Chicago Cubs: RHP Carlos Estévez

Assuming they are happy with top prospect Matt Shaw as the starting third baseman, the final piece of the puzzle for the Cubs offseason is finding a reliable ninth-inning option. Porter Hodge, Nate Pearson and Tyson Miller are the top in-house candidates for the closer job, but they have a combined 13 career saves. Carlos Estévez and Tanner Scott are the top relievers on the market, while Kenley Jansen is also an option.

Cincinnati Reds: RHP José Leclerc

The Reds are likely going to rely on in-house improvements to bolster the offense, so the bullpen will be the focal point to wrap up the offseason. Despite losing Buck Farmer (61 G, 3.04 ERA), Fernando Cruz (69 G, 4.86 ERA) and Justin Wilson (60 G, 5.59 ERA), they have yet to make any outside additions to the relief corps. Leclerc had a shaky 2024 season, but he has 41 career saves and the potential to emerge as the primary eighth inning guy.

Milwaukee Brewers: IF Paul DeJong

With Joey Ortiz set to shift from third base to shortstop following the departure of Willy Adames, the Brewers have a hole to fill at the hot corner. Oliver Dunn, Caleb Durbin and Andruw Monasterio are options on the 40-man roster, while the club could also revisit shifting Sal Frelick to third base. DeJong slugged 24 home runs last season, and he is a capable defender on the left side of the infield who should come relatively cheap.

Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Mark Canha

Joshua Palacios, Jack Suwinski, Billy Cook and Ji Hwan Bae are the only outfielders on Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster aside from Bryan Reynolds, Oneil Cruz and Andrew McCutchen who will spend most of his time at designated hitter. A veteran like Canha who can provide professional at-bats and a solid clubhouse presence would be a nice addition to finalize the starting lineup.

St. Louis Cardinals: OF Harrison Bader

Michael Siani (334 PA, 61 OPS+, .228/.285/.285, 0.7 WAR) and Victor Scott II (155 PA, 40 OPS+, .179/.219/.283, -0.5 WAR) were both non-factors offensively last season, and while Scott showed some flashes down the stretch, the Cardinals might prefer to bring in a more established option to compete for the center field job. If he can be had on a one-year deal, Bader makes a ton of sense. He can compete with those young guys and provide a potential trade chip.