Top needs for all 30 clubs after Winter Meetings
With the Winter Meetings in the books, it's a great time to take stock of each club's offseason to this point, as well as what its needs are for the remainder of the offseason. With the help of each MLB.com beat writer, here's a look at where each team stands as executives leave Las Vegas, and what remains to be done before Spring Training.
AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
Blue Jays: SP, RP, SS
The Blue Jays need another starting pitcher or two, who could come via trade or free agency, as well as another set-up man, a left-handed reliever and depth for the bullpen. Troy Tulowitzki's departure also opened up a need for a backup shortstop. While Toronto isn't expected to make a play for some of the bigger names on the starting pitcher market, some potential targets include Thomas Pomeranz, Yusei Kikuchi, and Giovany Gonzalez. More >
Orioles: Front office, coaching staff, OF
With a new manager reportedly selected in Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde, the Orioles' next priority will be filling vacancies in the club's baseball operations department and coaching staff. As for the roster, Baltimore is monitoring the trade market for outfielders, with the current group being Joey Rickard, Cedric Mullins and Trey Mancini. More >
Rays: DH, RP, SP
The Rays made a pair of moves during the Winter Meetings to solidify their roster, adding veteran right-hander Charlie Morton and trading for infielder Yandy Diaz from the Indians. While president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom said he likes his roster as currently constructed, Tampa Bay will be on the lookout for potential upgrades at designated hitter, on the pitching staff and on the bench. The most prominent DH on the market is Nelson Cruz, and the Rays have reportedly been in talks with his representatives. More >
Red Sox: RP, C, 2B
The reigning World Series champs know where they stand after leaving the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. With setup reliever Joe Kelly on his way to the Dodgers, the bullpen will be Dave Dombrowski's main focus, as well as sorting out the catching situation. Boston could target some of the top names on the free-agent reliever market, including Adam Ottavino, Player Page for David Robertson, Zach Britton and Andrew Miller. More >
Yankees: INF, RP, SP
The Yankees continued to bolster their starting rotation during the Winter Meetings, nearing an agreement with free-agent left-hander J.A. Happ after acquiring fellow southpaw James Paxton from the Mariners earlier in the offseason. While New York could add even more to the rotation, the focus shifts to the middle infield (with Didi Gregorius out for the first half of the 2019 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery) and the bullpen. Will Manny Machado be donning pinstripes next spring? And what about fellow superstar free agent Bryce Harper? More >
AL CENTRAL
Indians: OF, RP
The Indians were part of a blockbuster three-team trade on the final day of the Winter Meetings, acquiring Carlos Santana and cash from the Mariners for Edwin Encarnacion, as well as Jake Bauers from the Rays in exchange for Yandy Diaz and Cole Sulser. Moving forward, the Tribe will look to address perhaps its biggest need, the outfield. With Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall and Melky Cabrera all free agents, some of Cleveland's options include Marwin Gonzalez, Nick Markakis and Adam Jones. Bolstering a bullpen that could lose Andrew Miller, Oliver Perez and Josh Tomlin to free agency will also be a priority. More >
Royals: RP, SP, LF/RF
Hoping to repeat the success of last year, when they landed Brad Keller, the Royals added a pair of right-handers in the Rule 5 Draft, but the club still is on the hunt for pitching depth for both the rotation and bullpen. Look for Kansas City to target any veteran starters remaining on the market late in the offseason, and cost-efficient relief options such as Justin Wilson, Richard Parker or Luis Avilan. More >
Tigers: 2B, C, RP
As they continue their rebuilding process, the Tigers leave the Winter Meetings having added veteran starter Tyson Ross to a young rotation, as well as a stopgap shortstop to plug a hole while promising prospects develop, in Jordy Mercer. Going forward, Detroit will continue to seek a trade partner for right fielder Nicholas Castellanos, an established second baseman, a third-string catcher and potentially a reliever or two. More >
Twins: RP, SP, Another bat
The Twins were "pretty active" in engaging other clubs in trade discussion and evaluating free agents at the Winter Meetings, according to general manager Thad Levine. Now it's a matter of turning that prep work into action by adding another big bat and, ideally, a late-inning arm. As far as bolstering the lineup is concerned, Minnesota has reportedly been courting veteran slugger Cruz, who was with Levine when the two were in Texas several years ago. More >
White Sox: C, RP, SP
While the White Sox only made one move during the Winter Meetings, acquiring right-hander Ivan Nova from the Pirates, Chicago may have laid the groundwork for a major splash in the coming weeks. Adding a premium free agent such as Harper or Machado, or even potentially both, is on the to-do list for the rest of the offseason. Also on the list are adding a catcher (the Sox have been connected with free agent Yasmani Grandal), a late-inning reliever and possibly another starter. More >
AL WEST
Angels: SP, RP, C
The Angels didn't make any flashy moves at the Winter Meetings, but they weren't quiet, signing slugging first baseman Justin Bour to a one-year contract, as well as seven players to Minor League deals. General manager Billy Eppler now turns his focus to adding pitching and acquiring a catcher. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that Wilson Ramos is currently the Angels' main focus. A left-handed reliever is also a need. More >
Astros: SP, OF/DH, C
The Astros are in the market for a middle-of-the-rotation veteran with Morton signing with the Rays, Lance McCullers out after Tommy John surgery and Dallas Keuchel a free agent. They're also seeking another bat and possibly another catcher even after signing Robinson Chirinos last week. Could J.T. Realmuto end up in Houston? Or perhaps free agents Grandal or Wilson Ramos? More >
Athletics: SP, 2B, C
It was a relatively quiet Winter Meetings for the A's, who nevertheless know that upgrading the rotation, addressing second base and adding another catcher to team with newcomer Chris Herrmann are necessities as they look to build on a 97-win season. Oakland has recently been linked with free agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu. More >
Mariners: RP, OF, SS
If you thought the Mariners were going to sit tight during the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, you don't know ever-active general manager Jerry Dipoto, who signed off on his latest trade -- flipping recently acquired Santana to the Indians for slugger Encarnacion and a Competitive Balance Round B Draft pick -- from a hospital bed. More >
Rangers: SP, RP, bench
The Rangers had a busy few days at the Winter Meetings, agreeing to terms with free agent right-hander Lance Lynn, claiming infielder Carlos Asuaje off waivers from the Padres, acquiring third baseman Patrick Wisdom in a trade with the Cardinals, and trading pitcher Alex Claudio to the Brewers for a Competitive Balance Round A Draft pick. Going forward, Texas will focus on pitching and bench depth. Former Rangers reliever Jake Diekman is on the market, and a reunion is certainly possible. More >
NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
Braves: SP, OF, RP
Fresh off an NL East title, the Braves did not officially make any moves during the Winter Meetings, but that doesn't mean signings and/or trades aren't yet to come this offseason. General manager Alex Anthopoulos said the club is cautious about over-committing before the market further develops. But needing a starting pitcher, the Braves may look to partner with the Yankees on a trade that would bring right-hander Sonny Gray to Atlanta. There's also a need to replace free agent Nick Markakis in right field. Could Michael Brantley be the answer there? More >
Marlins: Left-handed bat, 1B, RP
While rumors about Realmuto dominated the Winter Meetings, Miami didn't make a trade with any of a number of teams interested in acquiring the catcher. While Realmuto will remain a focus around baseball the rest of the offseason, the Marlins will look to fill needs at first base, with free agent Bour signing with the Angels, and the bullpen. The club will also seek a left-handed bat for the lineup. Free agent first baseman Matt Adams fits the bill in two of those categories. More >
Mets: C, OF, RP
The Mets came away with two new players as the Winter Meetings wrapped up Thursday, trading for All-Star closer Edwin Diaz and bringing back right-handed reliever Jeurys Familia after sending him to the A's last season. It's safe to assume New York will make more moves during the rest of the offseason, with an upgrade behind the plate (Realmuto?) and in the outfield, as well as a left-handed reliever on new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen's mind. More >
Nationals: SP, 2B, Bench
Though it's appearing less likely, the Nationals have left the door open for Harper's return and could still ink Anthony Rendon to a contract extension. Though they already signed Patrick Corbin, they still need to add more starting pitching to a thin rotation and may upgrade at second base. Washington's options to fill the second base vacancy are plenty, including LeMahieu, James Dozier, Jed Lowrie, Josh Harrisonand Gonzalez. More >
Phillies: Big bat, RP, SP
The Phillies could still sign an impact player like Harper or Machado, or even a more affordable option like Brantley to bolster their lineup. They maintain interest in free-agent relievers Britton and Miller, and could potentially add to their rotation. More >
NL CENTRAL
Brewers: 2B, 3B, C
The Brewers need a second baseman for 2019, but they will be flexible in how they address the position. They could add a third baseman, allowing them to shift Travis Shaw to second, and upgrades at catcher and the pitching staff are in play. Given that flexibility, there are many options to choose from on the free-agent market, including versatile players like Gonzalez and Harrison. More >
Cardinals: RP, IF/OF, C
The Cardinals are still without a closer and enough lefty bullpen arms. They could address that need via trade, but Britton and Miller are among the top left-handed relievers available in free agency, and St. Louis has the payroll flexibility to make a deal for one of them happen. A backup to veteran catcher Yadier Molina is also a need. More >
Cubs: RP, bench
With Brandon Morrow likely to miss the start of the regular season, bullpen help is Chicago's priority. The Cubs will likely target value later in the relief market and explore the market for bench depth and a backup catcher. They would particularly like to add a left-handed reliever, and options may include bringing back Wilson or signing someone like Avilan or Dan Jennings. More >
Pirates: SP, RP, SS
The Pirates' fifth starter could be an in-house candidate, or perhaps they'll use an "opener," but it's also possible they add someone before Opening Day. Pittsburgh could also bring in a left-handed reliever or a shortstop now that Mercer is signing with the Tigers. The Pirates spoke with the D-backs about shortstop Nick Ahmed during the Winter Meetings. More >
Reds: SP, CF, RP
Cincinnati acquired right-hander Tanner Roark from the Nationals during the Winter Meetings, but president of baseball operations Dick Williams and general manager Nick Krall have indicated the club isn't done adding to the rotation. Other needs include a center fielder after non-tendering Billy Hamilton, and bolstering the bullpen. A.J. Pollock has been rumored to be on the Reds' radar to fill the center field void. More >
NL WEST
D-backs: CF, 1B/2B, RP
The D-backs will need to address the void left by Pollock, who is a free agent, and they may add an infielder depending on how the lineup shakes out in the absence of Paul Goldschmidt. Bullpen depth is also on the club's agenda, and the club has shown interest in veteran right-hander Joakim Soria. More >
Dodgers: C, game-changer, shed salary
The Dodgers bolstered their bullpen with the addition of Kelly late Wednesday night, but are still seeking a veteran catcher to replace Grandal. The Marlins' Realmuto remains a possibility, and the Dodgers could also be in the mix for a difference-marker like Indians ace Corey Kluber or Harper. More >
Giants: OF, SP, C
Farhan Zaidi's first Winter Meetings as Giants president of baseball operations didn't include a splashy signing or blockbuster trade, but he knows what areas the club needs to work on going forward: outfield, rotation and backup catcher. It was reported during the Winter Meetings that the Cardinals were eyeing San Francisco relievers Will Smith and Tony Watson, potentially willing to send Jose Martinez to the Giants. More >
Padres: 3B, SP, SS
The Padres didn't make a major move at the Winter Meetings, but they're almost certain to add a third baseman. Three rotation spots are currently up for grabs, and the club could also add a short-term solution at shortstop while it awaits Fernando Tatis Jr.'s MLB debut. San Diego has been connected in recent days to Rangers utility player Jurickson Profar, though talks don't appear to have progressed much. They also were said to have agreed with Ian Kinsler on a two-year deal. More >
Rockies: Offense, RP, C
Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich entered the offseason looking to upgrade Colorado's offense, and following the Winter Meetings there remain several options on the market to bolster the lineup. Gonzalez and Harrison would fit Colorado's desire for flexible defensive players, while Daniel Murphy or Neil Walker could take free agent LeMahieu's place at second base, and Logan Morrison or the Blue Jays' Justin Smoak could fill a need for a power-hitting first baseman. Beyond offense, the Rockies are surveying the reliever and catcher markets for depth. More >