The Los Angeles Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series win closed out the 2025 season. And then it opened the MLB offseason future odds for the rest of MLB to strengthen their rosters through trades and free-agent deals. The Dodgers, looking to repeat as champions for the third straight year, signed the highly sought-after outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Previously, Tucker played for the Chicago Cubs, where in the 2025 season, he recorded 17 home runs, 52 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. He has become the most valuable free agent this winter, posting a 4.0 fWAR every year since 2021. This metric is calculated as Wins Above Replacement, which compares a player’s sportsbook value to that of a potential replacement.
ESPN reports that Tucker has signed a 4-year contract with the Dodgers worth $240 million, making him the highest-paid position player by annual salary. The Dodgers are the second-wealthiest team in MLB wagering. Hence, that allows them to sign relatively expensive contracts with top free agents, such as Tucker.
The Chicago Cubs may have lost Tucker, but they did sign third baseman Alex Bregman on a five-year contract after Bregman spent last year playing for the Boston Red Sox. Consider that the Cubs had been pursuing Bregman for two offseasons prior, but now they have finally landed the third baseman.
It has been 10 years since the Cubs won a World Series. And the team is looking to improve the skill and potential of its roster. Mark Feinsand, the MLB executive reporter, said he was “shocked the Cubs bid out the Red Sox.” Since they are not usually a team interested in the free-agent market. Bregman’s deal signifies the Cubs’ need for defensive stability in their infield.
Overall, Kyle Schwarber, alternatively, brings scoring potential to the free agent market. Serving primarily as a designated hitter, Schwarber set a career high in 2025 with 56 home runs, playing in all 162 games and setting a world record for the most home runs scored by a left-handed hitter against left-handed pitchers in a single season.
Following his 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, which included a second-place finish in Most Valuable Player voting, the team was eager to re-sign him and agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract. At 33, Schwarber is a rarity; most players retire in their mid to late thirties. Yet Schwarber remains indispensable to the Phillies and their chances at winning a World Series.
In a similar way to the Phillies re-signing their top hitter, the New York Yankees have re-signed Cody Bellinger, one of their top hitters. The Yankees signed Bellinger last winter. However, they did not enter into a strong long-term contract.
Bellinger exercised his opt-out clause this winter, making him a free agent for the 2026 season. Hitting behind superstar Aaron Judge in the lineup, Bellinger blasted 29 home runs this past season. Bellinger was indeed looking for a long-term contract. The Yankees have given him just that with a five-year contract worth $162.5 million. While on a media conference call. Bellinger said he was excited to return to the Bronx Bombers.
The Yankees seemed intent on retaining many players on their roster. Additionally, they re-signed free agents Trent Grisham, Tim Hill, Amed Rosario, Ryan Yarbrough, and Paul Blackburn.
March 25, 2026, marks the end of the offseason, and teams have made significant efforts to strengthen themselves in preparation for the start of the regular season. In turn, the combination of high-profile signings and strategic re-signings will set up a competitive season for fans and players.