Three biggest losers of MLB offseason thus far

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. 

There have been several disappointments this offseason. Let’s take a look at the three biggest losers thus far.

Toronto Blue Jays

Another year, another disappointing offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays were reportedly one of the finalists for outfielder Juan Soto before he signed with the Mets. Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that the Blue Jays offered starting pitcher Corbin Burnes more money than he will receive from the Diamondbacks. Those misses come on the heels of the Blue Jays failing to land two-way star Shohei Ohtani in free agency during the 2023-24 offseason.

The misses are not just with free agents. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays are reportedly far apart regarding a potential extension. Guerrero has given the Blue Jays until the start of spring training for a deal to come together; otherwise, he hits the open market. The Blue Jays’ rough offseason could get even worse in a few weeks.

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.