With MLB’s Winter Meetings just around the corner in Orlando, front offices across the league are already deep into shaping what their 2026 rosters will look like. Whether it’s a team trying to rebound from a tough 2025 campaign or a club looking to build on a playoff run that fell short, this offseason could be the difference between watching October from the couch or playing under the lights.
Let’s take a closer look at five clubs that could make serious noise in 2026-if they make the right moves this winter.
Oakland Athletics: A Young Core That’s Ready to Take the Next Step
The A’s wrapped up 2025 with a 76-86 record, but that doesn’t tell the full story. They closed the season on a 34-24 tear, flashing the kind of potential that should have the rest of the AL West paying attention.
At the heart of their resurgence is a lineup that’s quietly becoming one of the more intriguing in the league. American League Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz headlines a group that includes Jacob Wilson and Brent Rooker-players who can do real damage at the plate.
The offense is there. What’s missing?
A true No. 1 starter who can anchor the rotation and give this team a chance to go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights in the division.
If Oakland can land that ace this offseason, they’re not just a dark horse-they’re a legitimate problem for the rest of the AL.
Atlanta Braves: Looking to Bounce Back from a Rare Letdown
A 76-86 finish in Atlanta? That’s not just unexpected-it’s unacceptable for a team that’s been a perennial contender in the National League East.
Injuries hit hard in 2025, with Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Spencer Strider all missing significant time. That trio is the heartbeat of the Braves, and their health will be mission-critical in 2026.
There’s also a new man at the helm, with Walt Weiss stepping in as manager. He inherits a roster that still has championship DNA but needs to plug a few holes-starting with shortstop. The recent trade for Mauricio Dubón could be the answer there, giving the Braves a steady glove and some versatility up the middle.
If the core stays healthy and the shortstop spot stabilizes, don’t be surprised if Atlanta is right back in the thick of the playoff picture.
Cincinnati Reds: Power Needed to Match Their Potential
The Reds made it to October in 2025, but a quick exit at the hands of the Dodgers in the Wild Card round made one thing clear: they need more pop. Cincinnati finished 21st in home runs and 19th in OPS last season-numbers that just won’t cut it against the big boys in the National League.
Enter the rumors linking Kyle Schwarber to the Queen City. A bat like Schwarber’s would be a game-changer in the middle of the Reds’ lineup, adding the kind of thump that can turn a close game into a win with one swing. The Reds have the young talent and pitching to compete, but they need a veteran slugger who can carry them in October.
If Schwarber-or a bat of similar caliber-lands in Cincinnati, this team could be ready to take the next step from playoff participant to playoff threat.
Detroit Tigers: Time to Add the Final Piece
Detroit’s got the arms. Tarik Skubal just brought home the Cy Young, and he’s still anchoring a rotation that can go toe-to-toe with anyone. What they don’t have-yet-is a veteran bat that can put fear into opposing pitchers.
Prospects Max Clark and Kevin McGonigle are exciting, and they could play a big role in 2026. But if the Tigers want to make the leap from promising to dangerous, they need someone who’s been there before. A hitter who can slot in alongside Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene and give this lineup the balance it needs.
The pitching is good enough to win now. But Detroit’s window won’t stay open forever. This offseason is their chance to make a statement.
Kansas City Royals: Outfield Production Must Catch Up
The Royals finished 2025 at 82-80-not bad, but not good enough to crack the postseason. And if they want to change that in 2026, the outfield has to step up.
Here’s a stat that says it all: over the past five seasons, Royals outfielders have combined for just 9.4 fWAR. For context, Aaron Judge posted 10.1 fWAR by himself in 2025. That kind of disparity underscores just how much Kansas City needs more from its outfielders.
The infield is deep. The pitching is solid. But until the Royals find consistent production in the corners and center, they’ll be stuck on the outside looking in come October.
Final Word
Every offseason brings opportunity, and for these five clubs, the right move could be the spark that turns potential into postseason magic. Whether it’s a frontline starter, a middle-of-the-order bat, or simply staying healthy, the blueprint is there.
Now it’s up to front offices to turn winter dreams into summer realities.