The early moves of the 2025-26 MLB offseason have favored National League contenders who are searching for an easier path to postseason. It started with Josh Naylor, the biggest free agent bat to sign so far this offseason, remaining in the American League after re-signing with the Seattle Mariners, whom he was traded to by the Arizona Diamondbacks at the trade deadline.
The St. Louis Cardinals sent a talented starting pitcher in Sonny Gray to the AL after agreeing to a deal with the Boston Red Sox last week. Then, just before Thanksgiving, Dylan Cease, formerly of the San Diego Padres, reportedly agreed to a massive seven-year, $210 million contract with the defending AL champions, the Toronto Blue Jays.