This offseason feels like one of the most pivotal in recent MLB memory. Big names like Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Framber Valdez are about to shake up the market and maybe even tip the balance of power for 2026.
While everyone’s watching the headlines and those nine-figure deals, the real action is happening behind the scenes. Front offices are quietly crafting creative Plan B strategies in case their stars decide to walk.
The Red Sox’s Infield Puzzle: Bregman and the Japanese Power Surge
The Boston Red Sox are moving forward with cautious optimism. Around the league, most folks expect them to re-sign Alex Bregman, keeping a key bat and steady glove in the infield.
But Boston isn’t putting all their eggs in one basket. If things go sideways, they’re ready to tap into Japan’s talent and bring in a power hitter for the middle of the order.
Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto as Plan B — or Plan A-Plus
The Red Sox have their eyes on Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto as alternatives—or maybe even as extra firepower if Bregman’s talks drag out. Both have made serious noise in Japan, and their power profiles look tailor-made for MLB’s current style.
Boston’s open to moving these guys around the infield. Maybe Bregman at third, Murakami or Okamoto at first or DH—whatever gets the most bats in the lineup and covers defensive gaps.
Cubs Facing Life After Kyle Tucker
The Chicago Cubs don’t seem likely to keep Kyle Tucker, whose market is about to get wild. Rather than get caught in a bidding war, the Cubs might count on a mix of veterans and prospects in the outfield.
Conforto’s Experience vs. Prospect Ceiling
Chicago’s backup plan sticks close to home:
The Cubs seem ready to accept a short-term dip in proven production. They’d rather bet on cost control and long-term upside than chase another expensive star right now.
Astros Preparing for Post-Framber Rotation
The Houston Astros look like they’re already bracing for Framber Valdez to cash in elsewhere. Valdez has been a workhorse and a big-game guy, but Houston’s front office doesn’t shy away from tough financial decisions.
Zac Gallen as a Cost-Effective Anchor
Word is, the Astros see Zac Gallen as a more budget-friendly rotation anchor. Gallen’s not exactly cheap, but he’ll probably cost less than Valdez and give Houston some room to fill out the rest of the staff.
That fits their usual approach: invest in the rotation, but don’t tie up all the money in one arm with a lot of miles.
Mets and Yankees: Alonso, Bellinger, and the Bronx Budget Crunch
In New York, the Mets and Yankees face huge expectations but totally different budget headaches. The Mets might have to imagine life without Pete Alonso, and the Yankees are managing a payroll that’s gotten out of hand.
Mets’ Alonso Contingency: Cody Bellinger’s Versatility
If Alonso leaves, the Mets lose more than just a power bat—they lose the heart of their lineup. Their fallback? Cody Bellinger, who’s found his groove again and can play first or outfield.
Bellinger’s flexibility gives the Mets options, even if he can’t totally match Alonso’s home run punch.
Yankees Pivot From Bellinger to Tucker or Steven Kwan
The Yankees once looked like a great fit for Bellinger, but their payroll has made that tough. Now, they’re eyeing two very different Plan Bs:
It’s really a toss-up: do you want more muscle, or do you double down on on-base skills and defense?
Phillies and Blue Jays: Power, Pitching, and Price Tags
In Philly and Toronto, front offices are juggling power bats, pitching needs, and the constant second-guessing that comes with big decisions.
Phillies: Schwarber, Alonso, Murakami, and the Peralta Pitch
Most expect Kyle Schwarber to stay a Phillies fixture, but they’ve got backup plans. If Schwarber leaves, Philadelphia could target:
On the pitching side, Ranger Suárez isn’t the top priority. Instead, they’re looking at a trade for Freddy Peralta—he’s got high-end stuff and might come cheaper than the top free-agent arms.
Blue Jays: Bo Bichette vs. the Cost of Contention
The Toronto Blue Jays already spent big on Dylan Cease, tightening the budget. That makes the call on Bo Bichette even trickier.
If Bichette’s price tag gets too high, Toronto’s Plan B is a trade for Ketel Marte. Marte brings some pop, versatility, and a manageable contract—enough to keep the Jays in the mix without another massive deal.
The New Reality of MLB Offseasons
Across the league, you can spot a new pattern taking shape. Clubs will still shell out for stars, but lately, it’s the strength of their Plan B that really sets them apart.
Some teams chase Japanese sluggers. Others bet on high-upside prospects or pull off clever trades for pitchers like Gallen, Peralta, and Marte.
Front offices are trying to balance win-now urgency with the need to build something sustainable. It’s a tough needle to thread, honestly.
With the 2026 season creeping closer, the teams who handle this winter best probably won’t be the ones dropping the fattest contracts. Instead, it’ll be those who’ve got the sharpest backup plans when their top targets walk away.
Here is the source article for this story: The Plan B for MLB Teams That Lose Biggest Names of Free Agency
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