Every offseason has its winners and losers.
Teams give hope to their fan base with various moves, leading to dreams of postseason glory. In other cases, teams fail to make significant moves or trade away important players, trying to sell their fans on the future.
The same can be said with players in free agency as well. Some players either sign impressive contracts or get traded to a better situation. Others languish in free agency, their markets failing to emerge as expected. Traded players can find themselves in a worse situation.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have been busy this offseason. However, it is fair to wonder if they are better than in 2024.
The Orioles added legendary Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano on a one-year deal. Catcher Gary Sanchez agreed to a one-year contract to back up Adley Rutschman. Tyler O’Neill signed a three-year deal, providing a right-handed bat to balance a left-handed-heavy outfield.
While those are solid additions, none of those moves are the type that will put the Blue Jays over the top. Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez are the nominal aces now that Corbin Burnes signed with the Diamondbacks.
The Orioles have an exciting young core and have developed into a perennial playoff contender; however, other pieces are needed to make a serious run at the World Series.
Pete Alonso
Pete Alonso was regarded as the top first baseman and 13th-best free agent overall by FanGraphs. However, his market has been quiet thus far.
Potential suitors have filled their vacancies at first. The Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal, potentially looking ahead to Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s impending free agency. Christian Walker signed a three-year deal with the Astros. The Guardians traded Josh Naylor to the Diamondbacks, then signed Carlos Santana to a one-year deal to fill that vacancy. Potential landing spots are rapidly disappearing.
Alonso still has a market. The Mets want to bring Alonso back, but the two sides are reportedly far apart regarding a contract. The Giants and Nationals are looking to improve their lineups and have a hole at first base. Alonso may get the contract he wants, but his options are rapidly dwindling.