KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 27: A view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet before an NFL preseason game between the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs on Aug 27, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Prior to camp, one possible upgrade for every team
It is getting closer to spring training; in about three weeks, pitchers and catchers will report. Before then, though, there are still a lot of unanswered questions regarding the composition of the rosters.
What could each team do to strengthen its roster prior to the start of Spring Training in Arizona and Florida the following month? As the offseason draws to a close, here’s what each club can achieve in that regard:
East Coast American League
Locate a DH, Blue Jays.
The designated hitter position is a good place to start, but the Blue Jays need more than just one bat. In 2023, Brandon Belt’s bat was a valuable asset to this lineup at times. There are still a number of options available in this market, including Jorge Soler, J.D. Martinez, Rhys Hoskins, and others. Forget about roster building and versatility; the Blue Jays should be able to improve their lineup with a DH in an easy-to-understand manner. — Matheson Keegan
Morosi on JD Martinez and the Blue Jays
Jan. 18, 2024 · 6:05
Morosi on JD Martinez and the Blue Jays
Orioles: Include a top-tier starter
Without a doubt, Baltimore has been looking for a starting pitcher, preferably someone who can be closer to the front of the rotation than the back. Mike Elias, the general manager, has stated time and time again that he would like to obtain one, even at the Winter Meetings this past month. However, the O’s have not entered the costly free-agent starter market and have not yet shown a willingness to give up a sizable package of prospects to cover a rotational hole. The Orioles must find a way to include another potent starter in their lineup before Spring Training begins. — Jake Rill
Rays: Make improvements at the plate.
René Pinto, who has played in just 63 games and 466 1/3 innings in Major League Baseball, is the only catcher on the Rays’ 40-man roster. After what he demonstrated late in the season last year, they have faith in the 27-year-old’s defensive prowess. He has a.844 OPS in Triple-A over portions of three seasons. However, considering Pinto’s inexperience, this is still a clear area for improvement, and their only other Opening Day options after Pinto seem to be non-roster invitees Alex Jackson and Rob Brantly. — Adam Berry
Another starting pitcher for the Red Sox
Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow made it apparent early in the offseason that strengthening the starting rotation was his top priority. But the group failed to secure Yoshinobu Yamamoto, their primary target, and they have not developed a solid backup plan. The Sox have thus far removed the frequently injured Chris Sale and added Lucas Giolito, an inconsistent righty with a high ceiling. Although Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are still available as free agents, the Red Sox are more likely to acquire pitching through a trade. Breslow has expressed his desire for a trade acquisition to include several years of club control on multiple occasions. — Ian Browne
Yankees: Strengthen your bullpen.
Given that the Yanks traded seven pitchers for Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, it seems like the bullpen is the most likely area to improve between now and Opening Day. Right-hander Hector Neris, who played in 71 games for the Astros last year and recorded a 1.71 ERA, has caught their attention. Additionally, New York has stayed in touch with right-hander Keynan Middleton and left-hander Wandy Peralta, who ended the 2023 season in their bullpen and are now free agents. — Bryan Hoch
Neris Hector is a free agent.
Nov. 8, 2023, at 0:30
Neris Hector is a free agent.
AL Guardians Central: Get a bat.
The infield in particular has seen an increase in the number of players on the Guardians roster, but they still lack an outside bat that could elevate their offense. Cleveland is currently depending on Josh Naylor to produce at least as much as he did the previous season, Gabriel Arias to establish himself at shortstop, and remarkable growth from its outfielders. Cleveland’s offense, which finished the 2023 season ranked 30th in home runs, 29th in slugging percentage, and 28th in RBIs, could use a trustworthy outside bat to turn the tide and win the game. — Mandy Bell
Royals: Bring in another hitter
The Royals signed outfielder Hunter Renfroe this offseason to bolster their offense, and they have made several other moves to improve their pitching staff. Though competition is good, they have young players set at most positions. Manager Matt Quatraro would have more options if the Royals added another bat to further improve the offense. This bat could be a bench infielder, outfielder, or a multi-position player. The Royals will be looking to find the best lineup and defense to run in 2024. — Rogers, Anne
