7 teams with work to do before Opening Day

It’s been a frenzied offseason throughout the Majors to this point this winter, with many groups considerably altering their look — and their potential outlook — for 2023.

At the identical time, there are many golf equipment that would profit from making one other transfer or two earlier than pitchers and catchers report subsequent month. Whether it’s a results of being comparatively quiet so far within the offseason or just needing to do extra to make up floor on fellow title contenders, right here’s a take a look at seven groups that may need to think about making yet another splash within the coming weeks.

Dodgers
Biggest want(s): Another bat

To be clear, the Dodgers are nonetheless one of many prime World Series contenders getting into 2023 — and even stay a slight favourite within the National League West. But that hole is considerably smaller than getting into earlier seasons. After all, Los Angeles misplaced famous person shortstop Trea Turner in free company, in addition to veterans Justin Turner and Cody Bellinger. Justin Turner was an All-Star as just lately as 2021 and, regardless of turning 38 in November, nonetheless posted a 116 OPS+ in 2022. Bellinger, in the meantime, has fallen off drastically on the offensive aspect over the previous few years, however he nonetheless offered glorious protection final season, resulting in a 1.7 fWAR.

Though the Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw and extra just lately added 35-year-old designated hitter J.D. Martinez, it is truthful to marvel in the event that they’ve performed sufficient to offset these losses. Per FanGraphs, the Dodgers misplaced 21.3 WAR from 2022 to free company — they usually’ve added solely 6.9. That drop-off of 14.3 WAR is by far probably the most within the Majors. As it stands, Los Angeles is about to enter the season with James Outman and Trayce Thompson beginning alongside Mookie Betts within the outfield, with Gavin Lux set to fill Turner’s footwear at shortstop. Though the 25-year-old Lux made strides together with his bat final season, it stays to be seen whether or not he’s able to be the on a regular basis shortstop on a title-contending membership.

Mariners
Biggest want(s): Corner infielder, bullpen depth

This is extra in regards to the different groups the Mariners are attempting to catch than something they’ve performed (or haven’t performed) this offseason. Though Seattle has been virtually silent in free company — veteran reliever Trevor Gott is the membership’s lone signing — it has added two-time Silver Slugger winner Teoscar Hernández and two-time Gold Glove winner Kolten Wong through trades. That ought to offset the losses of Mitch Haniger, Jesse Winker, Carlos Santana and Kyle Lewis, however the nook infield spots are missing depth for the time being.

The Mariners are set to enter 2023 with Ty France at first base and Eugenio Suárez at third. That’s removed from a weak point, however the query turns into who fills in for both of these gamers within the occasion of an harm. It’s not the largest downside to have, and an outfield duo of Hernández and Julio Rodríguez ought to present loads of pop, however one other bat and a few veteran arms within the bullpen definitely wouldn’t damage. Especially for the reason that Mariners, who snapped their 21-year postseason drought final season, now have their sights set on dethroning the Astros, the crew that swept Seattle out of the ALDS in October.

Blue Jays
Biggest want(s): Rotation depth

The Blue Jays traded away Teoscar Hernández and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. this offseason, however acquired promising outfielder Daulton Varsho to take over within the outfield. They additionally misplaced starter Ross Stripling, however added veteran righty Chris Bassitt. So it is secure to say Toronto hasn’t gotten worse from the crew that received 92 video games final 12 months earlier than being swept by Seattle within the AL Wild Card Series — however has it performed sufficient to leapfrog the rival Yankees?

While Bassitt steps in as a dependable No. 3 starter, there are nonetheless some questions in regards to the Blue Jays’ beginning employees. Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman present a formidable one-two punch atop the rotation, however José Berríos is a significant query mark after placing up a 5.23 ERA in 2022. A bounceback is way from a assure, contemplating he had a 5.11 xERA in 2022. In reality, Berríos has had a sub-4.00 xERA simply as soon as in his seven-year profession (2018). Yusei Kikuchi additionally struggled, placing up a 5.19 ERA earlier than being moved to the bullpen, and it is unclear when, or if, Hyun Jin Ryu will be capable of return from left elbow surgical procedure.

Giants
Biggest want(s): Starting pitcher, one other bat

This has been a disappointing offseason for the Giants, from developing brief of their pursuit of Aaron Judge to reaching an settlement with Carlos Correa, solely to have it disintegrate after reviewing the medicals. Add within the departures of Carlos Rodón, Tommy La Stella, Evan Longoria and the potential for free agent Brandon Belt leaving as nicely, and it’s clear the Giants — regardless of including Mitch Haniger, Michael Conforto, Ross Stripling and Sean Manaea — are worse off than the 81-81 crew from a season in the past.

White Sox
Biggest want(s): Second baseman, rotation depth

Aside from the Dodgers, no crew has misplaced extra fWAR through free company departures and additions this offseason than the White Sox. The addition of Andrew Benintendi helped ease the lack of José Abreu offensively, plus Chicago is hoping that its disappointing 81-81 document final season was merely an aberration. A case might be made that the White Sox are nonetheless the crew to beat within the AL Central — regardless of the Guardians claiming the crown in 2022 — however one other bat or an arm to offer insurance coverage behind Mike Clevinger definitely wouldn’t damage.

Brewers
Biggest want(s): Bullpen depth

It’s arduous to discover a true weak point on the Brewers’ roster. Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff as soon as once more headline a rotation that might be among the finest within the Majors. The additions of William Contreras and Jesse Winker ought to assist a lineup that checked in as barely above league common in 2022. Devin Williams moved seamlessly into the nearer function following the surprising midseason commerce of Josh Hader final season.

And whereas the Cardinals haven’t performed a lot themselves outdoors of including Contreras’ brother — three-time All-Star Willson Contreras — it’s nonetheless truthful to ask if Milwaukee has performed sufficient within the wake of 2022’s late-season collapse.

Orioles
Biggest want(s): Starting pitcher

The Orioles stunned many with their 83-win season final 12 months — a 31-win enchancment from 2021. While there was no query that they had a promising younger roster, their sudden rise to rivalry for an AL Wild Card berth was thought of a bit forward of schedule. It’s cheap to anticipate one other step ahead in 2023 when the O’s will get a full season of Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson for the primary time, however Baltimore may have put itself squarely within the postseason combine by including a starter like Rodón. Instead, the Orioles’ solely veteran starter addition so far is Kyle Gibson.