The offseason needs for every MLB team

Heading into the offseason, each team has clear needs to address. These are the top needs for all 30 teams. 

Arizona has a major fork in the road this offseason, after a small fire sale at the trade deadline, major injuries to Corbin Burnes, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Justin Martinez, and A.J. Puk, along with the potential loss of Zac Gallen. How the team addresses the offense will be telling for their confidence in top prospects Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt. More pressing is the pitching, with no great options in the rotation behind Ryne Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt, and a bullpen that's in shambles.

The A's had no trouble scoring runs in 2025, due in large part to a hitter-friendly home ballpark and the emergence of rookies Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson. They enter 2026 with questions at second and third base, particularly after Zack Gelof's lost season. Some young pitching has emerged, but the team doesn't have enough to compete just yet, especially after trading star closer Mason Miller.

Atlanta was shut out of the playoffs again in 2025, but has far more talent than an 86-loss team. Shortstop is a concern if the team is unable to retain Ha-Seong Kim, but the Braves are set to get stars Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Sean Murphy, and Spencer Schwellenbach back from injury. Closer is a question mark with Raisel Iglesias heading into free agency, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the front office shake up the roster with the recent disappointment and a new manager.

The O's talented young core remains, but the team can't afford to waste more time after losing 87 games in 2025. The lineup is loaded with depth, especially with the promotions of top prospects Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers, but the pitching is another subject. The pitching staff could lose Zach Eflin, and questions remain about Grayson Rodriguez's health, while the bullpen is in rough shape after losing Felix Bautista to another injury.

It's difficult to remember Boston's roster being in better shape entering the offseason, despite Alex Bregman exercising his opt-out. If healthy, top prospect Marcelo Mayer is a viable replacement at third base, and the team is also set to get Triston Casas and Roman Anthony back from injuries. The starting rotation has its fair share of young talent behind Garrett Crochet and Brayan Bello, but it is lacking innings and experience.

The Cubs are set to possibly lose Kyle Tucker in free agency, but they have viable replacements with top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and DH Moises Ballesteros. Some of that hitting depth could be used to help the pitching staff, while the team waits on Justin Steele to return from elbow surgery. It also remains to be seen if the team trusts Danny Palencia to close moving forward, or opts to spend on a more experienced option.

The White Sox aren't close to being competitive, but they did see some promising signs in 2025, led by the emergence of Kyle Teel, Colson Montgomery, and Shane Smith. They have a choice to make on Luis Robert Jr.'s option, and some veteran innings wouldn't hurt as the organization's young pitchers learn the ropes.

Cincinnati took a major step forward under manager Terry Francona, making the playoffs. The starting rotation is in terrific shape, particularly after the emergence of Andrew Abbott and the promotion of top prospect Chase Burns. However, the already thin bullpen could lose closer Emilio Pagan. Third base also remains a question, though the team could retain Ke'Bryan Hayes or hope that Christian Encarnacion-Strand stays healthy.

Cleveland has a variety of questions to answer as it enters the offseason, even after surging to a playoff spot late in 2025. They have reasons to hope for major contributions from rookies George Valera, Chase DeLauter, and Travis Bazzana next season, but relying on that young trio could be risky. The starting rotation is young and talented, but thin, and the bullpen is in a state of flux, at least until Emmanuel Clase's situation is resolved.

Colorado's new front office will inherit a mess, but there are some foundational pieces in place heading into the offseason. The team saw the ascent of Hunter Goodman and Jordan Beck last season, and is likely to count on Brenton Doyle, Ezequiel Tovar, and Kyle Karros in 2026. It's also reasonable to expect contributions from first baseman Charlie Condon and second baseman Adael Amador. As for the pitching staff, Kyle Freeland and Chase Dollander are likely the only sure things, though Victor Vodnik emerged as a viable closer late in the year.

Detroit came up just short in what can be described as another successful season in 2025. As Tarik Skubal enters his walk year, the Tigers have every reason to go all-in next season. Top shortstop prospect Kevin McGonigle has a real chance to make the Opening Day roster, but questions at second base remain with the pending loss of Gleyber Torres. The starting rotation depth is also shaky on the back end, though it does have some upside options. Depth could also be an issue in the bullpen, especially if the team is unable to re-sign Kyle Finnegan and Tommy Kahnle.

It wasn't a major surprise that Houston missed the playoffs after losing Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, but their late-season collapse was still heartbreaking. The outfield has major questions again, with the hope that youngsters Cam Smith and Zach Cole can become reliable regulars. Ace Framber Valdez won't be easily replaced as he approaches free agency, and the team will be holding its breath for Josh Hader's recovery from a shoulder injury.

There's reason for excitement in KC, with the late-season arrival of catcher Carter Jensen and the power potential of right fielder Jac Caglianone adding to Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Maikel Garcia. Making the lineup longer around that core remains the challenge. The starting rotation also has questions, with lefties Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic struggling to stay healthy in 2025. Bullpen depth behind Carlos Estevez and Lucas Erceg will also be key.

The Angels' playoff drought extended to 11 straight seasons in 2025, with the team losing 90 games again. There aren't clear remedies, but the team can start by addressing their pitching staff. The Angels have indicated Reid Detmers will be moving back to the rotation behind Yusei Kikuchi and Jose Soriano after a successful year in the bullpen, but there's little depth behind them. The bullpen is also in rough shape with the pending loss of closer Kenley Jansen, though the team hopes a healthy Robert Stephenson can make a difference. Third base is a clear hole with the free agencies of Yoan Moncada and Luis Rengifo.

What do you give the team that has everything? The Dodgers are loaded with star power, and it will be almost impossible for the team to match what they accomplished in the last two offseasons. Left field is one clear hole, especially after Michael Conforto's struggles, and the bullpen will need to reload its depth. Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw is set to retire, but the team has plenty of options, young and old, to replace him in the starting rotation.

A surprising rebound season for Miami brings bigger expectations next year. The team is unlikely to be a big player in free agency, but they have the trade arsenal to make big moves if they choose. Adding more power at first base and the outfield to complement Kyle Stowers, without an imminent top prospect to help. The starting rotation has a chance to be elite if Braxton Garrett can get healthy, joining Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, Edward Cabrera, and Ryan Weathers, but the high-end stuff in the bullpen is lacking aside from Ronny Henriquez.

Milwaukee fell short in the NLCS, but has nothing to pout about after winning its fourth AL Central title in five years. Getting over the hump could require some creativity in the starting rotation, where the team could potentially lose Brandon Woodruff and Jose Quintana. Shortstop Joey Ortiz had another strong defensive season, but the team needs more than his sub-.600 OPS and could find someone to challenge him for playing time.

The Twins had a mini firesale at the trade deadline after another disappointing year, and will need to address those areas this offseason if they hope to rebound. Kody Clemens emerged as a quality utilityman, but isn't quite to the level offensively of a regular first baseman. While the team likes Austin Martin's on-base skills, it remains to be seen if they have enough confidence in him as a regular outfielder. The starting rotation is in a fine state, especially if Pablo Lopez and David Festa are healthy, but the bullpen needs a full rebuild after trading Jhoan Duran and others.

New York's second half collapse likely cost most of their instructional staff their jobs, and it would be a shock if owner Steve Cohen stood pat this offseason, based on his history. The biggest question is whether the team retains first baseman Pete Alonso after a career year, and the team also has a chose to make on free agent center fielder Cedric Mullins. The team's efforts to address the bullpen at the trade deadline backfired, and they could potentially lose the likes of Edwin Diaz, Tyler Rogers, Ryan Helsley, Gregory Soto, and Ryne Stanek.

Falling short early in the playoffs won't satisfy Yankees faithful, but they had a strong season considering ace Gerrit Cole didn't throw a pitch. Next season could ring in a youth movement, with the team committed to outfielder Jasson Dominguez and potentially top prospect Spencer Jones. A fallback option would be smart just in case. The starting rotation looks strong again, led by Max Fried, but could use some depth to buy time until Cole is ready to return later in 2026. The bullpen could lose setup man Devin Williams, and looks thin further down the depth chart.

Few teams have a more interesting offseason ahead than Philly. The team could lose prominent free agents Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suarez, and a major shoulder injury for Zack Wheeler also puts his future in doubt. The good news is that the team has some in-house solutions, led by top prospects Justin Crawford, Aidan Miller, and Andrew Painter. Still, Schwarber's elite power production feels irreplaceable, and the team will certainly try to keep him around. Whether the Phils try to re-up the declining Realmuto is a bigger question.

The Pirates' needs heading into the offseason are clear and simple. Pittsburgh scored only 583 runs this season, dead last in the league, and Bryan Reynolds and Spencer Horwitz should be considered the only surefire regulars heading into 2026. A robust farm system, led by top shortstop prospect Konnor Griffin, should help down the line. However, the team owes it to their fans to find solutions sooner, with an elite, young starting rotation led by Paul Skenes. The bullpen isn't lacking talent, but it needs far more depth after trading David Bednar.

Padres front office head A.J. Preller is one of the most active and creative movers and shakers in MLB, but he could be working overtime this offseason. The team could lose several prominent players, including Dylan Cease, Michael King, Robert Suarez, Ryan O'Hearn, and Luis Arraez. A team already lacking depth could be that much thinner with the potential losses, though potential moves to the starting rotation for Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon could plus some of the holes.

Mediocrity has become a theme for the Giants lately, as they've won between 79-81 games in four straight seasons. Adding Rafael Devers, plus the arrival of top first base prospect Bryce Eldridge, raises the stakes, but there remain some big holes to fill. The team may not have its second baseman on the roster, and it remains to be seen whether they will hand Drew Gilbert a starting outfield job. The starting rotation lacks reliable options behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray, while the bullpen needs a complete rehaul after trading multiple pieces at the deadline.

The M's have a strong roster from top to bottom, and plugged holes in the lineup with the deadline acquisitions of Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez. That duo are both pending free agents, and it remains to be seen if they'll end up back in Seattle next season. Top prospect Colt Emerson is an option at third base if Suarez isn't back.

The Cardinals have installed former Red Sox general manager Chaim Bloom as their baseball operations decision-maker, and are undergoing a mini-rebuild. The news are fluid, as big contracts like Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, and Sonny Gray could be moved. Heading into the offseason, outfield priority is likely high on the priority list, as well as pitching, after the team moved multiple pitchers during this year's deadline.

Tampa Bay regularly plugs its roster holes from within, but there are some areas where external help could be necessary. Adding another catcher to the mix could be in the cards, even after the team acquired Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia. It's likely the team will pick up closer Pete Fairbanks' option and add more depth with Griffin Jax and Bryan Baker, but could use more experienced arms at the end of the pen.

The Rangers have identified areas for improvement following a disappointing 2025 season. The managerial opening was already filled with Skip Schumaker, and he could have his work cut out for him with a lineup that has gotten old quickly. The team needs to either get more production out of first baseman Jake Burger or find a replacement after his disappointing season. The pitching staff was the team's strength, but they're set to lose nine players in free agency. Texas would benefit from adding at least one proven starting pitcher and several reliable bullpen arms.

The Jays were able to lock up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earlier this year, but fellow homegrown star Bo Bichette is set to hit free agency. He leaves a major void in the lineup if the team is unable to re-sign him. Adding another infielder could also be a high priority so that the team doesn't need to rely on the bats of Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez. The starting rotation could be facing a rehaul behind Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage, as Max Scherzer, Shane Bieber, and Chris Bassitt are free agents, and Jose Berrios struggled.

A new front office likely means a continued rebuild for the Nationals, who haven't been competitive since winning the World Series in 2019. They have some imminent holes to fill in the meantime, including first base and the pitching staff. Supporting young starters MacKenzie Gore, Cade Cavalli, and Josiah Gray with veterans could pay off in the long term, while the bullpen is lacking experience and effectiveness.