Adjusting Every MLB Team's Offseason Goals Post-Trade Deadline
After an absurdly busy trade deadline that saw David Price head to Canada and Johnny Cueto land with the reigning American League champs, the playoff picture is looking a whole lot different than it did just a couple of weeks ago.
The way that all 30 clubs will be approaching the upcoming offseason is also looking different now that all those moves have been made. From swinging trades to signing free agents, each team will have its own set of goals it's hoping to accomplish when the winter rolls around.
Admittedly, some of those goals will be more obtainable than others. For teams like the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, one of the top goals will be trying to ditch a couple of overpaid underachievers.
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Offseason Goals
1. Shore up rotation
The Arizona Diamondbacks need to bolster the starting five if the club is going to take the next step in 2016.
This year's rotation has the third-worst ERA in the National League and is noticeably lacking an ace. If general manager Dave Stewart wants to find such an arm, the free-agent front is his best bet. As you can see via MLBTradeRumors.com, the market for starting pitchers is one of the strongest of any position in the 2015-16 class.
2. Get rid of Aaron Hill
This goal will likely be all but impossible to accomplish. At this point, Hill is way overpaid ($12 million salary in 2016) and mostly useless on the field (.604 OPS in 2015). The only way the D-backs will be able to pawn off the veteran infielder is if the club takes on another bad contract in exchange.
Atlanta Braves
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Offseason Goals
1. Revamp offense
All season, the Atlanta Braves front office has been stockpiling young arms. This winter, the brass will need to start bringing in some high-upside bats, too.
In 2015, the offense has been far from dynamic for the National League East squad. So far, the Braves rank No. 27 in baseball in OPS and are last in home runs. Atlanta could definitely use a productive right-handed hitter or two. This season, the Braves have the second-worst OPS in the majors against lefty pitchers.
2. Get rid of Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson knows that the Braves are doing everything they can to ship him out.
"Yeah, it's awkward," Johnson said, via David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "When you're somewhere where people say publicly they're trying to move you, and tell you they're trying to move you, it's difficult. But I'm just going to try to keep working, do better."
The reason why the Braves have failed to offload Johnson is that he's still owed a lot of change. Johnson makes $7.5 million in 2016, $9 million in 2017 and has a $10 million option (with a $1 million buyout) in 2018. To facilitate a swap this winter, the Braves will either have to eat salary or attach the third baseman to a prospect.
Baltimore Orioles
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Offseason Goals
1. Let Chris Davis and Matt Wieters walk in exchange for draft picks
For different reasons, the Baltimore Orioles should let both Chris Davis and Matt Wieters depart at season's end. The first baseman and the catcher are both worthy of qualifying offers, which means the O's could land a couple of comp picks if the pair opt to sign elsewhere.
When it comes to Davis, the lefty masher is setting himself up for a monster payday, as he's cracked 11 home runs in the last 30 games. He now has 27 on the season. Meanwhile, with Wieters set to turn 30 next May, the Orioles would be smart to pass up on the chance to sign the backstop to a multiyear deal.
2. Re-sign Wei-Yin Chen
With headliners like David Price, Johnny Cueto and Jordan Zimmermann all members of the 2015-16 starting pitcher free-agent class, there's an excellent chance that Wei-Yin Chen could end up getting lost in the shuffle. With all those big-name pitchers on the market, Baltimore should be in a strong bargaining position if the club wants to bring the free-agent lefty back to Camden Yards.
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Boston Red Sox
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Offseason Goals
1. Revamp rotation
The Boston Red Sox don't just need an ace, they need to revamp the entire starting five. In what's been a supremely frustrating season for the last-place club, the starters just haven't been able to string together quality outings. The group has run up a 4.90 ERA, which is the worst mark in the AL.
2. Get rid of Pablo Sandoval
This is likely nothing more than wishful thinking, as Pablo Sandoval has been uninspiring (.259 average with nine home runs) and is owed a pile of cash. Here's the breakdown on what the Red Sox are still responsible for:
- 2016: $17.6 million
- 2017: $17.6 million
- 2018: $18.6 million
- 2019: $18.6 million
- 2020: $17 million team option ($5 million buyout)
Getting any team to take on all of that money would require some seriously impressive creativity from GM Ben Cherington.
Chicago Cubs
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Offseason Goals
1. Snag ace off of free-agent market
The Chicago Cubs need a controllable front-line starter, and there are no lack of options on the free-agent front.
Per MLBTradeRumors.com, here are some of the most prominent names the Cubs can go after:
- David Price
- Jordan Zimmermann
- Doug Fister
- Scott Kazmir
- Johnny Cueto
- Zack Greinke
For now, there's no guarantee that Greinke will actually make it to the market, as the right-hander has yet to announce if he'll opt out of the final three seasons of his deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
David Price would certainly make for an intriguing addition at Wrigley Field. If he joined up with the Cubs, he'd be in line for a reunion with his old skipper Joe Maddon. For Price's part, his contract season couldn't be going any better. The lefty is the owner of a 2.45 ERA, which is the fourth-best mark in the AL.
2. Trade Starlin Castro
Starlin Castro is happy to still be with the Cubs.
"I don't want to go nowhere," Castro said, via Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune.
Even though he avoided a trade before the deadline, shipping Castro out this winter would make a lot of sense for Chicago. Of course, doing so won't be easy considering how extensively he's struggled (.238 average in 2015) and that he's still owed at least $43 million as part of his eight-year, $60.6 million deal.
One option for the Cubs would be to try to exchange Castro for another underachiever playing on an outsized contract.
Chicago White Sox
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Offseason Goals
1. Let Jeff Samardzija walk in exchange for draft pick
Jeff Samardzija's contract season with the Chicago White Sox hasn't gone to plan. In 22 starts, the right-hander has compiled a 4.35 ERA. That's his highest mark since he became a full-time starter back in 2012.
For Chicago, the best bet is to offer the Shark a qualifying offer. If the starter lands a multiyear deal elsewhere, the White Sox will land a comp pick. Otherwise, there's an outside chance that Samardzija could be back in Chicago pitching on a one-year deal in 2016.
2. Acquire upgrade at second base
The White Sox have struggled to put runs on the board throughout the season. As GM Rick Hahn works to address that problem in the offseason, the best place to start would be at second base. So far, the club's second basemen are last in the majors in OPS and slugging percentage.
Finding an upgrade at the designated hitter's spot wouldn't be the worst idea either. Adam LaRoche is under contract for $13 million in 2016, but he's not playing like a guy worthy of everyday at-bats. This year, LaRoche has logged a .659 OPS, which just isn't cutting it.
Cincinnati Reds
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Offseason Goals
1. Trade Aroldis Chapman for ransom
Aroldis Chapman is going to make a mint when he hits the free-agent market in the winter of 2017.
That means that the Cincinnati Reds have an excellent opportunity to cash in on Chapman on the trade front in the upcoming offseason. Before the July 31 deadline, the Reds were talking to the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros about the Cuban, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Arizona Diamondbacks were also in the mix for the lefty.
2. Trade Jay Bruce for starting pitcher
Jay Bruce was almost shipped out of town last month.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Reds were "willing" to send the lefty hitter to the New York Mets in exchange for Zack Wheeler. Since Cincinnati just traded away a couple of free-agents-to-be in Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, moving Bruce for a starter this winter would be a smart decision.
Cleveland Indians
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Offseason Goals
1. Find some bats
The Cleveland Indians offense has been far from dynamic. This season, the Indians have scored the fourth-fewest runs in the AL.
As GM Chris Antonetti scours the trade block and the free-agent market for upgrades this winter, right field and third base are two logical places to start. Cleveland's third basemen are last in baseball in OPS and the club's right fielders check in at No. 25 in OPS.
2. Get rid of Nick Swisher
Nick Swisher has become a major headache for the Tribe.
A knee problem has rendered the 34-year-old a non-factor in 2015, but he's still under contract for at least another season. Swisher earns $15 million in 2016 and has a $14 million vesting option for the season after that. As if those salary figures didn't make trying to move Swisher difficult enough, there's also the consideration that he's appeared in only 127 games total over the past two seasons.
Colorado Rockies
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Offseason Goals
1. Sell high on Carlos Gonzalez
The Colorado Rockies are playing a dangerous game by holding onto Carlos Gonzalez. The right fielder has not only been extremely productive (11 bombs since the start of July), but has also been healthy.
All it takes is one look at CarGo's track record to remember that staying on the field is not exactly his strong suit. In 2014, Gonzalez totaled just 70 games, and the year before that he played in 110 contests. For the Rockies, the goal should be to get Gonzalez through the end of the season healthy before selling high on the Venezuelan in the winter.
2. Find taker for Jose Reyes
For the rebuilding Rockies, having a shortstop who will turn 33 next June doesn't make a lot of sense.
At the same time, getting him off the roster will be a tricky task. Jose Reyes earns $22 million in both 2016 and 2017 and has a team option for the same amount (with a $4 million buyout) in 2018. Trying to pay down some of that remaining money might be Colorado's only hope if the club wants to trade away the switch-hitter.
Detroit Tigers
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Offseason Goals
1. Fix starting rotation
The Detroit Tigers rotation has fallen into disarray in rapid order.
Just last summer, the likes of Max Scherzer and David Price were headlining the staff. Now, the Tigers have one of the worst rotations in the AL—even with Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez still around. In 2015, the team's starting pitchers are sporting the second-worst ERA in the circuit. Whether by trade or in free agency, addressing that situation should be priority No. 1 for the brass in Motown.
2. Bolster bullpen
Up next on the front office's to-do list is figuring out how to build a competent bullpen. This season, the relief corps has been anything but competent. The opposition is hitting .277 against the Tigers' pen, which is the highest average in baseball. Plus, the group has complied the third-worst ERA in the majors.
Houston Astros
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Offseason Goals
1. Sign Scott Kazmir to contract extension
Quietly, Scott Kazmir has enjoyed an electric season in 2015. While splitting the year with the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros, the lefty starter has ripped off a 2.10 ERA, which is the best mark in the American League.
Kazmir has yet to give up a run in his first two outings with the Astros and was recently tabbed as the AL Pitcher of the Month for July. He's certainly impressed his new skipper, A.J. Hinch.
"The story of Scott Kazmir is remarkable to see where he's come," Hinch said, via Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle. "This guy was in independent ball at some point, and it almost seems unreal that he could be one of the most dominant pitchers in the major leagues."
With Kazmir set to become a free agent at season's end, it's just about time for Houston to pay up. If the club locks Kazmir into a multiyear deal, the Astros would have one of the more formidable one-two punches in the AL in the vet and Dallas Keuchel.
2. Sell high on Carlos Gomez
Carlos Gomez has the look of a winter trade candidate.
The center fielder will be earning $9 million in 2016 before hitting the free-agent front. Considering his remarkable talent and that he's represented by super-agent Scott Boras, there's no question Gomez will be cashing in. For Houston, the shrewd play would be to maximize Gomez's value by spinning him off in the winter when he still has a full year of club control left.
Kansas City Royals
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Offseason Goals
1. Keep Alex Gordon with club
There's no guarantee that Alex Gordon will be back with the Kansas City Royals in 2016. The left fielder has a player option for $12.5 million and "rival executives" think he'll turn it down, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star.
If he does turn down the option, the Royals would be wise to offer him a multiyear extension to keep the three-time Gold Glove-winner from bolting.
2. Re-sign Ben Zobrist
The Royals should do everything they can to bring back Ben Zobrist, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Zobrist's defensive versatility is especially valuable to the Royals, as he not only provides cover in the outfield, but also at second base, where Omar Infante has been highly suspect in 2015 (.231 average).
Los Angeles Angels
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Offseason Goals
1. Find left-handed hitter to balance out lineup
With Mike Trout and Albert Pujols both posting monster seasons, the Los Angeles Angels have two of the most dangerous hitters in the AL. This winter, one of the top priorities for the Halos should be to find a lefty masher to slot between those two.
One player who would fit that bill is Carlos Gonzalez. Before the trade deadline, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports noted that the Colorado Rockies' right fielder would be a "great fit" at the Big A. One potential roadblock to a deal is CarGo's contract situation. The Venezuelan is set to make $17 million in 2016 and $20 million the year after that.
2. Acquire new third baseman
Finding a new third baseman should be on the Angels' shopping list this winter. David Freese, who is currently on the disabled list with a broken finger, has been a dud in his two seasons with Los Angeles. During that run, the free-agent to-be has hit .252 with a .705 OPS.
Per MLBTradeRumors.com, the class of free-agent third basemen is rather underwhelming. The best all-around player on the list is Juan Uribe, who will be 37 by the time Opening Day 2016 rolls around.
Los Angeles Dodgers
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Offseason Goals
1. Make sure Zack Greinke doesn't leave L.A.
Zack Greinke has been historically good in 2015.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, via the ESPN Stats & Info Twitter account, Greinke's 1.41 ERA through the end of July was the third-lowest mark since 1920. The righty is battling with his teammate Clayton Kershaw for the NL Cy Young Award and has put himself in a great bargaining position as his opportunity to opt out of his current deal looms.
If he opts out at the end of the season, Greinke stands to earn a lot more than the $71 million he currently has left over the final three seasons of his deal. At this point, the Dodgers have no choice but to hand the starter a blank check.
2. Bolster bullpen
Building a quality bullpen remains an ongoing challenge for the Dodgers' front office.
The club recently brought in Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan in a trade with the Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins. Based on the numbers last month, even more help will be needed later this summer or in the offseason. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the pen posted a 6.29 ERA in July, which was the worst mark in baseball.
Miami Marlins
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Offseason Goals
1. Sign Jose Fernandez to contract extension
Jose Fernandez has been flawless since returning from Tommy John surgery. In six starts, the righty is sporting a 4-0 record and a 2.13 ERA.
Last winter, the Miami Marlins attempted to lock up the starter. Per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Fish offered a six-year deal for around $40 million. The way Fernandez has overcome his injury setback, it's going to take a much richer deal than that to keep the Cuban in South Beach for the long run.
2. Bolster starting rotation
The rotation for 2016 is looking thin after Fernandez.
The club recently jettisoned free-agents-to-be Mat Latos and Dan Haren at the deadline, and when Henderson Alvarez will be back on the mound is up in the air.
The right-hander recently underwent shoulder surgery and is expected to be back for spring training, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. However, because of the uncertainty surrounding Alvarez's shoulder, the smart play for Miami would be to add a starter in free agency.
Milwaukee Brewers
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Offseason Goals
1. Get rid of Matt Garza
With a 5.17 ERA in 20 outings, Matt Garza has been one of the worst starters in the NL.
The bad news for the Milwaukee Brewers is that he's set to make $12.5 million in each of the next two seasons and has a $13 million vesting option (with a $5 million team option) in 2018. Those numbers will make it awfully difficult for the Brew Crew to get out from under the contract. The best hope would be to either pay down some of that money or attach Garza to a high-upside prospect in a winter swap.
2. Trade Jean Segura to make way for Orlando Arcia
Jean Segura is one Brewer who has way more trade value than Garza. Milwaukee is also in a situation where the team can afford to field phone calls for the 25-year-old thanks to the presence of super-prospect Orlando Arcia. Per Baseball America, the 20-year-old shortstop is the eighth-best farmhand in the minor leagues.
Minnesota Twins
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Offseason Goals
1. Bring back Torii Hunter
Torii Hunter turned 40 last month, but the right fielder isn't ready to call it a career just yet.
"I would love to come back," Hunter said, via Phil Miller of the Star Tribune. "I still feel good. I still feel young. Winning makes you feel young. Who wants to retire when you're winning?"
Looking at the stats, the savvy move would be for the Minnesota Twins to bring Hunter back for 2016. The right-handed hitter has connected on 17 home runs, which means he's already equaled his output in each of the past two seasons.
2. Find upgrade at catcher
Kurt Suzuki isn't going anywhere—even if he is hitting just .229 on the season. The backstop makes $6 million in 2016 and has a vesting option for the same amount the year after that. Suzuki's contract situation guarantees him a spot on the roster, but ideally the Twins front office will pull off a low-profile trade in the winter to find a more offensively minded catcher to share time with the 31-year-old.
New York Mets
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Offseason Goals
1. Pay to keep Yoenis Cespedes in town
For the light-hitting New York Mets, Yoenis Cespedes was the perfect deadline addition.
This winter, the Mets will have the opportunity to lock in the Cuban, who becomes a free agent at season's end. For now, Cespedes appears open to the idea of sticking around in New York.
"This is something I can't control," Cespedes told Adam Rubin of ESPN.com, via an interpreter. "I don't know what the front office is thinking about. But with what I see so far, I would love for everything to work out and stay as a Met for a long, long time because I like the atmosphere."
There promises to be plenty of competition for Cespedes' signature, but the Mets should make an aggressive move to keep him in Queens. Cespedes is the ideal bat to anchor the middle of the lineup for a Mets team whose window of opportunity is just opening up thanks to a brilliant starting staff.
2. Find shortstop
It doesn't seem like the Mets shortstop of the future is on the 25-man roster of the present.
In 2015, Wilmer Flores and Ruben Tejada have split time at that spot, but neither player appears destined to line up there for the long haul. The Mets nearly traded away Flores in the botched Carlos Gomez deal, and offense has never been a strong point for Tejada. In parts of six seasons in the majors, Tejada has yet to post an OPS north of .700.
New York Yankees
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Offseason Goals
1. Find long-term answer at second base
Second base has been a black hole for the New York Yankees.
The club's second basemen have combined to hit .209 in 2015. Per MLBTradeRumors.com, the free-agent class at that position looks extremely limited. As a result, the best alternative for the Yankees is to explore a trade or hope that prospect Rob Refsnyder is ready to take over in 2016.
2. Re-sign Chris Young
Chris Young has been reborn with the Yankees.
The backup outfielder has connected on 13 home runs and posted an .825 OPS while playing on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. The 31-year-old has absolutely crushed left-handed pitching, checking in with a .371 average. With those numbers, the Yankees might have to dish out a two-year deal to keep Young in the Bronx.
Oakland Athletics
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Offseason Goals
1. Find some insurance for shortstop position
Marcus Semien has been a train wreck in the field in 2015. The Oakland Athletics shortstop has piled up 29 errors, which is eight more than any other player in the bigs.
One of the main reasons why Oakland keeps on running Semien out there is that there's simply no one else in the organization who is capable of playing the position on a daily basis. Before the club reports to camp next spring, the front office needs to make sure that a competent backup for Semien is in place.
2. Get out from under Billy Butler's contract
This goal certainly won't be easy to accomplish. In his first campaign at the O.co Coliseum, Billy Butler has been a major disappointment for Oakland. Playing in the first season of a three-year, $30 million deal, the designated hitter has logged a .243 average and connected on just nine home runs.
The fact that Butler's contract is seriously back-loaded won't make things any easier. Butler is earning $6.7 million this season, but the figure jumps to $11.7 million in both 2016 and 2017. The most realistic way to get out from under this contract would be for Oakland to take on another bad deal in exchange.
Philadelphia Phillies
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Offseason Goals
1. Rebuild rotation
Quality starting pitching is the cornerstone of big league success, and right now, the Philadelphia Phillies are severely lacking in that department. In 2015, the club's rotation has put up the second-worst ERA in the majors.
Fortunately for Philadelphia, this winter will be an ideal time to shop for a starter. As you can see via MLBTradeRumors.com, the market for starting pitchers is flat-out loaded.
2. Get rid of Ryan Howard
Admittedly, this is an ambitious goal, as Ryan Howard is still owed a ton of money. The veteran first baseman will make $25 million in 2016 and has a team option for $23 million (with a $10 million buyout) in 2017.
However, there is an outside chance that the Phils might be able to find a trade partner if his current employer is willing to eat a significant portion of the money remaining on his deal. After all, Howard, who has clocked 18 homers in 2015, has actually demonstrated decent power this season.
Pittsburgh Pirates
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Offseason Goals
1. Sign Neil Walker to contract extension
The Pittsburgh Pirates have the luxury of being patient when it comes to deciding whether to give Neil Walker a contract extension.
Walker can't become a free agent until after the 2016 season, and he hasn't exactly enjoyed a monster campaign. The second baseman's OPS and slugging percentage are both down from a season ago. As a result, it's possible that Pittsburgh could sign Walker at a slightly reduced rate this winter.
2. Convince A.J. Burnett to stick around for one more season
A.J Burnett is just about ready to call it quits.
"This is my last year," Burnett recently told Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "My mind is made up."
The Bucs should do whatever they can to convince the vet to return for 2016. Before an elbow injury sent him to the DL, Burnett had been highly consistent for Pittsburgh, posting a 3.05 ERA and earning an All-Star nod.
As Nesbitt notes, Burnett could be back on the mound within a month. If he has a strong end to the season, perhaps Burnett will change his tune on retirement.
San Diego Padres
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Offseason Goals
1. Find shortstop
It takes just one glance at the San Diego Padres roster to figure out that the club really needs a shortstop of the future. In 2015, Alexi Amarista and Clint Barmes have been responsible for controlling that spot.
As Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports sees it, the Pads should have already made a move for Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs. Considering that Castro has an OPS south of .600 in 2015, San Diego might want to aim its sights higher than the 25-year-old.
2. Cash in on Craig Kimbrel
According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, the Pads spoke with both the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros about the availability of closer Craig Kimbrel before the trade deadline passed.
The Padres should revisit those conversations in the offseason, as moving Kimbrel would not only bring back a healthy return but also allow the team to save a lot of money. The right-hander makes $11 million in 2016, $13 million in 2017 and has a team option for $13 million (with a $1 million buyout) in 2018.
San Francisco Giants
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Offseason Goals
1. Acquire No. 2 starter
The San Francisco Giants have been looking for a No. 2 starter all season.
Aside from staff ace Madison Bumgarner, the Giants have had all sorts of problems with the starting five. It's possible that the team has finally found that second starter in the form of Mike Leake. But if that's not the case, the Giants will have lots of money to spend in the offseason, as Tim Hudson, Tim Lincecum and Ryan Vogelsong are just a few of the players whose contracts will be coming off the books.
2. Find new closer
Santiago Casilla has recorded 27 saves for San Francisco, but the right-hander is pitching his way out of the ninth-inning gig. The central problem for Casilla is that he just can't get left-handed hitters out. In 2015, lefties have hammered Casilla to the tune of a .328 average.
It's possible that the reliever will make it through the season as the Giants closer. But this winter, the front office will have to explore the trade front and the free-agent market to find a more reliable ninth-inning ace.
Seattle Mariners
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Offseason Goals
1. Find bat
There's no question about it—the offense has let the Seattle Mariners down in a big way in 2015. The AL West club ranks No. 24 in baseball in runs and No. 27 in average.
One logical spot for the M's to try to find a new bat is center field. Austin Jackson has been a bust at that position since arriving in the Pacific Northwest last summer, and the 28-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
2. Re-sign Hisashi Iwakuma
The Mariners should have the chance to buy low on Hisashi Iwakuma this offseason. Not only is the veteran right-hander in the midst of a less-than-stellar year, but there's also a chance he could get lost in the crowd of free-agent starters who are set to hit the marketplace.
A lat muscle injury has limited Iwakuma to just nine outings in 2015, but he's slowly starting to show signs that he still has gas left in the tank. In four starts since the All-Star break, Iwakuma has a 3.67 ERA.
St. Louis Cardinals
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Offseason Goals
1. Sign Jason Heyward to contract extension
From the St. Louis Cardinals' perspective, ideally a contract extension for Jason Heyward will already have been worked out before the offseason even arrives.
After all, the bidding war for the 25-year-old will get ridiculous if Heyward makes it to the open market. The Cards generally don't dish out long-term deals. Currently only two players—Adam Wainwright and Matt Carpenter—are signed beyond the 2017 season. The way Heyward has played in his first season at Busch Stadium, he's worthy of joining that group.
2. Re-sign Steve Cishek
Steve Cishek is proving to be a strong addition to the bullpen for St. Louis. In his first five games with the NL Central powerhouse, the right-hander has posted a 1.80 ERA. If the Cards are going to keep Cishek around, the team will have to pay up. Cishek will be due a raise from the $6.65 million salary he's making in 2015.
Tampa Bay Rays
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Offseason Goals
1. Find first baseman
The Tampa Bay Rays' production at first base has been abysmal in 2015.
This season, the players who have patrolled that spot are last in the bigs in OPS (.623). James Loney, who has been the club's primary first baseman, has connected on just three home runs in 55 games.
Unfortunately for the Rays, it doesn't look like Loney will be going anywhere anytime soon, as he makes $9.7 million in 2016. That's slated to be the second-highest salary on the roster only to Evan Longoria ($12.1 million).
2. Find catcher
As bad as the team's first basemen have been, the catchers have been even worse. On the season, Rays backstops are hitting .189 with a .556 OPS. There's no question that catcher is primarily a defensive position, but those numbers just aren't acceptable.
Curt Casali has helped to stabilize the situation a bit by cracking seven home runs in 25 games, but the front office should still look into adding an extra catcher in the offseason.
Texas Rangers
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Offseason Goals
1. Fix bullpen
The Texas Rangers' pen has been a mess in 2015.
The club's group of relievers has posted the worst ERA in the bigs and has served up the most bombs. For GM Jon Daniels, one of the top goals of the winter will be to bolster the bullpen to make sure the situation doesn't repeat itself in 2016. Fortunately for Daniels, the exec won't have to worry about finding a closer. This season, Shawn Tolleson has stepped up in the ninth inning, locking up 20 saves in 21 tries.
2. Get rid of Shin-Soo Choo
Accomplishing this task will be a considerable challenge for Daniels.
As Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported at the beginning of July, the Rangers will have to be "creative" to get rid of Shin-Soo Choo, who is still owed $102 million over the next five seasons. As Rosenthal explained, one option for Texas would be to eat a large portion of Choo's remaining deal. Another idea would be for the Rangers to include a promising prospect in a Choo swap.
Toronto Blue Jays
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Offseason Goals
1. Acquire starting pitcher
Even after acquiring David Price at the deadline, GM Alex Anthopoulos is going to have to go shopping for a starting pitcher this winter. The reason is that both Price and Mark Buehrle will become free agents at the end of the season.
Keeping Price around beyond the conclusion of the campaign will be an extremely challenging task. The left-hander has pitched his way into the mix for the AL Cy Young Award and is sure to be at the center of a bidding war once the free-agent market opens up.
2. Bring in veteran reliever or two
LaTroy Hawkins also looks like he's set for a short stay at the Rogers Centre, as the 42-year-old has already announced that he's calling it quits at the end of the season.
Ultimately, the Toronto Blue Jays should look into bringing in multiple arms. Late-inning situations have been a struggle for Toronto all season, as the team's relief corps has lost 20 games, which is tied for the fourth-most in baseball.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Offseason Goals
1. Bring back Denard Span
With a slew of players set to hit the free-agent market, the Washington Nationals have some difficult decisions looming.
One player who the NL East club just can't afford to lose is Denard Span. Simply put, there aren't many table-setters who can spark a lineup the way Span does in the nation's capital. Just take a look at the record. As Eddie Matz of ESPN noted, the Nats are 29-40 over the past three seasons when Span is on the shelf.
2. Let Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Ian Desmond walk in exchange for compensation picks
With the likes of Jordan Zimmermann, Doug Fister and Ian Desmond all bound for free agency, the Nats could be losing a ton of star power this winter. At the same time, Washington has the potential to clean up when it comes to draft-pick compensation, if all three of those players receive and reject qualifying offers.
Of the three players listed, the easiest call is letting Desmond walk. The shortstop has been underwhelming in 2015, and the Nats have an in-house replacement in Trea Turner, who has flown through the minor leagues this season.
Note: All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and MLB.com and current through Aug. 4 games. All salary information courtesy of Cot's Baseball Contracts on BaseballProspectus.com.
If you want to talk baseball, find me on Twitter @KarlBuscheck.
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