MLB offseason: Analysis for all major moves

The MLB offseason is underway. Follow along for analysis of all major transactions over the winter.

Rangers trade Semien to Mets for Nimmo

What it means for Texas: Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young is reimagining an offense that finished 22nd in runs scored and 26th in OPS. Texas cut ties with three underachieving regular bats over a 72-hour span in Adolis García, Jonah Heim, and now Semien; each of those players had a sub-.700 OPS in 2025. Semien remains an elite defender, but the 34-year-old's had a pair of underwhelming offensive seasons. While the Rangers took on more money (roughly $20 million) and term (two additional years) by bringing in Nimmo, they get a younger and better offensive player who helps fill a need in the corner outfield. Nimmo isn't an elite hitter, but he is coming off three straight seasons with at least 20 homers while averaging a .773 OPS. Young obviously wanted to deal Semien while he still had value. The Rangers have a number of options they can mix and match at the position.

What it means for the Mets: New York is shaking up a core that missed the 2025 postseason. Moving the club's longest-tenured player is a major shot at the clubhouse by president of baseball operations David Stearns. The Mets need to get better defensively, and Semien at second base will go a long way in that department - especially when he's playing up the middle with Francisco Lindor. Stearns will also hope a change of scenery can bring out a little more from Semien's bat. Nimmo's departure leaves a hole in the outfield and creates more roster flexibility, which the Mets can address either via trade or in free agency. Signing Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker would fill that void, or maybe they'll trade for an outfielder like Jarren Duran. The Semien deal will look a lot better if it's complemented by another big move - otherwise, it's a gamble on a player showing signs of decline.

Braves sign Raisel Iglesias

✍️ 1-year, $16M contract

What it means for the Braves: Credit to Alex Anthopoulos for retaining one of the few closers on the free-agent market at a fraction of what Edwin Díaz and Robert Suarez will cost. Iglesias is currently projected to be the third-highest paid reliever in MLB next season, though not having to commit to multiple years is a win for the Braves. He's coming off another excellent campaign in which he posted a 0.99 WHIP over a career-high 70 appearances. The 35-year-old particularly excelled in the second half, posting a 0.34 ERA over his final 27 outings. Bringing back Iglesias checks off a significant need for Anthopoulos this winter as he tries to retool a club that missed the postseason.

Angels trade Ward to Orioles for Rodriguez

What it means for the Orioles: It was a surprise to see the Orioles move on from Rodriguez - especially for a rental - but Mike Elias has shown a willingness to deal players with control for a key player on an expiring deal in recent years (i.e. Corbin Burnes). You can understand the organization looking for more certainty, and the Orioles didn't think it they had it in Rodriguez, who's dealt with a number of injuries in recent years. Elias believed it was the right time to sell relatively high on Rodriguez's potential, and he was able to acquire an impact bat without paying big in free agency. Ward will be a welcome addition to a Baltimore team that surprisingly struggled to hit and score runs in 2025 - its outfielders ranked 26th in fWAR. His 36 homers were more than double the Orioles' season leader (Gunnar Henderson), and Ward also would have led the club in OPS. If Ward plays well enough, Baltimore could issue him a qualifying offer at the end of the season.

What it means for the Angels: Los Angeles was expected to move either Ward or Jo Adell this winter and understandably traded the former, who's on an expiring deal and set to earn more than double Adell's salary in arbitration. Acquiring Rodriguez is a gamble given his struggles to stay healthy, but it's a necessary one for a team like the Angels that's failed for years to develop pitching. Rodriguez is entering his age-26 season and has four additional years of club control. He should benefit from working under L.A.'s new pitching coach, Mike Maddux. Regardless of whether it works out, this is a deal the Angels have to make every time. Clearing out nearly $14 million in Ward's salary creates some flexibility for Perry Minasian, too.

Mariners re-sign Josh Naylor

✍️ 5-year, $92.5M contract

What it means for the Mariners: Some fits are just too perfect. Naylor was a great deadline addition for Seattle, and it only made sense to extend the partnership. Naylor could have waited out the market and potentially gotten more money, but instead, he took a deal that gives him long-term security at a fair price in a place where he feels comfortable. There's plenty of value in that for a player, and the waiting game in free agency isn't for everyone. Some teams might hesitate to hand a first baseman a five-year contract, but Naylor is only entering his age-29 season and shouldn't age too poorly. He hardly strikes out, he draws walks, and he has some sneaky athleticism. Naylor also posted a wRC+ of at least 118 in each of the last four seasons, so even with some regression, he projects to be at least an average first baseman later in his deal. Most importantly, the Mariners are set up for success in their current window. While more additions are necessary, retaining Naylor goes a long way toward making Seattle the favorite to win the AL West again next season.