Over the course of 5 months, so much has happened in the MLB off-season. From unexpected trades to massive free agent signings, a lot has happened during this off-season that many people don’t know about. We will inform you of changes that have happened, discuss how they affect your favorite team, and predict possible World Series contenders.
Trades and Free Agents
During the 2026 MLB off-season, there were several important trades and free-agent signings. To start, Luis Robert Jr. was traded from the White Sox to the Mets in exchange for Luisangel Acuna and Trauman Pauley. Another significant trade was when the Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado for minor league pitcher Jack Martinez. Some other important trades were Brandon Nimmo being traded for Marcus Semien and Shane Baz being traded to the Orioles in exchange for prospects and a draft pick.
In addition to the trades, many free agents signed huge deals with other teams. To begin, the largest free-agent signing was Kyle Tucker, who signed a 4-year contract for $240 million with the Dodgers. Another big free-agent signing was Pete Alonso, who signed a 5-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles. Trent Grisham also signed a big contract with the New York Yankees. Some other noticeable free-agent signings were Alex Bregman signing with the Cubs, Cody Bellinger re-signing with the Yankees, Bo Bichette signing with the Mets, and Edwin Diaz signing with the Dodgers.
Conclusively, many significant trades and free-agent signings have occurred during the 2026 MLB offseason.
How do these trades and free agents affect these MLB teams?
These trades and free-agent signings hugely affect MLB teams. For starters, the Luis Robert trade has definitely helped the Mets rebuild their team. Data research expert David Adler says, “Robert has three standout skills in three important areas: He ranked in the top 10% of MLB players last season in one key hitting stat, one key defensive stat, and one key speed stat.” This shows just how beneficial the Luis Robert trade is for the Mets.
Despite the successful Luis Robert trade, we aren’t sure that Nolan Arenado will be beneficial to the Diamondbacks. Arenado has had some bad seasons the last couple of years, and he is getting to be an older player.
In contrast, Kyle Tucker, the biggest free agent signing of the year, is a very good player, but does he really deserve a $240 million contract for only 4 years? In 2025, Tucker only had 22 home runs and a .266 batting average. These stats are above average, but not exceptional.
Another crucial free agent signing is Pete Alonso. The Orioles got a great deal from signing Alonso. In 2025, Alonso had 38 home runs and a .272 batting average. These are exceptional stats for a 5-year, $155 million contract.
Finally, Cody Bellinger’s re-signing is a big deal for the Yankees. Cody Bellinger has some great stats, such as 29 home runs and a .272 batting average. Many people also believe that Cody Bellinger is improving significantly.
In conclusion, these trades and free agent signings make a huge impact on many different teams.
Predictions
We interviewed two students about their thoughts on their favorite team’s big news. The first one was Jack Schmidt, who is a sixth-grader.
Falcon Press: Jack, what is your favorite team?
Jack Schmidt: The Yankees
FP: So, after the Yankees re-signing Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger, how do you feel about the Yankees’ outlook this season?
JS: I think they are going to be contending for the World Series because they also have Gerrit Cole this season, and Cody Bellinger is getting stronger by the season.
Then we interviewed Aaron Strassberg, who is also a 6th-grader.
Falcon Press: What is your favorite baseball team?
Aaron Strassberg: The New York Mets.
FP: How do you feel about the acquisition of Luis Robert and Bo Bichette?
AS: I want them, but I feel like they will be a lot of money.
FP: How do you feel about the loss of Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo?
AS: It subtracts from our defense and offense because they were our two big home run hitters.
Predictions
It’s very possible that the Dodgers and Yankees will be contenders for the 2026 World Series. Both teams have talented and consistent athletes, including Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Gerrit Cole for the Yankees, and Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Kyle Tucker for the Dodgers. These teams’ great athletes and productive off-season moves make them a serious threat for the World Series title. Conclusively, from major off-season signings to consistent talent, we think the Yankees and Dodgers will play in the World Series.
As you can see, there has been a lot of activity this season, such as trades like the Luis Roberts for Luisangel Acuna and Trauman Pauley, and signings like Pete Alonso. These changes will change up the MLB quite a lot. MLB fans out there, who do you think will take home the World Series title?
Works Cited
2026, https://www.rotowire.com/betting/mlb/world-series-odds.php?book. Accessed 2 2026.
“Cody Bellinger Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More.” Baseball-Reference.com, https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellico01.shtml. Accessed 4 March 2026.
“Kyle Tucker Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More.” Baseball-Reference.com, https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tuckeky01.shtml. Accessed 4 March 2026.
“MLB Free Agents 2025-2026: Tracking Trades, Transactions And Offseason Moves.” MLB.com, 28 February 2026, https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-2025-2026-free-agents-trades-offseason-transaction-tracker. Accessed 4 March 2026.
“Pete Alonso Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More.” Baseball-Reference.com, https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alonspe01.shtml. Accessed 4 March 2026.
“Why Mets traded for Luis Robert Jr.” MLB.com, 6 February 2026, https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-luis-robert-jr-trade-explained. Accessed 4 March 2026.
