Building Each MLB Team's Free-Agency Wish List Ahead of 2019-20 Offseason
Just there on the other side of the fast-approaching World Series is the 2019-20 Major League Baseball offseason. When it arrives, there's not a team in the league that won't have work to do in free agency.
We've taken a look at each club's wish list for its shopping on the open market. Though financial flexibility and contention windows certainly vary, we kept our focus on areas where teams need either depth or upgrades.
We'll go division-by-division, starting in the American League East and ending in the National League West.
American League East
1 of 6
Baltimore Orioles: Low-Cost Pitching Depth
The Baltimore Orioles have lost 223 games over the last two seasons, and another 100 or so will likely be added to the pile in 2020 no matter what they do this winter.
Even still, the Orioles aren't obligated to carry on with a pitching staff that posted an MLB-worst 5.59 ERA and allowed nearly as many home runs (305) as the Minnesota Twins hit (307) in 2019.
Starting pitchers? Relief pitchers? It doesn't matter so long as they don't cost much and have some upside while the team seeks dignity and trade chips.
Boston Red Sox: Pitching Depth and First Baseman
They may be a deep-pocketed franchise that just won a World Series in 2018, but every indication is that the Boston Red Sox will be focused on cutting payroll this winter.
Unless they're going to give up and rebuild, however, the Red Sox must reinforce a starting rotation that went from a 3.77 ERA in 2018 to a 4.95 ERA in 2019. Likewise, a bullpen that had issues holding leadsย could also use a boost.
If they have anything left over, the Red Sox could also consider a first baseman. The position produced only 0.9 wins above replacement in 2019, according to Baseball Reference, and Mitch Moreland and Steve Pearce are both free agents.
New York Yankees: Starting Pitchers and Relief Pitchers
The New York Yankees' focus is on the American League Championship Series. And come the winter, they could beย surprisingly quiet.
They already have plenty on their payroll, after all. And while Didi Gregorius, Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia and Dellin Betances are due to come off their books, none of the four will leave a hole that can't be filled from within.
The Yankees could nonetheless be in a mood to upgrade. If so, their eyes will likely be on a starting rotation that needs upside (i.e., Gerrit Cole) and a bullpen that wouldn't be hurt by another power arm (i.e., Daniel Hudson).
Tampa Bay Rays: Middle-of-the-Order Hitter
The Tampa Bay Rays won 96 games in 2019, and they only stand to lose Avisail Garcia, Travis d'Arnaud and Eric Sogard to free agency this winter.ย
But lest the Rays get it in their heads to stand pat, their offense needs a rock. Only the Toronto Blue Jays got a lower OPS out of the cleanup spot this season, and the whole Rays offense finished 11th in the American League in home runs.
The Rays almost certainly can't afford an Anthony Rendon or a Josh Donaldson. But they might be able to sign an Edwin Encarnacion or even a Nicholas Castellanos if they're so inclined.
Toronto Blue Jays: Veteran Starting Pitcher
The Toronto Blue Jays will be an intriguing team soon, but the time for them to go all-in on their contention window isn't now.
Yet the Blue Jays should at least consider adding to their starting rotation. It posted a 5.25 ERA in 2019, and top prospect Nate Pearson isn't quite ready to stake his claim as the club's ace.
The Blue Jays don't have to sign, say, Cole, Hyun-Jin Ryu or Madison Bumgarner. But a reliable source of innings such as Rick Porcello or Ivan Nova would suit them well.
American League Central
2 of 6
Chicago White Sox: Jose Abreu, Left-Handed Hitters and Starting Pitchers
Re-signing Jose Abreu will probably be the Chicago White Sox's first move this winter. They need his presence in their clubhouse just as much as they need his right-handed power in their lineup.
And yet it's reallyย left-handed power that the White Sox must covet this offseason. Even somebody such as Corey Dickerson would be a welcome addition to an offense that got an MLB-low .349 slugging percentage from the left side of the plate in 2019.
The White Sox must also weigh improvements for a rotation that put up a 5.30 ERA this season. Depth would be nice. A co-ace for breakout star Lucas Giolito would be even better.
Cleveland Indians: Outfielders, Second Baseman and Relief Pitchers
The Cleveland Indians might spend a second straight winter trapped by their payroll constraints. But if they want to hold off the White Sox and catch up to the Twins, they'll need to doย something.
Adding talent to an outfield that produced only 4.6 WAR in 2019 would be a good start. Alternatively, the Indians could take Jason Kipnis' looming departure as an excuse to upgrade at second base.
Their bullpen is yet another area that would benefit from attention. It performed well for most of 2019 but then hit a wall in August and September. If not Will Smith, somebody such as Chris Martin would fit them well as a setup man and insurance for incumbent closer Brad Hand.
Detroit Tigers: Low-Cost Hitters
Like the Orioles, the Detroit Tigers are doomed to be a 100-loss team for at least one more season as they try to find new life amid an extensive rebuild.
But whereas the O's need arms to help them salvage some dignity, the Tigers need bats. They were the only team to get negative WAR from its hitters in 2019. Likewise, they scored fewer runs than any club in MLB.
Where would the Tigers put said bats? Save for designated hitterโwhich is Miguel Cabrera's domainโliterally anywhere should be fair game. It really was that bad atย every positionย for them this season.
Kansas City Royals: Pitching Depth and First Baseman
The Kansas City Royals' offseason will be their first with new owner John Sherman at the controls. If he's smart, he'll refrain from trying to fix a 103-loss roster in a single offseason.
But not unlike the Orioles and Tigers, the Royals figure to at least be in the market for low-cost depth. They especially need it in their pitching staff, which produced a 5.20 ERA in 2019, despite having the benefit of Kauffman Stadium's gigantic dimensions.
A new first baseman will be a secondary yet not insignificant need. The club got minus-1.9 WAR out of the cold corner this season. That was by far the worst mark in MLB.
Minnesota Twins: Starting Pitchers, Relief Pitchers and Catcher
The Twins can leave good enough alone with their homer-happy offense this winter. Their starting rotation, however, will need serious attention.
Jake Odorizzi, Kyle Gibson and Michael Pineda are due for free agency, and Martin Perez could join them if his $7.5 million option for 2020 isn't picked up. If so, the Twins will have lost four pitchers who accounted for 114 starts in 2019.
If they still have spare cash after filling those spots, the Twins could also consider a reliever to fill Sergio Romo's shoes and a backup catcher to fill those of Jason Castro. Both are also headed to free agency.
American League West
3 of 6
Houston Astros: Pitching Depth and Catcher
Between the two teams locked in a battle for the American League pennant, the Houston Astros have a longer to-do list this winter.
Their list of free agents includes Cy Young Award candidate Gerrit Cole, plus fellow starter Wade Miley and relievers Will Harris, Joe Smith and Collin McHugh. The Astros likely won't repeat this season's 3.66 ERA unless they're aggressive with filling those holes in free agency.
Not to be overlooked, meanwhile is the looming free agency of Martin Maldonado, who presided over a catching corps that producedย 3.6 WARย in 2019. He must be either re-signed or replaced.
Los Angeles Angels: Starting Pitchers, Relief Pitchers and Catcher
The Los Angeles Angels haveย hiredย Joe Maddonโwho led the Chicago Cubs to World Series glory in 2016โas their new manager. Now they need to get him some shiny new toys to play with.
The team's biggest priority is a starting rotation that put out anย MLB-lowย 0.8 WAR in 2019. Cole would be a huge get, but they'd need to keep adding even after they signed him.
The Angels also need to scour the market for relievers and for a new starter for a catcher spot that producedย minus-0.7 WARย this season. Assuming he declines his mutual option with the Milwaukee Brewers, Yasmani Grandal would be perfect.
Oakland Athletics: Starting Pitchers and Relief Pitchers
With a second straight 97-win season in their wake, the Oakland Athletics stand to lose Tanner Roark, Brett Anderson and Homer Bailey from their starting rotation. At least one of their spots will have to be filled with a hired gun.
If they have any flexibility after filling their rotation, the A's should look for hidden gems on the relief pitching market. Their pen was solid in 2019, butย not as dominantย as it was in 2018.
Otherwise, top prospect Sean Murphy is ready to stabilize what has been a faulty catching squad. And while second base was aย weaknessย in 2019, the A's can let Jurickson Profar and Franklin Barreto battle it out in the spring rather than bring in a third party.
Seattle Mariners: Low-Cost Pitching Depth and Outfielders
The Seattle Mariners will likely play it cool in free agency following their tumble from 89 wins in 2018 to 94 losses in 2019. They'll probably be more interested in adding to their already excellentย farm system.
Nevertheless, the Mariners will need bodies for a pitching staff that struggled with a 4.99 ERA and now has a Felix Hernandez-sized hole in it. They'll surely turn over plenty of rocks in search of affordable arms.
The Mariners could also see to an outfield that compiledย 1.8 WARย this season. One idea would be to pick up Juan Lagares as a reclamation project if (OK,ย when)ย the New York Mets decline his $9.5 million option.
Texas Rangers: Third Baseman, First Baseman, Catcher and Starting Pitchers
Between their surprisingly competitive 2019 season and their upcoming move to aย new stadium, the Texas Rangers have two reasons to go all-in on free agency this winter.
To this end, they have major needs in their lineup at third base (0.3 WAR), first base (0.4 WAR) and catcher (minus-2.0 WAR). Pickings will be slim on the first base market, but the other two could be filled with some combination of Anthony Rendon, Josh Donaldson and Grandal.
Alternatively, the Rangers could prioritize their starting rotation. Mike Minor and Lance Lynn are outstanding, and Kolby Allard has potential, but things get dicey after those three.
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National League East
4 of 6
Atlanta Braves: Pitching Depth, Third Baseman, Outfielder and Catcher
Following their upset loss in the National League Division Series, the Atlanta Braves have to fill out a roster that's about to have a ton of holes opened by free agency.
Specifically, the Braves will need to weigh replacing Dallas Keuchel in their rotation and Chris Martin, Darren O'Day, Anthony Swarzak and Josh Tomlin in their bullpen. They have in-house arms to call on in some of those cases, but perhaps not all.
Also coming off Atlanta's books are Josh Donaldson, Nick Markakis (club option), Brian McCann and Matt Joyce. Even if they can re-sign Donaldsonโthe two parties seem to have mutual interest in a reunionโto play third base, they'll still have shoes to fill at catcher and in their outfield.
Miami Marlins: Low-Cost Hitters and Closer
The Marlins' 2019 campaign wasn't a total loss, as their farm system skyrocketed from No. 25 to No. 5 throughout the season. That bodes well for the future.
In the meantime, they should do something to keep their offense from letting them down again in 2020. Though the Tigers were worse in both regards, it's no consolation that Marlins hitters ranked 29th in WAR and runs per game. Low-cost solutionsย would be especially welcome atย second base and in their outfield.
The Marlins could also scoop up an affordable closer for their bullpen, which tied for an MLB-low minus-0.5 WAR this season. To wit, they could take a flier on Pedro Strop or old friend Steve Cishek.
New York Mets: Starting Pitchers and Relief Pitchers
The Mets seem to have needs at third base by way of Todd Frazier's free agency and center field by way of the position's 0.2 WAR in 2019. However, those could be jobs for J.D. Davis and Brandon Nimmo.
The Mets' more pressing needs are on the mound, where they figure to lose Zack Wheeler from their rotation. They might at least bring in an innings-eater to work behind Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz.
A bullpen that finished with just 1.0 WAR in 2019 should also be a priority. The Mets might settle for adding depth, but they could go for a new closer if they'd rather not trust Edwin Diaz to put his brutal season behind him.
Philadelphia Phillies: Third Baseman, Starting Pitchers and Relief Pitchers
The Philadelphia Phillies expended a whole bunch of financial and prospect capital last winter, but all it got them was an improvement from 80 wins in 2018 to 81 wins in 2019.
To facilitate the kind of improvement they desire, the Phillies could prefer to shore up a third base spot that contributed only 0.6 WAR this season. Anthony Rendon, Donaldson and, assuming he declines his mutual option with Milwaukee, Mike Moustakas could be on their radar.
However, the Phillies must not neglect a pitching staff that was plenty vulnerable en route to a 4.53 ERA. They would do well to invest in both rotation depth behind Aaron Nola and support for Hector Neris in their bullpen.
Washington Nationals: Middle-of-the-Order Hitter, Lineup Depth and Relief Pitchers
The Washington Nationals would probably rather not think about the offseason yet, and for good reason: They'll play in their first ever World Series next week.
When the winter does come, however, free agency will wreck their roster. The open market will claim Rendon, Howie Kendrick, Brian Dozier, Asdrubal Cabrera, Gerardo Parra, Daniel Hudson, Fernando Rodney and probably Ryan Zimmerman, who isn't worth his $18 million option.
If re-signing Rendon doesn't pan out, the Nats will have to find a new middle-of-the-order hitter and fill out the rest of their offensive depth however they can. A bullpen that put up only 0.1 WAR in 2019 will also need attention.
Oh, and one more thing: The Nationals will have still another crisis to manage if ace right-hander Stephen Strasburg opts out of his contract.
National League Central
5 of 6
Chicago Cubs: Outfielder, Starting Pitchers and Relief Pitchers
Once the Chicago Cubs hire a new manager, they'll have do something about the diminishing returns their roster has provided since 2016.
They might start with an outfield that combined for only 5.6 WAR in 2019. That could involve re-signing Nicholas Castellanos, who racked up a 1.002 OPS in 51 games as a Cub. It could also involve keeping Jason Heyward in right and fixing a center field spot that put out only 0.2 WAR.
The Cubs will also have to do something about a pitching staff that will lose Cole Hamels from its rotation and Steve Cishek, Pedro Strop and Brandon Kintzler from its bullpen. It would behoove the Cubs to pursue pitchers with significant upside, such as Zack Wheeler.
Cincinnati Reds: Middle Infielders and Outfielders
The Cincinnati Reds are rolling into the winter with few real needs in their pitching staff. There are only about, oh, 29 other teams that wish they could say the same.
What the Reds do need, however, is offense. And plenty of it, as their arms won't be good for much in 2020 if they only get another 4.4 runs per game in support.
The Reds have gaping holes at second base (minus-0.6 WAR), shortstop (1.2 WAR, plus Jose Iglesias' free agency) and their outfield (3.0 WAR). They'll have a tough time filling all of them with free agents, but Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna are two intriguing possibilities for their outfield, at least.
Milwaukee Brewers: Pitching Depth and Shortstop
The Brewers will be in a difficult spot if Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas decline their mutual options, which they're sure to do after they combined for 63 home runs in 2019.
But since that isn'tย quite a given, for now Milwaukee's problem areas are mainly on the mound. With Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Lyles and Drew Pomeranz headed to the open market, the Brewers have at least three good excuses to upgrade a pitching staff that posted a modest 4.40 ERA this season.
It's also possible the Brewers will move on from Orlando Arcia at shortstopโa position group that produced an MLB-low minus 0.3 WAR. Didi Gregorius will be a potential target if they do.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Pitching Depth, Catcher and Power
The Pittsburgh Pirates should probably blow up their roster. After all, it's hard to imagine how they'll fix a 93-loss outfit and a toxic clubhouseย by staying the course.
But since the Pirates have yet to show real interest in a rebuild, we must assume their plan for 2020 is to somehow, some way get back on track.
It would help if they brought in fresh talent for a pitching staff that trailed all of MLB with 3.8 WAR in 2019. They could also use a new catcher for a group that posted minus-0.2 WAR, as well as power for an offense that mustered only 163 home runs.
St. Louis Cardinals: Middle-of-the-Order Hitters and Starting Pitcher
The St. Louis Cardinals weren't a very good offensive team in the regular season, and now they're going into the winter fresh off posting the worst OPS in the history of the National League Championship Series.
Factor in Ozuna's free agency, and suffice it to say the Cardinals need to be in the market for impact hitters. Their targets should include Anthony Rendon, Josh Donaldson and, if he opts out of his contract with Boston, J.D. Martinez.
The Cardinals will also need to keep an eye on the starting pitching market. Their rotation recovered from a slow start to 2019, but a step back in 2020 will be in order if Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha aren't replaced.
National League West
6 of 6
Arizona Diamondbacks: Right Fielder and Relief Pitcher
The Arizona Diamondbacks were the best team that nobody paid attention to in 2019. With the right moves, they could make themselves ready for the spotlight in 2020.
The zero WAR that Arizona got out of right field is license to wade into a corner of the market that's well populated with talent. Avisail Garcia would be a low-risk signing. If the D-backs want to push the envelope, there will be Nicholas Castellanos or former nemesis Yasiel Puig.
Otherwise, the Snakes could seek relievers. The bullpen compiled onlyย 1.7 WARย in 2019, and it doesn't look capable of better things in 2020 in its present form.
Colorado Rockies: Impact Hitters and Closer
The Colorado Rockies are a perfect illustration of the phrase "stuck between a rock and a hard place."
Their major league roster is weak and their farm system is shallow, but they don't have an easy path to a rebuild because of a general lack of valuable trade chips. But because their payroll is so bloated, they also don't have an easy path back to contention.
If the Rockies endeavor to force the issue, their first move should be to add impact hittersโnamely a catcher, second baseman or left fielderโto one of baseball's worst offenses. They could also use a new closer, as Wade Davis has crashed and burned in the role since he joined them in 2018.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Relief Pitchers and Starting Pitcher
The Los Angeles Dodgers racked up 106 wins in 2019, but every last one of them was for naught when they bowed out of the playoffs in the National League Division Series.
Among the things that came into focus in the NLDS was the overall weakness of their bullpen, which managed only 1.2 WAR in the regular season. Whether it's by signing Will Smith or somebody else, the Dodgers need to be aggressive about making sure this doesn't happen again.
Meanwhile, they'll also have to fill out a rotation that will lose Hyun-Jin Ryu, who's fresh off an MLB-best 2.32 ERA, and Rich Hill. The easy fix will be re-signing Ryu, who fits well in Los Angeles.
San Diego Padres: No. 1 Starter and Left-Handed Power
The 2019 season was a step forward for the San Diego Padres, though not as big as the one they were hoping for after they committed $300 million to Manny Machado.
More than anything, what the club needs is a veteran No. 1 starter to lead a pitching staff that was the youngest in baseball and generally mediocre with a 4.63 ERA. Gerrit Cole is probably a long shot, but the Padres might have a chance at Madison Bumgarner or Dallas Keuchel.
San Diego could also use another bat, specifically of the left-handed variety. Only the Marlins got a lower slugging percentage from the left side in 2019.
San Francisco Giants: Starting Pitchers and Right-Handed Power
The 2019 season wasn't the disaster it could have been for the San Francisco Giants. They were surprisingly competitive, and their farm system improved quite a bit.
So after they flirted with Bryce Harper last winter, perhaps it's not out of the question that the Giants will consider drastic actions on this winter's free-agent market. If nothing else, they might find a way to keep Bumgarner around for the rest of his prime, if not his whole career.
If not Bumgarner, the Giants will need other pitchers to come in and elevate a rotation that managed only 3.2 WAR in 2019. And whereas the Padres need left-handed thump, the Giants would do well to add right-handed power. They ranked ahead of only the Marlins in right-handed slugging percentage.
Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, FanGraphs and Baseball Savant.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
