The hot stove has officially cooled into a pile of ash and receipts. While some front offices spent the winter guarding their wallets, others treated the luxury tax threshold like a mere suggestion, handing out nine-figure contracts to reshape the balance of power. From aggressive retools to championship-or-bust spending sprees, here are the fifteen teams that opened the checkbook widest to buy a shot at the 2026 World Series.
15. Chicago White Sox
Dec 22, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; New Chicago White Sox player Munetaka Murakami, right, dons his jersey with General Manager Chris Getz, left, during a press conference where he was introduced at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Total Value: $50.5M
After a quiet few years on the South Side, the White Sox made targeted moves to stabilize a roster in transition. Management focused on veteran depth pieces to support their young core, signaling a desire to compete in the AL Central rather than endure another full rebuild. It wasn’t a splashy winter, but it was a necessary investment in competence.
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14. Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo approaches the mound to talk to his team as they play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Chase Field in Phoenix, on Sept. 24, 2025.
Total Value: $51.75M
The Snakes have opted for precision over power this winter, adding mid-tier reinforcements to a squad that has already tasted postseason success. Their spending reflects a strategy of plugging specific holes in the pitching staff and bench rather than hunting for a superstar. It is a calculated wager that their internal development can carry the rest of the load.
13. Houston Astros
Jan 5, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown (left) talks during a press conference to introduce Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Total Value: $56.6M
Houston’s front office navigated a complex offseason by focusing on retention and creative trades rather than massive free-agent hauls. They were key players in a three-way blockbuster involving the Pirates and Rays, adding arm talent to keep their championship window open. The money spent here was about maintaining a dynasty, not building one from scratch.
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12. Detroit Tigers
Oct 8, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch (14) removes pitcher Tyler Holton (87) from the game in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Total Value: $59M
The Tigers made it clear they are done with rebuilding by locking in key contributors to keep their momentum rolling. A significant chunk of this total went toward retaining infielder Gleyber Torres via the qualifying offer, ensuring their lineup keeps its veteran anchor. It is a sign that Detroit believes its window to contend in the AL Central is officially open.
11. San Diego Padres
Oct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez (75) celebrates with teammates after the final out for the win against the Chicago Cubs in the ninth inning during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Total Value: $91.2M
San Diego continued its aggressive international strategy while adding complementary pieces to a star-studded roster. The front office focused on bolstering the pitching depth and farm system, proving they can still spend creatively even with a massive payroll already on the books. They remain one of the league’s most fascinating teams, always willing to pay for talent from any corner of the globe.
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10. Seattle Mariners
Oct 17, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson (6) takes pitcher Bryce Miller (50) out of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning during game five of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Total Value: $99.75M
Seattle’s front office finally addressed the offensive black hole that has plagued them, investing nearly nine figures to lengthen the lineup. The focus was on bringing in professional hitters who can control the zone, moving away from the “all-or-nothing” approach of past years. It is a serious financial commitment to ensuring their elite pitching staff gets the run support it deserves.
9. Atlanta Braves
Sep 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker (43) take the ball to relieve pitcher Dylan Lee (52) in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Total Value: $113.5M
The Braves stuck to their blueprint of extending their own and making shrewd bullpen additions. They brought back closer Raisel Iglesias and added arm Seranthony Dominguez to reconstruct a relief corps that needed high-velocity options. Atlanta rarely pays retail for free agents, but they will happily spend to ensure the late innings are on lock.
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8. Boston Red Sox
Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) makes a pitching change during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Total Value: $130M
Boston signaled a return to relevance by acquiring veteran ace Sonny Gray to anchor a rotation that desperately needed stability. The spending marks a shift from the austerity of recent winters, as the front office faces mounting pressure to compete in the brutal AL East. It is a move that says the Red Sox are tired of watching the playoffs from the couch.
7. New York Yankees
Oct 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Cody Bellinger (35) runs off the field after ending the first inning with a sliding catch against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Total Value: $191.27M
The Bronx Bombers made their big splash late in January, signing outfielder Cody Bellinger to bring another left-handed power bat to Yankee Stadium. Coupled with savvy bullpen acquisitions, the move is a direct response to the arms race escalating across the division. The Yankees paid the price to ensure their lineup remains one of the most feared in baseball.
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6. Baltimore Orioles
Nov 4, 2025; Baltimore, MD, USA; From left to right: Baltimore Orioles Owner David Rubenstein, Baltimore Orioles Manager Craig Albernaz and President of Baseball Operations Mike Elias pose for a photo during a press conference at Warehouse Bar. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Total Value: $195M
The Orioles officially left their “rebuilding” label in the dust by landing the premier slugger on the market, Pete Alonso, on a massive five-year deal. Stealing a rival’s franchise face while bolstering their own lineup was a power move that changes the complexion of the AL East. It is the kind of aggressive spending that announces a team’s intention to dominate for the next decade.
5. Philadelphia Phillies
Oct 8, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Total Value: $227.9M
Philadelphia kept the band together by handing a massive extension to Kyle Schwarber, ensuring their clubhouse leader and power source stays in red pinstripes. The front office continues to double down on its “stars and scrubs” model, paying a premium for elite production at the top of the roster. They know their window is now, and they are paying whatever it takes to keep it open.
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4. Chicago Cubs
Jan 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; L-R Scott Boras, Alex Bergman and Jed Hoyer as Bregman is introduced as a new Chicago Cubs player at a press conference at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Total Value: $228.5M
The North Siders made a splash by signing Alex Bregman to a long-term deal, adding a championship pedigree to the hot corner. Along with trading for young arms like Edward Cabrera, the Cubs have positioned themselves as the heavyweights of the NL Central. It is a statement offseason that blends veteran star power with high-upside pitching acquisitions.
3. New York Mets
Sep 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza (64) talks to pitching coach Jeremy Hefner (95) against the Miami Marlins during the eighth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Total Value: $240M
Steve Cohen’s checkbook was active again, bringing in shortstop Bo Bichette and veteran infielder Jorge Polanco to revamp the middle of the diamond. The Mets pivoted from missing out on some targets to building a deep, versatile roster that can survive the marathon of a 162-game season. They remain the league’s wildest wildcard when it comes to spending, willing to pivot to Plan B with hundreds of millions of dollars.
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2. Los Angeles Dodgers
Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes and manager Dave Roberts (30) stand with newly signed right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Total Value: $314.5M
The Dodgers didn’t just reload; they signed the best player available, landing Kyle Tucker on a mega-deal to terrify opposing pitchers. Add in a lucrative contract for closer Edwin Díaz, and Los Angeles essentially bought insurance for every phase of the game. They continue to operate in a financial stratosphere of their own, treating the luxury tax as merely the cost of doing business.
1. Toronto Blue Jays
Jun 7, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider (second from right) confers with bench coach Don Mattingly before taking on the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
Total Value: $337M
Toronto pushed its chips all the way to the center of the table, committing the most money in baseball to land ace Dylan Cease and other upgrades. The massive seven-year investment in Cease signals a desperate urgency to win with their current core before it gets expensive or departs. For the Blue Jays, this winter wasn’t just about improvement; it was about survival in the American League’s toughest division.
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The price of a ring
Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) makes a pitching change during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
In a winter defined by billion-dollar decisions, these fifteen teams decided that the cost of winning was high, but the cost of losing was higher. The checkbooks are closed, the rosters are set, and now the only currency that matters is wins. We will find out in October if the investment was worth the invoice.
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