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Offseason Priorities for Teams Knocked Out of the 2026 MLB Playoffs
Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston and Houston confront free agency, pitching depth and front-office questions after exiting the postseason.
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Phillies Address Right Field and Relief Depth
Philadelphia exited after losing a wild-card series that went the distance against Atlanta. Free agents include Alec Bohm, Luis Arraez, Edmundo Sosa, Jose Alvarado and Tim Mayza. Right field stands as a clear need after the Adolis Garcia addition failed and forced a midyear defensive shuffle that shifted Bryson Stott to third, Bohm to first and Bryce Harper to right. Harper is expected back at first with Stott at second, while Aidan Miller could take over third after a back injury cost him nearly all of 2026. The rotation anchored by Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler and Jesus Luzardo offers little reason for a teardown. Returning position players produced limited value, with Trea Turner at -0.1 WAR, Justin Crawford at -0.2, Brandon Marsh at 0.4 and J.T. Realmuto at 0.0. The bullpen finished with the worst ERA in September and ranked 21st for the full season, so relief upgrades remain urgent alongside a low-upside right-field signing.
Cubs Rebuild the Pitching Staff
Chicago’s free-agent list features Kevin Gausman, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes and Carson Kelly. Position-player depth can absorb the likely outfield losses, freeing the front office to concentrate on starters and relievers. Justin Steele and Cade Horton are due back from injury, while Boyd and Holmes remain uncertain. The bullpen proved inconsistent, and big closer contracts have rarely been pursued. Kelly excelled over two seasons as a game-caller, ABS handler and serviceable hitter, yet Owen Ayers is rising and Miguel Amaya stays under control, complicating the mutual-option decision. Expect rotation spending with quieter bullpen additions.
Red Sox Weigh Rotation Options and a Duran Deal
Boston holds a $30 million mutual option on Sonny Gray plus free agents Patrick Sandoval and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Gray thrived but has signaled possible retirement if family wants him home, elevating the need for pitching depth after multiple starter and prospect trades. A healthy Garrett Crochet would help. Six players started at shortstop and seven at second base in 2026, yet Franklin Arias and Curtis Mead should stabilize those spots. Jarren Duran hit.207/.266/.361 and sits fourth in the outfield, making him trade bait despite two remaining years of control. Prior additions of Willson Contreras, Mead, Adley Rutschman and Erik Miller lock in pieces through at least 2027, pointing to a quiet winter if Gray returns.
Astros Seek Front-Office Stability
Houston finished the year without a general manager after Dana Brown’s late-August exit and must install new leadership under the influence of Jim Crane and Jeff Bagwell. Free agents include Bryan Abreu and Isaac Paredes. The club claimed another division title and climbed from a 20-31 start, yet needed its final two wins to reach.500 and was outscored by 32 runs overall. The next executive must balance short-term competitiveness with longer-term roster health.
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