MLB Power Rankings: How 2015 Winter Meetings Changed League's Power Balance
The winter meetings always provide a good deal of excitement around the MLB community, and this year has been no different.
While the meetings won't officially wrap up until sometime Thursday afternoon following the Rule 5 draft, there have been enough trades and free-agent signings that it's worth taking an updated look at where things stand around the league.
These rankings were last updated on Nov. 30, so any transactions that have taken place between then and Wednesday night were factored into the changes you'll see in the following rankings.
The important thing to keep in mind with offseason rankings is that they are not meant to be a prediction for the year ahead.
Instead, they are a look at how teams would stack up with the rosters they currently have if the season were to start today.
Just something worth keeping in mind when considering where your favorite team falls in the following rankings.
30. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 28)
1 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SS Erick Aybar, OF Ender Inciarte, SP Bud Norris, RP Jim Johnson, RP Ian Krol, RP Jose Ramirez, C Tyler Flowers (per David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution), IF Gordon Beckham, UT Emilio Bonifacio (per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports), SS Dansby Swanson, SP Aaron Blair, C A.J. Pierzynski (re-signed)
Team Overview
With the trade of Shelby Miller, it appears the Atlanta Braves have fully committed to the idea of tanking in 2016 and rebuilding the farm.
That figures to make for a long season ahead, but the team got a tremendous haul for Miller in outfielder Ender Inciarte and prospects Dansby Swanson and Aaron Blair.
The team could still look to move right-hander Julio Teheran before the offseason is over, and a few more low-cost signings could come to fill out the roster, but it's probably best not to expect too much out of the Braves the rest of the way.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Ender Inciarte
RF Nick Markakis
1B Freddie Freeman
LF Hector Olivera (R)
SS Erick Aybar
C A.J. Pierzynski
3B Adonis Garcia
2B Jace Peterson
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Julio Teheran
SP Matt Wisler
SP Manny Banuelos
SP Bud Norris
SP Williams Perez
CL Arodys Vizcaino
29. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 30)
2 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Jeremy Hellickson, SP Brett Oberholtzer, RP Dan Otero, RP James Russell, RP David Hernandez, OF Peter Bourjos, SP Vincent Velasquez, OF Derek Fisher (Oberholtzer, Velasquez and Fisher additions via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com)
Team Overview
The Philadelphia Phillies have already sold off a good amount of their veteran talent to kick-start their rebuilding efforts, and at this point it's simply a matter of some low-cost additions to help bridge the gap while the young talent continues to develop.
As far as remaining trade chips, they finally pulled the trigger on moving closer Ken Giles on Wednesday, shipping him to the Houston Astros for a four-player package headlined by Vincent Velasquez and Brett Oberholtzer.
Signing bounce-back candidate David Hernandez was a nice under-the-radar move, as he could be flipped in July with a strong first half. He might get the first crack at closing now that Giles is gone, and another year removed from Tommy John surgery could mean a return to the elite form he showed in Arizona.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Cesar Hernandez
CF Odubel Herrera
3B Maikel Franco
1B Ryan Howard
RF Aaron Altherr
LF Cody Asche
SS Freddy Galvis
C Carlos Ruiz
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Aaron Nola
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Jerad Eickhoff
SP Matt Harrison
SP Brett Oberholtzer
CL David Hernandez
28. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 29)
3 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Jason Motte, RP Chad Qualls
Team Overview
After ranking dead last in the majors with a 5.04 ERA as a team this past season, the Colorado Rockies' obvious need, as always, is to improve the pitching staff.
They may not be game-changing additions, but veterans Chad Qualls and Jason Motte should help solidify a bullpen that also includes Justin Miller and Boone Logan.
The team will continue to shop outfielders Carlos Gonzalez, Corey Dickerson and Charlie Blackmon the rest of the offseason, as all three are available, per Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, and it seems like there's a good chance at least one of them is moved.
2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Charlie Blackmon
SS Jose Reyes
RF Carlos Gonzalez
3B Nolan Arenado
LF Corey Dickerson
1B Ben Paulsen
C Nick Hundley
2B DJ LeMahieu
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Chad Bettis
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Chris Rusin
SP Jon Gray
CL Jason Motte
27. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 27)
4 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
IF Jonathan Villar, OF Ramon Flores
Team Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers have already traded closer Francisco Rodriguez and first baseman Adam Lind this offseason, and the rebuilding could continue if the team decides to legitimately shop catcher Jonathan Lucroy.
Both corner infield spots figure to be addressed with low-cost veterans, and the same is true of the bullpen. Don't expect anything resembling an offseason splash, as the team is still in the early stages of reworking the roster.
Another situation worth keeping an eye on is the shortstop position, as top prospect Orlando Arcia is knocking on the door after a terrific season in Double-A at the age of 20. That could mean either dealing incumbent Jean Segura or perhaps sliding him over to the hot corner.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
SS Jean Segura
C Jonathan Lucroy
RF Ryan Braun
LF Khris Davis
CF Domingo Santana
1B Matt Clark
2B Scooter Gennett
3B Jonathan Villar
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Jimmy Nelson
SP Wily Peralta
SP Matt Garza
SP Taylor Jungmann
SP Zach Davies
CL Corey Knebel
26. Miami Marlins (Previous: 26)
5 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
None
Team Overview
The Miami Marlins have yet to make a significant addition of any sorts this offseason, despite a clear need for a No. 2 starter type as well as some infield depth and a potential platoon partner for Justin Bour at first base.
The team has continued to discuss an extension with second baseman Dee Gordon, per Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, and there's a good chance the two sides will come to some sort of agreement before the season begins.
The other rumor, of course, has been the potential availability of ace Jose Fernandez, who Miami at least appears willing to entertain offers for, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com.
Center fielder Marcell Ozuna has also drawn interest from seven to 10 teams, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Dee Gordon
LF Christian Yelich
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Justin Bour
3B Martin Prado
CF Marcell Ozuna
C J.T. Realmuto
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Jose Fernandez
SP Jarred Cosart
SP Tom Koehler
SP Adam Conley
SP David Phelps
CL A.J. Ramos
25. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 24)
6 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Blake Wood
Team Overview
The Cincinnati Reds appeared to have a deal in place Monday morning that would send closer Aroldis Chapman to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a pair of prospects, but things fell through due to a potential domestic violence incident surrounding the All-Star reliever.
Meanwhile, the team has also been heavily shopping third baseman Todd Frazier, per C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Finding a veteran starter to provide some leadership to the young rotation and adding to the bullpen mix—especially if the Reds do in fact wind up dealing Chapman—still figures to be on the to-do list. That said, this team is not expected to be a legitimate contender in 2016.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Brandon Phillips
1B Joey Votto
3B Todd Frazier
RF Jay Bruce
C Devin Mesoraco
LF Eugenio Suarez
SS Zack Cozart
CF Billy Hamilton
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Anthony DeSclafani
SP Raisel Iglesias
SP Michael Lorenzen
SP John Lamb
SP Brandon Finnegan
CL Aroldis Chapman
24. San Diego Padres (Previous: 21)
7 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
OF Jon Jay, RP Drew Pomeranz, C Josmil Pinto
Team Overview
It's been a significantly quieter offseason for the San Diego Padres compared to last winter, when new general manager A.J. Preller was wheeling and dealing in an effort to put a contender on the field.
They kicked things off by trading relievers Craig Kimbrel and Joaquin Benoit and could look to deal further, as they have been shopping right-hander Tyson Ross and right fielder Matt Kemp, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Despite acquiring Jon Jay in exchange for infielder Jedd Gyorko, the team is still in the market for an outfielder while at the same time shopping prospects Hunter Renfroe and Travis Jankowski, per another piece from Lin.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Cory Spangenberg
3B Yangervis Solarte
RF Matt Kemp
1B Wil Myers
C Derek Norris
LF Jon Jay
CF Melvin Upton Jr.
SS Alexi Amarista
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Tyson Ross
SP James Shields
SP Andrew Cashner
SP Robbie Erlin
SP Colin Rea
CL Brandon Maurer
23. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 25)
8 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
1B/OF Mark Trumbo, SP/RP Vance Worley, OF L.J. Hoes, RP Darren O'Day (re-signed, per Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun)
Team Overview
The Baltimore Orioles saw a ton of in-house talent hit free agency this offseason, and they've been working to plug the resulting holes during this week's meetings.
Re-signing setup man Darren O'Day was a good first step, while the team has also shown varying levels of interest in a number of different mid-level starting pitchers and corner outfielders.
All of that figures to be on hold while the O's continue to wait on a decision from first baseman Chris Davis though, as they have reportedly made an offer in the neighborhood of $150 million over seven years, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
RF Nolan Reimold
2B Jonathan Schoop
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
DH Mark Trumbo
SS J.J. Hardy
1B Christian Walker
LF Henry Urrutia
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Chris Tillman
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Kevin Gausman
SP Mike Wright
CL Zach Britton
22. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 23)
9 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
3B Brett Lawrie, C Alex Avila, C Dioner Navarro
Team Overview
Aside from overhauling their catching situation by letting Geovany Soto walk in free agency and non-tendering Tyler Flowers, then signing Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro, it had been a relatively quiet offseason for the Chicago White Sox until Wednesday.
On the third day of the winter meetings, they finally pulled off a significant move as they acquired 25-year-old third baseman Brett Lawrie from the Oakland Athletics for a pair of prospects. Lawrie has never quite fulfilled his vast potential, but he's still young enough that this could wind up being a steal for the South Siders.
The left side of the infield may very well be set now with the slick-fielding Tyler Saladino projected to man the shortstop position and Lawrie now joining him at the hot corner. The biggest remaining need may be to find a right-handed starter to at least bridge the gap to prospect Frankie Montas.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Adam Eaton
LF Melky Cabrera
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam LaRoche
RF Avisail Garcia
3B Brett Lawrie
C Dioner Navarro
SS Tyler Saladino
2B Carlos Sanchez
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Chris Sale
SP Jose Quintana
SP Carlos Rodon
SP John Danks
SP Erik Johnson
CL David Robertson
21. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 18)
10 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
1B/DH Logan Morrison, RP Danny Farquhar, SS Brad Miller, C Hank Conger
Team Overview
As the Tampa Bay Rays continue to work around the constraints of playing in one of the smallest markets in baseball, it's been a relatively quiet offseason once again.
The Rays acquired a trio of useful pieces from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for starter Nate Karns, as Logan Morrison and Brad Miller both figure to be significant parts of the offense and Danny Farquhar should be an oft-used member of the bullpen.
Despite trading Karns, the team could look to further deal from its wealth of controllable pitching. It's had talks with the Chicago Cubs about a deal for infielder Javier Baez, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, and could trade a starter (Drew Smyly, Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi, Alex Cobb) or a reliever (Jake McGee, Brad Boxberger) before the offseason is over.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Kevin Kiermaier
RF Steven Souza
3B Evan Longoria
1B James Loney
2B Logan Forsythe
DH Logan Morrison
LF Desmond Jennings
C Curt Casali
SS Brad Miller
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Chris Archer
SP Jake Odorizzi
SP Drew Smyly
SP Erasmo Ramirez
SP Matt Moore
CL Brad Boxberger
20. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 20)
11 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
DH Byung-ho Park, C John Ryan Murphy
Team Overview
One of the biggest surprises of 2015, the Minnesota Twins finished the season 83-79 after hanging around the AL playoff picture for much of the year.
While they may have played over their heads a bit, they are nonetheless a team on the rise with a wealth of young talent. The big issue is their starting pitching, but Tyler Duffey looked good as a rookie, and top prospect Jose Berrios should arrive early in 2016.
As for their remaining offseason work, the focus will be on the bullpen, specifically finding a left-handed arm. Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com named Tony Sipp, Antonio Bastardo and Matt Thornton as potential answers.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Byron Buxton
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
RF Miguel Sano
3B Trevor Plouffe
LF Eddie Rosario
DH Byung-ho Park (R)
C John Ryan Murphy
SS Eduardo Escobar
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ervin Santana
SP Kyle Gibson
SP Tommy Milone
SP Tyler Duffey
CL Glen Perkins
19. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 22)
12 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Ryan Madson (per ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick), SP Rich Hill, IF Jed Lowrie, 1B Yonder Alonso, RP John Axford (per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle), RP Liam Hendriks, RP Marc Rzepczynski, SP Zack Erwin, RP J.B. Wendelken
Team Overview
Last season, the Oakland Athletics struggled mightily in close games, as they were 19-35 in one-run contests. Much of that had to do with a bullpen that ranked 28th in the league with a 4.63 ERA, so it's no surprise improving the relief corps has been the focus of the offseason.
A healthy Sean Doolittle should go a long way, and he'll be joined by newcomers Ryan Madson, John Axford, Liam Hendriks and Marc Rzepczynski.
The starting rotation still appears to be a work in progress, even with the signing of Rich Hill. A reunion with Scott Kazmir is one option the A's could explore, as they've shown preliminary interest, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Billy Burns
2B Jed Lowrie
RF Josh Reddick
DH Billy Butler
C Stephen Vogt
3B Danny Valencia
1B Yonder Alonso
LF Mark Canha
SS Marcus Semien
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Sonny Gray
SP Jesse Hahn
SP Rich Hill
SP Kendall Graveman
SP Chris Bassitt
CL Sean Doolittle
18. Cleveland Indians (Previous: 16)
13 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
OF Joey Butler, OF Collin Cowgill
Team Overview
Despite a glaring need to improve offensively, the Cleveland Indians have yet to add any significant pieces this offseason. That doesn't come as a huge surprise given their track record, but with a pitching staff that's good enough to contend they could be missing their opportunity.
As if their need for an offensive boost wasn't big enough after scoring just 4.16 runs per game last season, they will also be without star left fielder Michael Brantley to begin the season. That being said, claiming Joey Butler off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays was a nice under-the-radar move that could help bridge that gap.
It appears the team has cooled to the idea of trading one of its young starters for a bat, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, but something has to be done if the Indians hope to make noise in a talented AL Central.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Francisco Lindor
C Yan Gomes
1B Carlos Santana
RF Lonnie Chisenhall
DH Chris Johnson
3B Giovanny Urshela
*LF Joey Butler
CF Abraham Almonte
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Corey Kluber
SP Carlos Carrasco
SP Danny Salazar
SP Trevor Bauer
SP Josh Tomlin
CL Cody Allen
17. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 15)
14 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SS Andrelton Simmons, C Geovany Soto, IF Cliff Pennington, OF Craig Gentry (per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times), OF Todd Cunningham
Team Overview
The Los Angeles Angels kicked off the winter with a bang when they acquired arguably the best defensive player in baseball, shortstop Andrelton Simmons, in a blockbuster deal with the Atlanta Braves.
However, things have been relatively quiet since then, and while Simmons is a stud with the glove he doesn't exactly do much to address the need for more offensive firepower.
Second base, third base and left field are all areas of need, and the lineup remains heavily right-handed, so the team has some work to do the rest of the offseason.
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com tweeted that the Angels are willing to trade C.J. Wilson, Hector Santiago and Matt Shoemaker in their efforts to add a bat. They've also been active on the free-agent outfield market, though they could wait for the first domino to fall before they make their move, per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Johnny Giavotella
RF Kole Calhoun
CF Mike Trout
DH C.J. Cron
*1B Efren Navarro
C Carlos Perez
SS Andrelton Simmons
3B Kyle Kubitza (R)
LF Todd Cunningham
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Garrett Richards
SP Jered Weaver
SP Hector Santiago
SP Andrew Heaney
SP C.J. Wilson
CL Huston Street
16. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 17)
15 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Wade Miley, SP Nate Karns, RP Joaquin Benoit, 1B Adam Lind, LF Nori Aoki, C Chris Iannetta, OF Leonys Martin, RP Anthony Bass, RP Evan Scribner, RP Jonathan Aro, RP Justin De Fratus, IF Luis Sardinas, C Steve Clevenger, LF Franklin Gutierrez (re-signed)
Team Overview
It would appear new GM Jerry Dipoto was not impressed with the roster he inherited when he took over in the Seattle Mariners front office.
Since the start of the offseason, Dipoto has executed nine trades. Along with a number of free-agent signings, the team's current projected 25-man roster features 13 newcomers.
The trade to acquire first baseman Adam Lind filled what appeared to be the final significant need, though the Mariners will be counting on a young starting rotation behind Felix Hernandez and are banking on Taijuan Walker's continued development in the No. 2 starter spot.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
LF Nori Aoki
SS Ketel Marte
2B Robinson Cano
RF Nelson Cruz
3B Kyle Seager
1B Adam Lind
DH Seth Smith
C Chris Iannetta
CF Leonys Martin
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Taijuan Walker
SP Wade Miley
SP Nate Karns
SP James Paxton
CL Joaquin Benoit
15. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 19)
16 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Zack Greinke, SP Shelby Miller, C/OF Chris Herrmann
Team Overview
Tony La Russa won six pennants and three World Series titles during his 33 years as a big league manager. He's now president of baseball operations for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Dave Stewart won five pennants and three World Series titles during his 16-year playing career, going 10-6 with a 2.77 ERA in 133 career postseason innings. He's now working side by side with La Russa in the role of general manager.
My point is, these are two men who are accustomed to winning, so it's not overly surprising to see them aggressively push their chips forward in an effort to build a winner in the desert.
A massive free-agent deal for Zack Greinke and a king's ransom in return for Shelby Miller gives them a pair of front-line starters and potentially makes their pitching staff good enough to back what was already a fantastic offensive core led by Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock.
Clawing into the NL playoff picture won't be easy, but if anyone is going to pull it off it, just might be the Diamondbacks.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF A.J. Pollock
2B Chris Owings
1B Paul Goldschmidt
LF David Peralta
C Welington Castillo
RF Yasmany Tomas
3B Jake Lamb
SS Nick Ahmed
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Zack Greinke
SP Shelby Miller
SP Patrick Corbin
SP Rubby De La Rosa
SP Robbie Ray
CL Brad Ziegler
14. Washington Nationals (Previous: 11)
17 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Oliver Perez (per Chelsea Janes and Shawn Wagner of the Washington Post), RP Shawn Kelley (via MLB.com's William Ladson), SP/RP Yusmeiro Petit (per Joel Sherman of the New York Post)
Team Overview
Considering what the Washington Nationals lost this offseason, with Jordan Zimmermann, Ian Desmond, Denard Span, Matt Thornton and Doug Fister all reaching free agency, the team really didn't have an obvious need outside of sorting out the bullpen.
While the Nats have added a trio of arms to the mix, including a replacement for Thornton in fellow lefty Oliver Perez, the late-inning situation they created at the deadline last year between Drew Storen and Jonathan Papelbon has yet to be resolved.
Trading one or both of them and targeting a replacement closer remains a distinct possibility, and at the very least they figure to move at least one of them.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
3B Anthony Rendon
2B Yunel Escobar
RF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
LF Jayson Werth
C Wilson Ramos
CF Michael Taylor
SS Trea Turner (R)
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Max Scherzer
SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Tanner Roark
SP Joe Ross
CL Jonathan Papelbon
13. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 6)
18 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Joakim Soria (per ESPN's Jerry Crasnick), C Tony Cruz, SP Chris Young (re-signed)
Team Overview
The defending champion Kansas City Royals still have a lot of work to do this offseason, and they've dropped in these rankings as a result of other teams' filling needs while they've remained relatively quiet.
That doesn't mean they won't be challenging for a spot in the top five in the rankings by the time Opening Day rolls around, but to this point they've done nothing to address the corner outfield vacancies or a starting rotation that could still use another solid arm.
It appears the Royals will go with Jarrod Dyson in a more significant role at one of the corner outfield spots, per Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, so that could allow them a bit more payroll flexibility when it comes to addressing the other needs.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
SS Alcides Escobar
3B Mike Moustakas
CF Lorenzo Cain
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Kendrys Morales
C Salvador Perez
RF Paulo Orlando
2B Omar Infante
LF Jarrod Dyson
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Yordano Ventura
SP Edinson Volquez
SP Danny Duffy
SP Chris Young
SP Kris Medlen
CL Wade Davis
12. New York Mets (Previous: 14)
19 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
2B Neil Walker, SS Asdrubal Cabrera (per SB Nation's Chris Cotillo)
Team Overview
Things had been incredibly quiet for the New York Mets heading into Wednesday, but they walked away from Day 3 of the winter meetings with a new middle infield after acquiring Neil Walker from the Pittsburgh Pirates and signing Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year deal.
Those two don't exactly replace the impact bat they lost in Yoenis Cespedes, but both players have strong track records as steady offensive producers. This also gives the team some flexibility should David Wright miss time to injury once again.
The Mets sent Jon Niese to Pittsburgh in the trade, which opens up a potential need for a No. 5 stater to round out the rotation. It should come as no surprise that there is "mutual interest" in a reunion with veteran Bartolo Colon, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
RF Curtis Granderson
2B Neil Walker
3B David Wright
1B Lucas Duda
C Travis d'Arnaud
LF Michael Conforto
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
CF Juan Lagares
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Jacob deGrom
SP Matt Harvey
SP Steven Matz
SP Noah Syndergaard
SP Rafael Montero
CL Jeurys Familia
11. New York Yankees (Previous: 10)
20 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
2B Starlin Castro, OF Aaron Hicks
Team Overview
Slowly but surely the New York Yankees have gotten younger in recent years, and that trend has continued with the additions of Starlin Castro (25) and Aaron Hicks (26) via trade this offseason.
That being said, the team will still be relying on an aging core of former stars that managed to stay surprisingly healthy last season outside of the season-ending injury to Mark Teixeira. The Yankees may not be so lucky this time around, so adding depth in Hicks and a versatile player like Dustin Ackley at the deadline last year could turn out to be big.
Meanwhile, there remains a need for a second right-hander in the bullpen and perhaps another late-inning arm in general after the team opted to trade Justin Wilson to the Detroit Tigers for a pair of pitching prospects.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
LF Brett Gardner
DH Alex Rodriguez
1B Mark Teixeira
C Brian McCann
RF Carlos Beltran
2B Starlin Castro
3B Chase Headley
SS Didi Gregorius
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Masahiro Tanaka
SP Michael Pineda
SP Luis Severino
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP CC Sabathia
CL Andrew Miller
10. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 13)
21 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Jeff Samardzija, 1B/OF Kyle Blanks
Team Overview
The San Francisco Giants may have missed out on signing Zack Greinke, but they moved quickly to their contingency plan and inked Jeff Samardzija to a five-year deal to serve as the No. 2 starter behind Madison Bumgarner.
"Even after the Greinke pursuit proved fruitless Friday night, a Giants ownership source said that the group was ecstatic with how GM Bobby Evans had set up negotiations and was proceeding with contingencies," wrote Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News.
They would still be wise to add another mid-level starter so they don't have to rely on Matt Cain, who has struggled to stay on the field the past two years.
However, the focus right now might be on upgrading in left field, and Buster Olney of ESPN reports that some rival evaluators view the Giants as the front-runners to sign Alex Gordon.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Angel Pagan
2B Joe Panik
RF Hunter Pence
C Buster Posey
1B Brandon Belt
3B Matt Duffy
SS Brandon Crawford
LF Jarrett Parker (R)
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Jake Peavy
SP Matt Cain
SP Chris Heston
CL Santiago Casilla
9. Houston Astros (Previous: 7)
22 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Ken Giles
Team Overview
Jayson Stark of ESPN reported earlier this winter that the Houston Astros were "hell-bent" on acquiring a closer, and they finally did just that Wednesday when they traded for Ken Giles in a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Giles gives the team a power arm at the back of the bullpen with more traditional ninth-inning stuff, and adding him will allow Luke Gregerson to return to the eighth-inning role, which should make the bullpen as a whole better.
Now the focus shifts to the starting rotation, where the team appears to be looking for a mid-level veteran to replace Scott Kazmir, though a reunion with Kazmir is not out of the question. Yovani Gallardo is one name the team has been linked to, per Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
RF George Springer
2B Jose Altuve
SS Carlos Correa
DH Evan Gattis
LF Colby Rasmus
CF Carlos Gomez
3B Luis Valbuena
1B Jon Singleton
C Jason Castro
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Collin McHugh
SP Mike Fiers
SP Scott Feldman
SP Lance McCullers
CL Ken Giles
8. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 8)
23 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Hisashi Iwakuma (per CBS Sports' Jon Heyman), 2B Chase Utley (re-signed)
Team Overview
In the end the Los Angeles Dodgers did lose Zack Greinke to a division rival. It just wasn't the one everyone expected as the Arizona Diamondbacks swooped in with an offer Greinke couldn't refuse.
To this point the Dodgers' rebuttal has been to sign 34-year-old Hisashi Iwakuma to a three-year, $45 million deal, but there's a lot of offseason left, and the Dodgers have the money and prospect talent to still make a splash.
Bringing back Chase Utley was a solid move, provided the team viewed him as infield depth on a semi-regular basis and not an everyday player. Kike Hernandez has earned more at-bats.
With the would-be deal for Aroldis Chapman on hold for now, the bullpen still needs work. The Dodgers would be wise to move quickly in that department as more useful arms come off the board by the day, though the trade market is still an option.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
2B Kike Hernandez
SS Corey Seager
1B Adrian Gonzalez
3B Justin Turner
RF Yasiel Puig
LF Andrew Ethier
C Yasmani Grandal
CF Joc Pederson
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP Brett Anderson
SP Alex Wood
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
CL Kenley Jansen
7. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 9)
24 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Jordan Zimmermann, RP Francisco Rodriguez, OF Cameron Maybin, SP Mike Pelfrey, RP Justin Wilson, RP Mark Lowe, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Team Overview
Seeing the Detroit Tigers trade the likes of David Price, Yoenis Cespedes and Joakim Soria at the trade deadline and finish in the AL Central cellar at 74-87 may have looked like the start of a rebuild, but new GM Al Avila has other plans.
With a ton of money invested in their veteran core and a weak farm system, the team really wasn't in a position to rebuild, and it instead went to work retooling the roster.
Jordan Zimmermann and Mike Pelfrey should help shore up the rotation, while Francisco Rodriguez, Justin Wilson and Mark Lowe will join Alex Wilson and Bruce Rondon to give the team a vastly improved relief corps.
The Tigers don't appear to have much left to do this offseason, as they moved quickly to fill the holes they did have on the roster and now look primed for another run at contention in the AL Central.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Anthony Gose
2B Ian Kinsler
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Victor Martinez
RF J.D. Martinez
LF Cameron Maybin
3B Nick Castellanos
C James McCann
SS Jose Iglesias
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Justin Verlander
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Daniel Norris
SP Mike Pelfrey
CL Francisco Rodriguez
6. Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
25 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
RP Tom Wilhelmsen, IF/OF Patrick Kivlehan
Team Overview
The big issue for the Texas Rangers the past two seasons has been health. If they can put their disabled list woes behind them, they should have a real shot at challenging for the AL pennant this coming season.
They've yet to make any significant moves this offseason, but they really didn't have obvious needs outside of shoring up the rotation with one more starting pitcher to replace the departed veteran duo of Yovani Gallardo and Colby Lewis.
Finding a platoon partner/insurance for Josh Hamilton in left field could also be an area of focus, and the team has shown interest in Rajai Davis, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.
As far as potential trades, Texas has reportedly been open to the idea of trading closer Shawn Tolleson in the right deal, per Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
CF Delino DeShields Jr.
RF Shin-Soo Choo
DH Prince Fielder
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Mitch Moreland
LF Josh Hamilton
SS Elvis Andrus
2B Rougned Odor
C Robinson Chirinos
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Cole Hamels
SP Derek Holland
SP Nick Martinez
SP Martin Perez
*SP Chi Chi Gonzalez
CL Shawn Tolleson
5. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 12)
26 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP David Price, RP Craig Kimbrel, RP Carson Smith, OF Chris Young, SP/RP Roenis Elias
Team Overview
Perhaps a top-five ranking is being bullish on the 2016 Boston Red Sox at this point, but for a team with tremendous offensive potential and clear needs on the pitching side of things, the additions of David Price, Craig Kimbrel and Carson Smith are just what the doctor ordered.
The rotation may not look great behind Price, but keep in mind that Rick Porcello (11 GS, 4-6, 3.53 ERA) and Joe Kelly (11 GS, 8-1, 3.77 ERA) both pitched very well in the second half last season, and a healthy Clay Buchholz is still capable of being a difference-maker.
As for the bullpen, Kimbrel gives them one of the most dominant arms in the game. and the 26-year-old Smith showed flashes of that same kind of potential as a rookie when he tallied 13 saves and 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
One more bullpen piece would be nice, particularly one of the left-handed variety, but right now the Red Sox look capable of making a serious run at contention once again.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
RF Mookie Betts
2B Dustin Pedroia
SS Xander Bogaerts
DH David Ortiz
1B Hanley Ramirez
3B Pablo Sandoval
CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
LF Rusney Castillo
C Blake Swihart
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP David Price
SP Rick Porcello
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Joe Kelly
SP Eduardo Rodriguez
CL Craig Kimbrel
4. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 3)
27 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP Jon Niese, SP Allen Webster, RP Jorge Rondon, 1B/OF Jake Goebbert
Team Overview
The Pittsburgh Pirates were expected to try to shed some salary this offseason, and they've done that by non-tendering Pedro Alvarez and trading Neil Walker to the New York Mets for Jon Niese to fill the hole in the starting rotation.
Niese will make $9 million this coming season, followed by a $10 million option in 2017 and an $11 million option in 2018. Considering his age (29) and the growing cost of pitching, that looks like a relative bargain.
The question now is who plays second base.
Prospect Alen Hanson hit .263/.313/.387 with 35 extra-base hits and 35 stolen bases in Triple-A last season, so he could get the first crack at the job. Also, once Jung-ho Kang returns from the disabled list, he could slot at third base and Josh Harrison could slide over to second, so the team does have in-house options.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
RF Gregory Polanco
3B Josh Harrison
CF Andrew McCutchen
LF Starling Marte
1B Michael Morse
C Francisco Cervelli
*SS Jordy Mercer
2B Alen Hanson (R)
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Gerrit Cole
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Charlie Morton
SP Jeff Locke
SP Jon Niese
CL Mark Melancon
3. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 1)
28 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
IF Jedd Gyorko, C Brayan Pena
Team Overview
The St. Louis Cardinals' failure to sign a starting pitcher so far this offseason costs them the top spot in these rankings for the time being.
That said, don't be surprised if they add a mid-level arm, re-sign Jason Heyward and quickly find themselves back in the top spot.
For now, the big move has been to acquire infielder Jedd Gyorko from the San Diego Padres for outfielder Jon Jay.
Gyorko has been something of a disappointment since hitting 23 home runs his rookie season in 2013, but he came on in the second half last season with a .739 OPS that included 13 home runs and 43 RBI.
His ability to play all four infield spots essentially means he can replace both Pete Kozma and Mark Reynolds on the roster, which could allow the team to carry a fifth outfielder like Tommy Pham.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
3B Matt Carpenter
RF Stephen Piscotty
LF Matt Holliday
SS Jhonny Peralta
1B Brandon Moss
CF Randal Grichuk
C Yadier Molina
2B Kolten Wong
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Michael Wacha
SP Carlos Martinez
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Tim Cooney
CL Trevor Rosenthal
2. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 2)
29 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP J.A. Happ, SP/RP Jesse Chavez, IF Darwin Barney (re-signed, per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet), C Josh Thole (re-signed)
Team Overview
The Toronto Blue Jays worked quickly to add J.A. Happ and Jesse Chavez to the starting rotation, and while that's not exactly re-signing David Price as many fans had hoped, it does give them some flexibility as far as the rest of their offseason is concerned.
They would still benefit from adding another starter and using Chavez in a swingman role, and the bullpen is in need of a few arms to help support the young duo of Aaron Sanchez and Roberto Osuna.
However, the best offense in baseball returns intact, and full seasons of Troy Tulowitzki and Ben Revere could mean even more offensive output in 2016.
Provided they add a few more arms to the mix, the Blue Jays might be considered the favorites to win it all this coming season, and as it stands now they still look like the class of the American League.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
LF Ben Revere
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Jose Bautista
DH Edwin Encarnacion
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Chris Colabello
C Russell Martin
CF Kevin Pillar
2B Ryan Goins
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Marcus Stroman
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Marco Estrada
SP J.A. Happ
SP Jesse Chavez
CL Roberto Osuna
1. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 4)
30 of 30
Notable Offseason Additions
SP John Lackey, 2B Ben Zobrist, SP/RP Adam Warren, RP Rex Brothers, IF Brendan Ryan, RP Trevor Cahill (re-signed, per Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune)
Team Overview
The Chicago Cubs may not have made the splash pitching addition some were hoping for, but there's little question they've improved this offseason on the heels of a surprise run to the NLCS.
John Lackey may not have been the most exciting name on the market, but he'll do just fine as a No. 3 starter and carries with him one of the best postseason track records of any active pitcher.
Adding Ben Zobrist gives the team the on-base threat Starlin Castro was never going to be, and in exchange for Castro the Cubs landed a terrific arm in Adam Warren who is capable of making an impact as a starter or reliever.
There is still a hole to fill in center field before the offseason is complete, and the team remains in pursuit of Jason Heyward while also targeting Denard Span as a potential fallback option, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
We still have roughly three months of offseason activity left before we really have an idea of how teams will look in 2016, but as things currently stand the Cubs look like the team to beat, even with a hole in center field.
Projected 2016 Lineup (as of Dec. 9)
SS Addison Russell
2B Ben Zobrist
1B Anthony Rizzo
3B Kris Bryant
LF Kyle Schwarber
RF Jorge Soler
C Miguel Montero
CF Matt Szczur
Pitcher
Projected 2016 Rotation (as of Dec. 9)
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Jon Lester
SP John Lackey
SP Jason Hammel
SP Kyle Hendricks
CL Hector Rondon
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com, unless otherwise noted.
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