Recapping The Biggest AL East Offseason Moves So Far

The 2025-26 MLB offseason has thus far delivered a mix of splashy additions and calculated pivots across the American League East, with the division’s clubs starting to reload for another grueling battle in 2026. As of December 11, the Baltimore Orioles have arguably led the charge in terms of improving their squad as compared with 2025.

The Orioles, fresh off a subpar 75-win campaign and first postseason miss in three seasons, wasted no time bolstering their offense and bullpen. Their marquee move landed first baseman Pete Alonso on a five-year, $155 million pact, injecting power into a lineup that already boasts considerable talent.

Before Alonso, the O’s had already acquired outfielder Taylor Ward via trade from the Los Angeles Angels and closer Ryan Helsley on a two-year deal in free agency.

AL East moves so far this offseason:

Blue Jays: Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce

Yankees: Trent Grisham, Ryan Yarbrough, Tim Hill

Red Sox: Sonny Gray, Johan Oviedo

Orioles: Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley

Rays: Cedric Mullins, Steven Matz

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) December 10, 2025

The defending AL champion Toronto Blue Jays, eyeing a return to the World Series, have fortified their pitching staff with star pitcher Dylan Cease on a seven-year megadeal and right-hander Cody Ponce on a three-year, $30 million contract. The Blue Jays have also reportedly been talking to Kyle Tucker, and they’re considered the front-runners to land him.

The Boston Red Sox have also improved their starting pitching depth, acquiring three-time All-Star hurler Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Johan Oviedo from the Pittsburgh Pirates in separate trades.

The Tampa Bay Rays, ever thrifty, snagged outfielder Cedric Mullins for one year at $7.5 million and Steven Matz on a reported two-year deal.

The New York Yankees, meanwhile, have treaded lightly with re-signings of Trent Grisham and Ryan Yarbrough on one-year terms, plus lefty Tim Hill … hardly the fireworks Yankees fans crave.

That being said, the offseason is young, and there will be a lot more action in the division before the winter’s said and done. It’s likely that the Red Sox and Yankees, in particular, will make some impact moves in the coming weeks.