Winners of MLB Free Agency

Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

December 31, 2025

Free agency is an exciting time for Major League Baseball, as teams have the opportunity to improve their rosters and inspire hope in their fans. So far, numerous teams have significantly upgraded their batting orders, starting rotations, and bullpens. Three teams, though, stand out above the rest as 2025 comes to a close. Here are the winners of free agency thus far.

Chicago White Sox

Embed from Getty Images

The Chicago White Sox took a step forward this past season, improving from 41 wins in 2024 to 60 wins in 2025. However, the improvements haven’t stopped in the offseason, as the White Sox have added two premier players in Munetaka Murakami and Sean Newcomb.

Murakami brings elite power to a White Sox team that ranked 23rd in home runs last season. In eight Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) seasons, Murakami recorded 246 home runs and 647 RBI. For his NPB career, he hit .270 with a .951 OPS. While Murakami projects as the team’s starting first baseman, he’s likely to serve as the team’s designated hitter at times, considering how crowded the White Sox’s infield is.

As for Newcomb, he posted a 2.73 ERA in 2025. He did that in 48 appearances, his most in a season since 2019. He is a strong addition to the White Sox bullpen, especially considering the group posted a 4.16 ERA last season that ranked 18th in the majors.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Embed from Getty Images

The primary reason for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ decade-long playoff drought stems from their reluctance to invest in the team via free agency. After signing right-hander Ivan Nova to a three-year deal in December of 2016, the Pirates didn’t sign a single free agent to a multi-year contract for nine years. However, this offseason, the team signed utility man Ryan O’Hearn to a two-year deal, marking the end of a nearly decade-long run of frugality.

In 144 games last season with the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres, O’Hearn posted career highs in batting average (.281), home runs (17), RBI (63), and WAR (2.4). O’Hearn brings versatility with him, as he’s played first base, left field, and right field in his career. His left-handed swing also suits PNC Park very well, as the right field foul line measures 320 feet from home plate.

In addition to O’Hearn, the Pirates traded for infielder Brandon Lowe from the Tampa Bay Rays, further signaling their desire to compete in 2026. Like O’Hearn, Lowe brings production and experience to the Pirates. In eight seasons with the Rays, Lowe hit 157 home runs and 446 RBI, all with an .807 OPS.

Toronto Blue Jays

Embed from Getty Images

Following a trip to the World Series in 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays wasted no time improving their roster in free agency. Less than a month after their heartbreaking Game Seven loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Blue Jays signed pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year deal. Weeks later, the team significantly improved its bullpen with the addition of reliever Tyler Rogers.

Cease had a down year in 2025, but it shouldn’t be a sign of things to come. He notched 200 strikeouts for the fifth consecutive season and finished the year strong with a 3.12 ERA in September. He also has support in the rotation, as both Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage will join him as front-line starters for the Blue Jays.

Rogers, meanwhile, was arguably the best reliever available on the market. In 81 appearances in 2025, Rogers posted a 1.98 ERA with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. The Blue Jays’ bullpen was inconsistent in 2025, so Rogers should provide the stability the group is looking for.