Breaking down every team's impact offseason moves

Breaking down every team's impact offseason moves

February 15th, 2024

MLB’s offseason has been dominated by headline-grabbing superstar signings and blockbuster trades, so it’s understandable if some of your favorite teams’ moves went under the radar. To help you out, here is a list of each team’s offseason moves, breaking down who has left and who’s been acquired for all 30 teams.

Jump to: AL East | AL Central | AL West | NL East | NL Central | NL West

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Blue Jays
2023: 89-73 (3rd place)

Key additions: RHP Yariel Rodriguez, 3B , DH , CF

Key departures: 3B , DH , UTIL , LHP , RHP

Offseason focus: Toronto’s focus was more internal than external, which isn’t the most common approach to an offseason. The Blue Jays are betting big on their own players rebounding and improving, choosing to supplement them with several veteran pieces after their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani fell short in December. In short, they’re running back a similar roster with belief that it will function better than one year ago.

Biggest question: Where does the upside come from? There are easy candidates like or , but the Blue Jays also need to consider the other side of this. What if their pitching regresses after a phenomenal 2023? Will the internal offensive improvements be enough to support that? As it stands, the Blue Jays need a couple of legitimate breakouts at the dish.

Orioles
2023: 101-61 (1st place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP

Key departures: 2B , RHP , OF

Offseason focus: Baltimore wanted an ace. General manager Mike Elias said as much on numerous occasions -- at the GM Meetings in November, at the Winter Meetings in December and during Birdland Caravan in January. Then, on Feb. 1, Elias landed the top trade target on the Orioles’ board in Burnes, the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner with the Brewers and the No. 2 starting pitcher in baseball, per MLB Network’s latest positional rankings. It was a massive move, one that significantly upgrades the O’s rotation for 2024.

Biggest question: Can Baltimore’s bullpen withstand the loss of All-Star closer Félix Bautista (out for 2024 after Tommy John surgery) and get repeat performances from several breakout relievers? Kimbrel, who was signed to serve as a one-year fill-in at closer, has 417 career saves (eighth most in AL/NL history), but he’s also been shaky at times in recent years. The Orioles will likely need consistency from Kimbrel, as well as quality innings from setup relievers (a 2023 All-Star), and others.

Rays
2023: 99-63 (2nd place)

Key additions: RHP , OF , INF José Caballero, OF , RHP , RHP (re-signed), LHP

Key departures: RHP , OF , OF/1B , RHP , RHP , C , LHP

Offseason focus: Facing a potentially massive increase in payroll to field a roster that still held a great deal of uncertainty, specifically due to Wander Franco’s status and several key injured pitchers’ recovery timelines, the Rays instead did what they often do. They moved on from several experienced, proven veterans and supplemented their remaining core group with young, controllable talent. Interestingly, many of their deals included one-for-one replacements, most notably with Pepiot and DeLuca coming in for Glasnow and Margot, emphasizing their intent to contend.

Biggest question: Do they have enough starting pitching and catching? They traded Glasnow, and will spend the season recovering from Tommy John surgery. and won’t return until later in the season, putting a lot of pressure on , , , , Pepiot and in the rotation. Meanwhile, the Rays entered Spring Training with just one catcher on the 40-man roster: René Pinto, who has all of 63 MLB games to his name.

Red Sox
2023: 78-84 (4th place)

Key additions: RHP , OF , 2B

Key departures: LHP , DH/1B , OF , LHP , OF .

Offseason focus: New chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s stated mission was to improve the starting rotation, but the only starter he’s been able to come up with so far is Giolito, who is trying to regain the form that made him one of the top pitchers in the American League from 2019-21. Breslow has put together a new pitching infrastructure that he hopes will lead to improvements from within.

Biggest question: Will the Sox end up unloading veteran closer and his $16 million salary, and re-allocate those resources to patch up other areas of the club? Jansen’s name has been in the trade rumor mill quite a bit in recent weeks.

Yankees
2023: 82-80 (4th place)

Key additions: OF , OF , RHP , OF , LHP , LHP

Key departures: RHP , RHP , LHP , C , INF/OF

Offseason focus: Highlighted by their December acquisitions of Soto and Verdugo, both of which went down at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, the Yankees aimed to correct a surprisingly punchless offense that managed just 4.15 runs per game in 2023 -- below the American League average of 4.55, with only four clubs producing less. Those moves also quietly turned their outfield defense from an ongoing concern into a strength, though it will mean more time in center field for Aaron Judge.

Biggest question: Soto is on board, for now. Will a season in pinstripes be enough to convince one of the game’s top offensive performers that he belongs in the Bronx long-term? And with an in-season extension unlikely, will the Yankees step up with the largest offer for a player who is less than two years removed from rejecting a 15-year, $440 million proposal from the Nationals?

AL CENTRAL

Guardians
2023: 76-86 (3rd place)

Key additions: RHP , OF , C , RHP , 3B , RHP (Minor League deal)

Key departures: RHP , RHP , RHP , OF

Offseason focus: No, this wasn’t the offseason that the Guardians found their offensive answers, but the team focused on clearing space for the next wave of talent to get to the big league stage. Hedges was secured to help a young transition into an everyday catching role. Carrasco can provide veteran leadership for a young rotation. Barlow can bring experience to a growing bullpen. And now, it’s time for the prospects who have been talked about for the last few seasons to prove they can earn their spots.

Biggest question: Can they score enough runs? The offense has been the Guardians’ biggest hurdle over the last few seasons, and they didn’t do much over the winter to assure that won’t be the case in 2024. Maybe No. 2 prospect can get to the Majors and help in the middle of the order? Maybe and José Ramírez can have stellar seasons? But Cleveland will need a lot of things to go in their favor to have this offense be a big threat this season.

Royals
2023: 56-106 (5th place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , LHP , RHP , RHP , OF , UTIL , 2B/OF

Key departures: RHP , INF

Offseason focus: How about a little bit of everything? The Royals addressed their rotation, bullpen and lineup by adding veteran players throughout their roster. It was needed, given that last year’s 106 losses matched a franchise record. The pitching was an especially key focus, adding effective strike-throwers to go along with their veteran status. On paper, the Royals certainly look improved, but still a lot rests on the homegrown players the club sees as its core. Now, they have to go prove it.

Biggest question: How can this team take a step forward? We were asking this last year, but it’s perhaps even more imperative the Royals step out of their rebuild this season. The many additions could likely help, but just as important are the young players the Royals are building around. Seeing build off his historic season (and contract) while watching , , , and all improve would make this year a success.

Tigers
2023: 78-84 (2nd place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , RHP , LHP , OF

Key departures: DH , LHP , RHP José Cisnero

Offseason focus: President of baseball operations Scott Harris wanted to strike a balance in adding veteran presence while keeping spots open for prospects to not just make the roster, but fill key roles. While Maeda and Flaherty fill rotation spots, the rotation still leans on homegrown arms , and a healthy .

Biggest question: Can a young lineup step up and support a promising pitching staff? Canha fills a veteran hole left by Miggy’s retirement, but the offense is centered around , and . A rebound year from would help, but so would a big rookie season from and an in-season call-up for .

Twins
2023: 87-75 (1st place)

Key additions: 1B/DH , RHP , RHP , RHP , RHP

Key departures: RHP , RHP , RHP , 2B , CF , INF , 1B/OF

Offseason focus: Getting healthy. Amid uncertainty regarding the club’s television deal and financials, the Twins were mostly quiet, relying on improved health and performance from their cornerstone trio -- , and -- along with full seasons from the likes of reliever and starter to fill many of their gaps.

Biggest question: As is always the question entering the season: Is this the year when Buxton’s body can hold up? It’s one thing for him to proclaim with confidence that he’ll be back in center field; it’s quite another for him to show that he can stick in the outfield grass with consistency, especially considering his history.

White Sox
2023: 61-101 (4th place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , 2B , SS , RHP , LHP , LHP , LHP , C Martín Maldonado, C , OF , RHP , OF , RHP , OF , INF

Key departures: SS , RHP , RHP , RHP , C , SS , LHP , RHP José Ureña, RHP , INF , RHP , RHP , RHP

Offseason focus: White Sox general manager Chris Getz spoke of how he didn’t like the fit of this team back at the General Managers Meetings in November, and supported that thought with a plethora of offseason moves. His goal was to get the White Sox better defensively, to play faster and to add more dynamic players. The proof of that work truly begins Wednesday.

Biggest question: Will still be with the team at the end of Spring Training? A player with less than the right-hander’s stellar makeup might be bothered by the trade rumors swirling around him for most of the offseason. But Cease will be in camp, preparing for his second straight Opening Day start, with the possibility of being moved hinging on Getz’s high ask for a return being met.

AL WEST

Angels
2023: 73-89 (4th place)

Key additions: RHP , LHP , OF

Key departures: RHP/DH , INF , C

Offseason focus: The Angels lost two-way superstar Ohtani to the Dodgers via free agency and focused on improving their bullpen. They signed Stephenson to a three-year deal, while also signing Moore, Luis García, , José Cisnero, and to one-year deals.

Biggest question: The Angels struggled to compete with Ohtani on their roster and now they have the unenviable task of trying to replace his production. They still have fellow superstar and a young core of position players that includes , and . But it remains to be seen if the Angels will be competitive this season, as they have yet to make a splash to try to replace Ohtani.

Astros
2023: 90-72 (1st place)

Key additions: LHP , C

Key departures: OF , C Martín Maldonado, RHP Hector Neris, RHP , RHP , RHP (injury)

Offseason focus: With three key relievers who accounted for one-third of the bullpen’s innings last year hitting free agency, and Graveman undergoing season-ending surgery, bolstering the bullpen was the top focus. The signing of Hader fortifies the back end, though there’s not the proven depth they had last year. Also, with taking over as starting catcher, the team needed a backup and signed Caratini for that role.

Biggest question: Is up to the job? The Astros have struggled to find a consistent presence in center field since left in free agency, and this year they’re going to see what Meyers can do as the starter out of the gate. Meyers is a great defensive outfielder, but has yet to put it all together at the plate.

Athletics
2023: 50-112 (5th place)

Key additions: LHP , RHP , RHP , INF , OF Miguel Andujar, RHP Mitch Spence, LHP Scott Alexander

Key departures: 2B , RHP , RHP , 3B

Offseason focus: The A’s sought to add some experience to their starting rotation, and did so by adding a pair of veterans in Wood and Stripling. With a vacancy at closer, the signing of Gott gives them a late-inning option who could be in that mix, and Alexander gives them a needed veteran lefty in the bullpen. Toro and Andujar will be competing for Opening Day roster spots this spring, as will Spence, a Rule 5 Draft pick, on the pitching side.

Biggest question: Who is the fifth starter? , , Wood and Stripling are all viewed as rotation locks. The fifth and final member is a decision that will likely come down to Spring Training performance, with several options in play, such as Spence, , , , and Adrián Martínez.

Mariners
2023: 88-74 (3rd place)

Key additions: DH , RF , 2B , OF , 3B

Key departures: INF José Caballero, LHP , RF , OF , C , LHP , 3B

Offseason focus: In the words of president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners wanted to “reimagine” their lineup, and given some unexpected financial constraints related to their regional sports network package, they needed to subtract before they could add. Out are a throng of well-known players, and in are some formidable reinforcements, albeit each carrying notable health history.

Biggest question: Will the new-look lineup work? This could be a storyline that defines Seattle’s season -- either as a fulfillment of adding the proper pieces to find more consistency at the plate, or as another shortcoming that holds the club back. The Mariners ranked above-average in numerous offensive categories last year, but they also had the Majors’ second-highest strikeout rate and admittedly struggled in high-leverage moments. Beyond the personnel changes, they’ve added new offensive-minded coaches to address in-game approach changes.

Rangers
2023: 90-72 (2nd place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , RHP

Key departures: C/DH , LHP , LHP , RHP , LHP

Offseason focus: The Rangers added a trio of pitchers -- one starter and two relievers -- this offseason, opting to internally fill the DH hole left by Garver. Both Robertson and Yates have the potential to pitch high-leverage innings alongside José Leclerc, and while Mahle won’t return from Tommy John surgery until the second half of the season, they all provide additional depth to an injury-prone rotation down the stretch.

Biggest question: How will the rotation depth hold up? , and the newly signed Mahle are all sidelined until the summer with varying injuries, so the rotation is five deep with , , , and presumably second-year pitcher to start the season. With little experienced Minor League depth behind them, the Rangers seem to be betting on a good bit of fortune on the health side to bridge the gap to the second half of the season.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST

Braves
2023: 104-58 (1st place)

Key additions: LHP , LF , RHP , LHP

Key departures: OF , RHP , RHP , RHP , INF

Offseason focus: The desire to fill the pitching staff with power arms led the Braves to re-sign both and before acquiring López and Bummer. López will likely begin the season in the rotation, but he could be a high-leverage option if he returns to a relief role. The acquisition of Kelenic came via the Braves’ willingness to take on bad contracts and ultimately pay about $17 million for the high-upside former top prospect.

Biggest question: What do the Braves have beyond and in the rotation? If duplicates last year’s success and Sale ends his injury woes, this starting staff will be more than capable of supporting what should again be one of the game’s most potent offenses.

Marlins
2023: 84-78 (3rd place)

Key additions: C , INF/OF , INF , RHP

Key departures: DH , SS , C , 1B , RHP

Offseason focus: After hiring Peter Bendix to be the organization’s president of baseball operations, Miami has prioritized bolstering various departments, including those in scouting and player development. Bendix has brought in Gabe Kapler, Rachel Balkovec, Frankie Piliere and Vinesh Kanthan, among others, to join the front office.

Biggest question: Can the Marlins run it back to prove 2023 wasn’t a fluke? It won’t be easy with ace Sandy Alcantara (Tommy John surgery rehab) and All-Star slugger Soler (went to Giants in free agency) not available in ‘24.

Mets
2023: 75-87 (4th place)

Key additions: RHP , LHP , OF , INF

Key departures: RHP , RHP , RHP , OF (all at the 2023 Trade Deadline)

Offseason focus: The Mets made good on their promise to stay active all winter without shopping in the most expensive aisles. After their pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto fell short, the team went bargain hunting for pitchers on short-term deals -- Severino, Manaea and for the rotation, as well as , and for the bullpen. They also made modest additions to their lineup and bench in the hopes of competing for a Wild Card spot.

Biggest question: Did the Mets do enough? Their bullpen seems strong, but the Mets are relying on several starting pitchers with long injury histories, as well as essentially the same lineup that finished 20th in the Majors in runs per game last season. There are no guarantees that this mini-overhaul will work.

Nationals
2023: 71-91 (5th place)

Key additions: 1B/OF , 3B , RHP

Key departures: 1B , RHP Andrés Machado

Offseason focus: The Nationals addressed their wish list of a lefty bat by signing Gallo, who also brings defensive versatility. The team also filled the vacant starting role at third base with Senzel. Washington showed its focus on the future by inviting its top prospects to Major League camp.

Biggest question: Who will debut in 2024? The Nationals will not rush their young talents for the sake of it, but will top prospects like outfielders (No. 7 overall) and (No. 14 overall) be ready for the Majors this season?

Phillies
2023: 90-72 (2nd place)

Key additions: LHP , RHP , RHP

Key departures: 1B , RHP

Offseason focus: The Phillies prioritized re-signing , and they did. He signed a seven-year, $172 million contract in November. They wanted Nola back because they had arguably baseball’s best rotation in 2023, posting a MLB-best 17.7 fWAR. The Phils took a run at Yoshinobu Yamamoto in December, but he accepted a $325 million deal from the Dodgers. Other than that, the Phillies have been focused on building depth in the bullpen and rotation, albeit with players who are not expected to make the 26-man roster, although they are interested in free agent Jordan Montgomery on a short-term deal.

Biggest question: The Phillies fell short of a World Series title in each of the last two seasons, but they have decided to run it back with mostly the same 26-man roster. Can it work, even if they don’t make any more additions before Opening Day?

NL CENTRAL

Brewers
2023: 92-70 (1st place)

Key additions: 1B , C , RHP , 1B , SS , LHP , RHP

Key departures: RHP , RHP , 1B , RHP , 1B/DH , OF , OF , 3B , CF , LHP

Offseason focus: It was a transitional winter for the Brewers, who began the offseason by watching longtime manager Craig Counsell leave to manage the Cubs. They promoted bench coach Pat Murphy to replace Counsell at skipper, then moved on from two linchpins of the Counsell era and locked up the guy they believe is their franchise player of the future. Out are Woodruff (release) and Burnes (trade). In is top prospect , signed to a record extension that could keep baseball’s No. 2 overall prospect in Milwaukee through 2033. The Brewers then brought in some veteran thump (Hoskins, Sánchez) via free agency, proving this is more of a re-tool than a rebuild for the organization that’s won the NL Central two of the past three years.

Biggest question: Is it enough? Trading Burnes a year before he reached free agency may have been the prudent move for an organization that didn’t expect to sign the 2021 NL Cy Young winner long-term. But without him and Woodruff, there are question marks throughout a rotation that for years had been the backbone of the team. And they were far from the only veteran departures even before you include Counsell, the winningest manager in franchise history. Short-term, things seem certain to be more difficult for Milwaukee in a revamped division where at least four teams are expected to contend. Will it be enough to reach October again?

Cardinals
2023: 71-91 (5th place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , RHP , RHP , RHP , INF

Key departures: RHP , OF , C , OF

Offseason focus: Pitching, pitching, and more pitching. It failed the Cardinals in 2023, as the team’s arms allowed the seventh-most runs and recorded the second-fewest strikeouts in the Majors. St. Louis set out to overhaul that group this offseason -- particularly the rotation -- striking early to sign veteran free agents Gray, Gibson and Lynn to hopefully provide solid innings.

Biggest question: Did they do enough to fortify in that area? Gray is the youngest of the team’s three new starters, at age 34, and FanGraphs still projects the rotation as just the 19th-best in MLB.

Cubs
2023: 83-79 (2nd place)

Key additions: RHP , INF , LHP , RHP Hector Neris

Key departures: OF , INF , RHP

Offseason focus: Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer felt last season’s team left too many wins on the table. That played a role in the stunning offseason addition of manager Craig Counsell, who has built a strong reputation for getting the most out of his rosters. Chicago also needed to fortify the rotation (Imanaga) and bullpen (Neris), and added another Top 100 prospect talent in Busch.

Biggest question: The biggest issue hovering around the Cubs as camp opens is whether the team is actually done making moves to strengthen the roster. There is a sense that Hoyer has another key addition or two up his sleeve before Opening Day that could impact the lineup. That looms larger than any of the spring roster battles.

Pirates
2023: 76-86 (4th place)

Key additions: LHP , LHP Martín Pérez, LHP , 1B/DH

Key departures: RHP , LHP , LHP , INF Miguel Andujar

Offseason focus: The Pirates sought pitching depth -- especially in the rotation -- and found it by acquiring Gonzales and Pérez, plus lengthening their high-leverage options in the bullpen with Chapman’s one-year deal. They’re still looking at last-minute options in this department, and it’s possible they could add another outfielder as well.

Biggest question: Will the starting rotation they have constructed be deep enough to compete for the division title? Chapman lengthens the bullpen so that starters may not be asked to preserve leads beyond the fifth, but the No. 4 and No. 5 starting spots are open competitions unless the club can find a good fit still on the market.

Reds
2023: 82-80 (3rd place)

Key additions: IF , RHP , RHP , RHP , LHP

Key departures: 1B , OF/IF , RHP , C

Offseason focus: After Cincinnati finished near the bottom of the Majors in rotation ERA and near the top in bullpen innings, president of baseball operations Nick Krall prioritized pitching depth by adding a starter in Montas, relievers in Pagán and Suter and a swingman who can do both in Martinez. The veteran additions are expected to fortify the staff and pick up innings.

Biggest question: Will the rotation be enough to help reach the postseason? Despite the additions, the Reds will still have several young starters and at least nine pitchers competing for five spots. Their big three in Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft and Nick Lodolo had injury-filled 2023 seasons. Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson and prospects Connor Phillips and Lyon Richardson will also be in the mix.

NL WEST

D-backs
2023: 84-78 (2nd place)

Key additions: 3B , LHP , OF/DH

Key departures: OF , 3B , RHP

Offseason focus: D-backs GM Mike Hazen wanted to add depth to the starting rotation, as well as more thump to the lineup. In methodical fashion, he did just that. Rodriguez was one of the best starters on the market, and his addition gives Arizona three proven veterans at the head of the rotation. In addition to adding Suárez, who fills a hole at third base, and Pederson, who will provide pop against right-handers in the DH role, the team re-signed outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who was a big part of their lineup in 2023.

Biggest question: Can the D-backs build off of last season’s magical run to the World Series? Last year, they were able to sneak up on teams and did not have the weight of expectations. This year, that is no longer the case.

Dodgers
2023: 100-62 (1st place)

Key additions: RHP/DH , RHP , OF , OF , RHP , LHP , LHP

Key departures: DH , RHP , RHP , OF , LHP , LHP , UTIL Enrique Hernández, RHP , OF , INF , INF

Offseason focus: The primary focus was completing a decade-long pursuit of Ohtani and finally getting him to wear a Dodgers uniform. That goal was accomplished early in free agency. After that, it was all about shoring up a starting rotation that limped to the finish line last season, playing a big role in their early exit against the D-backs in the National League Division Series. The Dodgers were aggressive and landed Yamamoto, Glasnow and Paxton to the rotation.

Biggest question: How will Yamamoto adjust to the Majors? Despite not throwing a pitch in the Majors, Yamamoto became the richest pitcher in history after signing a 12-year, $325 million deal this winter. The Japanese phenom has all the tools to be successful, but he’ll have to prove it against the best hitters in the world. How effective he is during his rookie season will be important for the Dodgers in 2024.

Giants
2023: 79-83 (4th place)

Key additions: CF , DH , RHP , LHP , C

Key departures: SS , DH , OF , LHP , RHP , RHP , LHP , RHP , RHP , LHP

Offseason focus: The Giants went into the offseason looking to improve their athleticism and defense, which they took a step toward addressing by signing Lee to a six-year, $113 million deal. Still, they were unable to fill their superstar void following their failed pursuits for Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who are now teammates on the rival Dodgers.

Biggest question: How will the starting rotation hold up in the first half? Logan Webb will return to anchor the starting staff, but the Giants will be relying heavily on a converted reliever (Hicks) and three relatively unproven arms (Kyle Harrison, Keaton Winn and Tristan Beck) to cover a ton of innings until Alex Cobb (left hip surgery) and Ray (Tommy John surgery) are ready to return to action.

Padres
2023: 82-80 (3rd place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , RHP , LHP Yuki Matsui, RHP Woo-Suk Go, LHP , C

Key departures: OF , LHP , LHP , RHP , RHP , RHP , OF

Offseason focus: When the Padres traded Soto to the Yankees in December, they altered their timeline in a big way. They landed pitching pieces that could help them well into the future, and they gained significant payroll flexibility. They also undeniably compromised their 2024 roster. Now the Padres will do their best to thread the needle -- contending in ‘24, while building for success beyond that with a revamped farm.

Biggest question: In that trade, the Padres also sent Grisham to New York, along with Soto, leaving their outfield particularly barren. They’ve yet to make a move to address openings in center and left field, with and José Azocar the only two outfielders on the current 40-man roster.

Rockies
2023: 59-103 (5th place)

Key additions: RHP , RHP , LHP , C , RHP

Key departures: LHP , RHP

Offseason focus: Acquiring Quantrill from the Guardians and signing Hudson after some good times and some injured times with the Cardinals shored up the rotation.

Biggest question: Did younger starters who were forced into action last year learn enough to be competitive when called upon in 2024?