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One thing we hope to hear at the Winter Meetings from each MLB team
MLB's annual Winter Meetings are drawing close, as the baseball world will convene from Dec. 7-11 in Orlando, Fla. Representatives from all 30 teams, agents looking to secure deals for their clients and even several players will be in attendance throughout the week as everyone works to secure improvements to their team for the upcoming season.
This week, with MLB's Winter Meetings just ahead of us, the Yardbarker team of MLB writers got together to identify one thing we hope to hear from each club at the meetings.
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: Adding a frontline starting pitcher
The Orioles have officially begun their offseason, adding outfielder Taylor Ward in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels and signing reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract on Saturday. Now, Baltimore just needs a big-name starting pitcher to prove it is serious about rebounding in 2026 after a disappointing 2025.
Boston Red Sox: Landing a top-flight hitter in free agency
Rumors are swirling in Boston these days, with the Red Sox linked to major free agents like designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and catcher J.T. Realmuto, as well as third baseman Alex Bregman, who played for the club last season. Signing at least one of these players, if not more, would be a great complement to a lineup that ranked ninth league-wide in team OPS in 2025 (.745).
New York Yankees: Bringing back at least one of their marquee free agents
The Yankees have some decisions to make this winter. Among those will be which of their impact free agents to bring back (if any), including outfielder Cody Bellinger and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Bellinger is of particular importance to New York, given his plus-bat and elite outfield defense, but the Yankees will have competition for his services. If not Bellinger, New York should pivot to retaining some of its bullpen depth.
Tampa Bay Rays: Finding a trade partner for second baseman Brandon Lowe
After Gleyber Torres re-signed with the Detroit Tigers on the qualifying offer, the middle-infield market in free agency leaves a lot to be desired. Tampa could make things interesting by dangling Lowe, a second baseman with 30-homer pop, in trade talks with needy teams. Plus, it’s unlikely the Rays would front the money to extend him, further justifying a trade before he walks for nothing.
Toronto Blue Jays: Re-signing shortstop Bo Bichette
The defending American League champions have already fortified their 2026 roster by adding starting pitcher Dylan Cease on a seven-year contract, but their most obvious move is bringing back a homegrown shortstop who was among MLB’s hits leaders in 2025. Bichette will undoubtedly cost a pretty penny, but the Cease contract proves payroll is no obstacle for the Blue Jays as they look to build off a trip to the World Series.
-- Seth Carlson
AL Central
Chicago White Sox: Traction on trading outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
The White Sox picked up the first of two $20 million options on Robert with the idea of trading him at some point during the offseason. Getting the groundwork set for such a deal is a crucial step as the White Sox continue to rebuild.
Cleveland Guardians: A resolution on outfielder Steven Kwan
Kwan, a two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, has been one of the better players in Cleveland since making his debut in 2022. Kwan is also about to get expensive as he is in his second year of arbitration. The Guardians reportedly consider extending Kwan to be their top priority, but trade rumors have also swirled around the outfielder.
Detroit Tigers: Add another top-of-the-rotation starter
The Tigers have significant questions in their rotation after the 2026 season as Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize are slated to reach free agency. Prospect Troy Melton is expected to get a chance to prove himself in the rotation, but it is far from a given. Adding another top-of-the-rotation starter would help the Tigers' playoff push in 2026 and beyond.
Kansas City Royals: Add a viable starting outfielder
The Royals outfield is in desperate need of a makeover, with at least two additions needed. While payroll is a concern, the Royals should be able to find at least one starting-caliber outfielder in free agency. A player like Cedric Mullins could be a strong buy-low candidate, and a right-handed hitting outfielder to platoon with Jac Caglianone would be a strong start to revamping the lineup.
Minnesota Twins: A trade involving Joe Ryan and/or Pablo Lopez
The Twins traded away virtually anyone with value at the 2025 trade deadline as they emphatically started their rebuilding process. Ryan and Lopez are both capable of fronting a rotation and should be in high demand at the GM meetings. Trading at least one of those pitchers would further accelerate the rebuild in Minnesota.
-- David Hill
AL West
Athletics: A suitor emerges for Luis Severino
Needing to demonstrate to the league and MLBPA that they could indeed raise payroll, the Athletics awarded the largest free-agent contract in team history to right-hander Luis Severino last offseason. Severino proceeded to complain throughout much of the season about pitching in Sacramento while also posting middling results. Now, the A's seem all but certain to try to move him. Finding a taker, even if it means swallowing part of the contract, would be ideal for the team.
Houston Astros: Sign a starting pitcher
Hunter Brown may have emerged as an ace atop the Astros rotation this past season, but the team needs to add another arm if it wants to get back to the postseason. Left-hander Framber Valdez may depart in free agency, and Houston will need to bring in at least one arm to replace him. A lack of impact depth in its farm system likely means Houston looks to the free-agent market to fill this need rather than via trade.
Los Angeles Angels: Add an outfielder
Aside from the career-high 35 home runs from Jo Adell last season, the Angels didn't receive much production from their outfield. Mike Trout has transitioned completely to be a full-time DH. The team needs to add at least one outfielder, ideally someone who can help both defensively and boost the lineup. The team doesn't appear to be pursuing Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger, but the next tier of outfielders should be on its radar.
Seattle Mariners: Re-sign Jorge Polanco
Seattle saw three of its infield starters hit free agency. It has already brought Josh Naylor back. Now, it should do the same with Polanco, who is both more affordable and more versatile than Eugenio Suarez. The Mariners have a collection of young players (Cole Young, Colt Emerson and Michael Arroyo) who should be given a chance to play a role in spring training.
Texas Rangers: Address the back of the bullpen
Robert Garcia put up solid results on the mound for the Rangers last season, but the 29-year-old doesn't have a track record of working the late innings. He projects as the Rangers' best late-inning option right now, though, and the team will need to add at least one more reliever this offseason. Targeting a high-leverage arm to work in tandem with the left-handed Garcia should be near the top of the team's wish list, with options like Robert Suarez, Devin Williams and Luke Weaver all still available.
-- Aaron Somers
NL East
Atlanta Braves: Spencer Schwellenbach will be ready for spring training
Not much went right for the Braves during the 2025 campaign, but among the few bright spots was Schwellenbach, who, before an elbow injury, pitched to a 3.09 ERA with 108 strikeouts over 110.2 innings. Having him healthy to start the 2026 season is going to be crucial. Earlier in November, Atlanta GM Alex Anthopoulos told MLB Network’s Jon Morosi that Schwellenbach was “pain-free.” Let’s hope it stays that way.
Miami Marlins: Kyle Stowers agrees on an extension
According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Marlins and Stowers, acquired in the trade for pitcher Trevor Rogers at the 2024 trade deadline, recently had extension talks. The 27-year-old outfielder broke out for 25 home runs, 73 RBI and a .912 OPS in 2025. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career. Stowers proved over 117 games that he could be a building block for Miami, and that’s why it must retain him.
New York Mets: More to come after Brandon Nimmo trade
The Mets made a splash on Nov. 24 when they traded longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Gold Glove second baseman Marcus Semien. While Semien helps shore up New York’s infield defense, the 35-year-old has disappointed offensively in recent years. The Mets must continue to make offseason moves, namely for pitching, if they wish to return to the postseason in 2026.
Philadelphia Phillies: Re-sign Kyle Schwarber to a new deal
Schwarber doesn’t need the Phillies as much as they need him, and that’s why the club must re-sign the free-agent designated hitter. The 32-year-old is coming off a career year in 2025, in which he hit 56 home runs with 132 RBI and 108 walks. He’ll certainly command a lot of money on the open market, but it should be worth it to Philadelphia if it wishes to keep its championship window open.
Washington Nationals: Committed to rebuilding
Since winning the 2019 World Series, the Nationals have been in limbo. They haven’t made the playoffs since and fired their title-winning manager, Dave Martinez, and general manager Mike Rizzo over the summer. With a talented young roster, Washington must now commit to a full rebuild with its new management if it wants to participate in October baseball in the near future.
-- Lauren Amour
NL Central
Chicago Cubs: A big bat has been signed
Chicago signed outfielder Kyle Tucker to a one-year, $16.5 million contract for the 2025 season. Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 73 RBI, reaching his fourth consecutive All-Star Game and earning his second career Silver Slugger Award. If the Cubs can’t retain the asks of the contract Tucker is looking for, they must capitalize on finding a big-name bat to fill his void.
Cincinnati Reds: A veteran presence is added
Making the postseason for the first time since 2020, the Reds enter the Winter Meetings with a promising young roster. The big question around Cincinnati’s roster is if it’ll go for veteran presence — both in the pitching staff and on offense — to bring experience to a playoff-level team.
St. Louis Cardinals: The future is planned out
After a 78-84 season, finishing fourth in the NL Central, the Cardinals are turning to a rebuild, most recently trading starting pitcher Sonny Gray to the Boston Red Sox. St. Louis needs to decide which veterans to retain and which young stars it wants to build around.
Milwaukee Brewers: Build off a franchise-best season
In a franchise-record 97-win season, the Brewers advanced to the NLCS for the first time since 2018. Their pitching staff continued to anchor the club, while the offense exceeded expectations. Even with the third-best team batting average in 2025 (.258), Milwaukee lacked a true power presence, finishing with just 166 home runs (22nd in MLB). Adding power to the lineup would elevate an already playoff-ready roster.
Pittsburgh Pirates: They’re spending money
Since 2017, the Pirates have finished in the bottom two of the NL Central, ending their 2025 campaign in last place in the division with a 71-91 record. Pittsburgh finished with an NL-worst .231 batting average and MLB-worst .655 OPS. Offense has been the clear struggle for Pittsburgh, and going out to get a bat(s) is what is needed to compete in the NL Central again.
-- Taylor Bretl
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte is staying put
The Diamondbacks are reportedly listening for trade offers on Marte, seeing if the return for the All-Star second baseman would be worth making a deal. However, with a $105 million contract in place through 2030 and coming off a season with a 145 OPS+ in 480 at-bats, Marte should be a stalwart in the Diamondbacks lineup rather than a subject of trade rumors.
Colorado Rockies: End of the Kris Bryant saga
The Los Angeles Angels will reportedly buy out the final year of the Anthony Rendon contract, and perhaps the Rockies will figure out a way to do the same for Bryant. Granted, the 33-year-old Bryant’s contract runs through the 2028 campaign. However, diagnosed with degenerative lumbar disc disease and coming off a season where he played in just 11 games because of those issues, it’s time for the Rockies to pull the plug and move on.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Cody Bellinger reunion is in play
Sure, it’s unlikely … but would there be a greater Hollywood story than Bellinger returning to the Dodgers? It’s been roughly three years since the Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger after he struggled to produce in Los Angeles, but he has done just that for the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. The Dodgers need a boost in the outfield, so why not bring back Bellinger and complete the made-for-television script?
San Diego Padres: Michael King returns to Padres
After declining a mutual option to test free agency, King being back in brown and yellow would be a very good thing for a franchise that needs to add to its rotation this offseason. King was San Diego’s Opening Day starter but only made 15 starts because of injuries. Still, his 3.44 ERA last season shows why San Diego needs to bring him back in 2026 and beyond.
San Francisco Giants: Tatsuya Imai joins rotation
The Japanese pitcher has said that he wants to “take down” the Dodgers. What better team to do that with than the arch-rival Giants? San Francisco needs starting pitching, and landing Imai would not only give it a boost but also start what could be a very interesting storyline between Imai and his Team Japan teammates currently with the Dodgers, including Shohei Ohtani.
-- Kevin Henry
More must-reads:
- Yankees seemingly ready to move on from Jasson Dominguez
- Yankees reportedly identify backup plan for outfield
- The '1,500-receiving-yard NFL seasons' quiz
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