Bowden’s 2025 MLB report card: Offseason grades, takeaways, predictions for all 30 teams

With spring training in full swing and Opening Day three weeks away, it’s time for my annual offseason report card that includes a breakdown of every team’s major-league signings and trades. Here are my final offseason grades for all 30 teams, along with each club’s best move, an “under-the-radar” move, a top storyline to watch, and my prediction for where they will finish in the division and wild-card races.

I handed out six A’s (including A-pluses and A-minuses), 12 B’s, eight C’s, three D’s, and one F. (Sorry, St. Louis.) Where did your team end up, and do you agree with me?

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NL East

Atlanta Braves

Grade: C

Free agents:

• OF Bryan De La Cruz, one-year deal
• RHP Connor Gillispie, one-year deal
• Jurickson Profar, 3 years/$42 million

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Griffin Canning from Angels for OF/DH Jorge Soler
• Acquired RHP Davis Daniel from Angels for LHP Mitch Farris

Extensions:

• RHP Reynaldo López, 3 years /$30 million
• LHP Aaron Bummer, 2 years/$13 million

Best move: Jurickson Profar improves the everyday left field position for Atlanta. He hit .280 last year with the Padres, belting 24 home runs, stealing 10 bases and recording four outfield assists. He finished second in the NL in on-base percentage (.380), behind only Shohei Ohtani. With Profar in left, Michael Harris II in center and Ronald Acuña Jr. in right, the Braves have one of the best outfields in baseball.

Under-the-radar move: Adding Bryan De La Cruz gives the Braves substantial outfield depth and protects them from injuries. He has averaged 19 home runs a year over the past two seasons.

What helped or hurt their grade: The Braves lost two of their best starting pitchers, Max Fried and Charlie Morton, in free agency and now are counting on Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson to replace their production in the rotation.

Storyline to watch: How will Acuña and ace Spencer Strider fare when they’re ready to return from injury? Getting them healthy and performing at their accustomed level might be the difference between the Braves winning the division or making the playoffs as a wild-card team.

Season prediction: Second place (wild-card berth)

Miami Marlins

Grade: B-minus

Free agents:

• 3B Eric Wagaman, one-year deal
• RHP Cal Quantrill, 1 year/$3.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired SS Starlyn Caba and OF Emaarion Boyd from Phillies for LHP Jesús Luzardo and C Paul McIntosh
• Acquired INF Max Acosta, INF Echedry Vargas and LHP Brayan Mendoza from Rangers for 1B/3B Jake Burger
• Acquired 1B Matt Mervis from Cubs for INF Vidal Bruján

Best move: Acquiring shortstop Starlyn Caba and speedy outfielder Emaarion Boyd in the trade for Jesús Luzardo. Both players could eventually be long-term answers in Miami’s lineup. Luzardo was too much of a health risk and had only two years of control remaining.

Under-the-radar move: Signing Cal Quantrill gives the Marlins essential rotation depth but also a potential trade chip at the deadline.

What helped or hurt their grade: I wanted them to invest more to get a couple of veteran position players to help their young hitters develop. That would have also given them more to trade come July.

Storyline to watch: The comeback of former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara. If he can stay healthy and dominate in the first half, the Marlins could be able to trade him for the biggest prospect haul the industry has seen since the Nationals dealt Juan Soto to the Padres three years ago.

Season prediction: Fifth place

New York Mets

Grade: A-minus

Free agents:

• RF Juan Soto, 15 years/$765 million
• LHP Sean Manaea, 3 years/$75 million
• 1B Pete Alonso, 2 years/$54 million
• RHP Clay Holmes, 3 years/$38 million
• RHP Frankie Montas, 2 years/$34 million
• LHP A.J. Minter, 2 years/$22 million
• OF/DH Jesse Winker, 1 year/$7.5 million
• RHP Ryne Stanek, 1 year/$4.5 million
• RHP Griffin Canning, 1 year/$4.25 million
• 2B Nick Madrigal, 1 year/$1.35 million
• RHP Dylan Covey, 1 year/$850,000

Trades:

• Acquired CF Jose Siri from Rays for RHP Eric Orze

Best move: Outbidding the cross-town Yankees and landing Juan Soto in free agency. Soto is the Ted Williams of this generation and will be a game-changer offensively for the Mets for years to come.

Under-the-radar move: Signing reliever Clay Holmes and transitioning him into a starting role, with adjustments to his repertoire.

What helped or hurt their grade: I bumped up the Mets’ grade to “A-minus” when they brought back Pete Alonso on a short-term deal, a move that solidifies them as one of the most lethal offenses in the league. However, I couldn’t get them to an “A” because they needed to do more to improve the top of the rotation, and I don’t think they have enough bulk innings. Too many higher-risk signings like Frankie Montas and Holmes.

Storyline to watch: The Mets’ season will likely hinge on how their rotation fares compared to those of the Phillies and Braves. Also, how will their continued pursuit of Padres ace Dylan Cease play out?

Season prediction: Third place (wild-card berth)

Philadelphia Phillies

Grade: B

Free agents:

• OF Max Kepler, 1 year/$10 million
• RHP Jordan Romano, 1 year/$8.5 million
• RHP Joe Ross, 1 year/$4 million

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Jesús Luzardo and C Paul McIntosh from Marlins for SS Starlyn Caba and OF Emaarion Boyd
• Acquired cash considerations from Rays for RHP Mike Vasil
• Acquired RHP Aaron Combs from White Sox for LHP Tyler Gilbert

Best move: Acquiring Jesús Luzardo from the Marlins gives them the division’s best and deepest rotation.

Under-the-radar move: Signing Jordan Romano, who gives them a high-leverage reliever on a relatively inexpensive contract. Can he stay healthy?

What helped or hurt their grade: They didn’t do enough to improve their outfield offensively; it remains one of the weakest parts of their lineup.

Storyline to watch: The development of one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, Andrew Painter, who will start the year in the minors but could become a difference-maker in the majors by summertime.

Season prediction: First place

Washington Nationals

Grade: C-plus

Free agents:

• RHP Trevor Williams, 2 years/$14 million
• RHP Michael Soroka, 1 year/$9 million
• 1B/DH Josh Bell, 1 year/$6 million
• RHP Kyle Finnegan, 1 year/$6 million
• RHP Jorge López, 1 year/$3 million
• LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara, 2 years/$3.5 million
• RHP Lucas Sims, 1 year/$3 million
• INF Paul DeJong, 1 year/$1 million

Trades:

• Acquired 1B Nathaniel Lowe from Rangers for LHP Robert Garcia

Best move: The Nathaniel Lowe acquisition gives them improved offense and defense at first base and more of a veteran presence to help their young players develop. Lowe is a 16- to 18-home run hitter who has won Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards.

Under-the-radar move: Waiting out their closer from last year, Kyle Finnegan, in free agency and then bringing him back for only $6 million. Shrewd negotiating.

What helped or hurt their grade: They didn’t spend the money required in trades or free agency to make marked improvement in the standings this year.

Storyline to watch: The development of their corner outfielders: Dylan Crews, who is expected to play right, and James Wood, who will play left. Both have the potential to develop into star-caliber players, and for the Nationals to be in a better position next offseason to spend money, they need both to make an impact this year.

Season prediction: Fourth place

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NL Central

Chicago Cubs

Grade: A-minus

Free agents:

• LHP Matthew Boyd, 2 years/$29 million
• C Carson Kelly, 2 years/$11.5 million
• INF Justin Turner, 1 year/$6 million
• RHP Colin Rea, 1 year/$5 million
• LHP Caleb Thielbar, 1 year/$2.75 million
• INF Jon Berti, 1 year/$2 million

Trades:

• Acquired OF Kyle Tucker from Astros for 3B Cam Smith, RHP Hayden Wesneski and 3B Isaac Paredes
• Acquired RHP Ryan Pressly and cash from Astros for RHP Juan Bello
• Acquired RHP Cody Poteet from Yankees for CF/1B Cody Bellinger and cash
• Acquired RHP Eli Morgan from Guardians for OF Alfonsin Rosario
• Acquired INF Vidal Bruján from Marlins for 1B Matt Mervis
• Acquired RHP Ryan Brasier and cash from Dodgers for player to be named or cash
• Acquired C Matt Thaiss from Angels for cash considerations
• Acquired RHP Matt Festa from Rangers for cash
• Acquired cash from White Sox for C Matt Thaiss
• Acquired cash from Mariners for INF Miles Mastrobuoni

Best move: Trading for Kyle Tucker, who gives the Cubs the superstar position player they’ve been missing and a hitter who can carry the team when the rest of the lineup is slumping. Tucker is a 30-homer/30-stolen base talent and a true five-tool player. However, the Cubs won’t be able to re-sign him during the season as he’s too close to free agency; they’ll need to wait to see how he’s valued on the post-Soto-signing open market. This was the best move for the Cubs to make for this year, but if they don’t reach the postseason and don’t re-sign Tucker, it will turn into the worst move because they gave up a future star, Cam Smith, to land him.

Under-the-radar move: The Ryan Pressly trade. The 36-year-old righty gives them a much-needed impact closer who brings quiet leadership and mental toughness to their bullpen.

What helped or hurt their grade: Their high grade wasn’t just because of the moves for Tucker and Pressly. It was aided by building strong depth in their bullpen and bench this offseason.

Storyline to watch: The development of the trio of young players at the bottom of their lineup: center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, catcher Miguel Amaya, and third baseman Matt Shaw, who should be in contention for NL Rookie of the Year thanks to his short, quick stroke, surprising power and ability to create backspin. If those three deliver, the Cubs will participate in October baseball; if not, they’ll probably be on the outside looking in again.

Season prediction: First place

Cincinnati Reds

Grade: B

Free agents:

• LHP Brent Suter, 1 year/$2.5 million
• RHP Nick Martinez, 1 year/$21.05 million
• OF Austin Hays, 1 year/$5 million
• RHP Scott Barlow, 1 year/$2.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Brady Singer from Royals for 2B Jonathan India and OF Joey Wiemer
• Acquired C Jose Trevino from Yankees for RHP Fernando Cruz and C Alex Jackson
• Acquired INF Gavin Lux from Dodgers for OF Mike Sirota and a competitive balance pick in the 2025 draft
• Acquired LHP Taylor Rogers and cash from Giants for RHP Braxton Roxby

Best move: Hiring Terry Francona as manager was their best overall move; his leadership and special ability to communicate and hold players accountable will be a game-changer for this roster. From a player perspective, the acquisition of Brady Singer provides important bulk innings to augment their young rotation. Singer logged 179 2/3 innings last season for Kansas City and has pitched 150 innings or more each season over the past three years.

Under-the-radar move: Acquiring former Gold Glove winner Jose Trevino to back up Tyler Stephenson. It gives them a quality catcher if Stephenson gets hurt or needs to play first base or DH on occasion.

What helped or hurt their grade: I think they needed one more proven power bat for the middle of their lineup. Although they tried to trade with the White Sox for Luis Robert Jr., they fell short, only willing to give up one of their top prospects, not two. In 2023, Robert hit 38 home runs with 20 steals, numbers he could easily reach again playing half his games at Great American Small Park. Instead, the Reds pivoted to Austin Hays, who was much more affordable at $5 million but provides just 15-18 home run type power instead.

Storyline to watch: The development of their young starting pitchers, led by Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Rhett Lowder, and maybe even Chase Burns by season’s end. If they all make significant strides, the Reds will win the division. However, a key to reaching those lofty expectations will be the team defense behind them, which was a problem last year. Also, who ends up playing first base, third base and the corner outfield spots is another key storyline; it could be answered quickly in spring training or linger the entire season, and it might determine their fate.

Season prediction: Second place

Milwaukee Brewers

Grade: C

Free agents:

• LHP Jose Quintana, 1 year/$4.25 million
• LHP Grant Wolfram, one-year deal
• LHP Tyler Alexander, one-year deal
• RHP Elvin Rodriguez, one-year deal

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Nestor Cortes and 2B Caleb Durbin from Yankees for RHP Devin Williams
• Acquired RHP Grant Anderson from Rangers for LHP Mason Molina

Best move: Acquiring Nestor Cortes, who should help the rotation if he can stay healthy, and Caleb Durbin, a solid backup utility infielder, in the trade with the Yankees.

Under-the-radar move: Trading for reliever Grant Anderson, who’s only had a couple cups of coffee in the bigs but could help out as a 13th pitcher on their staff at some point this year.

What helped or hurt their grade: They lost shortstop Willy Adames to the Giants in free agency and impact closer Devin Williams to the Yankees in the Cortes trade. Those departures hurt their grade.

Storyline to watch: The comeback attempts of outfielder Christian Yelich, who is trying to return from back surgery, and former ace Brandon Woodruff, who is attempting to make it back from shoulder surgery. They’ll be key to whether the Brewers finish anywhere from first to third place.

Season prediction: Third place

Pittsburgh Pirates

Grade: C-plus

Free agents:

• OF Andrew McCutchen, 1 year/$5 million
• LHP Andrew Heaney, 1 year/$5.25 million
• OF Tommy Pham, 1 year/$4.5 million
• LHP Caleb Ferguson, 1 year/$3 million
• 2B/OF Adam Frazier, 1 year/$1.525 million
• LHP Tim Mayza, 1 year/$1.15 million

Trades:

• Acquired 1B Spencer Horwitz from Guardians for RHP Luis Ortiz, LHP Josh Hartle and LHP Michael Kennedy
• Acquired INF/OF Emmanuel Valdez from Red Sox for RHP Joe Vogatsky
• Acquired RHP Brett de Geus from Blue Jays for cash.
• Acquired RHP Chase Shugart from Red Sox for RHP Matt McShane

Best move: Acquiring Spencer Horwitz, who posted a .357 OBP last year with 12 home runs in 328 at-bats for the Blue Jays and isn’t arbitration-eligible until 2027, which fits the Pirates’ financial profile. He underwent wrist surgery last month and will start the season on the injured list.

Under-the-radar move: Hiring Brent Strom as assistant pitching coach. Strom served as the pitching coach for the 2023 NL champion Arizona Diamondbacks and the 2021 world champion Houston Astros. He was instrumental in the development of pitchers such as Gerrit Cole and should really help young Pirates arms such as Paul Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller and eventually Bubba Chandler.

What helped or hurt their grade: Once again, they didn’t commit significant dollars to improving their offense, which is disappointing, especially because they now have a starting rotation that’s capable of taking them to the playoffs.

Storyline to watch: How great can Skenes become? How many innings will the Pirates allow him to pitch this year? Will he win his first Cy Young Award?

Season prediction: Fourth place

St. Louis Cardinals

Grade: F

Free agents: None

Trades:

• Acquired CF Michael Helman from Twins for cash

Best move: Crickets.

Under-the-radar move: …

What helped or hurt their grade: They did not make a single free-agent signing or any trades that moved the meter. They focused on trying to trade Nolan Arenado, and they couldn’t even do that.

Storyline to watch: How will Arenado fare at the start of the season? When will he get traded, and to whom?

Season prediction: Fifth place

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NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: A-minus

Free agents:

• RHP Corbin Burnes, 6 years/$210 million
• OF Randal Grichuk, 1 year/$5 million
• RHP Kendall Graveman, 1 year/$1.35 million

Trades:

• Acquired 1B Josh Naylor from Guardians for RHP Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance round pick in the 2025 draft
• Acquired INF Grae Kessinger from Astros for RHP Matthew Linskey

Extensions:

• SS Geraldo Perdomo, 4 years/$45 million

Best move: Shocking the baseball world and signing the best free-agent starting pitcher, Corbin Burnes, who gives the Diamondbacks another ace at the top of the rotation to go along with Zac Gallen. A strong rotation makes Arizona the favorite for the first NL wild-card spot.

Under-the-radar move: The Josh Naylor trade. It gave them another 30-home run bat at first base to replace the departed Christian Walker, who signed with the Astros.

What helped or hurt their grade: The club-friendly contract extension to Geraldo Perdomo, one of the most underrated defensive shortstops in baseball.

Storyline to watch: The development of shortstop/third baseman and top prospect Jordan Lawlar; when major-league-ready, the 22-year-old should provide a boost to the D-Backs’ lineup but also improved defense at the hot corner, which could force Eugenio Suárez to move from third base to the full-time DH spot.

Season prediction: Second place (wild-card berth)

Colorado Rockies

Grade: D

Free agents:

• INF Kyle Farmer, 1 year/$4 million
• 2B Thairo Estrada, 1 year/$3.25 million
• C Jacob Stallings, 1 year/$2.5 million
• LHP Scott Alexander, 1 year/$2 million

Trades: None

Best move: Signing Thairo Estrada, who hit 14 home runs for the Giants in 2022 and 2023 before slumping last year, batting .217 with nine homers in 96 games. However, at age 29, it’s reasonable to think he can have a bounce-back year.

Under-the-radar move: Signing utility infielder Kyle Farmer, who brings positional flexibility off the bench and a positive attitude to the clubhouse.

What helped or hurt their grade: The Rockies didn’t make any significant free-agent signing nor a single trade. Instead they continue to rely almost solely on their farm system to improve, but I foresee another last-place finish.

Storyline to watch: The continued development of center fielder Brenton Doyle, shortstop Ezequiel Tovar and right fielder Jordan Beck.

Season prediction: Fifth place

Los Angeles Dodgers

Grade: A-plus

Free agents:

• LHP Blake Snell, 5 years/$182 million
• RHP Roki Sasaki, 1 year/$6.5 million
• LHP Tanner Scott, 4 years/$72 million
• RHP Kirby Yates, 1 year/$13 million
• OF Teoscar Hernández, 3 years/$66 million
• RHP Blake Treinen, 2 years/$22 million
• OF Michael Conforto, 1 year/$17 million
• 2B/SS Hyeseong Kim, 3 years/$12.5 million
• INF/OF Kiké Hernández, 1 year/$6.5 million
• LHP Clayton Kershaw, 1 year/$7.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired OF Mike Sirota and a competitive balance pick in the 2025 draft from Reds for INF Gavin Lux
• Acquired RHP Jose Vasquez from Twins for C Diego Cartaya
• Acquired player to be named or cash from Cubs for Ryan Brasier and cash

Extensions:

• INF/OF Tommy Edman, 4 years/$64.5 million

Best move: Signing two more No. 1 starters and two more impact closers to bolster a world championship roster. Imagine winning it all and instead of resting on your laurels, signing a proven ace who has already won two Cy Youngs (Blake Snell) and the best pitching prospect in the sport (Roki Sasaki). Then, after re-signing your sub-2.00 ERA backend reliever, Blake Treinen, you add the best left-handed closer in the league last year, Tanner Scott, and All-Star righty reliever Kirby Yates, who posted a 1.17 ERA and 33 saves in 2024. The best move they made was all five of them.

Under-the-radar move: The signing of second baseman Hyeseong Kim. He’s a Gold Glove-caliber defender with blazing speed. I don’t know how much he’s going to hit, but his athleticism and base-stealing ability will play, and his glove should help the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

What helped or hurt their grade: Their dominance, from ownership on down. The Dodgers continue to be the best in the business, thanks to owner Mark Walter’s willingness to invest in baseball operations more than any club in history. That department, led by Andrew Friedman and Brandon Gomes, doesn’t just sign or trade for the best players; they provide them with more (and better) technology, information and analytics than any other organization to make them the best they can be. They also sign players at market or below-market prices rather than just outbidding opponents. They have their foot on the gas at all times. They are obsessed with being the best, and it shows on and off the field

Storyline to watch: Shohei Ohtani’s transition back to being a two-way player. How will he pitch in his return from elbow surgery?

Season prediction: First place

San Diego Padres

Grade: C

Free agents:

• RHP Nick Pivetta, 4 years/$55 million
• C Elias Díaz, 1 year/$3.5 million
• OF Connor Joe, one-year deal
• OF Jason Heyward, 1 year/$1 million
• LHP Kyle Hart, 1 year/$1.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Ron Marinaccio from White Sox for cash

Best move: Signing Nick Pivetta to a club-friendly backloaded contract.

Under-the-radar move: Signing former All-Star catcher Elias Díaz, who gives them a veteran alternative to Luis Campusano behind the plate.

What helped or hurt their grade: Running out of money hurt their grade. The front office didn’t really have any to spend this offseason to improve the team.

Storyline to watch: If the Padres were to fall out of contention, they’d probably trade their two best starting pitchers, Dylan Cease and Michael King, both of whom should bring back a haul of good prospects.

Season prediction: Third place

San Francisco Giants

Grade: B

Free agents:

• SS Willy Adames, 7 years/$182 million
• RHP Justin Verlander, 1 year/$15 million

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Braxton Roxby from Reds for LHP Taylor Rogers and cash

Best move: The signing of Willy Adames, who finally gives them a star shortstop. Last season Adames slashed .251/.331/.462 with 32 home runs and 21 stolen bases. He’ll also bring positive energy and enthusiasm to the Giants’ clubhouse.

Under-the-radar move: The signing of future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander, who now gets to make half of his starts in pitcher-friendly Oracle Park. Verlander’s leadership and baseball IQ should help the development of San Francisco’s young starting pitchers like Kyle Harrison.

What helped or hurt their grade: They didn’t do enough. They need to continue trying to improve the middle of their lineup, and they just weren’t aggressive enough in the boardroom.

Storyline to watch: The development of first baseman Bryce Eldridge, a top prospect who has a chance to be the best offensive player the Giants have developed since their president of baseball operations, Buster Posey, was drafted.

Season prediction: Fourth place

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AL East

Baltimore Orioles

Grade: B

Free agents:

• OF Tyler O’Neill, 3 years/$49.5 million
• RHP Charlie Morton, 1 year/$15 million
• RHP Tomoyuki Sugano, 1 year/$13 million
• RHP Andrew Kittredge, 1 year/ $10 million
• C/DH Gary Sánchez, 1 year/$8.5 million
• OF Ramón Laureano, 1 year/$4 million
• OF Dylan Carlson, 1 year/$975,000

Trades:

• Acquired SS Luis Vazquez from Cubs for cash
• Acquired cash from Mariners for C Blake Hunt

Best move: Signing Tomoyuki Sugano, who was one of the best pitchers in Japan last year and throughout his 12-year career. He’s not overpowering, but knows how to pitch by adding, subtracting and hitting his spots. The 35-year-old went 15-3 with a 1.67 ERA last season in Nippon Professional Baseball. He doesn’t miss bats, but also doesn’t walk anybody. The contract was a shrewd short-term risk by the Orioles.

Under-the-radar move: Signing 41-year-old Charlie Morton, who logged a 4.19 ERA over 30 starts last season, away from the Braves. His wealth of knowledge will help the development of younger Orioles starters such as Grayson Rodriguez and Dean Kremer.

What helped or hurt their grade: The Orioles lost their ace (Corbin Burnes) and their team leader in home runs (Anthony Santander) in free agency and failed to land any stars to replace them.

Storyline to watch: The continued development of their young core, led by Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Jackson Holliday and Colton Cowser.

Season prediction: Third place (wild-card berth)

Boston Red Sox

Grade: A

Free agents:

• 3B Alex Bregman, 3 years/$120 million
• RHP Walker Buehler, 1 year/$21.05 million
• LHP Patrick Sandoval, 2 year/$18.25 million
• LHP Aroldis Chapman, 1 year/$10.75 million
• LHP Justin Wilson, 1 year, $2.25 million

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Garrett Crochet from White Sox for C Kyle Teel, OF Braden Montgomery, INF Chase Meidroth and RHP Wikelman Gonzalez
• Acquired C Carlos Narvaez from Yankees for RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool money
• Acquired RHP Joe Vogatsky from Pirates for INF/OF Emmanuel Valdez
• Acquired RHP Yhoiker Fajardo from White Sox for LHP Cam Booser
• Acquired LHP Jovani Moran from Twins for C/1B Mickey Gasper
• Acquired RHP Matt McShane from Pirates for RHP Chase Shugart

Best move: The trade for their new ace, Garrett Crochet, who will be my pick to win the AL Cy Young Award this year. The Red Sox paid a steep price in prospects, including catcher Kyle Teel and outfielder Braden Montgomery, but it was worth it — especially if they can extend Crochet.

Under-the-radar move: Signing Walker Buehler, who, in last year’s World Series pitched like he did in 2021, when he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting after going 16-4 with a 2.47 ERA over 33 starts. If he can stay healthy, Buehler could end up being the best value free-agent signing of the offseason.

What helped or hurt their grade: The late signing of second/third baseman Alex Bregman was the icing on the cake or the cherry on the sundae. It was the final piece for the Red Sox, who have positioned themselves to either win the division or secure a wild-card spot. Bregman’s right-handed power, Gold Glove defense and leadership qualities are exactly what this team needed.

Storyline to watch: The biggest storyline is where do Rafael Devers and Bregman end up playing? The best defensive alignment would be Bregman at third and Devers at DH, but how do you tell a 28-year-old third baseman, who, a year ago, signed a 10-year, $313.5 million deal, that he’s now a full-time DH? The next best storyline is the trio of top prospects — second baseman Kristian Campbell, outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Marcelo Mayer — who are en route to the majors. All three may start the year in Triple A but end it in Boston’s starting lineup.

Season prediction: Second place (wild-card berth)

New York Yankees

Grade: A

Free agents:

• LHP Max Fried, 8 years/$218 million
• Paul Goldschmidt, 1 year/$12.5 million
• RHP Jonathan Loáisiga, 1 year/$5 million
• LHP Tim Hill, 1 year/$2.85 million

Trades:

• Acquired OF/1B Cody Bellinger and cash from Cubs for RHP Cody Poteet
• Acquired RHP Devin Williams from Brewers for LHP Nestor Cortes and 2B Caleb Durbin
• Acquired RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and international bonus pool money from Red Sox for C Carlos Narvaez
• Acquired RHP Fernando Cruz and C Alex Jackson from Reds for C Jose Trevino

Best move: The Max Fried signing gave the Yankees the best and deepest rotation in the division, with Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman, though Gil’s early injury will test that depth. Their other best move was the contract extension for Aaron Boone, one of the top managers in the game.

Under-the-radar move: Signing lefty reliever Tyler Matzek on a minor-league contract. Matzek posted ERAs of 2.79 and 2.57 in 2020 and 2021, respectively, but has struggled with injuries since. He’s looked good this spring and might even make the Opening Day roster if he keeps pitching like this.

What helped or hurt their grade: Losing Juan Soto to the Mets hurt, but the Yankees’ pivot was phenomenal: landing Fried, trading for impact closer Devin Williams, and adding former MVP Cody Bellinger.

Storyline to watch: Their improved defense up the middle with Jazz Chisholm Jr. moving to second and Bellinger taking over in center field. Shortstop Anthony Volpe will have a much better double-play partner at second than he did last year, and Austin Wells, a top-notch catcher, will continue to improve behind the plate. Other storylines worth watching: Who plays third base? How many games will Giancarlo Stanton miss? What type of rookie season will Jasson Domínguez have?

Season prediction: First place

Tampa Bay Rays

Grade: C-plus

Free agents:

• SS Ha-Seong Kim, 2 years/$29 million
• C Danny Jansen, 1 year/$8.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Joe Boyle, RHP Jacob Watters, 1B/OF Will Simpson and a competitive balance round pick in the 2025 draft from Athletics for LHP Jeffrey Springs and LHP Jacob Lopez
• Acquired RHP Eric Orze from Mets for CF Jose Siri
• Acquired RHP Mike Vasil from Phillies for cash considerations
• Acquired RHP Alex Faedo from Tigers for C Enderson Delgado

Extensions:

RHP Drew Rasmussen, 2 years/$8.5 million

Best move: The signing of Ha-Seong Kim improves their shortstop position until top prospect Carson Williams is major-league-ready. Kim’s best season was in 2023, when he hit .260 with 17 home runs and 38 stolen bases while winning a Gold Glove Award. He’s currently rehabbing from October shoulder surgery.

Under-the-radar move: Signing Danny Jansen, who is a solid defensive catcher and game caller. An important addition to help their promising young pitching staff.

What helped or hurt their grade: Not having the resources to be competitive in the free-agent market hurt their grade, as did having to move from Tropicana Field to George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for home games because of Hurricane Milton’s destruction.

Storyline to watch: How is Steinbrenner Field going to affect the Rays’ offense and pitching? Most analysts believe the ballpark will help the hitters and hurt the pitchers. Only time will tell, but a favorable pitching park suits the Rays better; since most teams have much better lineups than them, they have to win with pitching and defense.

Season prediction: Fifth place

Toronto Blue Jays

Grade: B-plus

Free agents:

• RF Anthony Santander, 5 years/$92.5 million
• RHP Jeff Hoffman, 3 years/$33 million
• RHP Max Scherzer, 1 year/$15.5 million
• RHP Yimi García, 2 years/$15 million
• LHP Josh Walker, 1 year/$760,000

Trades:

• Acquired 2B Andrés Giménez and RHP Nick Sandlin from Guardians for 1B Spencer Horwitz
• Acquired OF Myles Shaw, cash and international bonus pool space from Guardians for player to be named or cash
• Acquired cash from Pirates for RHP Brett de Geus

Best move: Signing Anthony Santander, who hit 44 homers last year, second most in the AL. With Santander, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays have a trio that will be difficult to pitch around.

Under-the-radar move: The trade for Platinum Glove second baseman Andrés Giménez, who improves the Jays’ defense up the middle and gives them another infielder who’s capable of hitting 15 home runs.

What helped or hurt their grade: The Jays’ inability to extend the contracts of Guerrero and/or Bichette hurt their grade. In addition, I wasn’t sure about the gamble of giving reliever Jeff Hoffman a three-year deal when two other teams nixed deals with him over medical concerns.

Storyline to watch: Will they make Guerrero another offer at some point? If they fall out of contention, will they trade him at the deadline? This storyline isn’t going anywhere until Vlad Jr. signs his next contract — with the Blue Jays or someone else.

Season prediction: Fourth place

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AL Central

Chicago White Sox

Grade: B-minus

Free agents:

• LHP Martín Pérez, 1 year/$5 million
• OF Austin Slater, 1 year/$1.75 million
• OF Mike Tauchman, 1 year/$1.95 million
• RHP Bryse Wilson, 1 year/$1.05 million
• INF/OF Josh Rojas, 1 year/$3.5 million
• OF Michael A. Taylor, 1 year/$1.95 million

Trades:

• Acquired C Kyle Teel, OF Braden Montgomery, INF Chase Meidroth and RHP Wikelman Gonzalez from Red Sox for LHP Garrett Crochet
• Acquired C Matt Thaiss from Cubs for cash considerations
• Acquired LHP Cam Booser from Red Sox for RHP Yhoiker Fajardo
• Acquired LHP Tyler Gilbert from Phillies for RHP Aaron Combs

Best move: The Garrett Crochet trade. The White Sox controlled him for only two more years but were able to land a strong return, highlighted by their long-term future catcher, Kyle Teel, who should be quick to the big leagues, and right fielder Braden Montgomery, who has 25-30 home run potential once developed.

Under-the-radar move: The Martín Pérez signing. If he has a good first half of the season, they might be able to trade him at the deadline for a mid-level prospect.

What helped or hurt their grade: Their inability to trade Luis Robert Jr. for two good prospects. However, it probably wasn’t their fault as he’s coming off a down year. His trade market should get better between now and the deadline.

Storyline to watch: Robert will be traded at some point this year, but to what team? And for what prospects? He’s the White Sox’s last big trade asset as they take the next steps in their rebuild.

Season prediction: Fifth place

Cleveland Guardians

Grade: B-minus

Free agents:

• RHP Shane Bieber, 2 years/$26 million
• 1B Carlos Santana, 1 year/$12 million
• C Austin Hedges, 1 year/$4 million
• RHP Paul Sewald, 1 year/$7 million
• RHP Jakob Junis, 1 year/$4.5 million
• LHP John Means, 1 year/$1 million

Trades:

• Acquired RHP Slade Cecconi and a competitive balance round pick in the 2025 draft from Diamondbacks for 1B Josh Naylor
• Acquired OF Alfonsin Rosario from Cubs for RHP Eli Morgan
• Acquired 1B Spencer Horwitz from Blue Jays for 2B Andrés Giménez and RHP Nick Sandlin
• Acquired RHP Luis Ortiz, LHP Josh Hartle and LHP Michael Kennedy from Pirates for 1B Spencer Horwitz
• Acquired player to be named or cash from Blue Jays for OF Myles Shaw, cash and international bonus pool space.

Best move: Re-signing their ace, Shane Bieber. The two-time All-Star is not expected to pitch in the majors until the summer, but should he regain his Cy Young form, he gives Cleveland a top starter for a late postseason push. Provided he returns to full health and has a strong second half, the Guardians will have to contend with the potential of him declining his player option and hitting the market again.

Under-the-radar move: Acquiring Luis Ortiz, who gives them another affordable option in their rotation.

What helped or hurt their grade: Not replacing Josh Naylor’s 30-home run production after trading him to Arizona.

Storyline to watch: How does the Guardians’ right side of the diamond look this season? Juan Brito and Travis Bazzana will compete at second base. What kind of production will they get at first base from the aging Carlos Santana and developing Kyle Manzardo? And in right field from the likes of Will Brennan, Jhonkensy Noel and/or prospect Chase DeLauter.

Season prediction: Third place

Detroit Tigers

Grade: B

Free agents:

• RHP Jack Flaherty, 2 years/$35 million
• 2B Gleyber Torres, 1 year/$15 million
• RHP Alex Cobb, 1 year/$15 million
• RHP Tommy Kahnle, 1 year/$7.75 million

Trades:

• Acquired C Enderson Delgado from Rays for RHP Alex Faedo

Best move: Bringing back Jack Flaherty, who gives the Tigers a strong rotation with Tarik Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, and Jackson Jobe, the front-runner for rookie pitcher of the year, along with Reese Olson and Casey Mize.

Under-the-radar move: I loved the Tommy Kahnle pickup to help fortify their bullpen, even if he never throws another fastball the rest of his career.

What helped or hurt their grade: Losing out on Alex Bregman to the Red Sox in free agency despite making him the best long-term offer hurt their grade, but signing second baseman Gleyber Torres helped it because he improves their offense.

Storyline to watch: The biggest storyline will be the left side of the infield and how much production the Tigers will get from Trey Sweeney at shortstop and Jace Jung at third base with Javier Báez still guaranteed $73 million for three more years.

Season prediction: Second place

Kansas City Royals

Grade: B

Free agents:

• RHP Michael Wacha, 3 years/$51 million
• RHP Carlos Estévez, 2 years/$22 million
• RHP Michael Lorenzen, 1 year/$7 million

Trades:

• Acquired 2B Jonathan India and OF Joey Wiemer from Reds for RHP Brady Singer

Best move: The trade for Jonathan India, who gives them a leadoff hitter who can get on base and create traffic for the middle of their lineup, including Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino. The Royals struck out the least of any AL team last season and should repeat that feat again this year.

Under-the-radar move: The signing of closer Carlos Estévez, which allows them to move Lucas Erceg to the set-up role, his best spot. The Royals have done an excellent job of rebuilding their bullpen over the past couple of years.

What helped or hurt their grade: I’m a little concerned about their starting pitching depth and would like to see them acquire another starter, such as free agent Kyle Gibson.

Storyline to watch: Who’s going to play second base, third base, DH and left field on a daily basis? And, with India, Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia and MJ Melendez, among others, involved, how much platooning will they do at those positions?

Season prediction: First place

Minnesota Twins

Grade: D-plus

Free agents:

• OF Harrison Bader, 1 year/$6.25 million
• LHP Danny Coulombe, 1 year/$3 million
• INF Ty France, 1 year/$1 million

Trades:

• Acquired C/1B Mickey Gasper from Red Sox for LHP Jovani Moran
• Acquired C Diego Cartaya from Dodgers for RHP Jose Vasquez

Best move: Signing Harrison Bader to play left field gives them an above-average defender and important right-handed bat to better balance their overall outfield. He’s known for his hustle, grind and diving plays.

Under-the-radar move: The trade for Diego Cartaya, who was once considered a top prospect in the game. The 23-year-old catcher is still an interesting player. He needs to make adjustments but has breakout potential thanks to the change of scenery with this trade and no longer being blocked by Will Smith and Dalton Rushing on the Dodgers.

What helped or hurt their grade: Obviously, not making any significant moves this offseason hurt their grade.

Storyline to watch: The health of their top three players: Carlos Correa, Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis. If all three can stay healthy enough to play 140 games, then the Twins have a legitimate shot to win the division. However, Correa played in just 86 games last year due to foot and leg issues, Buxton hasn’t had 400 plate appearances or played in more than 103 games since 2017, and Lewis has never played more than 82 games in a season or had more than 325 plate appearances. As this trio goes, so do the Twins.

Season prediction: Fourth place

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AL West

Houston Astros

Grade: C-plus

Free agents:

• 1B Christian Walker, 3 years/$60 million
• OF Ben Gamel, 1 year/$1 million

Trades:

• Acquired 3B Cam Smith, RHP Hayden Wesneski and 3B Isaac Paredes from Cubs for OF Kyle Tucker
• Acquired RHP Juan Bello from Cubs for RHP Ryan Pressly and cash
• Acquired RHP Matthew Linskey from Diamondbacks for INF Grae Kessinger

Best move: Signing Christian Walker, who has won three consecutive Gold Glove awards at first base while averaging 32 home runs a year.

Under-the-radar move: Snagging Cam Smith, the Cubs’ first-round pick last year, in the Kyle Tucker trade. To get six (major-league) years of Smith in the deal for Tucker, whom they controlled for only this year, was a coup. They can always try to re-sign Tucker in free agency next winter. Smith homered in his first two spring at-bats with the Astros and should be quick to the big leagues, playing either third base or right field for them.

What helped or hurt their grade: The departures of Tucker and Bregman hurt their grade and signaled an end of an era for the Astros, who’ve made the postseason for eight consecutive years.

Storyline to watch: How will Jose Altuve’s move to left field go? And what type of offensive production will the Astros get from the rest of their outfield? (The latter will determine if they make the playoffs, extending their streak, this year.)

Season prediction: Third place

Los Angeles Angels

Grade: C-plus

Free agents:

• LHP Yusei Kikuchi, 3 years/$63 million
• RHP Kenley Jansen, 1 year/$10 million
• C Travis d’Arnaud, 2 years/$12 million
• 3B Yoán Moncada, 1 year/$5 million
• RHP Kyle Hendricks, 1 year/$2.5 million
• INF Kevin Newman, 1 year/$2.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired OF/DH Jorge Soler from Braves for RHP Griffin Canning
• Acquired cash considerations from Cubs for C Matt Thaiss
• Acquired LHP Mitch Farris from Braves for RHP Davis Daniel

Best move: Signing Yusei Kikuchi early in free agency. He had a strong second half in 2024, going 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA over 10 starts after the Blue Jays traded him to the Astros. He had immediate success with Houston after changing his repertoire and pitch sequencing.

Under-the-radar move: Bringing in Travis d’Arnaud, who is considered one of the best backup catchers in the game. His leadership and mentorship should help Logan O’Hoppe develop into an All-Star-caliber receiver, and his bat will help the Angels when O’Hoppe or Jorge Soler are given the day off.

What helped or hurt their grade: They committed to more than $100 million through free agency and trades, but didn’t really improve their potential win-loss record. They spent their money on quantity over quality, which I don’t think is the best play when you’re trying to rebuild around a core of good young players like Zach Neto, O’Hoppe, Jo Adell and Nolan Schanuel.

Storyline to watch: Does Mike Trout’s move to right field help him play a full season? He’s played 82 or fewer games in three of the four past years and last played in 120-plus games in 2019. Baseball has missed him in his recent injury-plagued seasons. Here’s hoping he’s not only a Comeback Player of the Year candidate, but also an MVP candidate again.

Season prediction: Fifth place

Athletics

Grade: B

Free agents:

• RHP Luis Severino, 3 years/$67 million
• RHP José Leclerc, 1 year/$10 million
• LHP T.J. McFarland, 1 year/$1.8 million
• INF Gio Urshela, 1 year/$2.15 million
• INF Luis Urías, 1 year/$1.1 million

Trades:

• Acquired LHP Jeffrey Springs and LHP Jacob Lopez from Rays for RHP Joe Boyle, RHP Jacob Watters, 1B/OF Will Simpson and a competitive balance round pick in the 2025 draft

Extensions:

• OF/DH Brent Rooker, 5 years/$60 million

Best move: Extending Brent Rooker through 2029 (with a vesting option for 2030) rather than trading him, despite numerous teams showing interest. Rooker hit 39 home runs with a 165 OPS+ last season. He was worth 5.6 WAR, according to  Baseball Reference. It was the second year in a row he’s hit 30 or more home runs, and he might blast 40 this year, since he’ll play half his games in Sacramento instead of the Oakland Coliseum.

Under-the-radar move: The acquisitions of Jeffrey Springs and Luis Severino give the A’s much-improved starting pitching.

What helped or hurt their grade: The A’s finally spent some money in the offseason, which was a surprise and helped their grade considerably.

Storyline to watch: How will the change in home venue, from a major-league park in Oakland to a Triple-A park in Sacramento, help or hinder the A’s offense and run prevention? In addition, will they make progress with their new Las Vegas ballpark? (They plan to break ground in the second quarter this year.) Will the Sacramento fan base support the team?

Season prediction: Fourth place

Seattle Mariners

Grade: D

Free agents:

• 3B Jorge Polanco, 1 year/$7.75 million
• INF Donovan Solano, 1 year/$3.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired 1B Austin Shenton from Rays for cash
• Acquired INF Miles Mastrobuoni from Cubs for cash
• Acquired C Blake Hunt from Orioles for cash

Best move: Re-signing Jorge Polanco, who’s switching to third base full-time and is coming off offseason surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee. He struggled in 2024 (93 OPS+) but has the talent to have a bounce-back season. He’s a career .330 on-base percentage player who has averaged more than 15 homers a year over the past three seasons.

Under-the-radar move: The acquisition of infielder Donovan Solano, who gives them a utility player who can play all over the diamond.

What helped or hurt their grade: Seattle hitters led the majors in strikeouts in 2024, and the Mariners did nothing to address it in the offseason. They have arguably the best five-man rotation in the AL but haven’t been able to match the offense of the rest of the league’s playoff teams. Despite their needs at both infield corners, they weren’t able to trade for a first baseman such as Josh Naylor or sign a free agent like Christian Walker or Pete Alonso, and they didn’t even make a play for star third baseman Alex Bregman. The lack of moves to improve the offense sealed the Mariners’ bad grade.

Storyline to watch: Having a full season under manager Dan Wilson and with Edgar Martinez and Kevin Seitzer as hitting coaches is the biggest storyline to monitor. Since the Mariners weren’t able to augment their offense with trades or free agents, their only path back to the playoffs is if their hitters can improve dramatically. The leadership is in place to help them, but will it be enough?

Season prediction: Second place (wild-card berth)

Texas Rangers

Grade: B-plus

Free agents:

• RHP Nathan Eovaldi, 3 years/$75 million
• OF/DH Joc Pederson, 2 years/$37 million
• C Kyle Higashioka, 2 years/$13.5 million
• RHP Chris Martin, 1 year/$5.5 million
• LHP Hoby Milner, 1-year, $2.5 million
• RHP Jacob Webb, 1 year/$1.25 million
• RHP Shawn Armstrong, one-year deal
• RHP Luke Jackson, 1 year/$1.5 million

Trades:

• Acquired 1B/3B Jake Burger from Marlins for INF Max Acosta, INF Echedry Vargas and LHP Brayan Mendoza
• Acquired LHP Robert Garcia from Nationals for 1B Nathaniel Lowe
• Acquired LHP Mason Molina from Brewers for RHP Grant Anderson
• Acquired cash from Cubs for RHP Matt Festa

Best move: It was a tie between the trade for Jake Burger and the signing of Joc Pederson. Last season, the duo hit a combined 52 home runs; they will significantly lengthen the Rangers’ lineup.

Under-the-radar move: The acquisition of lefty reliever Robert Garcia. I think Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux will be able to improve his delivery and thus his command and control.

What helped or hurt their grade: The Rangers spent wisely this offseason. That, along with the power bats they acquired, factored into their strong grade.

Storyline to watch: The returns of players who were injured last season, from ace Jacob deGrom and lefty Cody Bradford to third baseman Josh Jung and center fielder Evan Carter. If this club can stay relatively healthy, I think it’ll win the AL West, thanks to the most potent lineup in the division by far.

Season prediction: First place

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(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic. Photos: Carmen Mandato, Christian Petersen, Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)