Insider Scoop: Winter Meetings Checklist Revealed! Uncover the Must-Have Goals for Every MLB Team

As the Winter Meetings are about to commence in Nashville, anticipation is building for a surge in activity on the Hot Stove front. Executives from various baseball teams will converge in one location, presenting an opportunity to reshape the landscape of Major League Baseball before concluding their discussions in Tennessee next week.

The upcoming days hold the potential for significant moves, with the market featuring one of the most hyped free agents in MLB history and a high demand for available pitching. Amid reports of a robust trade market, serious negotiations and transactions may unfold.

Let’s delve into what each club aims to achieve during this year’s Winter Meetings:

American League East:

– Blue Jays: Seek clarity on the left side of the field, especially at third base, while also addressing outfield needs.
– Orioles: Lay the groundwork for additions to the pitching staff, targeting a starter for the rotation and a back-end reliever.
– Rays: Assess their position in the starting pitching market, considering potential moves for both acquiring depth and trading top starter Tyler Glasnow.
– Red Sox: Bolster the starting rotation by actively pursuing one or two starters, potentially including lefties Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell or Japanese free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
– Yankees: Shift the narrative and restore confidence by exploring significant additions, with interests ranging from Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto to blockbuster trades for players like Juan Soto or free agent Cody Bellinger.

AL Central:

– Guardians: Improve the offense by seeking a Major League-ready bat, possibly through trade discussions involving starter Shane Bieber.
– Royals: Focus on finding a reliable starter to strengthen the rotation and set the foundation for further offseason moves.
– Tigers: Continue to add pitching, aiming for one more starter to support their young rotation and a lefty reliever.
– Twins: Evaluate the market for potential trade chips, including players like Jorge Polanco, Max Kepler, and Kyle Farmer, as they look to address pitching and other positional needs.
– White Sox: Continue the roster retooling process, with a spotlight on addressing starting pitching and bullpen voids, as well as exploring options for right field, second base, and catcher.

AL West:

– Angels: Assess their standing with Shohei Ohtani, the coveted free agent, and focus on adding pieces to improve a team that won 73 games in consecutive seasons.
– Astros: Bolster the bullpen following the potential departures of key relief arms in free agency, ensuring a strong relief corps in front of setup man Bryan Abreu and closer Ryan Pressly.
– Athletics: Identify veteran starting pitcher targets to provide experience and support to their young pitching staff.
– Mariners: Seek more clarity in their lineup by making decisions that align with their vision for an overhauled, contract-driven offensive strategy.
– Rangers: Fortify the rotation by exploring options to acquire at least one more starter, either through trade or free agency.

National League East:

– Braves: Strengthen the rotation by finding immediate and future value, potentially considering trades for frontline starters like Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes.
– Marlins: Begin laying the groundwork for President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix’s vision, addressing needs such as finding a starting catcher.
– Mets: Add another starting pitcher to complement recent acquisitions and add depth to the rotation.
– Nationals: Determine the starting first baseman for the 2024 season, exploring internal options or looking outside the organization.
– Phillies: Explore big moves, potentially involving trades for impact players like Corbin Burnes or signing notable free agents like Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

NL Central:

– Brewers: Decide on the future of Corbin Burnes, gauging his market value and understanding potential trade scenarios during the Winter Meetings.
– Cardinals: Focus on revamping the bullpen, addressing the need for arms after strengthening the starting pitching rotation.
– Cubs: Gain momentum in acquiring pitching, exploring options for impact starters and bullpen depth, both through trades and free agency.
– Pirates: Prioritize signing or identifying a veteran starting pitcher to provide stability and experience to their young rotation.
– Reds: Continue pushing for more moves, especially in upgrading the bullpen and securing a right-handed bat for the outfield.

NL West:

– D-backs: Gauge the starting pitching market to determine whether to acquire a starter through free agency or trade, utilizing available financial resources and trade chips.
– Dodgers: Prioritize signing Shohei Ohtani to fulfill offseason needs, including frontline starters, bullpen depth, and addressing the shortstop position for improved offensive production.
– Giants: Land a big star to make significant upgrades to a roster lacking a face-of-the-franchise-type player since Buster Posey’s retirement.
– Padres: Engage in discussions with Juan Soto’s camp and explore potential trades, while also considering the long-term fit for Soto in San Diego.
– Rockies: Improve pitching to accelerate their rebuilding process, evaluating options to strengthen the rotation and make the team competitive sooner.

In summary, the Winter Meetings offer a crucial platform for MLB teams to address specific needs, make impactful moves, and set the tone for the upcoming season. Each club has distinct goals and areas of focus, making the event a pivotal juncture in shaping the landscape of Major League Baseball.