Measuring Roster Continuity
As the winter period concludes and the 2026 MLB season approaches, it is time to evaluate how much each of the 30 teams has altered its roster compared to the previous year. This analysis does not aim to rank teams by strength, but rather to quantify the level of turnover, assessing which clubs chose to maintain their core and which opted for a complete overhaul.
The methodology relies on tracking the plate appearances and innings pitched from the 2025 season. Players who remain within their original organization are counted as "returning." By subtracting the production of departed players from the team’s total output, we can objectively measure how different a roster looks compared to the previous year.
A Note on Limitations: It is important to remember that these statistics do not account for injuries. Pitchers who were significant contributors in 2025 but are currently sidelined are still counted as "returning" to the organization, even if they are unavailable for the upcoming season. This nuance is particularly relevant for teams like the Braves, whose continuity figures may appear high despite the potential for new players to step into vacant roles.
The "Extreme Makeover": New York Mets
The Mets are the quintessential example of an offseason overhaul. Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, the front office pursued a total refresh. Notable departures included long-time staples like Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Edwin Díaz. In their place, the club brought in high-profile talents such as Jorge Polanco, Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien.
While the lineup has seen a dramatic shift, the pitching staff also underwent significant changes. Despite retaining key arms like David Peterson and Kodai Senga, the Mets aggressively pursued upgrades, trading prospects for Freddy Peralta and investing in high-leverage bullpen arms like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
Keeping the Core: The New York Yankees
In direct contrast to their crosstown rivals, the Yankees focused on stability. After a 2025 season that ended with an ALDS exit against Toronto, general manager Brian Cashman chose to retain six free agents, including Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. The Yankees boast one of the highest retention rates in the league, with their top 11 hitters from last season still on the roster.
The biggest story in the Bronx, however, involves a player who was absent last year: ace Gerrit Cole. Returning from Tommy John surgery, Cole’s availability provides a massive boost that isn't reflected in statistical turnover metrics.
Strategic Shifts: Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Cleveland
Other teams also saw notable shifts in philosophy:
- Pittsburgh Pirates: The club actively reshaped its roster to address a weak offense. By acquiring players like Brandon Lowe and Marcell Ozuna, the Pirates aimed to balance a team that was historically productive on the mound but lacked impact at the plate.
- Detroit Tigers: The Tigers lead the league in roster continuity. Rather than pursuing massive changes, they retained key free agents and opted for quiet trade activity, focusing instead on internal growth and bolstering the pitching staff with additions like Justin Verlander and Kenley Jansen.
- Cleveland Guardians: Defending AL Central champions followed a strategy of minimal change. Outside of minor bullpen additions, the front office stood largely pat, trusting their young core to develop further in 2026. Note: Players currently on the restricted list due to the league's gambling investigation were excluded from the continuity calculations, as their return to the field remains uncertain.
Boston’s Pivot
The Boston Red Sox have remained aggressive under Craig Breslow. After Alex Bregman’s departure, the team shifted its focus toward strengthening the pitching rotation through acquisitions like Ranger Suárez and Sonny Gray. Despite rumors of trading from their outfield depth, the team chose to retain its core group, betting that internal production will be enough to build a competitive lineup.