1 potential upgrade for each team before camp

Spring Training is drawing ever nearer, with pitchers and catchers starting to report in about three weeks. But there stays a lot to be decided relating to what rosters will seem like earlier than that occurs.

What may every workforce do to enhance its roster earlier than Spring Training will get underway in Arizona and Florida subsequent month? Here’s a take a look at one factor every membership can accomplish in that regard because the offseason winds down:

Blue Jays: Find a DH
The Blue Jays want greater than only one bat, however the DH spot is a effective place to start out. Brandon Belt’s bat was very priceless to this lineup at instances in 2023, and this market nonetheless gives a number of choices, from Jorge Soler to J.D. Martinez, Rhys Hoskins and others. Forget the flexibility and roster building — a DH needs to be a easy, simple approach for the Blue Jays to enhance their lineup. — Keegan Matheson

Orioles: Add a frontline starter
It’s no secret that Baltimore has been looking for a beginning pitcher, ideally one who can slot nearer to the highest of its rotation than the underside. General supervisor Mike Elias has repeatedly expressed his want to amass one, together with throughout final month’s Winter Meetings. But the O’s haven’t dipped into the expensive free-agent starter market, they usually haven’t but been keen to half with a big package deal of prospects to fill their want within the rotation. Before Spring Training arrives, the Orioles want to determine a approach so as to add one other robust starter into their combine. — Jake Rill

Rays: Upgrade behind the plate
There is only one catcher on the Rays’ 40-man roster: René Pinto, who has all of 63 video games and 466 1/3 innings of Major League expertise behind the plate. They consider within the 27-year-old’s defensive skill after what he confirmed down the stretch final yr, and he’s produced an .844 OPS in Triple-A over components of three seasons. But that is nonetheless an apparent space by which so as to add, given Pinto’s lack of expertise, and their solely different Opening Day choices behind Pinto seem like non-roster invitees Alex Jackson and Rob Brantly. — Adam Berry

Red Sox: Another beginning pitcher
At the outset of the offseason, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was clear about his mission to enhance the beginning rotation. However, the workforce couldn’t land their high goal in Yoshinobu Yamamoto and hasn’t give you a real Plan B. So far, the Sox added an inconsistent righty with a excessive ceiling in Lucas Giolito and subtracted the oft-injured Chris Sale. Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell stay obtainable on the free-agent market, however the Red Sox appear extra doubtless so as to add pitching by way of commerce. Breslow has stated quite a few instances he’d like a commerce acquisition to come back with a number of years of membership management. — Ian Browne

Yankees: Add to the bullpen
The almost certainly avenue to improve between now and Opening Day seems to be within the bullpen, particularly contemplating the Yanks parted with seven pitchers of their trades for Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. They have critical curiosity in right-hander Hector Neris, who notched a 1.71 ERA in 71 appearances for the Astros final yr. New York has additionally maintained contact with left-hander Wandy Peralta and righty Keynan Middleton, who’re each at the moment free brokers after concluding the 2023 season of their bullpen. — Bryan Hoch

Guardians: Acquire a bat
The Guardians’ roster has one way or the other develop into overcrowded in areas — particularly the infield — however it’s nonetheless lacking an exterior bat that would take this offense to the following degree. Right now, Cleveland is relying on Josh Naylor to have the identical output as final yr, Gabriel Arias to settle in at shortstop and large growth in its outfielders. For an offense that ranked thirtieth in homers, twenty ninth in slugging proportion and twenty eighth in RBIs in 2023, it might use a dependable exterior bat to come back in and shift the momentum again in Cleveland’s favor. — Mandy Bell

Royals: Add one other bat
The Royals have made a number of strikes to improve their pitching workers, they usually added to their offense by signing outfielder Hunter Renfroe this offseason. They have younger gamers set at most positions, however competitors isn’t a nasty factor. Adding one other bat to additional improve the offense, whether or not it’s a bench infielder or outfielder or somebody who can play a number of positions, would give supervisor Matt Quatraro extra choices because the Royals attempt to discover one of the best lineup and protection to run on the market in 2024. — Anne Rogers

Tigers: Another bat on a low-risk deal
The Tigers nonetheless need No. 2 prospect Colt Keith to have a chance to earn a spot within the Opening Day lineup at second or third base, and for Justyn-Henry Malloy (No. 9) to doubtlessly crack the roster. But that doesn’t imply Detroit can’t create some extra competitors for them. A brief-term deal or camp invite for a hitter or two might present extra choices for supervisor A.J. Hinch, particularly if Keith struggles in Spring Training. — Jason Beck

Twins: Find one other beginning pitcher
Gone are Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda, leaving two spots open from the beginning rotation that proved to be the bedrock of the Twins’ success for a lot of the 2023 season. Chris Paddack is again after Tommy John surgical procedure (with an excellent playoff cameo underneath his belt) and Louie Varland can construct on his rookie marketing campaign, however the Twins could be well-served with one other stable rotation choice to initially preserve Varland as a depth or bullpen piece. — Do-Hyoung Park

White Sox: Solidify proper area
Figuring out the Dylan Cease scenario could be one other selection right here — truly protecting the ace right-hander with two years of management and never buying and selling him for lower than Chicago’s asking worth helps the workforce within the brief time period. The White Sox have struggled to fill proper area for quite a few years, and whereas there are inside choices in Gavin Sheets and Oscar Colas, normal supervisor Chris Getz stated just lately a choice on proper had not but been made and the workforce remains to be trying. — Scott Merkin

Angels: Acquire a frontline starter
The Angels reportedly made a big improve to their bullpen by reaching a take care of right-hander Robert Stephenson on Friday. But the beginning rotation might use an improve, too. After lacking out on right-hander Marcus Stroman and left-hander Shōta Imanaga, the Halos stay involved with different obtainable free-agent starters equivalent to Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. As it at the moment stands, the Angels have Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers, Chase Silseth, Tyler Anderson, Griffin Canning, José Suarez and Zach Plesac within the combine for his or her five-man rotation. — Martín Gallegos

Astros: Maybe one other reliever?
The Astros addressed their greatest offseason want in a giant approach Friday by agreeing to a five-year take care of All-Star nearer Josh Hader. Houston was already down three key bullpen arms from final yr — free brokers Hector Neris, Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek — earlier than it was introduced that Kendall Graveman would miss the 2024 season after present process shoulder surgical procedure. There’s most likely house for yet one more aid pitcher to additional solidify the bullpen. — Brian McTaggart

Athletics: Add a veteran starter
The A’s want to add a confirmed veteran starter who can present mentorship and stability for a younger and inexperienced rotation that struggled to search out consistency in 2023 — Oakland utilized 24 beginning pitchers, which tied the Major League file for many in a season. As the roster at the moment stands, right-hander Paul Blackburn and left-hander JP Sears seem like the one rotation locks. — Martín Gallegos

Mariners: Add one other bat
Seattle’s roster most likely is all however buttoned up, and after a gradual begin to the offseason, the membership has crammed its lineup holes formidably by way of the additions of Mitch Haniger, Mitch Garver and Luke Raley. Yet even with a crowded infield and platoon setups throughout their outfield, the Mariners nonetheless really feel brief no less than one influence bat, if no more. — Daniel Kramer

Rangers: Add rotation depth
In the second half of the 2024 season, the Rangers may have the power so as to add Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and the just lately signed Tyler Mahle to the rotation. But earlier than then, the depth of skilled beginning pitching is trying fairly skinny. Nathan Eovaldi is probably going the Opening Day starter, with Andrew Heaney, Dane Dunning, Jon Gray and Cody Bradford behind him, however the Rangers might use one other veteran starter or two who can eat innings, whereas additionally including extra cushion for a possible harm. — Kennedi Landry

Braves: Add a backup outfielder
Jarred Kelenic goes to have an opportunity to show he might be the workforce’s on a regular basis left fielder for a few years to come back. But the Braves may benefit from the addition of a right-handed-hitting outfielder who might sometimes spell Kelenic and play both of the opposite outfield spots when essential. Kevin Pillar looks like an ideal match, however it stays to be seen whether or not he desires to function a backup outfielder for a second straight season. The addition of a right-handed-hitting outfielder will doubtless full this winter’s roster reconstruction. — Mark Bowman

Marlins: Lock down Arraez
Though two-time batting champion Luis Arraez is underneath workforce management for 2 extra seasons, it couldn’t damage for the Marlins to signal the All-Star second baseman to an extension. Arraez and Miami didn’t come to an settlement on the arbitration deadline, however Arraez has publicly said that he’s greater than open to extension talks. Last yr was a giant season for Arraez, who dominated out of the gate and was solely slowed by an ankle harm on the finish of the season. Adding him as a franchise participant would go a great distance for Miami. — Paige Leckie

Mets: Find bullpen items 
The bullpen was inconsistent throughout the 2023 season. It didn’t assist that nearer Edwin Díaz missed your entire season due to a proper knee harm suffered throughout the World Baseball Classic final March. Díaz is wholesome now, however he wants a greater supporting forged. Of the relievers remaining from final yr’s roster, solely Brooks Raley was a mannequin of consistency. The workforce added free brokers — Jorge López and Mike Tonkin — this offseason, however neither have been on the high of their sport final yr. The Mets have been by no means within the operating for a high reliever like Josh Hader, in order that they almost certainly need to make further trades to get higher by Opening Day. — Bill Ladson

Nationals: Add one other bat
One of the Nationals’ offseason targets was so as to add energy to the lineup. Among NL groups in 2023, Washington completed final in dwelling runs and had the fourth-lowest slugging proportion. The Nats have house on their roster for an additional bat — Joey Meneses, final season’s designated hitter, is predicted to spend time at first base as effectively, leaving the chance for an additional participant to share the DH position. Identifying a left-handed hitter could be a bonus, too. — Jessica Camerato

Phillies: Find some pitching depth
The Phillies arguably want one other outfielder to guard themselves in case rookie Johan Rojas struggles in middle area, however they keep their greatest want is rotation depth. At the second, they’ve Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, Taijuan Walker and Cristopher Sánchez. It’s a top-five rotation. But behind them? It’s Dylan Covey, Nick Nelson and doubtless No. 2 prospect Mick Abel. The Phillies want to higher defend themselves from harm. — Todd Zolecki

Brewers: Upgrade at first base
With Rowdy Tellez misplaced to free company, the Brewers are in want of an on a regular basis first baseman. They traded for Jake Bauers, however is he the reply? How about Tyler Black, their No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline? Maybe, however Black is a pure third baseman with only some video games of expertise at first within the Minors. A reunion with Carlos Santana is feasible, however removed from assured. The first base market isn’t sturdy, however good veteran choices can be found, like Rhys Hoskins, Trey Mancini, Luke Voit, Brandon Belt and Ji Man Choi. Milwaukee may effectively attempt to signal one earlier than camp opens. — Joe Trezza

Cardinals: Add one other dependable bullpen arm
The Cardinals addressed their beginning pitching points this offseason by signing veterans Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. They additionally added to the bullpen, however the aid corps remains to be considerably skinny and crammed with largely unproven arms. Landing Andrew Kittredge from the Rays may go down as one of the best transfer of the offseason. The Cardinals nonetheless want no less than yet one more dependable veteran out of the ‘pen. Veterans equivalent to Ryan Brasier, Matt Moore, Robert Stephenson, Hector Neris or Phil Maton would make the unit considerably stronger. — John Denton

Cubs: Sign Cody Bellinger
Bellinger, who resurrected his worth throughout his lone season on the North Side of Chicago, was the speak of the Cubs Convention final weekend regardless of his absence. Fans made it clear they needed the free agent again, as did some teammates. The Cubs have been comparatively quiet this offseason, have a necessity for a giant bat and seem to have room to spend — making the circumstances ripe for extending Bellinger’s keep. — Mark Sheldon

Pirates: Bring in one other beginning pitcher
The Bucs have already added veteran left-handers Marco Gonzales and Martín Pérez to a rotation that options Mitch Keller on the high, however whereas there will probably be some competitors for the fourth and fifth slots, Pittsburgh might definitely use extra certainty with one other skilled arm — particularly given the current harm and consistency considerations with Gonzales and Pérez. Given that the Pirates reportedly confirmed curiosity in Shōta Imanaga, who signed with the Cubs, in addition to Yariel Rodríguez earlier than he reportedly agreed to a take care of the Blue Jays, maybe they’re keen to spend some to reinforce the rotation. But the choices are dwindling, even on the commerce market. — Manny Randhawa

Reds: Shore up the bench 
President of baseball operations Nick Krall has addressed nearly each space of Cincinnati’s roster — the rotation, bullpen and infield — throughout a productive offseason that has seen the membership spend $108.25 million on free agent signings. But maybe the Reds could make yet one more transfer that offers them an added bat for punch off the bench. Several hitters stay on the free-agent market, together with a well-known one in Joey Votto. Of course, the workforce icon must settle for a part-time position and considerably smaller wage than the $25 million he had been making per yr. Therefore, it nonetheless appears unlikely that the Reds will prolong the 40-year-old Votto’s keep yet one more season. — Mark Sheldon

D-backs: Get rotation depth
After the World Series ended, the D-backs had two official beginning pitchers, right-handers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. Arizona helped itself this offseason by including left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to the fold, however who would be the workforce’s fourth and fifth starters? There aren’t any ensures. Adding a starter or two could also be smart. Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt had a productive postseason, permitting eight runs in 22 innings with 26 strikeouts, however will it carry over into the common season? Left-hander Tommy Henry can be listed on the depth chart as one of many rotation items, however he missed the ultimate two months of final season due to elbow irritation. — Bill Ladson

Dodgers: Bring in one other back-end starter
After an embarrassing efficiency within the postseason by their beginning pitching, the Dodgers did an incredible job this winter in fortifying that space of the workforce, outspending everybody for Yoshinobu Yamamoto and pulling the set off on a commerce for Tyler Glasnow. The Dodgers’ rotation needs to be a lot improved, particularly when Walker Buehler is totally wholesome. But with some uncertainties with how Yamamoto will adapt to the Majors and Glasnow’s lengthy record of accidents, the Dodgers may benefit from including yet one more starter to offer the a star-studded workforce much more depth.— Juan Toribio

Giants: Add an infielder or two
Following the addition of Jordan Hicks, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi stated the workforce is popping its consideration from including pitching to upgrading the infield. There’s an apparent match: third baseman Matt Chapman, one of many high place gamers nonetheless in the marketplace. A two-time Platinum Glove Award winner, Chapman has proven some decline on the plate however would supply an on the spot increase for San Francisco’s infield protection. Additionally, the Giants might look so as to add a veteran to again up rookie Marco Luciano at shortstop. — Sonja Chen

Padres: Add outfielders
Replacing Juan Soto will probably be no straightforward job. But the Padres have to no less than do one thing to fill the void of their outfield. When the mud settled on the deal that despatched Soto and middle fielder Trent Grisham to the Yankees, Fernando Tatis Jr. and José Azocar have been the one remaining outfielders on the workforce’s 40-man roster. That received’t do. Azocar is a serviceable sufficient backup, and the Padres have intriguing prospects like Jakob Marsee, the reigning Arizona Fall League MVP. But even if you happen to add these two onto the roster, this can be a workforce that also wants two outfielders — most likely two starters. And in the event that they’re left-handed hitters to switch Soto and Grisham, all the higher. — AJ Cassavell

Rockies: Add outfield assist
Arguments may very well be made for additions throughout the sector, however the Rockies obtained assist from their farm system final season and see extra assistance on the horizon. But they don’t have an outfielder who can play all three spots, with the concept of taking part in middle when Brenton Doyle’s Gold Glove Award-winning protection shouldn’t be within the lineup. The approach the present roster is structured, it’s higher if that participant bats left-handed. On the free-agent market, there are switch-hitting Aaron Hicks, whose end with the Orioles final season suggests common taking part in time wherever he indicators, and lefty-swinging Jackie Bradley Jr. There are a number of right-handed-hitting choices as effectively. — Thomas Harding