While some MLB teams are soaring to new heights, others seem to be stuck in reverse this offseason. Just last week, we celebrated the seven teams making the biggest strides (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6936246/2026/01/05/mlb-most-improved-orioles-pirates-braves-red-sox/). But now, it's time to shine a light on the five franchises seemingly heading in the opposite direction. And this is the part most people miss: there's still time for these teams to turn things around with impactful acquisitions. But for now, let's dissect the moves (or lack thereof) that have fans scratching their heads.
1. New York Mets: A Power Outage in Queens
The Mets' offseason strategy has been, well, puzzling. Their stubbornness in negotiations with first baseman Pete Alonso backfired spectacularly. After successfully convincing him to stay on a short-term deal last year, they assumed he'd play ball again. Wrong. Alonso walked in free agency, leaving a gaping hole in their lineup. His replacement, Jorge Polanco, while a solid player, doesn't pack the same punch. Polanco, a year and a half older than Alonso, averages significantly fewer home runs and has virtually no experience at first base, a position he's now expected to anchor.
But here's where it gets controversial: the Mets traded Brandon Nimmo, a young, productive outfielder, for Marcus Semien, a veteran second baseman. While Semien's defensive prowess is undeniable, his offensive decline is evident. Nimmo, on the other hand, is still in his prime and was a key contributor last season. Is this a case of the Mets prioritizing defense over offense, or a miscalculation of Semien's remaining value?
The Mets further compounded their issues by trading Jeff McNeil, a younger and offensively superior second baseman, for a rookie pitcher. Their bullpen also took a hit with the departure of Edwin Díaz, replaced by Devin Williams, whose recent performance raises eyebrows.
2. New York Yankees: Standing Still in a Competitive Division
The AL East is a bloodbath, with three teams already making significant moves. The Yankees, however, seem content with minor tweaks. Their priority, re-signing Cody Bellinger, remains unfulfilled. Meanwhile, they've settled for bringing back Trent Grisham and adding depth with veterans like Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn. While these moves provide stability, they lack the impact needed to compete with the likes of the Blue Jays and Red Sox. With key players like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón sidelined due to injuries, the Yankees need to act fast or risk falling behind in a division where every win counts.
3. Cleveland Guardians: A Slumbering Giant?
The Guardians' offseason has been eerily quiet. Their only notable moves have been adding pitching depth with Shawn Armstrong, Colin Holderman, and Connor Brogdon. This is a team desperately needing offensive firepower, yet they've done nothing to address this glaring weakness. In a division where the Royals and White Sox are actively improving, the Guardians' inaction is baffling. They possess a strong farm system, yet seem reluctant to leverage it for impact players. Are they simply biding their time, or is this a case of misplaced confidence in their current roster?
4. Cincinnati Reds: Missing the Offensive Mark
The Reds have the talent to contend, but their offense is holding them back. They pursued Kyle Schwarber aggressively but failed to land him. Instead of pivoting to other impactful bats, they seem content with minor additions like Dane Myers and JJ Bleday. While their bullpen has been strengthened with Emilio Pagán and Caleb Ferguson, their lineup remains a concern. With the Pirates making significant moves, the Reds risk being left behind in the NL Central. They have the resources to address their offensive shortcomings, but will they act before it's too late?
5. San Diego Padres: Slipping in the NL West?
The Padres have lost key players like Robert Suarez, Dylan Cease, and Ryan O’Hearn without adequately replacing them. While retaining Michael King and adding Sung-Mun Song provides some stability, it's not enough to keep pace with the Dodgers and Giants, who have significantly bolstered their rosters. The Padres need at least one more starting pitcher, and free agents like Zac Gallen or Lucas Giolito could be the answer. However, time is ticking, and the Padres need to make a splash soon to avoid falling further behind in the competitive NL West.
Food for Thought:
Which of these teams do you think has the most to worry about? Are the Mets' moves a recipe for disaster, or will they prove the doubters wrong? Can the Yankees afford to stand pat in the AL East arms race? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
