Overview
- The Athletics finished 76-86 but showcase a controllable, high-ceiling lineup led by AL Rookie of the Year Nick Kurtz, with pitching still the clear need after only adding reliever Mark Leiter Jr.
- The Braves also went 76-86 and attribute the downturn largely to pitching injuries, with most arms projected to be ready by Opening Day as the club seeks bounce-backs from key hitters.
- The Nationals closed 2025 at 66-96 under a notably young leadership group and plan to lean on a lineup that is almost entirely under 25, highlighted by prospects James Wood and Dylan Crews.
- The Orioles, coming off 75-87, moved aggressively by adding Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Taylor Ward and Shane Baz to accelerate a turnaround for a young core.
- The Pirates (71-91) have begun building around ace Paul Skenes with lineup upgrades that include Brandon Lowe, Jake Mangum and Ryan O’Hearn, while the White Sox (60-102) signaled an upswing with a 19-game improvement and the signing of Munetaka Murakami.