And then there were two. From the first day of spring training, all 30 teams—well, almost all 30—had their sights set on making the World Series. This year, the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers and American League winner New York Yankees will square off in the 2024 Fall Classic, the two coastal powerhouses meeting for the championship for the first time since 1981. But that means that 28 teams are now making plans for 2025, trying to figure out what holes to fill and how, who to trade, who to release, and which prospects are ready to make an impact. With that in mind, I took a spin through all 30 teams and found one move (at least one for some) to make this offseason.
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: While the O’s have a core of young players, there are big free-agent decisions to make—and it starts with outfielder Anthony Santander. Santander has been a big power source the last four seasons, racking up totals of 24, 24, 41, and 25 homers. If he is willing to take a hometown discount, Santander could return on a shorter-term deal, say three years. But having just turned 30, Santander is likely facing the biggest payday of his career (although he could possibly get a qualifying offer and return for one more year). The Orioles, in the first offseason under new ownership wanting to make a splash, are probably better off investing that money in a replacement for Corbin Burnes. After quick exits in the last two postseasons, improving the rotation has to be the priority. Injuries ravaged the unit in 2024 and left-hander John Means joins Burnes as a free agent. But with trade acquisition Zach Eflin atop a group that includes Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, and Tyler Wells, do the Orioles feel the need to wade into the starting pitching market?
Boston Red Sox: Talk about the definition of an enigma. The Red Sox hung around the postseason chase just long enough to tease fans, finishing 81-81. The roster doesn’t scream excitement in any way, but there is talent. The rotation compiled the seventh-best ERA (3.81) in the majors, but the bullpen’s No. 23 showing (4.39) dragged the team number down to 17th (4.04). There are a handful of arms becoming free agents, so reshaping the staff will be the focus. That is especially true considering there is a trio of prospects— shortstop Marcelo Mayer, catcher Kyle Teel, and outfielder Roman Anthony—ready to push their way onto the roster in 2025. The Red Sox should be in the market for one or two starters to join Lucas Giolito, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, and Kutter Crawford, plus being actively competing for relievers. Giolito did undergo an internal brace procedure on his right elbow and is expected to be ready for the start of 2025. He also can opt out of his contract and hit free agency.
New York Yankees: Signing right fielder Juan Soto to a long-term deal is the obvious answer here, but I also think that is a foregone conclusion. Aside from Soto, the Yankees will be looking to improve at a couple of positions, second base and catcher. Gleyber Torres is a free agent and could return, but that seems like a long shot from the Yankees’ perspective. An upgrade at catcher from Jose Trevino and Austin Wells could be had by reaching into their past. Slugger Gary Sánchez has made the rounds the last two seasons and has become a better defensive catcher and is an offensive threat, unlike Trevino and Wells. Moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. back over to second base with DJ LeMahieu returning to health would fill the hole left by Torres.
Tampa Bay Rays: An 80-82 record isn’t shabby unless you are a Rays franchise that had a .587 winning percentage the previous six seasons. This offseason will be about improving an offense that was 29th in runs and OPS. Some of that will come from bounce backs from first baseman Yandy Díaz, who struggled in the first half and had a good second, and a full season from trade pickup Christopher Morel, along with a full season of third baseman Junior Caminero, who could eventually be a big piece of the offense. Finding a veteran bat that fits into the tight budget of the Rays. Finding a more permanent spot for Morel would help. He split time between DH and left field after the trade from the Chicago Cubs and a corner outfield spot is probably best. A long-term answer (at least as long-term as the Rays go) isn’t necessary, but a big-time bat would help get the Rays back into contention in 2025, especially with the prospect haul they got at the deadline ready to be the next wave of overachieving Rays.
Toronto Blue Jays: This could go in almost any direction. With 2025 potentially being a do-or-die season as first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and shortstop Bo Bichette scheduled to hit free agency a year from now, a disappointing 2024 could accelerate certain decisions. In particular, Bichette could be moved by the club. Bichette’s value took quite a hit with a .225/.277/.322 slash line and missed two months with a calf injury, only to freakishly break a finger fielding a grounder late in the season. There is urgency on a couple of fronts: pretty much the entire roster returns, but the Jays haven’t been able to capitalize on their talent to make a deep postseason run. Also, the front office wants to keep Guerrero. Trading Bichette could be the next step in reshaping, in particular, if the team lands a big shortstop in free agency or via trade.
AL Central
Chicago White Sox: After the embarrassment of an MLB-record 121 losses in 2024, it can’t get worse. Can it? Unlikely, but a commitment to a full-scale rebuild is certainly the path the White Sox should take. With the division having three of the six AL playoff teams this year, a long-term plan makes too much sense. With owner Jerry Reinsdorf exploring a sale, that could be more of a reality. There are assets that can help make that happen. Ace left-hander Garrett Crochet, with two years of arbitration remaining, should bring the best return of prospects, while outfielders Luis Robert Jr. and Andrew Benintendi also could net impact youngsters. There is too much to fix in one offseason, but steps can be made toward a better future this offseason.
Cleveland Guardians: A year after ranking dead last in home runs, the power game was actually one of the strengths of Guardians hitters, increasing by about 50%. While AL MVP candidate José Ramírez matched his career high of 39 (after 24 in 2023) and Josh Naylor vaulted from 14 to 31 homers, no other Guardian hit more than 14 (David Fry and Steven Kwan). So it was more of a team improvement. Of course, it came at the price of slipping from 13th to 23rd in batting average. Adding a bat that can add both would bolster the Guardians’ chances at repeating as Central champs. That could come in the form of outfielder Teoscar Hernández. That could create a better situation for Jhonkensy Noel, who hit 13 homers in 198 plate appearances following his MLB debut and temporarily saved the season with a tying ninth-inning blast in Game 3 of the AL Championship Series. Having outfielder Lane Thomas, the hero of the AL Division Series clincher, around for a full season could also be a huge boost. Also, do the Guardians bring back Shane Bieber? Their ace had Tommy John surgery in April and is a free agent. He likely won’t be ready until late May or early June.
Detroit Tigers: When the Tigers shipped Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers at the trade deadline, one of the prospects they got in return was shortstop Trey Sweeney. Little did they know that Sweeney would be one of the keys to their magical late regular-season and postseason run. But that was only truly possible when shortstop Javier Baez went down with a season-ending hip injury. What that did show, though, is the Tigers can move on from Baez, if that is possible. Baez is still under contract for three years and $73 million. Freeing up that cash would be crucial for a young team in a suddenly competitive division. That problem is Baez produced a horrible slash line this season of .184/.221/.294 in just 80 games. What team will take that? Overall, the Tigers need their young players to learn from their postseason experience and continue to take steps to improve.
Kansas City Royals: After a 30-win improvement from 2023 to 2024, the Royals will be one of the more attractive landing spots for free agents this offseason. There are two positions that should be looked at to make improvements. One is right field, where Hunter Renfroe continues to be Hunter Renfroe (i.e., he fills a spot but doesn’t produce much). The other is second base, where Michael Massey has had his chances to prove he belongs, but hasn’t quite been the piece the Royals need. Maybe this postseason will change that narrative a bit. As for right field, the Royals could use another middle-of-the-lineup bat. One option could be someone like Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 homers in 113 games with the Boston Red Sox in 2024. Otherwise, a trade might be necessary.
Minnesota Twins: A baffling 12-27 finish to the regular season certainly changed the offseason outlook for the Twins. Once appearing as a lock for the AL postseason, the Twins finished four games behind the Tigers for the final wild-card spot, not even having a realistic chance to make the field on the final weekend. Also, with the team being put up for sale, how does that affect the offseason? There are notable free agents in outfielder Max Kepler, infielder Kyle Farmer, first baseman Carlos Santana and left-handed reliever Caleb Thielbar. Improving the offense’s consistency will be the focus. All three hitting coaches were not retained after the horrendous finish. Adding a power bat would be a start, especially if Kepler doesn’t return, but that would also depend on the philosophy the front office wants this offseason.
AL West
(No longer Oakland, not yet in Las Vegas) Athletics: Believe it or not, the A’s have the makings of a nice core with closer Mason Miller, designated hitter Brent Rooker, second baseman Zack Gelof, shortstop Jacob Wilson and right fielder Lawrence Butler, just to name a few. With plenty of unknowns heading into next season playing in West Sacramento, Calif., the youthful A’s could use a veteran presence or two to keep the ship steady as it encounters choppy waters. Someone at the front of the rotation who can set an example would be most beneficial.
Houston Astros: Having their streak of seven consecutive AL Championship Series appearances end was jarring for the Astros, but they already knew the two big questions they were going to have to answer entering the offseason. Priority No. 1 is keeping third baseman Alex Bregman, who is a free agent. While the interest in Bregman staying in Houston is mutual, will ownership approve the lucrative deal that Bregman is going to command? If not, that only creates added pressure to solve the other issue: first base. Part of that solution could come from Zach Dezenzo, a third baseman who made his MLB debut in 2024. Yet Dezenzo hasn’t quite unlocked his power tool in the minors. That will likely have the front office scouring for a power bat at first, with switch-hitter Josh Bell a short-term possibility.
Los Angeles Angels: Not much will change in Anaheim until Arte Moreno sells the team or decides not to meddle in personnel decisions. Since that is unlikely to happen even though Moreno had the team on the market two years ago, it will be up to general manager Perry Minasian to somehow cobble together a roster to improve on the AL’s second-worst record in 2024. One way to do that would be to find a way to get rid of third baseman Anthony Rendon. The 34-year-old will still be paid more than star center fielder Mike Trout for the next two seasons, due $38.6 million each year. Eating more salary will get better prospects in return.
Seattle Mariners: One of the most frustrating teams in 2024, the Mariners will be looking to improve a very bad offense to pair with a historically good starting rotation. Some of that will come from certain players getting back to their career norms. Center fielder Julio Rodríguez came alive in the second half following a rough start but only finished with 20 homers after having 28 and 32 in each of his first two seasons. Shortstop J.P. Crawford barely stayed above .200 (.202), more than 40 points below his career mark. With a core of young starting pitching that is likely untouchable, Jerry Dipoto, the president of baseball operations, probably will live up to his habit of trading, which could include dealing some of the underachieving bats for an offensive upgrade. Could he even deal veteran ace Luis Castillo?
Texas Rangers: After gambling and losing with their rotation decisions in the offseason, including banking on starters returning from injury midseason, the Rangers seem to be in a much better position entering this offseason than they were following their World Series championship a year ago. Left-hander Andrew Heaney is a free agent and right-hander Nathan Eovaldi has a $20 million player option that he is likely to decline and improve upon on the open market. But the reason for rotation optimism is two-fold. One, two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom returned late in the season and entered the offseason healthy for the first time in years. Second, rookies Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter should fill slots in 2025 after making their MLB debuts in 2024. Rocker seems more ready for a rotation role than Leiter, but both are part of the future and should be given long leashes to begin with. Eovaldi should return on a good deal for the 34-year-old, which would give the Rangers an excellent shot at getting back to the postseason.
NL East
Atlanta: You have to hand it to Atlanta. Despite devastating season-ending injuries to young right-hander Spencer Strider and perennial MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. in the first two months, Atlanta gave it a good ride in seeking a seventh straight division title, settling instead for an NL wild-card berth. You can attribute that to the talent the front office has acquired and locked up. But there is one piece of the puzzle still in need of a long-term contract. That would be ace left-hander Max Fried. Now, Fried will be among the top starters available, along with Corbin Burnes and Blake Snell. Whether or not Fried wants to remain in Atlanta or go somewhere closer to his native Southern California is the big question. If Charlie Morton, who will be 41 next season, retires, Atlanta does have in-house depth to fill those holes, although pursuing an arm via free agency or trade is definitely on the table.
Miami Marlins: Create a plan and stick with it. After front-office changes before 2024, a managerial change after the season, and trading away more than half of the 26-man roster during the year, the chaos with this franchise needs to come to an end. Remember, all of that came after the Marlins were a surprise playoff team in 2023. Talent has never been a problem with the Marlins, but management of the team has. Until that is cleared up, the Marlins will continue to swim in circles.
New York Mets: As a team that didn’t plan on contending in 2024 but in fact made a marvelous late-season run to snag a spot in the postseason party, the Mets will have several places to shore up this offseason. That all begins with slugging first baseman Pete Alonso, who feels like a no-brainer to return. After that, it gets a little spicier, especially with as many as 10 players set to hit free agency. The deep pockets of owner Steve Cohen will certainly make a play for Juan Soto. But with the uncertainty of the roster entering the offseason—starters Jose Quintana and Luis Severino, second baseman Jeff McNeil, center fielder Harrison Bader and outfielder J.D. Martinez are like Alonso pending free agents among the core players—new president of baseball operations David Stearns will have his hands full. Just know this about Stearns: He has a Plan A, B, C, and D already and will adjust accordingly. The Mets will be one of the most fascinating teams to watch this winter and are likely to move quickly on a few key names.
Philadelphia Phillies: What do the Phillies need after posting the second-best record in MLB, flaming out in their first playoff series and essentially returning all essential personnel? That is a tricky question. The Phillies tied for the fourth-best OPS in MLB (with the Orioles) and had the No. 11 ERA. But the few openings created by free agency could lead the Phillies to reconstruct the bullpen, which never seemed like a huge strength the last few seasons (14th-best reliever ERA in 2024). Capable, yes. Carlos Estévez performed well after coming over from the Angels at the trade deadline and would likely be the No. 1 free-agent target. Workhorse Jeff Hoffman is also up for a big payday, as is Spencer Turnbull. Already with a 2025 projected payroll of more than $222 million (before arbitration deals), the Phillies might have to work some magic if they don’t want to run afoul of the luxury tax threshold for the third year in a row, likely making only one of Estevez and Hoffman affordable. Dealing someone such as third baseman Alec Bohm or outfielder Brandon Marsh, both arbitration-eligible, could be a starting point.
Washington Nationals: The question has to be asked: Are the Nationals ready to make a move toward competitiveness? The vibes are trending in that direction after a 71-91 finish. Another reason could be is the team will have payroll flexibility for the first time in a long time. That is thanks to left-hander Patrick Corbin and his six-year, $140 million contract, including $35.4 in 2024 (five times more than any other National), coming off the books. With outfielders James Wood and Dylan Crews leading a youth movement and third base prospect Brady House the next to arrive, the Nats could become relevant again soon. But that also means not spending just to spend. Adding a veteran to the kids will help the process. One place the Nats want to improve is guidance for starting catcher Keibert Ruiz, so an experienced backup is expected there. But another clubhouse presence should be added, too.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs: Year 1 of the Craig Counsell era in the Windy City didn’t go as planned. Maybe the manager wasn’t the problem? After all, the Cubs finished with an identical 83-79 record in 2024 that they had in 2023. The good news for the Cubs is pretty much everyone returns. Outfielder-first baseman Cody Bellinger can opt out of his contract, but will he find a team that will pay him more than $52 million the next two years and then $25 million per season beyond that? Unlikely after producing just 18 homers in 2024, but that depends on if Bellinger enjoyed Chicago under Counsell. Pitching is the area where the Cubs are likely to focus. With a solid trio of Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs have the flexibility to add an ace or simply supplement the rotation. There are a slew of arms that could fit. The bullpen also needs to be addressed.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds pulled off what might end up being the biggest managerial surprise of the offseason by getting Terry Francona to come out of retirement after just one year away. With his health issues seemingly in the past, Francona could be the right mix of instilling discipline while being relatable for a young Reds roster. Pitching health would help, too. Only three pitchers made at least 20 starts (Hunter Greene with 26, Andrew Abbott with 25, and Nick Lodolo with 21). Nick Martinez was a rotation surprise in his 16 starts. Shortstop Elly De La Cruz is a force offensively with 25 homers and 67 steals to go along with a slash line of .259/.339/.471, but defense is where he needs to contribute more. De La Cruz led MLB with 29 errors, split pretty evenly between fielding (16) and throwing (13). With Matt McLain due back after having shoulder surgery in spring training and missing the entire year, do the Reds move De La Cruz over to third and shift Noelvi Marte to second? Or do they work on De La Cruz’s defense at short one more year? His tools would seem to call for the latter option, but if the Reds are to contend, they might have to pull the trigger on the first option early if De La Cruz continues to struggle on defense.
Milwaukee Brewers: No, it isn’t Willy Adames. While the Brewers will give the star shortstop a qualifying offer, Adames will be among the top free-agent bats on the market and is likely to earn something in the neighborhood of $30 million per season wherever he goes. Instead, what the Brewers need is a rotation anchor. With Brandon Woodruff returning from missing all of 2024 due to shoulder surgery, he could be that, but it isn’t guaranteed. Instead, the Brewers need to go out and deal for someone like Chicago White Sox ace left-hander Garrett Crochet. Putting Crochet at the top of the rotation with Woodruff, Freddy Peralta, Tobias Myers, and Aaron Civale gives an offense that was better than expected in 2024—and set to lose a key piece in Adames—arms to rely on. The Brewers are also likely to shop or at least listen to offers for closer Devin Williams, who is set to hit free agency after 2025.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The arrival of phenom Paul Skenes will put the Pirates in the hot-stove spotlight this offseason. All Skenes did after making his MLB debut on May 11 was be one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. If not for Atlanta’s Chris Sale, Skenes could have pulled off the rare Rookie of the Year-Cy Young double. Now, what do the Pirates do to capitalize on Skenes’ presence? With Oneil Cruz moved from shortstop to center field, that creates a big opening for someone to anchor the defense. The Pirates also could use more production at first and second base. Prospect Nick Yorke, who came up at the end of the season, could be a solution at second. But if the Pirates’ offense is truly going to click and support Skenes, Jared Jones, Mitch Keller, and Bailey Falter, there is going to need to be a veteran bopper. This isn’t sexy, but inking Paul Goldschmidt for a year or two entering his age-37 season could invigorate the first baseman after a couple of stagnant seasons with the Cardinals and be a guiding voice for the young Bucs. Or they could eye bigger fish, such as Christian Walker, who like Goldschmidt is a prime defender as well as an offensive threat.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinal Way is now to rebuild. Just how deep will the Cardinals go, though? Most of the top Cardinals prospects are at least a year away, meaning 2025 could be a patchwork roster. Will star third baseman Nolan Arenado be dealt? He still has two years at $59 million plus a $15 million option for 2027 remaining on his deal. Arenado took a step back power-wise with just 16 homers, his lowest total since hitting 10 and 18 in his first two seasons in Colorado. With Goldschmidt no longer around, Arenado will be relying on Willson Contreras, Alec Burleson, and Nolan Gorman for protection. But Contreras and pitcher Sonny Gray (just signed last offseason) could be among the other pieces leaving town. With John Mozeliak, president of baseball ops, already a lame duck and Chaim Bloom ready to take over after 2025, this will be unlike any offseason the Cardinals have experienced this century.
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks: The D’backs were the team left standing in the game of musical chairs that was the season-ending doubleheader between the Mets and Atlanta to determine the final NL playoff spot. All three teams finished with 89-73 records following the split, but Arizona lost the tiebreaker to both. But the 2023 NL champions face a crucial offseason. Two-time Gold Glove first baseman Christian Walker is a free agent, the DH tandem of Joc Pederson and Randal Grichuk each have mutual options (which are generally declined by at least one side), while third baseman Eugenio Suárez is likely to be back on a $15 million club option. Left-hander Jordan Montgomery had a miserable season, yet controls his fate with the D’backs with a $22.5 million player option. Will he after being criticized by ownership? But perhaps even bigger is what to do with ace Zac Gallen. The right-hander is due to hit arbitration for the final time, meaning Gallen will be a free agent after 2025. While some teams not in big markets might trade away a commodity such as Gallen, the D’backs are in prime position to give a lucrative extension. Complicating matters is his agent, Scott Boras, whose clients don’t normally sign such deals. Securing Gallen’s future is key to keeping the D’backs a contender. Boras is also Montgomery’s agent, but the agent can compartmentalize the two players’ futures.
Colorado Rockies: Maybe owner Dick Monfort will see what other clubs are going for and decide to sell, too. Until he surrenders control of the franchise, the Rockies will continue to sputter. How manager Bud Black, recently extended through 2025, stomachs all this is another thing. The Rockies will be picked to finish last in the NL West by everyone next season. It is past the time to sell.
Los Angeles Dodgers: What does the team that has pretty much everything need this offseason? While the starting rotation will already have an addition in probable three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, roster questions are created by outfielder Teoscar Hernández, starter Walker Buehler, starter Jack Flaherty, utilityman Kiké Hernández and relievers Daniel Hudson and Blake Treinen, all of whom will be free agents. While those are all important, maybe a bigger decision is what to do at shortstop. Miguel Rojas has an option on a $5 million deal for 2025, but he will turn 36 at the start of spring training. Trade-deadline pickup Tommy Edman could be an answer unless he is dealt to free up cash (Edman is due $9.5 million). Spending has never been an issue for the Dodgers, however, so regardless of how they solve those other issues, they could decide to find a long-term solution at shortstop. Willy Adames is the No. 2 position player on the free-agent market and coming off a season with career highs in homers (32), RBIs (112), and steals (21).
San Diego Padres: After a tumultuous 2023, the good vibes were back in San Diego in 2024. This is after slashing payroll and changing managers. While that did mean another playoff spot, the season ended with a loss to the rival Dodgers in the NL Division Series. While a completely rebuilt bullpen was a strength of the Padres and figures to be again in 2025, the starting rotation needs some patching up in order to stay in the hunt for a super-competitive division. The top three right-handers Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, and Michael King are strong, so the Padres can shore that unit up with bargain free agents. There could be wild cards, such as the one mentioned below. But it should be an offseason filled with extension talk, too. King is in his final year of arbitration and, considering he was part of the return in the Juan Soto trade and the way he pitched down the stretch, should be the focus. But so, too, should Cease, who could be a long-term leader of the rotation. Cease, however, is also a Boras client entering his final trip to arbitration. Sensing a theme? There is one more in infielder Luis Arraez, who has won three consecutive batting titles, all with different teams.
San Francisco Giants: For a team with the eighth-highest payroll in all of MLB, the Giants weren’t even one of the top eight teams in the NL in 2024, finishing fourth in the West at 80-82, the 10th-best record in the NL and tied with the Rays for 19th. The offseason began with a big change in the front office, with former catcher Buster Posey, the 2012 NL MVP, and three-time World Series champ, taking over control from Farhan Zaidi. That move was in the making when it was revealed that Posey, not Zaidi, negotiated an extension with Chapman while still a member of the Giants’ ownership. Posey will be calling the shots, but will also need a general manager with connections and experience by his side. That job will be made more difficult if 2023 NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell opts out of receiving $30 million in 2025, as is expected. Snell, following a successful run with the Padres, is one of the Boras clients who was a late signee and got a short-term deal instead of a big, long-term payday. Chapman is another. Maybe Posey’s good interaction with Boras will quickly land a new deal and keep Snell in San Francisco. If that happens, maybe San Francisco’s poor fortunes on the free-agent market in recent offseasons under Zaidi will take a turn. If not Snell, the Giants could pivot to Corbin Burnes, a native of Bakersfield, Calif., who could return to his roots and form a terrific 1-2 punch with Logan Webb.