Three biggest winners of MLB offseason thus far

The MLB offseason has passed the halfway point.

Pitchers and catchers will report in a few short weeks. Spring training games will begin by the end of February, with Opening Day on March 27. While several top free agents are still on the board, several teams are still looking to improve the roster. Players who expected to have signed are still looking for a home for 2025 and possibly beyond.

Other teams, meanwhile, are looking to put the finishing touches on a successful offseason. Free agents landed impressive contracts, with outfielder Juan Soto setting records with his deal with the Mets. 

We have already looked at the three biggest losers thus far in the MLB offseason. Now, let's take a look at the three biggest winners as the calendar has flipped to 2025.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees lost a generational talent in Juan Soto to the New York Mets. Instead of letting that decision color the offseason, the Yankees took the money earmarked for Soto and spent it elsewhere.

Starting pitcher Max Fried landed an eight-year deal worth $218 million. Separate trades brought in closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt signed a one-year contract and could be a stopgap with an eye toward Vladimir Guerrero Jr entering free agency after the 2025 season. While there are still holes in the lineup, the Yankees are a better team than this time last year.

Juan Soto

Shohei Ohtani had shattered records with his 10-year, $700 million contract during the 2023-24 offseason. Soto, in turn, shattered Ohtani's record.

Soto had turned down a 15-year, $440 million extension from the Nationals in 2022, betting on himself that he would do better in free agency. The gamble paid off as Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets. In doing so, he instantly changed the market for other young impending free agents as their price tag will increase significantly.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers have somehow been overlooked this offseason. And yet, they have made a World Series-winning roster better.

Retaining outfielder Teoscar Hernandez on a three-year, $66 million contract kept a dangerous hitter in the middle of the lineup. Pitcher Blake Snell should be an upgrade over Jack Flaherty, adding another potential Cy Young candidate to the rotation. Michael Conforto signed a one-year, $17 million contract, adding another solid bat. KBO star infielder Hyeseong Kim adds a versatile infield option with intriguing upside. The Dodgers may not have spent over $1 billion as they did during the 2023-24 offseason, but the roster is stronger than ever.