The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again world champions. Now with the 2025 season behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to the MLB’s Hot Stove. This offseason, all 30 teams will engage in trade talks, negotiate free-agent contracts, scour the waiver wire and prepare for the Rule 5 draft.
As we begin the countdown to 2026 Opening Day, every team starts its offseason with a list of the improvements it has to make — from the most glaring ones to upgrades that would be the cherry on top of the sundae. I checked in with all 30 teams’ front offices to hear directly from them how they view their respective needs and goals.
Next week, the GM meetings will take place in Las Vegas, where front offices will begin trade discussions and talk about contract parameters with free agents and their representatives. (I recently ranked the top 50 free agents.)
It’s a fun time of year, and we’ll have it all covered here at The Athletic. Below are the responses I received from all 30 teams about their needs and goals. I have also included my thoughts on other parts of their teams that could be upgraded.
National League EastAtlanta Braves
Biggest needs: Starting pitcher; shortstop
The Braves are expected to be players for one of the top free-agent pitchers and have been linked to Dylan Cease, among others. Ha-Seong Kim’s decision to opt out of his contract — much to the dismay of the Braves’ front office — has them in the market for a shortstop as well. From an offensive perspective, Bo Bichette would be an excellent fit, although I’m not sure they’ll be willing to commit to the years and dollars that he is likely to command.
If they did sign Bichette, they could move Ozzie Albies back to his original position, shortstop, and play Bichette at second base. That would solve the middle of their infield in a similar fashion to how the Blue Jays did this year with Andrés Giménez and Bichette and the Rangers did a few years ago with Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. If they can’t sign Bichette or Kim, one under-the-radar name they could target in a trade is the Rangers’ Josh Smith.
Miami Marlins
Biggest needs: Continue to build on their base of talent
Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix promoted Gabe Kapler to GM earlier this week, but Bendix will still have the final say on all major-league transactions. He has done a tremendous job since taking the reins and is building a strong foundation for the organization. He will continue to listen to trade proposals from all teams and field offers for starter Sandy Alcantara, who is expected to be dealt sometime between now and the 2026 trade deadline. The Marlins will cast a wide net; they are more focused on adding talent, wherever they can get it, than improving specific positions.
Will the Mets bring back Pete Alonso? (Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)
New York Mets
Biggest needs: Starting pitching; power bat
The Mets are prioritizing starting pitching and will look for a shorter-term commitment via trade if they can make it work. Their dream scenario would be to acquire the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal, a deal that would cost them a big chunk of the top talent in their farm system, or to reunite president of baseball operations David Stearns with Freddy Peralta in a trade with the Brewers. They will explore the free-agent market as well. They are committed to improving the top of their rotation whether it’s through trade or free agency.
The Mets also want another big bat, and if they can’t re-sign Pete Alonso, they could pivot to either Cody Bellinger or Josh Naylor.
Philadelphia Phillies
Biggest needs: Re-signing their own free agents; corner outfield
The Phillies have prioritized trying to retain DH and team leader Kyle Schwarber, who is coming off a 56-home run season. They would like to bring back lefty Ranger Suárez, but he’s projected to command more in free agency than they are willing to spend. They’re also expected to try to re-sign catcher J.T. Realmuto on a short-term deal.
The Phillies are also focused on improving their corner outfield spots. Free agents Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger would be perfect fits. If they miss out on those two, they could look to the trade market, where Jarren Duran (Red Sox), Steven Kwan (Guardians) or Jo Adell (Angels) could be available.
Washington Nationals
Biggest needs: Controllable starting pitching; catching
Rookie president of baseball operations Paul Toboni has let teams know that his priority is to acquire as much controllable starting pitching as possible. He’s also looking to upgrade the Nationals’ catching talent. On the acquisition side, it sounds like they’ll focus on trades for young, controllable players rather than dipping into the expensive free agent market. They’d prefer to invest their money in research development, analytics and technology at this point in the organization’s rebuilding process. One of the biggest trade pieces Toboni has to dangle is lefty MacKenzie Gore. Gore has two years of control left, but it’s unlikely the Nationals would keep him past his arbitration years, so trading him now makes the most sense.
I would also like to see the Nationals get an impact middle-of-the-order bat to help protect their young hitters such as James Wood, Dylan Crews and C.J. Abrams.
National League CentralChicago Cubs
Biggest need: Rebuilding the bullpen
The Cubs will focus on restocking their bullpen since practically all of their high-leverage arms are free agents, with the exception of Daniel Palencia. They are expected to be active on relievers in both free agency and trades. I also think they could use another top-of-the-rotation starter — especially after they let Shota Imanaga head to free agency — and with a strong farm system, they have enough chips to trade for one.
The Cubs are not expected to be heavy players for right fielder Kyle Tucker and seem comfortable going forward with Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki and Owen Caissie in their outfield.
Cincinnati Reds
Biggest needs: Offense; defense; bullpen
The Reds made the playoffs, which was a huge accomplishment in the first year with Terry Francona as manager. It was clear to him and the front office that the Reds need to improve their overall offense and defense, as well as add depth to the bullpen to be more competitive in the postseason. The lineup spots that could be upgraded are first base, left field or designated hitter. They took one positive step toward improving their team defense with the addition of Gold Glove third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes at the trade deadline, but they want to continue that progress.
There have also been rumblings in baseball that the Reds will listen on starter Hunter Greene, which makes no sense to me based on his talent and years of control (through 2029) — unless, of course, they receive an overwhelming offer. It’s something to keep an eye on this fall and winter. I’ve always felt Greene had the potential to win a Cy Young Award and would personally hate to see the Reds trade him.
Joey Ortiz was excellent defensively, but the Brewers are looking for more offense at the position. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images)
Milwaukee Brewers
Biggest needs: Offensive shortstop; backup catcher
The Brew Crew are focused on improving their offense at shortstop. Although they love Joey Ortiz’s glove, they need more offensive production from that position after watching Willy Adames leave in free agency last winter. They’re also going to be surveying the market for a backup catcher.
At the same time, the Brewers will be listening to offers on their ace, Freddy Peralta, who is entering his walk season. They traded Corbin Burnes to the Orioles when he was a year away from free agency as well. The ideal return for Milwaukee would be a starting pitcher, shortstop and backup catcher.
In general, I see them looking for MLB-ready talent this offseason, with a focus on adding a good-hitting shortstop and younger starting pitching with team control. Most of their acquisitions will be via trades or through adding mid- or low-level free agents, as usual.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Biggest needs: Offense; left-handed hitters
The Pirates’ pitching staff had the third-best team ERA in the NL this season, behind only the Brewers and the Padres. They just couldn’t score runs — they were last in MLB in runs scored and home runs. Obviously, their focus this offseason is to add as much offense as possible through trades, free agency or promotions from their farm system. (Top prospect Konnor Griffin finished the year in Double A and could debut sometime in 2026.) In addition, they are prioritizing left-handed hitters over right-handed hitters to better balance the lineup.
If the Pirates have a strong offseason in terms of adding hitters, they could be surprise contenders next season, but they have a lot of work to do to get there.
St. Louis Cardinals
Biggest need: Controllable starting pitching
Chaim Bloom has taken over as the head of baseball operations, replacing John Mozeliak, and he has made it clear he will build the team mostly through player development and scouting. He plans on entertaining trade proposals for three of the Cardinals’ veteran players who have no-trade clauses — starter Sonny Gray, first baseman Willson Contreras and third baseman Nolan Arenado. Gray will have the strongest trade market of the trio and likely will be dealt by the end of the calendar year. Keep in mind, however, that Gray will have to approve any trade.
The Cardinals’ main focus on the acquisition side is to add controllable starting pitching.
National League WestArizona Diamondbacks
Biggest needs: Starting and relief pitching
The Diamondbacks are expected to lose Zac Gallen in free agency and will aim to replace him with another quality starter either via free agency or trade. They also plan on building up their bullpen depth.
They also need depth at first base, and a reunion with Paul Goldschmidt is a real possibility. It would be a feel-good story if he could finish his career where it started. The Diamondbacks plan to have Jordan Lawlar take over at third base and Pavin Smith will be their regular first baseman. They have no intention of bringing back Josh Naylor or Eugenio Suárez, both of whom they dealt at the deadline.
Colorado Rockies
Biggest needs: Everything
The Rockies start this offseason behind every other team, as they don’t have a president of baseball operations, a general manager or a field manager. They are also coming off of one of the worst seasons in MLB history. The Rockies have dire needs pretty much everywhere — starting pitching, bullpen, offense, defense and their bench.
Could Kyle Tucker be a fit in Los Angeles? (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Biggest needs: Outfield; bullpen
The Dodgers will try for a three-peat next season, and I don’t expect them to rest on their laurels this offseason. In my opinion, they could use an upgrade in one of the corner outfield spots, with Kyle Tucker being a perfect fit for them. He is the type of complete player — hits for average, power, runs well and plays good defense — that they need in the outfield.
They’ll also work on their bullpen; whether it’s simply getting their injured relievers healthy, developing their young arms or trading from their minor-league depth to acquire talent, it’s one area they really need to continue to focus on. They’ll likely explore the free agent market for relievers again as well.
And, yes, even if they do nothing, they’re the favorites to repeat in 2026.
San Diego Padres
Biggest needs: Manager; starting pitching
The Padres still need to hire a manager, something that is expected to get done this week. Once that’s completed, they’ll spend most of the offseason trying to rebuild their starting rotation as both Dylan Cease and Michael King are free agents and Yu Darvish is out for the season after undergoing possibly career-ending surgery on his right elbow UCL that included an internal brace.
The Padres also need to extend A.J. Preller’s contract as president of baseball operations. He is clearly one of the best in the business and they need to make sure he’s locked up before teams start hunting for his services. He’s happy in San Diego and the feeling is mutual.
San Francisco Giants
Biggest needs: Starting and relief pitching
The Giants will focus on improving their rotation and bullpen, so don’t be surprised if they make a strong push for one of the top starting pitchers in the market from the group of Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, Michael King, Shota Imanaga and Ranger Suárez. They also could make a run at Max Scherzer on a one-year deal and bring back Justin Verlander for one more season.
I think they need one more bat to go with Willy Adames, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, Heliot Ramos, Jung Hoo Lee and rookie Bryce Eldridge. The biggest upgrade position for me would be right field, but it doesn’t sound like they’ll be pursuing Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger despite the impact either would have on this lineup.
American League EastBaltimore Orioles
Biggest needs: Starting pitching; relief pitching; outfield
The Orioles did an excellent job in hiring Craig Albernaz as their manager. Now they have to give him a pitching staff that can help the Orioles to be contenders in 2026. They have significant needs in the rotation and bullpen and plan on adding to both areas. They’ll also scour the free agent and trade markets looking for an outfielder.
This will be an important Hot Stove season for the O’s brass with all the other teams in the division getting better. It will also be telling if Orioles ownership is willing to bid on some of the bigger free agents in this year’s class.
Boston Red Sox
Biggest needs: Starting pitcher; corner infielder
The Red Sox loved their time with Alex Bregman and appreciated all he did on and off the field. That said, I’m not sure they’ll be willing to commit to Bregman on a long-term contract at his market price. If they don’t, expect them to let rookie Marcelo Mayer take over at third base with Trevor Story staying at shortstop.
The Red Sox are focused on adding starting pitching, and they have plenty of prospects in their strong farm system to perhaps trade for top arms like Tarik Skubal, Hunter Greene or Freddy Peralta. They also have the financial freedom to land one of the top starters in free agency, though trading for a top-tier starter is their preferred route.
If they lose out on Bregman, then their next need to fill will be a corner infielder. They would most likely seek a first baseman with Triston Casas coming off another injury-shortened season, as they have Mayer ready to play third, although Mayer also missed significant time this year with injury and an upgrade at third base is not out of the question.
The Yankees have a deep rotation but they’d happily make room for Tarik Skubal. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
New York Yankees
Biggest needs: Pitching
When they are all healthy, the Yankees’ rotation will include Max Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, Cam Schlittler, Clarke Schmidt, Will Warren and Allan Winans. That’s not a group that needs improvement. However, for Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta, they might be open to trading from their pitching surplus. (I think Gil or Schlittler would be headliners in any deal for Peralta or Skubal.)
Devin Williams and Luke Weaver are free agents, and improving the quality and depth of the bullpen is a key need for the Yankees. I’d love to see them land either Edwin Díaz or Robert Suarez in free agency to pair with David Bednar at the back of the bullpen.
In my view, the other areas of concern are third base and the outfield. The Yankees traded for Ryan McMahon to play third and he’s an excellent defender, but his bat isn’t strong enough for him to be a regular in the lineup. They love Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones, and both have upside to be impactful contributors in the outfield, but if they don’t re-sign Cody Bellinger, they would miss his bat and positional flexibility too much. If they can’t retain Bellinger, they should take a run at Kyle Tucker. He’s a complete player and would be a huge addition, especially given the short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. He’d also benefit from hitting between Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
Regardless of what happens, don’t expect the Yankees to be quiet this offseason after watching the Blue Jays fall just short of a World Series title and seeing how much better the Red Sox are getting thanks to their strong farm system.
Tampa Bay Rays
Biggest needs: Outfield; catcher; shortstop; starting pitching
The Rays have already had trade talks with teams as they look to upgrade their outfield. In addition, as they do every year, they are focused on improving behind the plate. The Royals are a strong fit as a possible trade partner, as they have two of baseball’s top catching prospects (Carter Jensen and Blake Mitchell).
The Rays also view shortstop and starting pitching as other areas they’d like to improve. They are likely to be involved mostly in the trade market, though they could be players for a mid-level free agent in the right circumstance.
Toronto Blue Jays
Biggest needs: Re-sign Bo Bichette and Shane Bieber
The defending American League champions have made re-signing Bichette their top offseason priority and the feeling is mutual as Bichette prefers to stay in Toronto. However, his free agent market could get out of control as he’s only 27 years old and is one of the best hitters in the game. Bichette’s ability to play second base, shortstop or third base makes him a free-agent fit for practically every team in the sport.
The Jays also made it a priority to bring back Bieber, and they were able to cross that off their list early when he opted into a one-year, $16 million deal. With Bieber in tow, the Jays could look to bring back their other veteran starters. Max Scherzer doesn’t think he’s thrown his last pitch in the majors, and after watching him in the World Series, there is no doubt he could pitch at least another season. Bringing back Chris Bassitt on a short-team deal is another possibility.
Like all 30 teams, the Blue Jays should also try to add more depth to their bullpen.
American League CentralChicago White Sox
Biggest needs: Starting and relief pitching; corner outfield; infield
The White Sox rebuild is well underway and their offseason trade and free agent targets are clear. They’ll continue to try to improve their starting and relief pitching, with multiple needs in both categories. Finding pitchers with ample team control will be a top priority. They are also trying to upgrade a corner outfield spot and add more infield depth.
The White Sox will continue to listen on veteran center fielder Luis Robert Jr., and will dangle their abundance of right-handed-hitting infielders as trade bait. Although they don’t want to trade from their stable of young starting pitchers, they remain open-minded to creative ideas.
Cleveland Guardians
Biggest needs: Offense; centerfield; right-handed hitting; bullpen depth
The Guardians will have rookie Chase DeLauter for a full season, which should help their outfield production, but even if he’s able to stay healthy and hits to his potential, their outfield will still need to improve significantly from this season. Therefore, they are focused on outfield upgrades as the best avenue to improve their overall offense. They especially could use right-handed-hitting outfielders since most of their young outfielders are left-handed hitters. In addition, their preference is to acquire a center fielder rather than a corner outfielder to replace Lane Thomas, who is expected to depart in free agency.
The Guardians also want to add bullpen depth as they don’t know what will happen with closer Emmanuel Clase, who remains on administrative leave while MLB investigates allegations of gambling.
Detroit Tigers
Biggest needs: Starting and relief pitching
The Tigers’ front office is prioritizing starting and relief pitching. I also believe they could use another bat and team leader like third baseman Alex Bregman, who they almost signed last offseason.
There have been grumblings that, since the Tigers are so far apart in contract extension negotiations with Tarik Skubal, their best play would be to trade him right now for as much talent as they can get back while his value is at its peak. If they can’t sign him long-term, they shouldn’t wait until the next trade deadline to do it. They absolutely shouldn’t let themselves end up only with draft pick compensation next offseason, when Skubal will be eligible for free agency. It’s time for the Tigers to seek a Juan Soto-type trade if they’re not willing to make Skubal the highest paid pitcher in MLB, which he will soon be, even if he has to wait until next offseason.
It will be a fascinating offseason in the Motor City.
Can the Royals add another bat to protect Bobby Witt Jr. in the lineup? (Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images)
Kansas City Royals
Biggest need: Corner outfield
The Royals are making it known across the industry that they want to acquire a corner outfielder who can hit in the middle of their lineup.
They have done a remarkable job of building the team into a contender over the last couple of seasons under the leadership of GM J.J. Picollo and manager Matt Quatraro. Their starting pitching is solid and has depth, and the same could be said of the bullpen. They have a superstar in Bobby Witt Jr. and future Hall of Fame catcher Salvador Perez — whom they just signed to a two-year extension through 2027 — along with a strong core of young players led by Maikel Garcia, Carter Jensen, Jac Caglianone and Vinnie Pasquantino. Add one more impact bat to the lineup and the Royals just might become the favorites to win the AL Central in 2026.
Minnesota Twins
Biggest need: Rebuilding the bullpen
At the trade deadline, the Twins dealt practically their entire bullpen, including closer Jhoan Duran and set-up relievers Louis Varland, Griffin Jax, Danny Coulombe and Brock Stewart. Now they’ll spend the offseason focused on completely rebuilding that bullpen to be more competitive next year.
I like their hire of Derek Shelton as manager and am glad he’s getting a second opportunity after not having very competitive teams in his prior job with the Pirates.
American League WestAthletics
Biggest needs: Second base; third base
The Athletics are focused on improving at second and third base, looking at both external and internal options. In my opinion, they also need to improve their pitching staff, as they ranked 27th in team ERA last year.
As they get a year closer to moving to Las Vegas, it’s important they continue to draft well and make an impact with international signings. They also need to continue to add core long-term pieces through trades or free agency every offseason until they move to Vegas so they’re ready to win in that debut season.
Houston Astros
Biggest needs: Starting pitcher; backup catcher
The Astros would like to re-sign Framber Valdez, but they’re not afraid to walk away if the price gets too steep, like they did with George Springer and Carlos Correa in free agency and Kyle Tucker via trade.
If they do lose Valdez, they’ll be prepared to pivot quickly in free agency to find starting pitching, with potential targets like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen, Ranger Suárez or Michael King. The Astros are also searching for a backup catcher. And finally, they just hope to be healthy in 2026, which is the main reason they didn’t make the playoffs this year.
Los Angeles Angels
Biggest need: Starting pitching
The Angels hired Kurt Suzuki as their new manager but gave him only a one-year contract so he has the same contract length as GM Perry Minasian. Entering this offseason, the Angels are not a contending team, and that’s not going to change unless they make significant upgrades to their rotation. They will be active in looking for starting pitching.
In my opinion, the Angels could use an upgrade at third base as well.
The Mariners would like to keep Josh Naylor on the team long-term. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners
Biggest need: First base; third base
The Mariners are going to try and run it back in 2026 and their top priority this offseason is to re-sign first baseman Josh Naylor. If that doesn’t work out, they could pivot to either Cody Bellinger or Pete Alonso. If they fail to land a big first base target, they might chase down a third base option instead, like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette, or bring back Eugenio Suárez … again.
The rest of the team will be ready to return for another run at the franchise’s first World Series.
Texas Rangers
Biggest need: Starting and relief pitching; catching
The Rangers will continue to make adding pitching their top priority despite the fact they led all 30 clubs in team ERA. They could use another middle-of-the-order impact bat, too, but don’t have the salary flexibility to make the moves they’d like because they have more than $55 million committed this upcoming year alone to Adolis García, Marcus Semien and Joc Pederson.
The Rangers’ rotation of Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, Cody Bradford and Jacob Latz is solid, which tells me they’ll focus more on the bullpen than the rotation this winter.