH/C/1B Moises Ballesteros (.316 common, .858 OPS in Triple-A) are able to contribute, and third baseman Matt Shaw is a powerful “take an enormous leap” candidate after posting an .839 OPS within the second half. Because the playoffs confirmed when Cade Horton was harm, the Cubs might want to handle rotation depth — getting Justin Steele again sooner or later will assist — and several other key relievers, together with Brad Keller, are free brokers, so some bullpen strikes shall be so as.
2025 file: 97-65
Ultimate 2025 rating: 1
This rating is not meant as an insult to a staff coming off an MLB-best 97 wins and plus-172 run differential. Certainly, all of the Brewers’ key gamers are again, though they will must make some selections on Brandon Woodruff ($20 million mutual possibility) and Jose Quintana ($15 million mutual possibility). They will even be including Jacob Misiorowski and his triple-digit fastball to the rotation after he confirmed promise — and inconsistency — in his 14 begins as a rookie. However quite a bit additionally went proper for the Brewers in 2025, together with Quinn Priester and Quintana going a mixed 24-10 regardless of below-average strikeout charges.
The massive offseason resolution issues Freddy Peralta getting into the ultimate 12 months of his contract (a cut price at $8 million). Will the Brewers preserve him or commerce him like they did with Corbin Burnes? It does appear the Brewers emphasize “retaining it going” — and so they’ve performed that exceptionally effectively — moderately than going all-in. That would imply a Peralta commerce is coming.
2025 file: 83-79
Ultimate 2025 rating: 13
The Reds made the postseason for the primary time in a full season since 2013, in order that’s to be applauded, but it surely was with simply 83 wins, to allow them to thank the expanded playoffs. Elly De La Cruz led the regulars with only a 109 OPS+, so the offseason objective is to enhance the offense.
With Chase Burns prepared for the rotation and Rhett Lowder hopefully wholesome after a misplaced 2025, the Reds have extra depth on the way in which for a unit that ranked second in FanGraphs WAR in 2025. That has already led to Hunter Greene commerce rumors — he’s signed for 3 extra years at a team-friendly charge — though president of baseball operations Nick Krall downplayed the concept of buying and selling from the staff’s energy. Free brokers embrace nearer Emilio Pagan, swingman Nick Martinez and commerce acquisitions Zack Littell and Miguel Andujar, however the rotation offers them a excessive ground.
2025 file: 96-66
Ultimate 2025 rating: 2
The Phillies received 96 video games however have an extended checklist of key gamers hitting free company this winter, together with Kyle Schwarber, Ranger Suarez, J.T. Realmuto, Max Kepler, David Robertson. That is 12.2 WAR — largely from Schwarber, Suarez and Realmuto, three large keys to their success the previous 4 seasons. Then throw in additional uncertainty with Zack Wheeler’s well being, Aaron Nola coming off a 6.01 ERA, and Bryce Harper turning 33 and coming off his lowest OPS since 2016. Prime prospect Andrew Painter had a 5.40 ERA in Triple-A, so you’ll be able to’t robotically pencil him in for 30 begins both. Look, the Phillies will make some additions — everybody predicts they will re-sign Schwarber, for instance — however proper now, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has some work to do that offseason to maintain an getting older staff within the thick of issues.
2025 file: 87-75
Ultimate 2025 rating: 11
The postseason uncovered the Tigers’ weaknesses: an absence of beginning pitch depth behind Tarik Skubal, the necessity for extra swing-and-miss within the bullpen and a lineup that might use an enforcer within the center — Riley Greene topped the membership with 36 house runs and a 120 OPS+ but additionally whiffed 201 occasions. After all, the pivotal resolution of the offseason: If they cannot signal Skubal, who has yet one more season on his contract till he hits free company, do they commerce him? Or do they try and make a run with him? Hovering over all that: The Tigers used to run massive payrolls beneath proprietor Mike Ilitch, however that hasn’t been the case beneath his son, Chris. In different phrases, one other offseason of second-tier signings — whereas Gleyber Torres labored out, Alex Cobb did not — most likely will not transfer the needle.
2025 file: 82-80
Ultimate 2025 rating: 18
The success of the 2026 Royals most likely will rely extra on the well being of starters Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic than something the membership does within the offseason — though addressing the shortage of offense from the outfield (twenty ninth within the majors in each house runs and OPS) would be the high precedence. Possibly Jac Caglianone shall be a solution after getting uncovered following a fast promotion to the majors (.157/.237/.295 in 62 video games). Rookie catcher/DH Carter Jensen will share time with Salvador Perez and could possibly be an impression bat — and if Bobby Witt Jr. bounces again (he was nonetheless nice however created about 36 fewer runs than in 2024), the offense ought to enhance.
2025 file: 83-79
Ultimate 2025 rating: 14
After their disastrous collapse over the ultimate two months, no staff shall be beneath extra stress to enhance this offseason than the Mets (looks as if we have heard that story earlier than). That can begin with a call on re-signing Pete Alonso, who enters free company for a second straight offseason however this time following a a lot better 12 months (38 HRs, 126 RBIs, 144 OPS+). Nearer Edwin Diaz has an opt-out, though is predicted to return to the Mets, however many of the different key relievers are additionally headed to free company.
Rookie starters Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong will present rotation depth. Shut-to-the-majors prospects reminiscent of outfielder Carson Benge, infielder/outfielder Jett Williams and first baseman Ryan Clifford give the Mets choices — like pursuing a No. 1 starter if, say, a sure Detroit left-hander is made obtainable.
2025 file: 77-85
Ultimate 2025 rating: 19
The Rays have been battling for the AL East lead in early July however averaged just below 4 runs per sport the remainder of the way in which — Jonathan Aranda’s harm was a key there — and completed with their second consecutive shedding season (though their run differential improved from minus-59 to plus-31). Brandon Lowe ($11.5 million) and Pete Fairbanks ($12.5 million) have membership choices the Rays will doubtless choose up, however that additionally makes each potential commerce items. The farm system is not as loaded because it has been, however shortstop Carson Williams bought a September call-up and will take over on the place in 2026. Getting again Shane McClanahan, who has missed two seasons with Tommy John surgical procedure after which a nerve concern, will assist, and Tampa Bay might want to get extra energy from the outfield (an MLB-low 29 house runs).
2025 file: 76-86
Ultimate 2025 rating: 21
The Braves have been basically operating out a Triple-A rotation by the tip of the season after accidents devastated the group, which helps clarify their first shedding — and first non-playoff — season since 2017. However that wasn’t their solely drawback, because the offense was mediocre as soon as once more. It is simple to challenge enchancment right here in the event that they get higher well being from Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder), Spencer Schwellenbach (elbow fracture) and Chris Sale (fractured rib), an improved Spencer Strider (7-14, 4.45) and a full 12 months from late-season standout Hurston Waldrep (6-1, 2.88 ERA).
Ha-Seong Kim, if he takes his $16 million participant possibility, will assist the offense at shortstop, however Michael Harris II (.268 OBP) and Ozzie Albies (.304 OBP) struggled to get on base. Atlanta additionally has two holes to deal with within the offseason with nearer Raisel Iglesias and DH Marcell Ozuna free brokers.
2025 file: 90-72
Ultimate 2025 rating: 8
When the autumn comes for the Padres, it may hit exhausting, given all of the long-term contracts they’ve dedicated to. The quick drawback is that Dylan Stop, Luis Arraez and Ryan O’Hearn are free brokers whereas Michael King will doubtless use his participant choice to choose out.
The Padres did not rating sufficient runs in 2025, rating twenty eighth in house runs, and there is no quick assist coming from the farm system, so the pitching goes to must ship. You’ll be able to definitely see why they may transfer Mason Miller to the rotation. If that holds and Joe Musgrove makes it again from Tommy John, possibly they will be OK.
2025 file: 88-74
Ultimate 2025 rating: 10
I do know, I do know … underestimate the Guardians at your individual peril, so we’ll rank them right here within the center. They received a stunning division title powered by an unbelievable September run, however that is nonetheless a staff that hit simply .226/.293/.373 and ranked twenty eighth within the majors in runs scored. They do have some potential assistance on the way in which in outfielder Chase DeLauter, who was on the playoff roster after not enjoying a regular-season sport within the majors, and second baseman Travis Bazzana, the highest general choose in 2024. They may doubtless have to maneuver on with out nearer Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz, however the pen stays deep and Ortiz wasn’t that good anyway. It is wishful considering given possession, however including an impression bat could be the offseason precedence.
2025 file: 81-81
Ultimate 2025 rating: 17
The Giants have already made probably the most attention-grabbing transfer of your entire offseason, hiring College of Tennessee coach Tony Vitello as their supervisor. It is mainly an unprecedented transfer for an MLB staff to rent from the faculty ranks. Brewers supervisor Pat Murphy coached at Notre Dame and Arizona State however coached for years within the majors earlier than taking the Milwaukee job. For now, the Giants seem like the identical .500-ish membership as all the time. They will have to exchange Justin Verlander’s innings within the rotation and their high two relievers in Richard Rodriguez (Tommy John surgical procedure) and Tyler Rogers (traded/free agent). Rafael Devers shall be right here for your entire season, however what they want is a younger star. Possibly slugging first baseman Bryce Eldridge shall be that man.
2025 file: 81-81
Ultimate 2025 rating: 16
Flags fly without end, however the 2023 championship 12 months stays the one successful season for the Rangers since 2016 (though they did have a plus-79 run differential in 2025). There are some apparent points to deal with within the offseason: Tyler Mahle, Merrill Kelly and Patrick Corbin are free brokers (that is 56 begins to exchange) as are three of the highest 5 relievers in appearances. Jake Burger wasn’t the reply at first base and Joc Pederson hit .181 as the first DH, though each stay beneath staff management for 2026.
New supervisor Skip Schumacher will as soon as once more must rely closely on Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.73 ERA), who had a season-ending rotator cuff pressure and can flip 35 earlier than Opening Day, and the center infield combo of Marcus Semien (getting into his age-35 season) and Corey Seager (turning 32). There’s threat with that trio, given their ages.
19. Athletics
2025 file: 76-86
Ultimate 2025 rating: 23
The A’s have proven exceptional on-field enchancment in two years, regardless of the off-the-field chaos, going from 50-112 in 2023 to 76-86 in 2025, and so they had a powerful publish All-Star break run, going 35-29 with a plus-50 run differential because the pitching allowed 4.2 runs per sport in comparison with 5.6 previous to the break — even after buying and selling nearer Mason Miller to the Padres.
Count on extra of the identical from slugging standout Nick Kurtz, who had the most effective rookie seasons ever with a 1.002 OPS, and everybody of significance is again. They nonetheless lack front-line pitching, and the protection — aside from when Denzel Clarke is in heart subject — is an issue, however the A’s look like on the rise.
2025 file: 75-87
Ultimate 2025 rating: 24
The Orioles stumbled out of the gate and by no means recovered — regardless of successful information in June, July and September — so that they enter the offseason as the game’s greatest enigma. What has occurred to the offense? The Orioles scored 109 fewer runs than 2024 and 130 fewer than 2023 — despite the fact that the younger core was speculated to get higher, not worse. Can the pitching bounce again? The O’s allowed 89 extra runs than 2024 and 110 greater than 2023. The excellent news is Trevor Rogers had a 1.81 ERA over 18 begins and Kyle Bradish pitched effectively after coming back from Tommy John surgical procedure. Possibly 2025 was only a dangerous season — just like the Blue Jays’ 2024 season. Or possibly they simply have too many holes to repair.
2025 file: 79-83
Ultimate 2025 rating: 22
The Marlins received 79 video games however exceeded their Pythagorean file by seven wins and the rotation completed twenty sixth in ERA. There may be hope there, nonetheless: Sandy Alcantara — if they do not commerce him — was a lot better within the second half; Edward Cabrera threw a career-high 137 innings; Eury Perez returned after lacking 2024 and shall be turning simply 23 in April. If rookie left-handers Thomas White and Robby Snelling could make an impression, the rotation could possibly be a lot improved. However, as all the time, restricted assets will make it troublesome to enhance their manufacturing at first base (15 house runs, twenty seventh in OPS) or present extra offensive assist for breakout slugger Kyle Stowers.
2025 file: 80-82
Ultimate 2025 rating: 15
The Diamondbacks completed 80-82 and have scored plenty of runs the previous two seasons, although they are going to be lacking 47 house runs from Eugenio Suarez and Josh Naylor. However they head into the offseason with plenty of pitching holes to fill: Zac Gallen is a free agent, Merrill Kelly was traded, and Corbin Burnes may miss the season or most of it after Tommy John surgical procedure. Even with Gallen, Kelly and Burnes combining for 66 begins, the Diamondbacks have been simply nineteenth in rotation ERA. Oh, and so they had 17 pitchers file a save, which is a enjoyable statistic however not likely an excellent boat to be in, so that they want to determine the again finish of the bullpen.
2025 file: 87-75
Ultimate 2025 rating: 12
Whoa? Twenty-third? Effectively, begin with the Astros’ declining run differentials since 2022: plus-219, plus-129, plus-91, plus-21. The payroll consists of $160 million for simply seven gamers in 2026, which makes it unlikely they’ll afford to re-sign Framber Valdez. A number of key gamers are getting previous: Jose Altuve (36), Christian Walker (35) and Carlos Correa (31).
Correa is now a 3rd baseman, the identical place as Isaac Paredes, so possibly they transfer Correa to second base and Altuve to DH, besides you do not actually wish to play Yordan Alvarez in left subject. Sure, a wholesome Alvarez and a more healthy rotation (Valdez and Hunter Brown have been the one pitchers to achieve 100 innings) might assist preserve the Astros in rivalry, however that downhill slope is beginning to get steep.
2025 file: 60-102
Ultimate 2025 rating: 28
It is clearly been a tough three years with three consecutive 100-loss seasons, however I like the final course right here with an attention-grabbing group of impression rookies arriving in 2025 (Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel, Edgar Quero, Shane Smith, Sean Burke), plus outfielder Braden Montgomery and pitchers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith not distant.
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see if the membership picks up its $20 million possibility on Luis Robert Jr. He definitely hasn’t been value that wage prior to now two seasons, however possibly the White Sox will take the gamble and hope as soon as extra he can discover his 2023 stage (5.3 WAR).
2025 file: 71-91
Ultimate 2025 rating: 25
the story: Paul Skenes is superior, however proprietor Bob Nutting is about as dedicated to constructing a winner round Skenes as Larry King was to marriage. The Pirates could possibly be plenty of enjoyable with Skenes, Bubba Chandler, Jared Jones coming back from harm and possibly even high hitting prospect Konnor Griffin making the staff regardless of not turning 20 till April, however they want offense (they hit .216 on the highway), and there’s no proof Nutting will spend any cash to enhance it.
2025 file: 78-84
Ultimate 2025 rating: 20
It feels just like the Cardinals overachieved to even end 78-84, with a pitching employees that ranked twenty ninth within the majors in strikeout charge and an offense that ranked twenty ninth in house runs, two classes that prime wins and losses on this period.
Now Chaim Bloom takes over as head of baseball operations and the Cardinals will apparently be keen to incorporate money in offers for Sonny Grey (one 12 months left at $35 million) and Nolan Arenado (two years left at $42 million whole).
The Cardinals’ younger gamers merely have not taken off and the staff lacks any semblance of a star participant. If 2025 was a “maintain regular” season, 2026 seems extra like a rebuilding 12 months.
2025 file: 70-92
Ultimate 2025 rating: 27
Teardowns are normally not good for the short-term success of a franchise, though it is definitely potential to dig out of 1. The Marlins dealt all their stars after successful all of it in 1997 and have been again within the playoffs — and successful a World Collection once more — in 2003. The Padres had an enormous teardown in 1993, misplaced 101 video games that season, after which received the NL West in 1996. Then there are the 1995 Expos, who had a successful season in 1996 however then did not have one other one till 2002 and finally turned the Washington Nationals. The Marlins had one other teardown after 2017 and have had one successful full season since. The Twins have some expertise right here, however they went 19-35 the ultimate two months after the deadline dump and have house owners who appear extra targeted on saving pennies than on attempting to win.
2025 file: 72-90
Ultimate 2025 rating: 26
Probably the most dysfunctional franchise within the majors, maybe greatest symbolized by pitcher Yusei Kikuchi telling Japanese reporters that the staff’s weight room lacked air-con. Hey, at the very least the Angels look like lastly fixing the problem: The staff’s job board lately listed a gap for a part-time HVAC technician ($39.38 per hour!).
Sadly, an absence of AC was solely a small a part of the issue for a staff that has now suffered 10 consecutive shedding seasons, together with the worst two-year stretch in franchise historical past, and shall be paying Anthony Rendon and Mike Trout a mixed $75 million in 2026.
29. Washington Nationals
2025 file: 66-96
Ultimate 2025 rating: 29
It has now been six years of dangerous baseball for the reason that 2019 World Collection crown. The shortage of progress led to the firings of longtime govt Mike Rizzo and supervisor Dave Martinez, with Paul Toboni, a former govt with the Crimson Sox, taking on as the brand new president of baseball operations. He’s anticipated to steer an overhaul of the baseball operations division. The Nationals have been completely horrible over the ultimate three months, going 31-47 whereas getting outscored by a Rockies-like 144 runs. That does not bode effectively for 2026.
2025 file: 43-119
Ultimate 2025 rating: 30
The Rockies set a doubtful file with the worst run differential since 1901 at minus-424, 79 runs worse than the 1932 Crimson Sox (who beforehand had the worst mark within the fashionable period). That offers the Rockies a powerful case because the worst staff of all time, or at the very least the worst for the reason that Eighteen Nineties if early baseball is your factor.
Whereas the Rockies might little question dominate Eighteen Nineties baseball, the going shall be troublesome in 2026. What do they even do within the offseason? They do not have a Garrett Crochet to commerce just like the White Sox did final offseason, so it is most likely extra scrounging round for gamers who’re blocked elsewhere and possibly discovering some free expertise.