The Athletic has live coverage of MLB free agency and the Winter Meetings in Nashville.
With MLB’s Winter Meetings about 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. 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.
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Here are my thoughts on each National League team and what I’m hearing in conversations with decision-makers throughout baseball. Look for a corresponding article on the American League teams Monday.
Note: Only major-league signings and trades and top hires are listed under “What they’ve done so far.”
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Arizona Diamondbacks
Needs: Starting pitching
What they’ve done so far: Traded RHP Carlos Vargas and C Seby Zavala to Mariners for 3B Eugenio Suárez; extended manager Torey Lovullo through 2026
Free-agent targets: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda, James Paxton
Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber
The Diamondbacks made it all the way to the World Series before losing to the Texas Rangers and what was evident at the end of the postseason is that they were one impact veteran starting pitcher away from being able to win it all. It’s important they fill that need this winter.
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Atlanta Braves
Needs: A starting pitcher, bullpen help, and a left fielder
What they’ve done so far: Traded RHP Michael Soroka, INF Braden Shewmake, LHP Jared Shuster, RHP Riley Gowens and INF Nicky Lopez to White Sox for LHP Aaron Bummer; traded RHP Nick Anderson to Royals for cash considerations; traded RHP Kyle Wright to Royals for RHP Jackson Kowar; signed RHP Reynaldo López, three years, $30 million
Free-agent targets: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sonny Gray, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Kenta Maeda, Kevin Kiermaier, Michael Brantley, Teoscar Hernández, Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario, Jorge Soler
Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, Tyler Glasnow, Anthony Santander, Max Kepler, Alex Verdugo
The Braves were the best team in baseball during the regular season and can mostly “run it back” next year, besides the rotation and in left field. They have focused on adding a significant starting pitcher, bullpen depth and left-field upgrades since the offseason started. The Braves have cleared roster space and added payroll flexibility, and it’s expected they’ll make a huge splash sooner rather than later.
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Chicago Cubs
Needs: A corner bat and bullpen upgrades
What they’ve done so far: Signed manager Craig Counsell to five year, $40 million deal
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Rhys Hoskins, Teoscar Hernández, Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks, Nick Martinez, Chris Stratton, Hector Neris
Trade targets: Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander
The Cubs hired Craig Counsell away from the rival Brewers in arguably the biggest move of the offseason thus far, making him the highest-paid manager in the game. Now they are prepared to be one of the biggest spenders this winter and plan to pursue most of the top free agents on the open market, from Shohei Ohtani to Cody Bellinger.
Cincinnati Reds
Needs: Starting pitching, bullpen help, and a RHH outfielder
What they’ve done so far: Nothing
Free-agent targets: Sonny Gray, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Teoscar Hernández, Jorge Soler, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Adam Duvall, Nick Martinez, Jordan Hicks, Ryne Stanek
Trade targets: Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber, Luis Robert Jr., Lane Thomas, Manuel Margot
The Reds are positioned to be next year’s version of the Diamondbacks; they are a few veteran pitchers and a right-handed-hitting outfielder away from being the team to beat in the NL Central in 2024. With Joey Votto’s contract coming off the books and so many players who are not yet arbitration-eligible, they finally have the payroll flexibility to surprise the baseball world with a huge free-agent signing if they choose to go in that direction. If not, expect them to at least add a few veteran pitchers including a starter and to make an upgrade in the outfield.
Colorado Rockies
Needs: Starting pitching and bullpen upgrades
What they’ve done so far: Acquired RHP Cal Quantrill from Guardians for C Kody Huff
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Free-agent targets: Sonny Gray, Marcus Stroman, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Michael Lorenzen, Frankie Montas, Kenta Maeda, Dakota Hudson, James Paxton, Luis Severino, Chris Flexen, Hector Neris, Collin McHugh, Nick Martinez, Will Smith, Luis García, Joe Kelly
Trade targets: Mitch Keller, Johan Oviedo, JP Sears, Bryce Miller, Brady Singer, Michael Kopech
Every year the Rockies have existed, their most pressing need has been to improve their pitching, in the rotation and bullpen. They struggle to recruit free-agent pitchers because of the Coors Field factor. That doesn’t mean they don’t try; GM Bill Schmidt continues to check all avenues available to him to improve their pitching staff.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Needs: Starting pitching and DH
What they’ve done so far: Signed 3B Max Muncy for two years, $24 million
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda, James Paxton, Josh Hader, Nick Martinez, J.D. Martinez, Jorge Soler, Michael Brantley
Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, Tyler Glasnow
Injuries and off-field issues have depleted the Dodgers’ starting pitching over the past few years, so despite having a stocked farm system of young starters, they are in dire need of adding proven pitchers to their rotation this offseason. They are acting accordingly: The Dodgers are pursuing the top free-agent pitchers and have touched base with the agents of the top starters available on the trade market. They are considered heavy favorites by those in the industry to land the biggest free agent of them all, Shohei Ohtani.
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Miami Marlins
Needs: Offense and a catching upgrade
What they’ve done so far: Hired Peter Bendix as president of baseball operations; traded INF Erick Lara and RHP Andrew Lindsey and a player to be named to Rays for INF/OF Vidal Bruján and RHP Calvin Faucher
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Free-agent targets: Rhys Hoskins, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Jeimer Candelario, Jorge Soler, Teoscar Hernández, Tim Anderson, Mitch Garver, Victor Caratini, Tucker Barnhart, Austin Nola, Andrew Knizner
Trade targets: Salvador Perez, Tyler Stephenson, Alejandro Kirk, Willy Adames, Ezequiel Duran, Tommy Edman, Vaughn Grissom, Spencer Steer, Spencer Torkelson, Manuel Margot
The Marlins have a new head of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, which means you can expect them to emphasize pitching, defense, contact and athleticism in building their future teams. Miami’s biggest current needs are to improve its lineup depth and to upgrade at catcher.
Milwaukee Brewers
Needs: Starting pitching and trading their impending free agents
What they’ve done so far: Hired Pat Murphy as manager; traded 1B/OF Mark Canha to Tigers for RHP Blake Holub; traded OF Jace Avina and OF Brian Sanchez to Yankees for 1B/OF Jake Bauers; extended RHP Colin Rea, one year, $3.5 million with a $5.5 million club option
Free-agent targets: Sonny Gray, Michael Wacha, Eduardo Rodriguez, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Michael Lorenzen, Jack Flaherty, Kenta Maeda, James Paxton, Wade Miley
Trade targets: Dylan Cease, José Berríos, Bryce Miller, Tanner Houck, Cristian Javier, Braxton Garrett, Brady Singer, Griffin Canning, Ken Waldichuk, JP Sears, Alek Manoah, Tanner Houck
The Brewers are expected to trade Corbin Burnes and Willy Adames this winter as both will be free agents after the 2024 season. After non-tendering Brandon Woodruff and losing Wade Miley to free agency, the Brewers will need to focus on rebuilding their rotation, particularly if they do trade Burnes.
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New York Mets
Needs: Starting pitching, bullpen, outfield and DH
What they’ve done so far: Hired David Stearns as president of baseball operations and Carlos Mendoza as manager
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Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Cody Bellinger, J.D. Martinez, Jorge Soler, Michael Brantley
Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Shane Bieber, Tyler Glasnow
The Mets have a new leader in David Stearns, who has full autonomy to make baseball decisions with ultimate approval coming from owner Steve Cohen. Stearns has made it clear that pitching is his top priority, and the Mets certainly can compete with any team when it comes to checkbook baseball. They’re also working to extend first baseman Pete Alonso. Although the Mets are considered to be in the mix for Ohtani, it’s more likely they will add another elite starting pitcher, as well as bullpen depth and a more affordable designated hitter or outfielder.
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Philadelphia Phillies
Needs: A starting pitcher, bullpen help, and a right-handed bat off the bench
What they’ve done so far: Signed RHP Aaron Nola, seven years, $172 million
Free-agent targets: Josh Hader, Jordan Hicks, Hector Neris, Matt Moore, Nick Martinez, Phil Maton, Emilio Pagan, Whit Merrifield, Nick Senzel, Brian Anderson
Trade targets: Ty France, TJ Friedl, Brandon Drury, Matt Brash, Justin Topa, Griffin Jax, Julian Merryweather
The Phillies’ main offseason goal was to re-sign Aaron Nola, which they accomplished before Thanksgiving, filling their biggest need. Now, they’ll focus on improving their bullpen and adding a right-handed-hitting, versatile player to come off their bench.
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Pittsburgh Pirates
Needs: Starting pitching and lineup upgrades
What they’ve done so far: Traded RHP Cody Bolton to Mariners for cash
Free-agent targets: Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Lucas Giolito, Mike Clevinger, Dakota Hudson, Brad Keller, Erick Fedde, Teoscar Hernández, Nick Senzel, Jorge Soler, Brian Anderson, Rhys Hoskins, Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
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Trade targets: Anthony Santander, Alex Verdugo, Josh Lowe, MJ Melendez, Harold Ramírez, Max Kepler, Ezequiel Duran, Jarred Kelenic, Jesús Sánchez
The Pirates are making progress in their rebuild but are still a year away from being legitimate contenders in the NL Central. They are working this offseason to improve their rotation and overall lineup depth, and are keeping an open mind in their trade talks and free-agent conversations. They’re also open to trading prospects for prospects if they can find the right matches.
St. Louis Cardinals
Needs: Pitching, pitching and more pitching
What they’ve done so far: Signed RHP Lance Lynn, one year, $10 million; signed RHP Kyle Gibson, one year, $12 million; traded cash to Mariners for RHP Riley O’Brien
Free-agent targets: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Lucas Giolito, Seth Lugo
Trade targets: Jesús Luzardo, Corbin Burnes, Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber, José Berríos, Dylan Cease, Cristian Javier, Braxton Garrett, Tanner Houck, Bryce Miller, Emerson Hancock
The Cardinals’ top offseason priority is to improve their rotation and bullpen, and they’re off to a fast start, inking Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson to one-year contracts as their fourth and fifth starters. Now they’ll focus on addressing the top of their rotation; they’ve had conversations with the agents for all the top free-agent starters and trade discussions with opposing GMs about available starters. They still need to make significant upgrades to their pitching staff if they plan on being legitimate contenders in 2024.
San Diego Padres
Needs: Starting pitching, bullpen help, upgrades to bottom third of the lineup
What they’ve done so far: Hired Mike Shildt as manager; traded RHP Scott Barlow to Guardians for RHP Enyel De Los Santos
Free-agent targets: Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Sonny Gray, Lucas Giolito, Seth Lugo, Nick Martinez
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Trade targets: Corbin Burnes, Tyler Glasnow, Shane Bieber, Jesús Luzardo, Dylan Cease, Braxton Garrett
The Padres were the most disappointing team in 2023, not making the playoffs with a roster that every analytics and scouting department felt was postseason caliber. One of their biggest problems was they went 2-12 in extra-inning games and 9-23 in one-run games. The Padres are hoping those numbers dramatically improve in 2024 under new manager Mike Shildt. They are prepared to lose NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and top closer Josh Hader in free agency. They’ll try to replace both of them via free agency and/or trades this winter. They’ll also focus on improving the bottom third of their lineup, which was another Achilles’ heel last season. The Padres are also open to listening to offers on superstar Juan Soto, and if they’re offered the right package, they won’t hesitate to make a move. At the same time, they remain interested in extending him to a long-term contract.
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San Francisco Giants
Needs: Star players to build around, outfield offense, a starting pitcher and a shortstop
What they’ve done so far: Hired Bob Melvin as manager
Free-agent targets: Shohei Ohtani, Jung Hoo Lee, Cody Bellinger, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Sonny Gray, Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, Tim Anderson, Kevin Kiermaier, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernández
Trade targets: Willy Adames, Luis Robert Jr., Anthony Santander, Manuel Margot, Max Kepler
The Giants have been chasing superstars for the past several years with no success. They were the highest bidder last offseason for Aaron Judge before the Yankees matched their offer, and they made the top bid for shortstop Carlos Correa before their medical department nixed the deal. Now they’ll try again with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the competition is stiff and as they’ve learned, even if they’re the highest bidders there is no guarantee they’ll land either player.
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Washington Nationals
Needs: Veteran starting pitcher and corner outfield bat
What they’ve done so far: Nothing
Free-agent targets: Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo, Eduardo Rodriguez, Lucas Giolito, Wade Miley, Kenta Maeda, James Paxton, Erick Fedde, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernández, Jorge Soler, Adam Duvall
Trade targets: Luis Robert Jr., Anthony Santander, Alex Verdugo, Max Kepler, Lars Nootbaar, Dylan Carlson, Jarred Kelenic
The Nationals are making progress in their rebuild but are still at least two years away from becoming contenders in the NL East. They’re not expected to be very active this winter as they wait for their prospects to develop, but they’re still trying to improve around the edges with the hopes of landing at least a veteran starter and a proven corner outfielder this offseason.
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(Top photo of Yoshinobu Yamamoto: Koji Watanabe / Getty Images)
