MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stand Entering Winter Meetings Action
The 2014 MLB winter meetings have officially arrived, and what happens over the next four days in San Diego will go a long way in shaping the rest of the offseason.
There is no shortage of storylines to follow heading into this year's meetings, and my Bleacher Report colleague, Jason Catania, has a complete preview of this year's event to bring everyone up to speed on the top news from around the league.
Meanwhile, what follows here is an updated look at where all 30 teams stand heading into the meetings.
These rankings will be updated on Friday when things wrap up in San Diego, so think of the following as a baseline of sorts.
As with all offseason power rankings, these 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. Minnesota Twins
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
It remains to be seen just how active the Minnesota Twins will be this offseason, as they continue to wait on the progression of one of the deepest farm systems in all of baseball.
Pitching is their biggest remaining need, particularly in the starting rotation, where they posted the worst ERA in all of baseball for the second straight year with a 5.06 mark.
One name to watch that could pop up on the trade market is third baseman Trevor Plouffe. The 28-year-old posted a .751 OPS with 40 doubles, 14 home runs and 80 RBI last year and is set for a sizable raise in his first year of arbitration. With top prospect Miguel Sano knocking on the door and the third base market already thinning this offseason, the time could be now to deal him.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Danny Santana
2B Brian Dozier
1B Joe Mauer
DH Kennys Vargas
RF Torii Hunter
3B Trevor Plouffe
LF Oswaldo Arcia
C Kurt Suzuki
SS Eduardo Escobar
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Kyle Gibson
SP Tommy Milone
SP Mike Pelfrey
SU Casey Fien
SU Brian Duensing
CL Glen Perkins
29. Colorado Rockies
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
Unless they are confident that both Eddie Butler and Jon Gray will take the next step this coming season, the Colorado Rockies will need to find some way to improve their starting rotation if they hope to have any chance of contending in 2015.
Full seasons from Jordan Lyles and Tyler Matzek give the staff some potential, but expect the Rockies to be active in the secondary starting pitching market, looking for potential bargains and overall organizational depth.
They also need to decide just how serious they are about potentially moving stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. With the market for bats drying up quickly, those guys could become more intriguing targets in the weeks to come, and they would be wise to at least entertain offers.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Charlie Blackmon
3B Nolan Arenado
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Justin Morneau
RF Corey Dickerson
C Wilin Rosario
2B DJ LeMahieu
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Tyler Matzek
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Eddie Butler
SU Rex Brothers
SU Adam Ottavino
CL LaTroy Hawkins
28. Philadelphia Phillies
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
One can't help but wonder just how serious the Philadelphia Phillies are about the idea of rebuilding this offseason. It's something that needs to be done, but they don't necessarily have the most attractive trade chips to deal from.
Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley both have full 10-5 veto rights, while Ryan Howard, Marlon Byrd, Carlos Ruiz and Jonathan Papelbon are all overpriced relative to their production.
The Phillies' biggest trade chip is obviously ace Cole Hamels, and he could be one of the most talked-about players at the winter meetings if Jon Lester makes an early decision on where to sign. His asking price is incredibly high, though, and understandably so, as he's one of the top pitchers in the game and has five years of control left.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Ben Revere
SS Jimmy Rollins
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
RF Marlon Byrd
LF Domonic Brown
C Carlos Ruiz
3B Maikel Franco
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Cole Hamels
SP Cliff Lee
SP Jerome Williams
SP David Buchanan
SP Jonathan Pettibone
SU Jake Diekman
SU Ken Giles
CL Jonathan Papelbon
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27. San Diego Padres
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
What will the San Diego Padres do to address what was the worst offense in baseball a year ago?
If their legitimate interest in Pablo Sandoval was any indication, they appear willing to add some money to the payroll this winter. That could put them in the mix for trade targets Justin Upton and Matt Kemp, as well as the remaining crop of free agents.
The team does have some attractive trade chips, as it is reportedly willing to listen to offers for its top three starters in Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy, according to a tweet from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
3B Yangervis Solarte
RF Seth Smith
2B Jedd Gyorko
1B Yasmani Grandal
LF Carlos Quentin
C Rene Rivera
CF Will Venable
SS Clint Barmes
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Tyson Ross
SP Andrew Cashner
SP Ian Kennedy
SP Odrisamer Despaigne
SP Jesse Hahn
SU Dale Thayer
SU Kevin Quackenbush
CL Joaquin Benoit
26. Houston Astros
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Houston Astros made a serious run at reliever Andrew Miller, and their four-year, $40 million offer was actually bigger than the four-year, $36 million deal he wound up signing with the New York Yankees, according to a tweet from Buster Olney of ESPN.
The rebuilding franchise finally appears ready to spend some money this offseason, and shoring up the bullpen looks like its top priority. With Miller off the table, the Astros could turn their attention to someone like David Robertson or Sergio Romo in their search for a proven closer.
Catcher Jason Castro and outfielder Dexter Fowler are both potential trade chips, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. The team already has a replacement for Castro if he is moved in Hank Conger, who was acquired from the Angels earlier this offseason.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
2B Jose Altuve
CF Dexter Fowler
RF George Springer
DH Chris Carter
C Jason Castro
3B Matt Dominguez
1B Jon Singleton
LF Jake Marisnick
SS Jonathan Villar
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Collin McHugh
SP Scott Feldman
SP Brett Oberholtzer
SP Mike Foltynewicz
SU Tony Sipp
SU Josh Fields
CL Chad Qualls
25. Texas Rangers
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Texas Rangers figure to be a significantly improved team this coming season, even if they don't make any notable moves this offseason. Simply getting guys like Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo and Derek Holland healthy will go a long way.
That being said, they will likely add at least a few more pieces to the puzzle this winter. They need another corner outfield bat after declining their option on Alex Rios and could also use a proven No. 3 starter to slot behind Yu Darvish and Holland.
There is also at least a chance that the team could move shortstop Elvis Andrus, though the $118 million he is owed over the next eight year remains a sticking point. I proposed a potential trade with the New York Mets for Jon Niese and prospects last week, though that remains purely speculation on my part.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
RF Shin-Soo Choo
SS Elvis Andrus
1B Prince Fielder
3B Adrian Beltre
CF Leonys Martin
DH Mitch Moreland
LF Jake Smolinski
C Robinson Chirinos
2B Rougned Odor
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Yu Darvish
SP Derek Holland
SP Colby Lewis
SP Nick Tepesch
SP Nick Martinez
SU Robbie Ross
SU Shawn Tolleson
CL Neftali Feliz
24. Tampa Bay Rays
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Tampa Bay Rays will need to find a way to add some offensive firepower this offseason. A healthy Wil Myers will give them a second run producer alongside Evan Longoria, but they could still benefit greatly from another power bat.
They will also need to decide if they are comfortable with Alex Colome in the No. 5 starter spot. The 25-year-old went 7-7 with a 3.53 ERA and 1.299 WHIP in the minors last season, and he has enjoyed success in limited big league action with a 2.50 ERA in 39.2 innings of work.
At the very least, the Rays would benefit from adding some organizational depth, and they have some money to spend after trading Jeremy Hellickson, Sean Rodriguez and Joel Peralta earlier this offseason.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Desmond Jennings
2B Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
1B James Loney
RF Wil Myers
LF Matt Joyce
SS Yunel Escobar
DH David DeJesus
C Ryan Hanigan
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Alex Cobb
SP Drew Smyly
SP Chris Archer
SP Jake Odorizzi
SP Alex Colome
SU Grant Balfour
SU Brad Boxberger
CL Jake McGee
23. Arizona Diamondbacks
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The new front office duo of Dave Stewart and Tony LaRussa has already been busy this offseason as they work to retool the Arizona Diamondbacks roster after a disappointing 2014 campaign.
The D-backs have a bevy of starting pitching options—Vidal Nuno, Randall Delgado, Robbie Ray and top prospect Archie Bradley will compete with the five guys listed below for rotation spots. Left-hander Patrick Corbin should also be back from Tommy John surgery at some point in the first half of the season.
It appears that Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas will get every chance to stick at third base, despite the fact that most viewed him as a corner outfielder. Prospect Jake Lamb is waiting in the wings should Tomas need to move off of the hot corner.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF A.J. Pollock
LF David Peralta
1B Paul Goldschmidt
C Miguel Montero
RF Mark Trumbo
3B Yasmany Tomas
2B Aaron Hill
SS Chris Owings
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Wade Miley
SP Josh Collmenter
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Chase Anderson
SP Trevor Cahill
SU Oliver Perez
SU Brad Ziegler
CL Addison Reed
22. Atlanta Braves
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Atlanta Braves already traded Jason Heyward this offseason, and they may not be done dealing, as fellow outfielder Justin Upton could be the next player to be moved.
Upton is a free agent at the end of the upcoming season, but his status as a rental player does little to take away from his value as a trade target. His $15.6 million salary is very reasonable, he provides the rare commodity that is right-handed power and, at the very least, he will bring a draft pick next winter when he inevitably declines a qualifying offer.
As for areas of need, the team has a hole at second base after trading Tommy La Stella to the Chicago Cubs. Top prospect Jose Peraza figures to seize the job at some point in 2015, so a stopgap would do the trick.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Nick Markakis
SS Andrelton Simmons
RF Justin Upton
1B Freddie Freeman
LF Evan Gattis
3B Chris Johnson
2B Phil Gosselin
C Christian Bethancourt
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Julio Teheran
SP Alex Wood
SP Shelby Miller
SP Mike Minor
SP David Hale
SU James Russell
SU David Carpenter
CL Craig Kimbrel
21. Chicago Cubs
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
It's been a quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs to this point, as they missed out on catcher Russell Martin and are still waiting on a decision from their top target in left-hander Jon Lester.
The team reportedly has a six-year, $138 million offer on the table for Lester, and that's the largest known offer to this point, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. However, with the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants also in the hunt, it will likely take more than that to sign the 30-year-old.
It remains to be seen where the Cubs will turn if they don't sign Lester. Max Scherzer, James Shields and Francisco Liriano could all be options in free agency, while Cole Hamels and Jeff Samardzija are among the top trade targets.
Veteran Jason Hammel was re-signed on Monday to a two-year, $20 million deal, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation. That helps add some depth to the rotation and still represents a nice bargain after the way he pitched last season, but doesn't change anything in the team's pursuit of an ace.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
LF Chris Coghlan
2B Javier Baez
1B Anthony Rizzo
SS Starlin Castro
RF Jorge Soler
3B Luis Valbuena
CF Arismendy Alcantara
C Welington Castillo
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Kyle Hendricks
SP Travis Wood
SP Jason Hammel
SP Tsuyoshi Wada
SU Neil Ramirez
SU Pedro Strop
CL Hector Rondon
20. Chicago White Sox
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Chicago White Sox moved quickly this offseason to fill their biggest areas of need, signing Adam LaRoche to fill the DH spot and reliever Zach Duke to help shore up what was a shaky relief corps.
The bullpen could still use another arm or two, as it lacks a proven closer. The team is also still searching for a right-handed starter to slot between Chris Sale and Jose Quintana atop the rotation.
Shortstop Alexei Ramirez is coming off a terrific season, is set to make just $20 million over the next two years and is a far more attractive option than anyone on the free-agent market. That leaves the Sox with a decision to make about whether to sell high on a guy who is not a long-term piece of the puzzle or to keep him around for his veteran presence.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Adam Eaton
SS Alexei Ramirez
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam LaRoche
RF Avisail Garcia
3B Conor Gillaspie
LF Dayan Viciedo
C Tyler Flowers
2B Marcus Semien
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Chris Sale
SP Jose Quintana
SP Hector Noesi
SP John Danks
SP Chris Bassitt
SU Zach Duke
SU Jake Petricka
CL Zach Putnam
19. Boston Red Sox
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Boston Red Sox have certainly made their offense more potent with the additions of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval, but they have yet to address the starting rotation.
There is a clear need for an ace atop the Red Sox staff, and they could probably use a couple other starters beyond that, as Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly are the only two proven starters currently on the roster. Look for Boston to sign one of the Big Three and make a splash on the trade market as well.
With an abundance of outfielders, they have some movable big league pieces, and Yoenis Cespedes remains as good a bet as anyone to be traded this offseason. That would free up a spot for Mookie Betts in the starting lineup and could perhaps bring a No. 2 or No. 3 starter back in return.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Rusney Castillo
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
LF Hanley Ramirez
3B Pablo Sandoval
RF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Mike Napoli
SS Xander Bogaerts
C Christian Vazquez
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Joe Kelly
SP Allen Webster
SP Rubby De La Rosa
SP Brandon Workman
SU Edward Mujica
SU Junichi Tazawa
CL Koji Uehara
18. Cincinnati Reds
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Cincinnati Reds figure to be a busy team once Jon Lester makes a decision and the starting pitching market starts to take shape, as they are still expected to move someone from the group of Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake and Alfredo Simon.
Latos is probably the most likely to be traded at this point. There has been plenty of talk about a potential swap with the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, as that looks like an obvious win-win deal.
Cespedes could put up big numbers in hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, and the Reds have a hole to fill in left field with Ryan Ludwick and Chris Heisey both gone after posting mediocre numbers a year ago.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Billy Hamilton
3B Todd Frazier
1B Joey Votto
C Devin Mesoraco
RF Jay Bruce
2B Brandon Phillips
LF Brennan Boesch
SS Zack Cozart
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
SP Alfredo Simon
SU Manny Parra
SU Sam LeCure
CL Aroldis Chapman
17. New York Yankees
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The New York Yankees finally got involved in the offseason fun last week, trading for shortstop Didi Gregorius and signing left-hander Andrew Miller to bolster the bullpen. And that may just be the start of a busy winter.
Depending on where Martin Prado winds up playing, the Yankees could use another infielder at either second or third base. Re-signing Chase Headley is still an option, or they could turn things over to prospect Rob Refsnyder at second base and slide Prado to third.
There is also still a chance the team scraps its idea of not making any splash signings this offseason to make a run at a front-line starting pitcher. Trading Shane Greene in the Gregorius deal only upped the Yankees' need to add another arm, though re-signing Brandon McCarthy may still be the preferred route.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
LF Brett Gardner
3B Martin Prado
CF Jacoby Ellsbury
1B Mark Teixeira
C Brian McCann
RF Carlos Beltran
DH Alex Rodriguez
SS Didi Gregorius
2B Rob Refsnyder
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Masahiro Tanaka
SP Michael Pineda
SP CC Sabathia
SP David Phelps
SP Chase Whitley
SU Shawn Kelley
SU Andrew Miller
CL Dellin Betances
16. Pittsburgh Pirates
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
Having already lost one key piece from last season's team in catcher Russell Martin, the Pittsburgh Pirates would like to avoid suffering the same fate with left-hander Francisco Liriano.
According to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, the team has made re-signing the left-hander its top priority. One way or another, the team will need to add a starter this offseason. Given the success that Liriano has enjoyed in his two years in Pittsburgh, it makes sense that he would be the top choice.
Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote that the Pirates have "at least $15 million in their pocket," so they have some payroll flexibility to make a competitive multiyear offer to Liriano.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
3B Josh Harrison
RF Travis Snider
CF Andrew McCutchen
2B Neil Walker
LF Starling Marte
1B Pedro Alvarez
SS Jordy Mercer
C Francisco Cervelli
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Gerrit Cole
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Jeff Locke
SP Vance Worley
SP Brandon Cumpton
SU Jared Hughes
SU Tony Watson
CL Mark Melancon
15. New York Mets
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The New York Mets will no doubt still entertain options to upgrade at shortstop, but as it stands now, they appear ready to open the season with Wilmer Flores manning the position on an everyday basis, according to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.
Flores, 23, has plenty of upside with the bat—he hit .323/.367/.568 with 11 doubles and 13 home runs in 220 at-bats in the minors last year. He hit just .251/.286/.378 in 259 at-bats in the majors, though, and his glove remains a question mark.
The Mets are also still looking to deal a veteran arm from the trio of Jon Niese, Dillon Gee and Bartolo Colon, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. The return of Matt Harvey and continued progression of Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero have left the Mets with an abundance of starting options.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Juan Lagares
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Lucas Duda
RF Michael Cuddyer
LF Curtis Granderson
C Travis d'Arnaud
SS Wilmer Flores
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Matt Harvey
SP Jon Niese
SP Jacob deGrom
SP Zack Wheeler
SP Bartolo Colon
SU Josh Edgin
SU Jeurys Familia
CL Jenrry Mejia
14. San Francisco Giants
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
Despite clear holes at third base and in left field, the San Francisco Giants' top target at this point appears to be pitching, and they are very much in the running for Jon Lester.
Considering the fact that Tim Hudson will be 40 this coming season, Yusmeiro Petit is making the transition to starting full time, Matt Cain is returning from injury and Tim Lincecum has provided more bad than good in recent years, another stud arm alongside Madison Bumgarner would certainly help.
Chase Headley looks like their top target to fill the hole at third base, and they are "turning aggressive" in their pursuit of him, according to a tweet from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. A reunion with Melky Cabrera has been talked about to fill the hole in left field, though nothing appears imminent on that front.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Angel Pagan
2B Joe Panik
C Buster Posey
1B Brandon Belt
RF Hunter Pence
LF Gregor Blanco
SS Brandon Crawford
3B Joaquin Arias
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Tim Hudson
SP Matt Cain
SP Yusmeiro Petit
SP Tim Lincecum
SU Jean Machi
SU Jeremy Affeldt
CL Santiago Casilla
13. Miami Marlins
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Miami Marlins already made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason when they locked up slugger Giancarlo Stanton with a massive 13-year, $325 million deal. Now they need to do everything in their power to build a winner around him.
Finding a left-handed run producer to plug in behind Stanton in the lineup appears to be a priority, and they may look to do that by upgrading over Garrett Jones at first base, according to Barry Jackson and Clark Spence of the Miami Herald.
Second base is also a weak spot, but the free-agent market is thin behind Rickie Weeks, and the team has not shown any interest in him to this point. Cuban defector Hector Olivera could be an option, but he has yet to be declared a free agent.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
LF Christian Yelich
CF Marcell Ozuna
RF Giancarlo Stanton
3B Casey McGehee
1B Garrett Jones
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
2B Derek Dietrich
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Jarred Cosart
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Tom Koehler
SP Andrew Heaney
SU Mike Dunn
SU A.J. Ramos
CL Steve Cishek
12. Oakland Athletics
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
It's been a busy offseason for the Oakland Athletics already, as general manager Billy Beane has set to work on his latest retooling effort, trading star third baseman Josh Donaldson for 24-year-old Brett Lawrie and some solid prospect pieces.
Brandon Moss joined him in being shipped out of town when he was dealt to the Cleveland Indians on Monday morning, and Jeff Samardzija could be close behind as the next key piece to be moved. Samardzija is projected to earn $9.5 million in arbitration this year, with Moss checking in at $7.1 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Upgrades at both second base and shortstop would be nice, as this team is still going to be looking to contend in 2015. Some starting pitching depth is a need as well, especially if Samardzija winds up being traded.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Coco Crisp
LF Stephen Vogt
RF Josh Reddick
DH Billy Butler
1B Ike Davis
3B Brett Lawrie
C Derek Norris
2B Eric Sogard
SS Andy Parrino
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Sonny Gray
SP Scott Kazmir
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Jesse Chavez
SP Drew Pomeranz
SU Fernando Abad
SU Ryan Cook
CL Sean Doolittle
11. Cleveland Indians
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Cleveland Indians had been pushing toward a trade for Brandon Moss for the past week or so heading into the meetings, setting the groundwork for a deal to get done quickly.
"The one and only thing left to do is the trade itself. Everything else has been done except the waiting," wrote Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer. "If the Indians do acquire [Moss] from the A's, it's going to be a one-for-one trade. The Indians will be parting with a player not on their 40-man roster for Moss."
Sure enough, Moss was acquired Monday morning in exchange for second base prospect Joe Wendle, with Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports the first to report the move on Twitter. The Indians can now turn their attention to other areas of need for the remainder of the week.
Most notably, the team is also in the market for a veteran starter to fill the No. 2 spot in the rotation behind Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar both showed flashes in the second half last year, but counting on them to be the No. 2 guy could be asking too much.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Michael Bourn
2B Jason Kipnis
LF Michael Brantley
1B Carlos Santana
RF Brandon Moss
C Yan Gomes
DH Nick Swisher
SS Jose Ramirez
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Corey Kluber
SP Carlos Carrasco
SP Danny Salazar
SP T.J. House
SP Trevor Bauer
SU Scott Atchison
SU Bryan Shaw
CL Cody Allen
10. Milwaukee Brewers
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
Despite their late-season collapse, the Milwaukee Brewers earn a solid ranking in our early rankings here, thanks in large part to the fact that they return essentially the same roster and have no glaring holes to fill.
Their only notable free agents were all relievers, so the bullpen will be their biggest focus heading into the meetings. Zach Duke has already found a new home with the White Sox, but fellow free agents Francisco Rodriguez and Tom Gorzelanny are both candidates to be re-signed.
The team could also use another bench piece or two. Martin Maldonado is a solid backup catcher and Gerardo Parra should see plenty of playing time as the fourth outfielder, but the rest of the bench is still up in the air.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Carlos Gomez
2B Scooter Gennett
C Jonathan Lucroy
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Adam Lind
RF Ryan Braun
LF Khris Davis
SS Jean Segura
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Matt Garza
SP Kyle Lohse
SP Wily Peralta
SP Mike Fiers
SU Will Smith
SU Jim Henderson
CL Jonathan Broxton
9. Baltimore Orioles
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Baltimore Orioles ran away with the AL East title last season, but they have lost a trio of key contributors from that team this offseason in Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller.
The returns of Manny Machado and Matt Wieters and a full season of Alejandro De Aza should help offset some of the lost production, and a bounce-back season from Chris Davis would be huge, but it's hard to see their offense being anywhere near as potent as it was a year ago.
The pitching staff rounded into form nicely last season, and Kevin Gausman looks like a prime candidate for a breakout season. It's worth noting that left-hander Wei-Yin Chen has drawn a good deal of interest as a potential trade candidate, according to Dan Connolly of the The Baltimore Sun, so there is a chance he could be moved.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
LF Alejandro De Aza
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
DH Chris Davis
RF Steve Pearce
C Matt Wieters
SS J.J. Hardy
1B Christian Walker
2B Jonathan Schoop
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Chris Tillman
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Bud Norris
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Kevin Gausman
SU Brian Matusz
SU Darren O'Day
CL Zach Britton
8. Kansas City Royals
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Kansas City Royals have made a pair of signings this offseason to bring back relievers Jason Frasor and Luke Hochevar, but they still need to find replacements for their three big free agents in James Shields, Billy Butler and Nori Aoki.
Inserting the speedy Jarrod Dyson into the everyday center field job and sliding Lorenzo Cain to right field is one option to replace Aoki, but the team has also shown interest in free agent Alex Rios, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
As for filling the vacated rotation spot, a reunion with Ervin Santana is still a possibility, and the team figures to add a mid-level veteran of some sort to join Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy atop the staff. Brian Flynn, who was acquired in the Aaron Crow trade, also gives the Royals some nice rotational depth.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
SS Alcides Escobar
LF Alex Gordon
RF Lorenzo Cain
1B Eric Hosmer
C Salvador Perez
3B Mike Moustakas
2B Omar Infante
DH Moises Sierra
CF Jarrod Dyson
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Yordano Ventura
SP Jason Vargas
SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Danny Duffy
SP Brian Flynn
SU Kelvin Herrera
SU Wade Davis
CL Greg Holland
7. Toronto Blue Jays
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
Early indications would suggest that the Toronto Blue Jays are all-in on the upcoming season as they look to seize what appears to be a wide-open AL East race.
If they view recently acquired Michael Saunders as the answer in left field, their only clear need on the offensive side of things is at second base, where the team has struggled to find consistent production since the days of Aaron Hill.
That said, the bullpen has to be the Blue Jays' top priority heading into the winter meetings. The bullpen ranked 25th in the league with a 4.09 ERA last year and is now without closer Casey Janssen. A run at someone like David Robertson is not out of the question.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
SS Jose Reyes
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Dioner Navarro
C Russell Martin
LF Michael Saunders
2B Maicer Izturis
CF Dalton Pompey
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Mark Buehrle
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Marcus Stroman
SP Drew Hutchison
SP Daniel Norris
SU Steve Delabar
SU Brett Cecil
CL Aaron Sanchez
6. Seattle Mariners
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The addition of Nelson Cruz should give the Seattle Mariners offense a huge boost, and the Mariners may not be done adding to the offensive mix—right field is still a priority and a glaring hole following the trade of Michael Saunders.
The team is showing "increased interest" in free agent Melky Cabrera, according to Bob Dutton of The Tacoma News Tribune. The M's could also make a run at Justin Upton or Matt Kemp on the trade market, though the asking price for both will likely include right-hander Taijuan Walker, and that may be more than they are willing to give up.
Now that Didi Gregorius has been traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks, teams could also show increased interest in the Mariners' young shortstops, as Brad Miller and Chris Taylor will be competing for the starting job this coming season and the odd man out could be a trade chip.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Austin Jackson
LF Dustin Ackley
2B Robinson Cano
DH Nelson Cruz
3B Kyle Seager
C Mike Zunino
1B Logan Morrison
RF James Jones
SS Brad Miller
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Felix Hernandez
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP James Paxton
SP Taijuan Walker
SP J.A. Happ
SU Danny Farquhar
SU Yoervis Medina
CL Fernando Rodney
5. Detroit Tigers
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Detroit Tigers moved quickly to re-sign AL MVP runner-up Victor Martinez to a four-year extension, and with both Max Scherzer and Torii Hunter coming off the books, they still have some money to spend this offseason.
"A quality bullpen is [general manager Dave] Dombrowski's white whale," wrote Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, and he's absolutely right. The return of Bruce Rondon and a full season of Joakim Soria should help, but the Tigers need to add at least a couple of arms to the mix this offseason.
The team is also "listening intently" on upcoming free agents Rick Porcello and David Price, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN. However, the asking price for Porcello will no doubt be high, and the only way Price would be dealt is if the Tigers can find a way to re-sign Scherzer.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
LF Rajai Davis
2B Ian Kinsler
1B Miguel Cabrera
DH Victor Martinez
RF J.D. Martinez
3B Nick Castellanos
C Alex Avila
SS Jose Iglesias
CF Anthony Gose
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP David Price
SP Anibal Sanchez
SP Justin Verlander
SP Rick Porcello
SP Shane Greene
SU Al Alburquerque
SU Joakim Soria
CL Joe Nathan
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The Los Angeles Dodgers have more pressing areas of need than the starting rotation, but their recent involvement in the Jon Lester sweepstakes is by far the biggest story surrounding the team heading into the meetings.
There has been some speculation that the team could be making a run at Lester as an insurance policy should Zack Greinke decide to opt out of his deal after the upcoming season, while others have suggested that the Dodgers' interest could simply be a ploy to drive up his price and keep him from signing with the rival San Francisco Giants.
The team is also fielding trade offers for outfielder Matt Kemp, searching for a replacement for Hanley Ramirez at shortstop and looking to shore up a bullpen that collapsed in the postseason a year ago. It's been a quiet offseason for the Dodgers so far, but chances are it won't stay that way for much longer.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
2B Dee Gordon
CF Yasiel Puig
1B Adrian Gonzalez
RF Matt Kemp
LF Carl Crawford
3B Juan Uribe
C A.J. Ellis
SS Erisbel Arruebarrena
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Zack Greinke
SP Hyun-Jin Ryu
SP Dan Haren
SP Juan Nicasio
SU Joel Peralta
SU J.P. Howell
CL Kenley Jansen
3. St. Louis Cardinals
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What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
The St. Louis Cardinals have already addressed their biggest areas of need, picking up Jason Heyward to man right field and adding veterans Jordan Walden and Matt Belisle to the bullpen to replace Pat Neshek and Jason Motte.
While they would be in solid shape if the regular season were to start tomorrow, there are still a few pieces left to add this offseason, most notably a right-handed-hitting corner infielder who can platoon with Matt Adams at first base. Adams hit just .190/.231/.298 in 121 at-bats against lefties last year.
The Cardinals could also look to add another starting pitcher to the mix after trading Shelby Miller in the Heyward deal, unless they are comfortable with either Carlos Martinez or Marco Gonzales filling that spot.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
3B Matt Carpenter
RF Jason Heyward
LF Matt Holliday
1B Matt Adams
C Yadier Molina
SS Jhonny Peralta
CF Jon Jay
2B Kolten Wong
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP John Lackey
SP Michael Wacha
SP Carlos Martinez
SU Matt Belisle
SU Jordan Walden
CL Trevor Rosenthal
2. Los Angeles Angels
29 of 30
What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
Backed up against the luxury tax cap, the Los Angeles Angels don't have much payroll flexibility to improve their roster this offseason. Luckily, they also don't have any glaring areas of need, as they return last season's AL West-winning team more or less intact.
Starting pitching depth was a concern, especially with Garrett Richards questionable to start the season, but the early acquisitions of Cesar Ramos and Nick Tropeano have helped solve that problem.
The team is still lacking a proven left-handed reliever, and there remains the possibility that it moves either Howie Kendrick or David Freese, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. That said, there's a good chance it's a quiet trip to the winter meetings for the Angels.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
RF Kole Calhoun
CF Mike Trout
1B Albert Pujols
LF Josh Hamilton
2B Howie Kendrick
3B David Freese
SS Erick Aybar
DH C.J. Cron
C Chris Iannetta
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Jered Weaver
SP Matt Shoemaker
SP Hector Santiago
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Nick Tropeano
SU Kevin Jepsen
SU Joe Smith
CL Huston Street
1. Washington Nationals
30 of 30
What to Watch for at the Winter Meetings
If the 2015 MLB season were to start today, the Washington Nationals would have to be considered the most complete roster in baseball top to bottom, so they earn the No. 1 spot in these rankings for the time being.
Their only clear area of need is second base, where Asdrubal Cabrera could be a candidate to be re-signed, unless the team is willing to give strikeout machine Danny Espinosa another chance.
That's not to say this team doesn't have some big decisions to make this offseason, though, as the upcoming free agencies of starters Jordan Zimmermann and Doug Fister as well as shortstop Ian Desmond are the big story.
There has been some speculation that Zimmermann could be traded, but the latest report has the team once again discussing an extension, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Projected 2015 Lineup (as of Dec. 7)
CF Denard Span
3B Anthony Rendon
RF Jayson Werth
LF Bryce Harper
1B Ryan Zimmerman
SS Ian Desmond
C Wilson Ramos
2B Danny Espinosa
Pitcher
Projected 2015 Rotation (as of Dec. 7)
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Doug Fister
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Tanner Roark
SU Matt Thornton
SU Tyler Clippard
CL Drew Storen
All stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference, unless otherwise noted.
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