MLB Power Rankings: How Much Work Does Each Team Have This Offseason?
Baseball season may be over, but the competition never ends. Teams are already descending upon coveted free agents and planning lucrative swaps in order to rise among teams in their division, and these offseason power rankings, of course.
Both good and bad of every team was considered and equally weighted in the creation of this list, and the results may surprise (hint: the champs aren't No. 1).
Catch mainstays like the St. Louis Cardinals as well as emerging threats such as the Toronto Blue Jays at the top, but don't necessarily expect them to stay there.
With the main event of free agency still waiting in the wings, the landscape of the MLB can and will change drastically. In the meantime, however, here are where the 30 squads stand.
30. Philadelphia Phillies
1 of 30
Good News
Fortunately for the Phillies, mediocrity does come with a consolation prize—the first pick in the draft. Their farm system, too, should yield more great young talent to bolster their cause, but without a doubt they'll need to poke their heads into the free-agent market and supplement their team with a marquee player.
Bad News
The bet placed on pitcher David Buchanan proved to be a damning decision. The 26-year-old posted an 8.76 ERA throughout April. What's more is that while the Phillies are flush with young talent, it's precisely that—inexperienced and just not there yet.
29. Colorado Rockies
2 of 30
Good News
The Rockies have a solid farm system with good pitchers in the minor leagues, including Jeff Hoffman and Ryan McMahon, as well as shortstop Trevor Story. Arguably their best player, Carlos Gonzalez, may soon be cashed in for future returns in a possible trade scenario, according to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal.
Bad News
Since trading away shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, it's been nothing but downhill. Their greatest weakness, however, is on the mound. Perhaps some upgrading could be part of the swap with Gonzalez.
28. Milwaukee Brewers
3 of 30
Good News
The Brewers have a team with high upside and youth including left fielder Khris Davis, who should be returning from a knee injury. To complement this, they've elected to retain veteran first baseman Adam Lind, Milwaukee's 2015 RBI leader, according to ESPN.com.
Bad News
Pitching is an area of great concern, and the Brewers have yet to regain their footing after the departure of center fielder Carlos Gomez.
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27. Chicago White Sox
4 of 30
Good News
Pitching is in a good place for the White Sox with Jose Quintana, Chris Sale and Carlos Rodon, a young kid with upside who had a great first season with Chicago.
Bad News
The White Sox have pieces, but that's exactly it—pieces. There are a lot of holes on this squad in virtually every area but first base and the outfield. What's more, one of the three aforementioned pitchers may be used as trade fodder, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Daryl Van Schouwen.
26. Atlanta Braves
5 of 30
Good News
Third baseman Hector Olivera has proven to be a terrific addition, and relief pitcher Shae Simmons should return in May, helping to add depth to the starting rotation.
Bad News
The Braves may be relying too heavily on Olivera throughout their rebuilding process. According to SB Nation's Demetrius Bell, Atlanta is expected be quiet throughout free agency, despite their many needs.
25. Cincinnati Reds
6 of 30
Good News
The Reds have quality depth on the mound. After some trades in 2015, they now have Brandon Finnegan, Cody Reed and John Lamb, in addition to some other great prospects. First and third base are in the capable hands of Joey Votto and Todd Frazier, respectively.
Bad News
Cincinnati, obviously, needs help in a lot of places, including finding an ideal leadoff batter. Trading closer Aroldis Chapman would be the best way for this team to capitalize on its rebuilding phase. The transition from Walt Jocketty to Dick Williams at general manager is not inherently negative, but it may make the rebuilding phase much more of a challenge.
24. Baltimore Orioles
7 of 30
Good News
Star first baseman Chris Davis should not be allowed to leave Baltimore, argues TheBaltimoreWire.com's Joe Serpico. Center fielder Adam Jones was recently named Marvin Miller Man of the Year, which, while it doesn't directly translate to production, provides the kind of leadership and good character teams need.
Bad News
Former first-round pitching prospect Dylan Bundy has continued to battle injury, even as of late, according to the Associated Press, via ESPN.com, shaking the belief that he is the future starter for this team. This is particularly problematic for a team that has always struggled at the position.
23. Miami Marlins
8 of 30
Good News
The Marlins have solid starting pitchers in Jose Fernandez and the emerging Henderson Alvarez. They have one of the league's best defensive second baseman in 2015 Gold Glove winner Dee Gordon, acquired in a trade last December.
Bad News
Miami needs to add depth to its rotation, but, according to SB Nation's Daniel Smith, it won't likely be doling out that kind of capital. It's the best move for the long term, but missing out on some key free agents this season like Zack Greinke will mean their shot at the postseason is slim.
22. Oakland Athletics
9 of 30
Good News:
Sonny Gray is by far the crown jewel of Oakland's starting rotation (whether he remains on the roster rather than being traded for a bundle of players remains to be seen). Some young prospects, like pitcher Sean Manaea, are future bright spots at the position, according to Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com.
Bad News
The Josh Donaldson trade backfired pretty badly, and the A's 2015 season never really recovered. Their bullpen and defense, typically their strongest areas, have been notably weak.
21. San Diego Padres
10 of 30
Good News
According to the Associated Press, via ESPN.com, San Diego elected to pick up the $7.5 million option on relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit. With the emergence of Brandon Maurer, the Padres pitching situation could be a lot worse.
Bad News
The Padres really need a starting shortstop. The current state of their farm system is really not great, and their purse strings will be tighter this offseason with money tied up in players like Matt Kemp and James Shields.
20. Minnesota Twins
11 of 30
Good News
Third baseman and designated hitter Miguel Sano should continue to develop as the bona fide slugger he appeared to be, even after only being called up into the lineup in July. In addition, the Associated Press, via ESPN.com, reports that the Twins have won the rights to negotiate with Byung Ho Park, a sensational batter in his own right.
Bad News
As with so many teams, Minnesota needs an ace arm in its rotation. It'll also need to find right fielder Torii Hunter's replacement (scouting another catcher to eventually replace Kurt Suzuki might be the way to go as well).
19. Tampa Bay Rays
12 of 30
Good News
Center fielder Kevin Kiermaier had an exceptional, Gold Glove-worthy season. Third baseman Evan Longoria and second baseman Logan Forsythe also contributed standout defensive seasons.
Bad News
The offensive farm system could be better, and despite emerging performances from players like catcher Curt Casali, the lineup needs some help. While they're at it, the Rays are in need of a solid body in the outfield.
18. Detroit Tigers
13 of 30
Good News
Ace pitcher Justin Verlander is a great piece around which to build a starting rotation. Outside of the team's arms, they're in a fairly good place, despite trading away the likes of David Price and Yoenis Cespedes.
Bad News
The Tigers need more depth on the mound. The Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech reports that former Tiger Joakim Soria may be on the short list this winter to shore up the position. They'll also be without the services of infield prospect JaCoby Jones, now suspended 50 games for a second violation of MLB's drug policy.
17. Seattle Mariners
14 of 30
Good News
The acquisition of Nelson Cruz a year ago had a great impact on the starting lineup. Solid rookie pitcher Nathan Karns, acquired in a recent six-player trade with the Rays, is expected to have an instant impact in the Mariners' rotation, per the Associated Press, via ESPN.com.
Bad News
Seattle may soon have to deal with life without pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma. Adam Lewis of seattlepi.com reported that the 34-year-old has been extended a qualifying offer of $15.8 million. No player thus far this offseason has accepted such an offer.
16. New York Yankees
15 of 30
Good News
Even at 40 years old, Alex Rodriguez is still producing on a high level. The Yankees always have a great status benefit when it comes to attracting free agents—they've never shied from handing out big contracts. Star closer Andrew Miller continues to be a bright spot in the rotation.
Bad News
According to Wallace Matthews of ESPN.com, pitcher CC Sabathia may not be in the Yankees' 2016 starting rotation. While his declining play would imply that this may actually be an advantage, his $50 million salary hit over the next two years will impact New York's ability to sign more talent.
15. Cleveland Indians
16 of 30
Good News
Overall, the Indians are better than their disappointing 2015 campaign would lead many to believe. They boast one of baseball's best pitching staffs, led by Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar. After a phenomenal rookie season, Francisco Lindor has locked down the shortstop position as well.
Bad News
Outfielder Michael Brantley will miss five to six months following right shoulder surgery, according to the Associated Press, via ESPN.com. Obviously, having the team linchpin out for such a considerable amount of time does not bode well. The Indians would also be much better off with some batting assistance and upgrades in the outfield.
14. Arizona Diamondbacks
17 of 30
Good News
Arizona has two tremendously solid players in center fielder A.J. Pollock and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The team may have played above its potential in 2015, but that momentum will serve the team well heading into the upcoming year.
Bad News
Outside of Pollock, the outfield is somewhat in a state of disarray. In addition, the Diamondbacks require a starting pitcher in the worst way (enough to trade Pollock?). Catcher, too, could present some challenges with Jarrod Saltalamacchia electing for free agency.
13. Washington Nationals
18 of 30
Good News
New pitching coach Mike Maddux—the man who helped the Texas Rangers make the playoffs four times (and the World Series twice) in seven years—should have a positive impact on the Nats' starting rotation, according to the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes. With National League Outstanding Player Bryce Harper at the helm, there's only a minimum for what Washington can do.
Bad News
There's a real need for both an ace and closing pitcher in Washington, making Aroldis Chapman an interesting trade proposition. The bullpen, too, needs some bolstering, both in the lineup and rotation.
12. Los Angeles Angels
19 of 30
Good News
Mike Trout is still Mike Trout. Albert Pujols, too, remains a slugger. The Halos are a talented squad led by a consistently perennial MVP candidate that are but a few tweaks away from being contenders.
Bad News
The Angels are in need of some complementary offense, particularly with Pujols undergoing foot surgery and possibly missing Opening Day, according to SI.com. Some improved pitching is likely in order as well. The team will be heading into 2016 under new leadership with general manager Billy Eppler—a first-time GM, which might make for a rocky transition.
11. San Francisco Giants
20 of 30
Good News
The Giants have a terrific three-man pitching rotation in Madison Bumgarner, Jake Peavy and Chis Heston. According to the San Jose Mercury News' Andrew Baggarly, they're looking to add another ace to the bunch—possibly Zack Greinke or David Price.
Bad News
San Francisco could really use two extra arms, even with the three great ones it already has, an area it should look to address in the winter.
10. Houston Astros
21 of 30
Good News
The Astros have some exceptional, reliable talent in Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and Dallas Keuchel, as well as a solid farm system. They are still trending up after some poor play in recent history, but seeing as they've already succeeded in making a splash, 2016 bodes well.
Bad News
Keuchel showed up for Houston in the postseason, but in order to make a run against the top contenders, it'll need a deeper starting rotation and to add to the bullpen.
9. Boston Red Sox
22 of 30
Good News
The Sox are on an upswing behind the great play of three young stars: Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Eduardo Rodriguez. The team boasts a great farm system, which will not only benefit them in 2016 but will ensure that they'll stay relevant in the years thereafter.
Bad News
Their top two pitchers are Rick Porcello and Joe Kelly. Both were good in the second half of the season, but Boston needs an ace and should look to splurge in the offseason in order to solidify a postseason push.
8. New York Mets
23 of 30
Good News
Despite their 2015 championship loss, the Mets proved that you can win when relying on terrific pitching. That wasn't the only key to their success, however. Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy both had great seasons for the Mets as well.
Bad News
Both Cespedes and Murphy may likely leave the team. ESPN.com's Wallace Mathews sees the 30-year-old outfielder heading to the other New York team, while NJ.com's Mike Vorkunov reports that the Colorado Rockies are already looking into Murphy.
7. Texas Rangers
24 of 30
Good News
An already very complete Rangers team will likely remain that way with much of their offense sticking around. Ace pitcher Yu Darvish should be back from Tommy John surgery, providing the team a huge lift—enough to possibly claim the American League in 2016.
Bad News
Texas was quite successful in the absence of Darvish, but it would still be in its best interest to add another arm to the bullpen.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates
25 of 30
Good News
Team linchpin and center fielder Andrew McCutchen will look to have another great season while, rookie standout Jung-Ho Kang will likely be available for the Pirates about midway though spring training, according to CBSSports.com's Mike Axisa.
Bad News
Starting pitcher A.J. Burnett has now retired and other members of their rotation, including Antonio Bastardo and J.A. Happ, are flight risks. Joakim Soria is interested in returning to the Detroit Tigers, according to the Detroit News (h/t Post-Gazette.com's Bill Brink).
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
26 of 30
Good News
For L.A., the biggest checkbox has been filled—Clayton Kershaw isn't going anywhere. From top to bottom, the Dodgers are one of the most solid teams in baseball. They'll be contenders once again.
Bad News
Zack Greinke may be going somewhere. The 32-year-old pitcher opted out of his 2013 contract and, according to the Los Angeles Times' Houston Mitchell, he'll be looking for a deal around $180 million for six years. The Dodgers will enter this season without manager Don Mattingly, now in Miami. It isn't necessarily a negative, but it does add an element of uncertainty to the team.
4. Kansas City Royals
27 of 30
Good News
Pitchers Yordano Ventura and Edinson Volquez will both be back as solid pieces of the Royals' pitching rotation. The newly named World Series champions should now be flush with extra free-agency money and the status to attract the kind of players they would like to spend it on.
Bad News
Left fielder and face of the franchise Alex Gordon may decide to head elsewhere in what would be a major loss to Kansas City. USA Today reports that the Royals have extended a one-year, $15.8 million qualifying offer to the player who refused his $13.75 million option on Wednesday.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
28 of 30
Good News
Marcus Stroman, potentially Toronto's future starting ace pitcher, will be available for the season after tearing his ACL. R.A. Dickey, who the team has elected to retain, is also a more-than-serviceable part of that rotation. Led by Player of the Year Josh Donaldson, the Blue Jays will make another serious bid for the title.
Bad News
According to most predictions, including the ones from FoxSports.com, pitcher David Price will not likely re-sign with the Blue Jays, leaving them with a large hole in their starting rotation.
2. St. Louis Cardinals
29 of 30
Good News
The Cardinals are consistently one of the best and most complete teams in baseball. They may even be getting better with the possibly addition of 21-year-old pitcher Alex Reyes, who ESPN.com's David Schoenfield believes could be getting a midseason call-up.
Bad News
The greatest need for the Cardinals is an improved bullpen, something that, fortunately for them, can be fairly easily fixed. They could have more trouble on their hands, however, if they're not able to hold onto right fielder Jason Heyward, who according to Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago may be headed to Chicago.
1. Chicago Cubs
30 of 30
Good News
This young team has loads of upside. With last season's rookie phenom Kris Bryant and ace pitcher Jake Arrieta paving the way, along with solid players like Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber in their lineup, they're well on their way to an aggressive 2016.
Bad News
Terrific leadoff man Dexter Fowler will likely be leaving, according to ESPN.com's Jesse Rogers. The solid switch-hitter isn't easily replaceable, but his absence won't be too much cause for concern.
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