MLB teams that lost the most in free agency ahead of the 2026 season -- and which made up for it
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The MLB offseason has seen several teams lose significant players in free agency ahead of the 2026 season, with some struggling more than others to replace their departing stars. Teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, Blue Jays, Astros, and Mets have all experienced notable losses, but many are making strategic moves to mitigate these departures. The article highlights how each team is addressing their roster holes, whether through trades, free agent signings, or internal player development.
The Red Sox, for instance, lost Alex Bregman, a key third baseman who had a domino effect on the roster by leading to Rafael Devers' trade. In his place, the Red Sox are relying on younger players like Caleb Durbin and Marcelo Mayer, but their infield remains vulnerable if injury-prone shortstop Trevor Story falters again. Meanwhile, the Cubs lost Kyle Tucker, a top free agent, but they’re adjusting by shifting Seiya Suzuki to right field and using Matt Shaw as a utility backup. The Blue Jays, who lost star Bo Bichette to the Mets, areCountering his absence with Kazuma Okamoto at third base and Andrés Giménez at shortstop.
The Astros face their own challenges after losing Framber Valdez, a reliable playoff pitcher, but they’re banking on the return of Cristian Javier and the acquisition of Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai to bolster their rotation. The Mets, who lost both Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, are undergoing a major overhaul. While these losses are significant, the Mets have added big names like Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert through trades and free agency, as well as pitchers Freddy Peralta, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver.
Overall, while teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, and Blue Jays are dealing with significant roster changes, their strategies to rebuild and retool suggest they’re aiming for long-term success. For fans, these moves add excitement and uncertainty heading into the season, as teams experiment with new lineups and rotations in an effort to maintain or improve their standings.
The article emphasizes how free agency reshapes rosters and forces teams to adapt. While some teams are struggling more than others to replace key players, many are finding creative ways to fill the voids left by their departures. For sports fans, this means the 2026 season promises to be unpredictable and full of new developments as these teams work to rebuild their rosters and compete for championships
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026