Key Players on the Move This Offseason
This offseason still features several well-known free agents and significant trade candidates who have yet to find new homes. However, many impactful players have already changed teams since the offseason began. Here’s a look at the top 18 athletes who will don different uniforms at the start of 2026 compared to the end of 2025. The rankings are based on anticipated Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for 2026, according to FanGraphs’ Steamer projections as of January 4.
Criteria for Ranking
It’s important to note that this list does not include players who re-signed with their original teams, such as Kyle Schwarber with the Phillies or Josh Naylor with the Mariners. Additionally, players who didn’t compete in the majors in 2025, like Munetaka Murakami and Cody Ponce, are also excluded.
Focus on Position Players
Due to the nature of relief pitchers often underperforming in WAR calculations, this list excludes any significant bullpen changes. Nevertheless, several prominent relievers, such as Edwin Díaz and Kenley Jansen, have switched teams.
Top Players on the Move
- SP Sonny Gray (Cardinals to Red Sox)
Projected WAR: 3.9Gray, despite being 36 years old and posting a 4.28 ERA in 2025, is rated highly due to advanced metrics. Known for striking out batters and minimizing walks, he is expected to be a key asset for the Red Sox, slotting in behind Garrett Crochet.
- SP Dylan Cease (Padres to Blue Jays)
Projected WAR: 3.8Cease is anticipated to maintain his impressive strikeout streak with 216 in his debut season with the Blue Jays, alongside a projected ERA of 3.60, better aligning with his metrics from the previous season.
- 2B Marcus Semien (Rangers to Twins)
Projected WAR: 3.2After consistently achieving at least 2.0 fWAR annually, Semien’s defense will be critical to his value, with an expected offensive rebound in 2026. He aims for 22 home runs after a 15-homer season last year.
- 1B Pete Alonso (Mets to Orioles)
Projected WAR: 3.0Alonso looks to extend his streak of 34+ home runs per season, projected for 35 in 2026 while leading the Orioles in slugging percentage.
- OF Brandon Nimmo (Mets to Rangers)
Projected WAR: 2.6Nimmo has been a key offensive player with consistent on-base numbers, expected to produce a .256/.336/.428 line in his new setting.
- SP Merrill Kelly (D-backs)
Projected WAR: 2.4Returning to Arizona, Kelly leads the D-backs’ rotation with a projected 4.15 ERA, looking to capitalize on a solid previous season.
Additional Players to Watch
Other notable players making notable moves include Taylor Ward (Angels to Orioles) and Shane Baz (Rays to Orioles), both contributing significantly to their new teams. Players like Jeff McNeil transitioning to the Athletics and Dustin May joining the Cardinals are also to be observed as they aim for impactful seasons in their new environments.
Overall Impression
This offseason has already reshaped the player landscape, with several athletes poised to make a significant impact in their new uniforms come 2026. The changes reflect teams’ strategic moves to enhance their on-field performance through skilled acquisitions.
