The Athletic has live coverage of MLB free agency and the Winter Meetings in Nashville.
With MLB’s Winter Meetings less than a week away, it’s time to take stock. Over the past few weeks here at The Athletic, I’ve identified each team’s biggest needs after checking in with their front offices and predicted the contracts of the top 40 free agents. (As a former GM, you’ll notice most of my projections were on the low side.) Now it’s time to come up with solutions for all 30 teams to fill their most pressing needs and improve their organizations during the hot stove season, through free agency and/or trades.
Advertisement
On Friday, we started with solutions for the National League teams. Today, it’s the American League’s turn. Here are my thoughts on each team and what I’m hearing in conversations with decision-makers throughout baseball.
Note: Only major-league signings and trades and top hires are listed under “What they’ve done so far.”
GO DEEPER
Buyer's remorse? A post-Black Friday ranking of MLB's 10 worst contracts
Baltimore Orioles
Needs: A starting pitcher and bullpen help
What they’ve done so far: Nothing
Free-agent targets: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Marcus Stroman, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Lucas Giolito, Alex Wood, James Paxton, Erick Fedde, Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks
Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, Tyler Glasnow
Coming off a 101-win season, the Orioles are close to becoming a World Series champion caliber team and could be only a top-of-the-rotation starter and an impact reliever away from reaching their ultimate goal. If they can land a true ace to go with Kyle Bradish and Grayson Rodriguez at the top of their rotation as well as another high-leverage reliever, they might just win it all in 2024. They also need to get long-term deals done this offseason with Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday if possible.
GO DEEPER
Bowden: Brewers' trade fits for Corbin Burnes — 5 teams (and deals) that could land a rental ace
Boston Red Sox
Needs: A right-handed-hitting outfielder, a second baseman, and starting pitching
What they’ve done so far: Hired Craig Breslow as chief baseball officer; traded INF Luis Urías to Mariners for RHP Isaiah Campbell
Free-agent targets: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Teoscar Hernández, Jorge Soler, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Tim Anderson
Trade targets: Gleyber Torres, Jonathan India, Willy Adames
The Red Sox, under the new leadership of Craig Breslow, will focus on improving their pitching staff and overall defense as well as filling a need at either shortstop or second base along with a right-handed-hitting outfielder. Many in the industry expect Boston to at least make one big splash on a free-agent starter.
Advertisement
Chicago White Sox
Needs: Starting pitching, catching and middle-infield help, and a corner outfielder
What they’ve done so far: Hired Chris Getz as GM; traded LHP Aaron Bummer to Braves for RHP Michael Soroka, INF Braden Shewmake, LHP Jared Shuster, RHP Riley Gowens and INF Nicky Lopez; signed SS Paul DeJong to a one-year deal
Free-agent targets: Eduardo Rodriguez, Marcus Stroman, Michael Wacha, Alex Wood, Frankie Montas, Jack Flaherty, Michael Lorenzen, James Paxton, Seth Lugo, Mitch Garver, Tucker Barnhart, Andrew Knizner, Austin Nola, Jacob Stallings, Teoscar Hernández
Trade targets: Jonathan India, Willy Adames, Salvador Perez
The White Sox addressed their middle-infield needs with the acquisitions of Nicky Lopez and Paul DeJong but are still looking for upgrades up the middle. They added multiple starting pitching options in their five-for-one trade with the Braves but are still seeking upgrades there as well. Building more depth at catcher is another priority. New GM Chris Getz has been aggressive and there’s no sign that will change as he tries to overhaul the organization from a talent and cultural perspective.
GO DEEPER
MLB Hot Stove mailbag: Bowden on Ohtani, Bellinger, a Cease trade and more
Cleveland Guardians
Needs: Bats, most likely in the outfield and at DH
What they’ve done so far: Hired Stephen Vogt as manager; traded RHP Cal Quantrill to Rockies for C Kody Huff; traded RHP Enyel De Los Santos to Padres for RHP Scott Barlow
Free-agent targets: Teoscar Hernández, Rhys Hoskins, Justin Turner, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Michael Brantley, Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez
Trade targets: Nick Castellanos, Anthony Santander, Alex Verdugo, Josh Lowe, MJ Melendez, Max Kepler, Lars Nootbaar, Chas McCormick, Alec Burleson
The Guardians have one of the best young rotations in the game, a strong bullpen, and an elite defensive team. However, their offense is just not good enough, top to bottom, which has been the case for several years; they need a middle-of-the-order bat to put between José Ramírez and Josh Naylor. Shane Bieber will be a free agent after next season and could be a trade candidate but is coming off an injury-shortened year.
GO DEEPER
MLB trade scenarios: Bowden answers 25 questions on top starters, big bats and more
Detroit Tigers
Needs: A right-handed hitter and pitching
Advertisement
What they’ve done so far: Traded RHP Blake Holub to Brewers for 1B/OF Mark Canha (and exercised his $11.5 million team option); signed RHP Kenta Maeda, two years, $24 million
Free-agent targets: Eduardo Rodriguez, Marcus Stroman, Michael Wacha, Lucas Giolito, Mike Clevinger, Jack Flaherty, Sean Manaea, James Paxton, Teoscar Hernández, Adam Duvall, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Tommy Pham, Whit Merrifield, Matt Chapman, Justin Turner, Jorge Soler
Trade targets: Players who aren’t yet arbitration-eligible and top pitching prospects
The Tigers surprised the baseball world by finishing second in the AL Central, though they did so with a dismal 78-84 record. They have a good young nucleus to build around with Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter, but significant injuries to their pitching staff have held this team back. They’ll spend the offseason adding to that staff, in both quality and quantity, along with trying to acquire at least one more significant right-handed hitter. They’re off to a solid start after signing Kenta Maeda on Sunday and trading for Mark Canha in early November.
Houston Astros
Needs: Mid-leverage bullpen arms and a backup catcher
What they’ve done so far: Hired Joe Espada as manager
Free-agent targets: Jordan Hicks, Hector Neris, Dylan Floro, Nick Martinez, Ryne Stanek, Brent Suter, Matt Moore, Will Smith, Mitch Garver, Victor Caratini, Tucker Barnhart, Austin Nola, Andrew Knizner
Trade targets: Middle relievers and backup catchers
The Astros will spend a lot of the offseason trying to extend some of their star players, including Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker. (Bregman will be a free agent after next season; Tucker is under team control for two more years.) They’ll look to fine-tune the roster with emphasis on improving their mid-leverage relievers and finding a backup catcher to replace Martín Maldonado, who is a free agent.
Advertisement
Kansas City Royals
Needs: Starting pitchers and relievers and a veteran bat or two
What they’ve done so far: Acquired RHP Nick Anderson from Braves for cash; traded RHP Jackson Kowar to Braves for RHP Kyle Wright
Free-agent targets: Sonny Gray, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Mike Clevinger, Michael Lorenzen, Jack Flaherty, Zach Davies, Dakota Hudson, James Paxton, Hyun Jin Ryu, Martín Pérez, Seth Lugo, Zack Greinke, Alex Wood, Hector Neris, Jakob Junis, David Robertson, Dylan Floro, Nick Martinez, Jordan Hicks, Jovani Moran, Will Smith, Trevor Gott, Brad Hand, Brad Boxberger, Emilio Pagán, Rhys Hoskins, Carlos Santana, Justin Turner, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernández
Trade targets: Clarke Schmidt, JP Sears, Johan Oviedo, Bryce Miller, Braxton Garrett, Austin Gomber, Michael Kopech, Ryan Pepiot, Kutter Crawford
The Royals have a long way to go in their rebuild and will have to find ways to improve their rotation significantly to be relevant again. They need to sign some veteran starting pitchers and bats whom they can use as trade bait at the deadline to stockpile more prospects. They’ll also spend this winter trying to trade for young major-league-ready starters and prospects.
Los Angeles Angels
Needs: A starting pitcher, bullpen upgrades, a middle-of-the-order bat and a corner outfielder
What they’ve done so far: Hired Ron Washington as manager; signed LHP Adam Kolarek, one year, $900,000
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sonny Gray, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, Marcus Stroman, Eduardo Rodriguez, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Teoscar Hernández, Jorge Soler, Justin Turner
Trade targets: Due to the Angels’ weak farm system, the trade market will be difficult for them this winter. Unless they decide to trade Mike Trout, expect most of their moves to be in free agency.
Advertisement
The Angels still hope they can re-sign Ohtani, although that seems unlikely at this point. They have several needs to fill this offseason and are expected to once again be aggressive in “patchworking” the pitching staff and lineup, as they have the past couple of years.
GO DEEPER
Talking ball with new Angels manager Ron Washington, 'a baseball generational giant'
Minnesota Twins
Needs: Starting pitching depth and a center fielder to complement Byron Buxton
What they’ve done so far: Nothing
Free-agent targets: Kevin Kiermaier, Harrison Bader, Aaron Hicks, Nick Martinez, Michael Wacha, Erick Fedde, Alex Wood, Sean Manaea
Trade targets: Manuel Margot
The Twins will probably add another starting pitcher this winter, but it’s tricky with Pablo López, Chris Paddack, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Louie Varland already solidified as their five-man rotation. Perhaps they add a “sixth starter” to protect them from injuries. Their infield is set with Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, Jorge Polanco, Edouard Julien, Alex Kirilloff and Jose Miranda coming back, and they also have depth with Kyle Farmer and Willi Castro. Also, keep in mind that Brooks Lee, the eighth pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, should be ready for the majors sometime next year. The Twins’ outfield also looks set with Matt Wallner and Max Kepler on the corners and Trevor Larnach and Castro as depth. With Michael A. Taylor leaving in free agency, they’ll need to find a center fielder to complement Byron Buxton in center field, although Austin Martin, a first-round pick in 2020, could be an option. I think they’ll add a center fielder though. Bottom line: This team is ready to defend its AL Central title without making a move.
New York Yankees
Needs: Help in center field and left field (preferably left-handed hitters) and a starting pitcher
What they’ve done so far: Traded 1B/OF Jake Bauers to Brewers for OF Jace Avina and OF Brian Sanchez
Advertisement
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Jung Hoo Lee, Kevin Kiermaier, Michael Brantley, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, Josh Hader, Sonny Gray
Trade targets: Juan Soto, Jack Suwinski, Michael Harris II, Leody Taveras, Lars Nootbaar, Cedric Mullins, Dylan Carlson, Anthony Santander, Ian Happ, Luis Robert Jr., Max Kepler, Nolan Jones, Manuel Margot, Corbin Burnes, Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber
The Yankees have been active in the starting pitching and outfield markets, aggressively exploring free-agent options and trades, although they don’t seem close to any deals at this point. They are committed to improving in center field and left field and also will look to add at least one elite starting pitcher. As usual, they’ll be a fun team to watch at the Winter Meetings.
GO DEEPER
Bowden: Could the Padres trade Juan Soto? 5 teams to watch if they decide to move him
Oakland A’s
Needs: Starting pitchers and relievers and a middle-of-the-order bat
What they’ve done so far: Signed RHP Osvaldo Bido to a one-year contract; traded RHP Chad Patrick to Brewers for INF Abraham Toro
Free-agent targets: They’ll wait out this market and then look for some January scraps
Trade targets: Players who are not yet arbitration-eligible or prospects, middle-of-the-order hitters and pitchers for the rotation and bullpen
The A’s, as usual, are not expected to spend much money this offseason; they will continue to try to rebuild their organization through scouting and player development. However, they’ll wait until near the end of the free-agent market to find bargains to help them be more competitive and give them veterans to deal at the trade deadline.
Seattle Mariners
Needs: Either a single lineup anchor or several players with good contact rates to be used throughout the order
What they’ve done so far: Traded RHP Isaiah Campbell to Red Sox for INF Luis Urías; traded 3B Eugenio Suárez to Diamondbacks for RHP Carlos Vargas and C Seby Zavala; acquired RHP Cody Bolton from Pirates for cash; traded RHP Riley O’Brien to Cardinals for cash
Advertisement
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Rhys Hoskins, J.D. Martinez, Jorge Soler, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Jeimer Candelario, Justin Turner, Michael Brantley, Tommy Pham
Trade targets: Knowing president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, every player with a heartbeat!
The Mariners are not expected to “play” at the dollar amounts it’s going to take to sign either Shohei Ohtani or Cody Bellinger, so it appears they’ll try to lengthen their lineup by landing multiple players who can make more contact than last year’s team, which struggled with swing-and-miss and strikeouts. (Seattle hitters were second in the majors in strikeouts.) The Mariners will focus on younger players in the 24- to 26-year-old range with at least three years of control left.
Tampa Bay Rays
Needs: Starting pitching depth and figuring out their infield
What they’ve done so far: Traded INF/OF Vidal Bruján and RHP Calvin Faucher to Marlins for INF Erick Lara, RHP Andrew Lindsey and a player to be named
Free-agent targets: Most of their moves will come through trades, not free agency
Trade targets: Dylan Cease, Bryce Miller, Jesús Luzardo, Johan Oviedo, JP Sears, Braxton Garrett, Hunter Brown, Patrick Sandoval, Cody Bradford, Matt McLain, Jonathan India, Vaughn Grissom, CJ Abrams, Ezequiel Duran
The Rays’ biggest decision this offseason will be whether to trade their ace, Tyler Glasnow, who will be a free agent after next season. Their history tells us they’ll move him if they can get the right package of young pitchers and middle infielders in return. The Rays’ main focus this winter will be building starting pitching depth, mostly through trades and lower-end free agents. They also must address their middle infield with the Wander Franco situation still unresolved; the star shortstop remains on administrative leave and under investigation after allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor.
Texas Rangers
Needs: A starting pitcher and bullpen depth
Advertisement
What they’ve done so far: Besides celebrating their world championship? Not too much.
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, Sonny Gray, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Mitch Garver, Victor Caratini, Tucker Barnhart, Austin Nola, Andrew Knizner, Austin Hedges
Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, Tyler Glasnow
The World Series champs won’t rest on their laurels this offseason; they are expected to make a run at Shohei Ohtani, who would be a perfect fit as their DH going forward and to join their rotation either in October next year or in 2025 at the latest. Talented outfielder Wyatt Langford, the fourth pick in this year’s draft, is expected to be ready in 2024, so signing Ohtani could be the only major move they have to make position player-wise to defend their title, outside of adding a backup catcher to replace the valuable Mitch Garver, who is a free agent. The Rangers also want to re-sign Jordan Montgomery, but if they don’t, they feel like lefty Cody Bradford is ready for a breakout season next year. Even if they sign Ohtani, I still think they’ll add another elite starting pitcher.
GO DEEPER
Let's build a competitive Shohei Ohtani contract like a front-office analyst would
Toronto Blue Jays
Needs: A corner outfielder, a second baseman and a starting pitcher
What they’ve done so far: Nothing
Free-agent targets: Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Michael Brantley, Jung Hoo Lee, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Eduardo Rodriguez
Trade targets: Alex Verdugo, Anthony Santander, Jonathan India, Willy Adames, Gleyber Torres
The Blue Jays are trying to re-sign third baseman Matt Chapman and are committed to improving in left field, preferably with a left-handed hitter as they plan to move Daulton Varsho to center field to replace free agent Kevin Kiermaier. Cody Bellinger would be a perfect fit for them in left. The Blue Jays also must try to extend the contracts of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Both are under team control through 2025.) Other needs include a starting pitcher to replace Hyun Jin Ryu and an upgrade at second base if possible.
GO DEEPER
Ten big-name MLB players who could be traded this offseason
GO DEEPER
Bowden: MLB teams — Think long and hard before signing a starting pitcher to a 9-figure deal
GO DEEPER
Bowden: 23 reasons I'm thankful for MLB in 2023
(Top photo of Cody Bellinger: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images)
