Mets Lead List of 5 MLB Teams Regressing This Offseason – The Athletic
This offseason, several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are under scrutiny for their lack of progress. Among them, the New York Mets have notably led the charge in regression as they navigate personnel changes and free agency decisions.
Mets Lead the List of 5 MLB Teams Regretting Their Offseason Moves
1. New York Mets
The New York Mets are facing major challenges after failing to secure a long-term deal with first baseman Pete Alonso. In December, he opted for free agency, leaving the Mets without their leading power hitter from the last seven seasons.
To fill the void, they signed Jorge Polanco, who has yet to establish a strong first base presence in his career, having played only one inning there. Polanco’s power numbers fall significantly short of Alonso’s, averaging just 23 home runs per 162 games.
The Mets also traded Brandon Nimmo, a 32-year-old outfielder, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for 35-year-old second baseman Marcus Semien. Although Semien shines defensively, he recorded just 15 homers last season compared to Nimmo’s 25. Additionally, they dealt veteran Jeff McNeil for a teenage pitcher, diminishing their offensive lineup.
Moreover, the Mets lost elite closer Edwin Díaz to free agency, opting instead for Devin Williams, who struggled last season with a 4.79 ERA. With these personnel losses, the Mets’ offseason moves appear to be regressive as they prepare for the 2026 season.
2. New York Yankees
The New York Yankees have not fared much better. They have struggled to re-sign outfielder Cody Bellinger while seeing key pitchers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver depart to the Mets.
So far, their roster improvements include re-signing utility player Amed Rosario and adding pitching depth with Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn. However, injuries to star players like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón leave several gaps unfilled.
3. Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have had a quiet offseason, adding few impactful players. Despite signing pitching depth with Shawn Armstrong, Colin Holderman, and Connor Brogdon, they have failed to address their pressing need for offensive firepower.
While other teams in the AL Central have made significant moves, the Guardians’ inactivity raises questions about their competitiveness this season.
4. Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds, despite having a promising manager and talent, have not strengthened their roster significantly. They made an attempt to sign Kyle Schwarber but failed to pivot to other offensive options afterward.
With several teams in their division improving, the Reds need to act quickly to bolster their offense or risk falling behind.
5. San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have lost key players like closer Robert Suarez and pitcher Dylan Cease to free agency without significant additions to their roster. They managed to retain some pitching depth with Michael King but haven’t made substantial moves to keep up with rivals in the NL West.
As they begin the season under new management, the Padres must focus on strengthening their lineup, particularly in starting pitching.
Conclusion
As key offseason decisions unfold, the New York Mets highlight a concerning trend among multiple MLB teams experiencing regression. With a dynamic sports environment, each team has opportunities to pivot and adapt, but time is of the essence.
