Each MLB division leader's biggest weakness at the quarter point

Now that the 2026 MLB season has reached the quarter point, contenders are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. However, as teams look to solidify themselves as contenders, they still have holes on the roster. Let's take a look at the biggest holes on each division leader.

Biggest needs for each division leader thus far

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays — center field

The Rays took a low-risk gamble that outfielder Cedric Mullins could rebound after a disappointing 2025 season. He has been even worse this season, entering Friday with a .150/.204/.228 batting line in his 141 plate appearances. While the Rays are not going to be shopping at the top of the market, finding a better option should be atop their shopping list.

AL Central: Cleveland Guardians — leadoff hitter

Outfielder Steven Kwan has been the Guardians leadoff hitter for 571 of his 624 career games, including all 40 of his starts this season. He has struggled in every facet with the bat thus far, posting a career-worst .206/.311/.265 batting line over 182 plate appearances. The Guardians do not have many options to take over — third baseman Jose Ramirez would be an interesting fit — making a viable top of the lineup presence a potential need.

AL West: Athletics — closer

The A's appeared to have settled on a closer in Jack Perkins; however, he has struggled since the calendar turned to May. Perkins has allowed seven runs, five earned, on seven hits and two walks over 3.2 innings, blowing two saves and taking the loss each time. The A's will go as far as their lineup can take them, but having a proven option for the ninth inning improves their margin for error.

NL East: Atlanta Braves — left field

The Braves lost a key part of their lineup when outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the 2026 season after a second violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Eli White have formed a platoon in left in the interim but have struggled offensively. Braves left fielders have posted a combined .601 OPS, 27th in the majors. The Braves have the farm system to make a significant addition ahead of the trade deadline, with their outfield a clear need.

NL Central: Chicago Cubs — starting pitching

Injuries have taken their toll on the Cubs pitching staff, with starters Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton and Justin Steele on the injured list. While Boyd and Steele should return at some point this season, adding another starting pitcher would bolster the Cubs' chances down the stretch. Steele may be limited in regard to a pitch count, making an addition to the rotation all the more necessary.

NL Central: Los Angeles Dodgers — bullpen help

The Dodgers appeared to have solved their problem in the ninth inning by signing closer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $60 million contract. However, Diaz is on the injured list after undergoing a procedure to remove loose bodies in his right elbow and is not expected back until sometime after the All-Star break. Diaz could be in legal trouble as he has been linked to an illegal cockfighting ring in Puerto Rico. Even if Diaz can return and be the All-Star closer he has been in the past, the Dodgers could still use help bridging the middle innings to their closer.