Last week, we looked at four teams that made the playoffs in 2025 but could miss out this season. Now we turn to the other side, three teams that missed last year but have retooled their rosters and positioned themselves for a return to October in 2026.
Baltimore Orioles
After winning 192 games across 2023 and 2024, Baltimore regressed in 2025. The Orioles entered the year with a projected win total of 87.5 but finished with a 75-87 record, missing the postseason. This winter, they added power to the lineup with Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward. On the pitching side, they signed Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin to one year deals and acquired Shane Baz in a trade with Tampa Bay.
New York Mets
The Mets were among the most active teams this offseason, beginning with the decision to let Pete Alonso depart. Rather than take a step back, New York moved quickly to replace his production by acquiring Bo Bichette. The club also added Marcus Semien, Freddy Peralta, Jorge Polanco, and Devin Williams. Williams may no longer be the dominant closer he once was, but his stuff remains effective, and Peralta brings durability after three consecutive seasons with at least 30 starts and 200 strikeouts. After narrowly missing the postseason in 2025, the Mets appear positioned for a return in 2026.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers’ 2023 World Series title already feels like a distant memory. Texas has not returned to the postseason since and has largely avoided splash signings. Even so, the front office made targeted improvements this winter, despite President of Baseball Operations Chris Young stating the club will remain under the first competitive balance tax threshold. The Rangers reshaped a bullpen that struggled in 2025 and added MacKenzie Gore to the rotation via trade. If they miss the postseason again in 2026, it will not be for lack of trying.
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