New York, NY, January 17, 2026
The Major League Baseball offseason has seen high-profile trades and signings that significantly impact team dynamics as they prepare for the upcoming season. Major moves include the New York Mets signing Juan Soto, one of the largest contracts in sports history, and notable trades like Nolan Arenado moving to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Other significant signings include Alex Bregman with the Cubs and Kyle Tucker with the Dodgers. As teams adapt, the stage is set for a competitive 2026 season filled with new opportunities.
Major League Baseball Offseason Transactions Impacting 2026 Season
New York, NY – The Major League Baseball offseason has been marked by significant trades and signings, reshaping team rosters and setting the stage for the 2026 season.
Key Trades and Signings
- New York Mets Sign Juan Soto
On December 11, 2024, the Mets secured outfielder Juan Soto with a 15-year, $765 million contract, the largest in professional sports history. The deal includes a $75 million signing bonus and a club option between 2030–2039 to increase his annual salary by $4 million per year, allowing him to opt out after the 2029 season. - St. Louis Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado to Arizona Diamondbacks
On January 13, 2026, the Cardinals traded third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jack MartÃnez. Arenado agreed to waive his no-trade clause, and the Cardinals will pay $31 million of the $42 million remaining on his contract. - Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Kyle Tucker
The Dodgers signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, making him the second-highest-paid player in the league behind Shohei Ohtani. The deal includes opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons. - Chicago Cubs Sign Alex Bregman
On January 12, 2026, the Cubs signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, surpassing the Red Sox’s $160 million offer. Bregman is expected to play third base, bolstering the Cubs’ lineup. - Boston Red Sox Acquire Willson Contreras
The Red Sox traded right-handed pitchers Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, and Blake Aita to the Cardinals for catcher Willson Contreras and $8 million to cover the remaining $41 million on his contract. - New York Mets Sign Bo Bichette
The Mets signed infielder Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract, enhancing their infield depth. - Philadelphia Phillies Re-sign J.T. Realmuto
The Phillies re-signed catcher J.T. Realmuto to a three-year, $45 million contract, securing their veteran presence behind the plate. - Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cincinnati Reds Three-Team Trade
The Angels received outfielder Josh Lowe, the Rays acquired utility player Gavin Lux and right-handed pitcher Chris Clark, and the Reds obtained left-handed pitcher Brock Burke. - Colorado Rockies Sign Willi Castro
The Rockies signed utility player Willi Castro to a two-year contract, adding versatility to their roster. - Boston Red Sox Sign Ranger Suárez
The Red Sox signed left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez to a five-year, $130 million contract, bolstering their pitching rotation.
Impact on Teams and Players
These transactions have significantly impacted team dynamics and player careers. The Mets’ acquisition of Juan Soto and Bo Bichette strengthens their lineup, while the Dodgers’ signing of Kyle Tucker positions them as strong contenders for the upcoming season. The Cubs’ addition of Alex Bregman and the Red Sox’s acquisition of Willson Contreras aim to enhance their offensive capabilities. The Cardinals’ trade of Nolan Arenado signals a shift in their roster strategy, and the Phillies’ re-signing of J.T. Realmuto ensures continuity behind the plate.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, these moves set the stage for an exciting and competitive year. Teams continue to adjust their rosters, aiming to capitalize on new opportunities and strengthen their positions in the league.
FAQ
What is the largest contract in professional sports history?
The largest contract in professional sports history is the 15-year, $765 million deal signed by Juan Soto with the New York Mets on December 11, 2024.
Which team acquired Nolan Arenado recently?
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals on January 13, 2026, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jack MartÃnez.
Who did the Los Angeles Dodgers sign recently?
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a four-year, $240 million contract, making him the second-highest-paid player in the league behind Shohei Ohtani.
Which team signed Alex Bregman recently?
The Chicago Cubs signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, surpassing the Red Sox’s $160 million offer.
Who did the Boston Red Sox acquire recently?
The Boston Red Sox acquired catcher Willson Contreras from the St. Louis Cardinals, along with $8 million to cover the remaining $41 million on his contract.
Key Features
| Transaction | Teams Involved | Key Players | Contract Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Mets Sign Juan Soto | New York Mets | Juan Soto | 15-year, $765 million contract, $75 million signing bonus, club option between 2030–2039 to increase annual salary by $4 million per year, allowing opt-out after 2029 season |
| St. Louis Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado to Arizona Diamondbacks | St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks | Nolan Arenado, Jack MartÃnez | Cardinals pay $31 million of the $42 million remaining on Arenado’s contract |
| Los Angeles Dodgers Sign Kyle Tucker | Los Angeles Dodgers | Kyle Tucker | Four-year, $240 million contract, opt-out clauses after second and third seasons |
| Chicago Cubs Sign Alex Bregman | Chicago Cubs | Alex Bregman | Five-year, $175 million contract |
| Boston Red Sox Acquire Willson Contreras | Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals | Willson Contreras, Hunter Dobbins, Yhoiker Fajardo, Blake Aita | Trade including $8 million to cover remaining $41 million on Contreras’ contract |
| New York Mets Sign Bo Bichette | New York Mets | Bo Bichette | Three-year, $126 million contract |
| Philadelphia Phillies Re-sign J.T. Realmuto | Philadelphia Phillies | J.T. Realmuto | Three-year, $45 million contract |
| Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cincinnati Reds Three-Team Trade | Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds | Josh Lowe, Gavin Lux, Chris Clark, Brock Burke | Three-team trade details |
| Colorado Rockies Sign Willi Castro | Colorado Rockies | Willi Castro | Two-year contract |
| Boston Red Sox Sign Ranger Suárez | Boston Red Sox | Ranger Suárez | Five-year, $130 million contract |
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