2025-2026 MLB Offseason: Needs and Goals for All 30 Teams

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2025-2026 MLB Offseason: Needs and Goals for All 30 Teams

The MLB offseason of 2025-2026 is shaping up to be an exciting period for all 30 teams. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, franchises will be handling important transactions. From trades and free-agent negotiations to scouting the waiver wire, teams are busy preparing for the Rule 5 draft.

2025-2026 MLB Offseason: Needs and Goals for All 30 Teams

As teams look forward to the 2026 Opening Day, they have identified key areas for improvement. Below is a breakdown of each team’s needs and goals for the upcoming offseason.

National League East

  • Atlanta Braves: Major needs include a starting pitcher and a shortstop, with interest in top free agents.
  • Miami Marlins: The focus is on building talent depth rather than addressing specific positions.
  • New York Mets: Targeting starting pitching and a power bat, with strong interest in Tigers’ Tarik Skubal.
  • Philadelphia Phillies: Aiming to re-sign their free agents and strengthen their corner outfield.
  • Washington Nationals: Prioritizing controllable starting pitching and catcher improvements as they rebuild.

National League Central

  • Chicago Cubs: Focused on bolstering their bullpen and acquiring a top-of-the-rotation starter.
  • Cincinnati Reds: Seeking improvements in offense, defense, and relief pitching after a playoff appearance.
  • Milwaukee Brewers: Looking for an offensive shortstop and backup catcher.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: Tasked with enhancing their offense while ensuring a balanced lineup with left-handed hitters.
  • St. Louis Cardinals: Focused on acquiring controllable starting pitching amid potential trades involving key veterans.

National League West

  • Arizona Diamondbacks: Aiming to replace expected free agency losses with a focus on pitching depth.
  • Colorado Rockies: In dire need of management and significant team improvement across all areas.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers: Continuously seeking outfield and bullpen upgrades as they aim for a championship repeat.
  • San Diego Padres: Need to hire a manager and rebuild their starting pitching rotation.
  • San Francisco Giants: Targeting improvements in the rotation and bullpen while seeking another impactful bat.

American League East

  • Baltimore Orioles: Focused on enhancing their starting rotation and bullpen to contend.
  • Boston Red Sox: Seeking a starting pitcher and possibly a corner infielder to reinforce their lineup.
  • New York Yankees: Need bullpen depth and may target high-impact position players.
  • Tampa Bay Rays: Aiming for outfield and catching upgrades while considering trade options.
  • Toronto Blue Jays: Priorities include re-signing Bo Bichette and enhancing their bullpen depth.

American League Central

  • Chicago White Sox: Focused on rebuilding their pitching staff and enhancing outfield and infield depth.
  • Cleveland Guardians: Targeting offensive upgrades, especially in center field, alongside bullpen depth.
  • Detroit Tigers: Prioritizing both starting and relief pitching and weighing the trade possibilities of key players.
  • Kansas City Royals: In search of a corner outfielder to bolster their lineup.
  • Minnesota Twins: Committed to rebuilding their bullpen after major trade activity last season.

American League West

  • Oakland Athletics: Focused on upgrades at second and third base, with an eye on pitching improvement.
  • Houston Astros: Seeking a backup catcher and potentially replacing Framber Valdez through trades or free agency.
  • Los Angeles Angels: Looking for substantial upgrades in their starting pitching and third base position.
  • Seattle Mariners: Top priority is re-signing first baseman Josh Naylor.
  • Texas Rangers: Aiming to strengthen their bullpen while maintaining their strong starting rotation.

This offseason presents each MLB team with critical chances to elevate their competitive stance ahead of the 2026 season. All eyes will be on the transactions that unfold as teams pursue their specific needs and set their goals for the future.