The Royals enter 2026 with heightened expectations after finishing 82–80 last season, marking back-to-back winning years for the first time in over a decade. While they narrowly missed the MLB playoffs in 2025, the organization believes they are positioned to contend again.

Major League Baseball's return to NBC this season will feature a pair of marquee Opening Day matchups, Wild Card Series postseason games, a special "Star-Spangled Sunday" slate on July 5 and the return of Sunday Night Baseball and MLB Sunday Leadoff.

The Los Angeles Dodgers captured their second straight World Series title in 2025, fueled by the consistency of their veteran core, including first baseman Freddie Freeman. The 36-year-old left-handed slugger has thrived in Los Angeles since signing a six-year, $162 million deal in 2022, continuing to deliver success at the highest level.

Festa didn't pitch after July due to the ailment, but he avoided a more damaging version of the condition and is on track to return for the beginning of next season. Twins President of Baseball Operations Derek Falvey said in November that he expects the hurler back for spring training, per The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman.

Free agent right-hander Merrill Kelly, after being dealt by the Diamondbacks to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline last season, is returning to Arizona on a two-year, $40 million deal, sources confirmed to ESPN amid multiple media reports.

As his career moves into its later stages, Harper remains determined to deliver that title to Philadelphia. The Phillies are once again positioned as contenders, highlighted by the offseason re-signing of designated hitter Kyle Schwarber, though the club has endured back-to-back early postseason exits.

The Minnesota Twins are looking to remain competitive in the American League Central heading into the 2026 MLB season, despite trading much of their core at last year’s deadline. Even so, the team held on to some key pieces, including right-hander Joe Ryan, who has emerged as one of baseball’s best pitchers.

One of the more fascinating offseason topics this winter has been surrounding the Houston Astros' starting rotation going into 2026. Framber Valdez is likely he