The 5 Most Disappointing MLB Offseasons So Far

In our last post, we highlighted the MLB teams that had the most impressive offseasons. Now, let’s take a look at the other end of the spectrum—teams whose offseasons have been, at best, underwhelming. Whether it’s failing to address key roster weaknesses, missing out on major free agents, or simply standing pat when aggression was needed, these teams have left their fan bases scratching their heads.

Atlanta Braves

Braves fans can at least take solace in the fact that Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr. are set to return from injury within the first month of the season. But outside of that good news, this offseason has been far from inspiring.

The Braves lost both Fried and Morton this offseason

The Braves’ most pressing need was shoring up a starting rotation that lost Max Fried and Charlie Morton. Instead, they have yet to make a significant move to fill those gaps. The bullpen also took a hit with the departure of AJ Minter. While Jurickson Profar was added to provide outfield depth, Braves fans were expecting a much bigger splash from GM Alex Anthopoulos, who has typically been one of the most aggressive executives in baseball.

Most glaringly, Atlanta has decided to roll into 2025 with Orlando Arcia as their shortstop. After a 2023 campaign that saw him named as the National League’s starting shortstop in the All-Star Game, Arcia’s production cratered in 2024, posting just 46 RBIs on a .218 average in 157 games – making it clear the Braves needed an upgrade. Instead, they’ve done nothing, leaving many to wonder if they’ve done enough to stay in contention in the NL East.

Detroit Tigers

After a surprising 2024 playoff run, which included Tarik Skubal winning the AL Cy Young and A.J. Hinch finishing third in Manager of the Year voting, expectations were high for the Tigers to make moves that would push them into serious contender status in 2025.

Instead, the Tigers’ offseason has been defined more by missed opportunities than big moves. They brought back Jack Flaherty on a two-year, $35 million deal, but given their young core, a bolder acquisition seemed warranted. Despite rumors linking them to Alex Bregman—who would provide much-needed veteran leadership—the Tigers have yet to get a deal done.

Additionally, while they reached an arbitration agreement with Skubal, fans were hoping for a long-term extension to lock in their ace for years to come. The Tigers were on the verge of taking the next step, but their lack of impact moves has left many questioning whether they can build on last season’s success.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The emergence of Paul Skenes in 2024 injected serious life into Pittsburgh’s baseball scene, and with a rotation featuring Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones, the Pirates seemed poised to build something special. But while the pitching is in place, the offense remains one of the worst in baseball, and the Pirates have failed to address it.

Pete Alonso felt like the perfect fit—a big bat that could change the complexion of the lineup. Pittsburgh fans have been vocal about wanting a true power threat in the middle of the order, yet the front office has remained stagnant. Even MLB The Show knows Alonso should be in Pittsburgh—at least in my Road to the Show career mode.

The Pirates had a chance to capitalize on the momentum of 2024, but their passivity has left a fanbase that was finally excited about baseball again feeling frustrated.

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals’ 2025 offseason has been defined by inaction and wasted opportunities. Paul Goldschmidt is gone, heading to the Bronx, and there are now rumors swirling about a potential Nolan Arenado trade. When the duo was first paired, expectations were sky-high, but St. Louis never managed to build a complete roster around them.

After a disappointing 2024 season, it was expected that the Cardinals would shake things up in a meaningful way. Instead, they have remained quiet, leaving fans wondering whether the front office has a plan. If they’re heading toward a rebuild, they haven’t fully committed. If they’re trying to contend, they haven’t made any moves to suggest they can. Right now, they’re stuck in baseball purgatory.

New York Yankees

The Yankees have yet to replace Soto’s production

Yes, the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt. Yes, they signed Max Fried. And yes, they signed Cody Bellinger. But when you lose a player like Juan Soto after an MVP-caliber season (if it weren’t for his teammate Aaron Judge actually winning it), it’s an almost impossible hole to fill.

The Yankees are coming off an AL Championship, and when you have their level of resources, expectations are higher. Soto was an integral part of their offense last season, and his departure significantly alters the lineup’s production. For most teams, an offseason that includes Goldschmidt and Bellinger would be seen as a success, but in New York, where the World Series is the only acceptable outcome, this offseason has felt like a step backward.

Final Thoughts

While these teams still have time to make moves before Opening Day, their current inactivity (or puzzling decisions) have made for some of the most disappointing offseasons so far.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll analyze the dark-horse teams that could surprise everyone in 2025!