As we enter a brand new yr and inch nearer to the 2026 baseball season, there’s a lot to be decided for a lot of golf equipment as they head to Spring Coaching.
Whereas there was loads of offseason exercise, many key free brokers stay on the board, attainable commerce candidates have not been moved and a plethora of groups have many inquiries to reply.
With all of this in thoughts, we requested all 30 MLB.com beat writers in regards to the greatest query every group faces earlier than Spring Coaching begins.
BLUE JAYS: Are they executed including bats?All the consideration has on Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, however the Blue Jays went out and gave Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto a four-year, $60 million deal. This possible removes the Blue Jays from the Alex Bregman market, provided that Okamoto may play third base, however the different two huge names stay choices. A Bichette signing would push Ernie Clement into an excellent utility position whereas a Tucker signing would match properly within the outfield, however it is a matter of cash after the Blue Jays have spent freely this offseason. This entrance workplace, like the opposite 29, is ready on these markets to take form … which usually means everyone seems to be ready for the value to come back down. Count on the Blue Jays to stay concerned and be open to at least one extra huge offensive addition. — Keegan Matheson
ORIOLES: Will they add an ace starter?The O’s wanted so as to add no less than one beginning pitcher this offseason, if not a number of — that’s for sure. They need a frontline arm to group with Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers on the high of the employees, they usually’ve acquired further mid-tier depth by buying and selling for Shane Baz and re-signing Zach Eflin. Nevertheless, it’s not but clear how Baltimore will go about additional upgrading its rotation. It continues to buy within the high tier of the free-agent market, however it additionally has commerce chips (most notably first basemen Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo) who might be flipped for one more starter. — Jake Rill
RAYS: Will they improve at catcher or shortstop?The Rays addressed two areas of concern, including Cedric Mullins and Jake Fraley to the outfield combine and signing Steven Matz to spherical out their rotation, however they haven’t modified their depth chart at catcher or shortstop. They may merely persist with Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes behind the plate, with prospect Dominic Keegan ready in Triple-A. And all indicators level to defensive whiz Taylor Partitions beginning at shortstop. However there’s time to make a transfer or, no less than, herald some extra depth, significantly an infielder who can play quick. — Adam Berry
RED SOX: Will they off-load an outfielder?It has been well-chronicled that the Crimson Sox have a log-jam within the outfield. They’ve 4 starting-caliber gamers for 3 spots in Roman Anthony, Jarren Duran, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu. Anthony is the one participant who for certain gained’t be traded. However a deal involving one of many different three may assist chief baseball officer Craig Breslow add a slugger or a beginning pitcher. Duran, who has three extra seasons earlier than he turns into eligible totally free company, may in all probability generate one of the best return for the Crimson Sox given his velocity and energy, to not point out the flexibility he has to play left or middle area. — Ian Browne
YANKEES: What’s happening in left area?The Yankees have been loud about their want to re-sign Cody Bellinger, however given how the market is growing, it seems like they’ll have loads of competitors (together with throughout city from the Mets). Given Hal Steinbrenner’s current feedback about it being “preferrred” to trim payroll, it’s honest to query if the Yanks may have the excessive bid for Bellinger, regardless of how high quality a match he appeared. Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones are the in-house candidates, however don’t be shocked if the Yanks pivot to a big commerce if Bellinger comes off the board. — Bryan Hoch
GUARDIANS: How will the outfield shake out?The Guardians have practically a dozen outfielder choices on their 40-man roster. However there’s not so much set in stone on the market, and it is one space you might pinpoint for Cleveland to make an addition to bolster its lineup. Proper now, there’s Steven Kwan in left area, whereas middle and proper are extra open. Chase DeLauter (No. 2 prospect, No. 58 total) will get reps at each positions in Spring Coaching. George Valera shall be within the right-field combine, and C.J. Kayfus is another choice there. Angel Martínez and Nolan Jones are additionally set to return from 2025. — Tim Stebbins
ROYALS: Have they got one other transfer to make?The Royals have spent this offseason addressing their outfield, including Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, and bullpen, with a pre-Christmas commerce for lefty Matt Strahm. They’ve appeared to verify off the objects normal supervisor J.J. Picollo laid out firstly of the offseason, particularly in relation to including on-base to the offense – they usually’ve executed all of it with out buying and selling a starter, which appeared just like the certain solution to discover bats. However there’s nonetheless loads of time earlier than Spring Coaching, and the Royals have mentioned they’ll proceed to search for methods so as to add expertise to their group. Maybe a commerce for one more bat involves fruition earlier than convening in Shock in February. — Anne Rogers
TIGERS: Does Skubal keep or go?Detroit’s run of success the final couple years has come largely with out distractions, however Tarik Skubal’s contract state of affairs may turn out to be one in the event that they’re not cautious. At the start, the Tigers need to resolve whether or not to maintain Skubal or commerce him this offseason. In the event that they maintain onto him, then comes the query of whether or not a contract extension is possible earlier than free company, and the way lengthy they will negotiate earlier than placing the matter apart and specializing in the season. The 2014 Tigers did nicely to win amidst Max Scherzer’s contract yr and a Spring Coaching extension provide controversy, however it is a a lot youthful membership. — Jason Beck
TWINS: Who’s within the bullpen?Minnesota entered the winter with three established Main League relievers: Cole Sands, Justin Topa, and Kody Funderburk. They’ve added another in Eric Orze, however that leaves no less than 4 spots to fill. One or two of these will possible go to beginning pitching candidates or prospects who get moved to reduction, however the Twins additionally intend so as to add reduction assist from exterior. There are different roster wants, however the entrance workplace’s greatest elevate by far over the approaching months shall be restocking the reduction corps. — Matthew Leach
WHITE SOX: Who do they add for late-inning reduction?The Opening Day location of Luis Robert Jr. appears to be the current commonplace for this query amid persistent two-year commerce rumors. However normal supervisor Chris Getz spoke on the Winter Conferences on a few events as to how the plan is for Robert to be the group’s middle fielder. So, the main target strikes to the bullpen, the place the White Sox have proficient relievers in Jordan Leasure, Grant Taylor and Mike Vasil however would profit from a veteran hurler with extra excessive leverage expertise. The White Sox gained’t essentially add a real nearer, however will add no less than one pitcher to construct out the bullpen. — Scott Merkin
ANGELS: How aggressive will the Angels be in including to the roster?To date, the Angels have taken fliers on gamers with upside like right-handers Grayson Rodriguez and Alex Manoah and utilityman Vaughn Grissom, whereas signing a trio of relievers in Jordan Romano, Drew Pomeranz and Kirby Yates. The membership saved $13-14 million in buying Rodriguez for Taylor Ward and may need extra monetary flexibility after restructuring Antony Rendon’s contract. Basic supervisor Perry Minasian mentioned they plan so as to add assist at beginning pitching, bullpen, third base/second base and probably middle area. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see in the event that they’re prepared to go after a top-end free agent. — Rhett Bollinger
ASTROS: Will there be one other transfer on the infield?The Astros have 5 infielders who’re thought-about starters, together with a pair of All-Stars in Isaac Paredes and shortstop Jeremy Peña. Then there’s Carlos Correa, who was acquired from the Twins in July and moved to 3rd base, together with second baseman Jose Altuve and first baseman Christian Walker. Astros supervisor Joe Espada mentioned Paredes will play some third, second and DH subsequent season, whereas it seems Altuve will play extra second base to start the season than left area. Merely put, there stays a logjam, which implies Paredes or Walker might be dealt for pitching. — Brian McTaggart
ATHLETICS: What does the rotation appear to be?The present locks for the A’s rotation are Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, Luis Morales and Jacob Lopez. They’ve loads of choices to fill out the ultimate slot with a gaggle that features J.T. Ginn, Jack Perkins and Gunnar Hoglund, however there’s a feeling that the A’s want to add another confirmed starter to the rotation by way of commerce or free company. They have to additionally bear in mind pitching prospects that might be Main League prepared sooner or later in 2026, like Gage Leap, Braden Nett, Kade Morris and even 2025 first-round Draft decide Jamie Arnold. — Martín Gallegos
MARINERS: Curtain name for Cal Raleigh?The Mariners’ all-world catcher was capable of set all of these home-run data in 2025 as a result of he was taking part in as typically as any backstop within the sport. Raleigh led all American League catchers in taking part in time by each plate appearances (705) and innings caught (1,072), and he by no means actually confirmed indicators of slowing or fatigue. But, because the 29-year-old approaches his 30s, the clearest query on his particular person trajectory shall be how sustainable that taxing toll shall be longer-term? Whereas he won’t match the storybook 60-homer season once more, he’s solely simply now coming into the prime of his profession. — Daniel Kramer
RANGERS: What is going to the catching depth appear to be?When the Rangers non-tendered Jonah Heim, they knew it could create a gap behind the plate. It was a vital choice contemplating his regression during the last two seasons, however now 35-year-old Kyle Higashioka is the lone skilled choice at catcher so far. Texas claimed Willie MacIver on waivers final month, however he solely bought 33 video games of huge league expertise with the A’s final season. There’s not a lot depth on the higher ranges of the Minors both, so exterior additions will must be made earlier than Spring Coaching. — Kennedi Landry
BRAVES: Will the offense bounce again after two disappointing seasons?Ronald Acuña Jr. missed 4 months in 2024 and was restricted over the 4 months he performed in 2025 after coming back from knee surgical procedure. Austin Riley has missed a lot of the second half of the previous two seasons. Ozzie Albies fractured his wrist in 2024 and handled the lingering results all through 2025. If every of those three stars keep wholesome, this might as soon as once more be one of many recreation’s high lineups. One other key piece is Michael Harris II, who may earn celebrity standing if he ever places a full season collectively. — Mark Bowman
MARLINS: Who shall be a part of the rotation?The reply to this query is multilayered. Marlins starters have been the topic of commerce rumors, particularly Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, however everyone seems to be underneath membership management for a number of years. Miami does not have to make a deal until the return is attractive. The Marlins additionally will not know what to anticipate from Max Meyer (hip) and Braxton Garrett (elbow), each of whom are getting back from surgical procedures, till Spring Coaching. And there is at all times the potential of the membership signing a veteran to a one-year deal so as to add extra depth. — Christina De Nicola
METS: Will the Mets be ok to win the NL East?The Mets appeared like division co-favorites — or no less than near it — at the moment final yr. They regarded like one of the best group in baseball in Might and early June. Then they cratered within the second half, precipitating a core shakeup that got here to incorporate new houses for Pete Alonso, Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz. Now, the Mets try to string the tough needle of shifting on from three of their greatest gamers whereas nonetheless including sufficient expertise to enhance total. The excellent news is that regardless of aggressive (albeit getting older) rosters in Philadelphia and Atlanta, and regardless of the presence of a doubtlessly spunky Marlins group, there’s no clearly dominant NL East membership. As soon as their chaotic offseason is full, can a Mets roster led by Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto and a slew of younger pitchers fill that hole? — Anthony DiComo
NATIONALS: Will the Nationals commerce MacKenzie Gore?As one of many high controllable starters in baseball, southpaw MacKenzie Gore has drawn commerce curiosity this offseason. Gore, 26, is coming into his second of three arbitration years. Requested at Winter Conferences how the Nationals would decide how excessive the bar to commerce Gore could be, president of baseball operations Paul Toboni mentioned, “My guess is that, greater than something, if we will entertain one thing for MacKenzie — you mentioned it — we will maintain a extremely excessive bar.” Gore went 5-15 with a 4.17 ERA and 10.4 strikeout charges in 30 begins final season. — Jessica Camerato
PHILLIES: Who’s the catcher?The Phillies initially made what they believed to be a legit provide to re-sign J.T. Realmuto, however Realmuto and his illustration have felt in a different way about it. May one other group swoop in, shock the Phillies and signal him within the coming weeks? After all. However the perception stays that the Phillies and Realmuto will discover frequent floor. If not, nonetheless, the Phillies might want to flip to Plan B. Not one of the choices are preferrred. — Todd Zolecki
BREWERS: Ought to they commerce Freddy Peralta or preserve him?The Brewers’ most urgent query at the beginning of the offseason was nonetheless their most urgent query at yr’s finish. On one hand Peralta is exactly the type of pitcher you need on a contender, driving three straight seasons of 30-plus begins and 200-plus strikeouts. He’s resulting from earn a modest $8 million in his ultimate yr earlier than free company. And he’s one of many clubhouse “glue guys.” However for all of these causes, a Brewers group that depends not on free company to fill holes however moderately on shrewd trades and productive drafts, has to pay attention when a participant attracts curiosity. And Peralta has been drawing curiosity. Nonetheless, it’s a transfer that may damage. — Adam McCalvy
CARDINALS: With the vets anticipated to be traded, do the Playing cards have sufficient management?Regardless that the Cardinals are within the early phases of a full-on rebuild, president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is aware of he can’t have a group utterly full of children in 2026. He’s hopeful of including veterans who can set correct examples. Silver Slugger Alec Burleson (27 years outdated), Pedro Pagés (27), Matthew Liberatore (26) and Matt Svanson (26) is likely to be essentially the most senior gamers on the squad if trades are made to maneuver Nolan Arenado, Brendan Donovan and JoJo Romero. Can the Playing cards add veterans who can lead Masyn Winn (23), Jordan Walker (23) and JJ Wetherholt (23)? — John Denton
CUBS: Will the Cubs have sufficient rotation depth for the lengthy haul?Supervisor Craig Counsell was capable of get by way of the Wild Card Sequence and Division Sequence with a depleted rotation, however he acknowledged on the Winter Conferences that issues may have been extra problematic had the Cubs moved deeper into the playoffs. To date this offseason, Chicago has retained Shota Imanaga (one-year Qualifying Supply) and Colin Rea (one-year deal, plus membership choice). Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton are all again, whereas Justin Steele (left elbow surgical procedure in April) has a comeback on the horizon. There’s a group of arms behind them for rotation/bullpen depth, too. The Cubs are hoping there are sufficient built-in contingency choices there for the inevitable in-season curler coaster. — Jordan Bastian
PIRATES: How a lot can they add to this offense?The Pirates got here into the offseason understanding they wanted to enhance their offense, and it’s undoubtedly been essentially the most lively winter they’ve had in years. 2025 All-Stars Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn have bolstered the fitting aspect of their infield, and Jake Mangum and Jhostynxon Garcia has deepened their outfield combine. There may be nonetheless a gap at third base and catcher is also upgraded. Will both place be addressed earlier than Spring Coaching? — Alex Stumpf
REDS: Who will bat behind De La Cruz?After lacking out on Kyle Schwarber on the Winter Conferences, the Reds are nonetheless trying to find a middle-of-the-order bat to place behind shortstop Elly De La Cruz. As they proceed to discover the free agent and commerce markets, they may even want their inner choices to be ready to supply. Younger hitters like Sal Stewart or Noelvi Marte should show in camp that they’re able to take the subsequent step and turn out to be fixtures within the lineup. — Mark Sheldon
D-BACKS: How will they repair the bullpen?The Diamondbacks have taken steps to handle their rotation, signing free agent right-handers Merrill Kelly and Michael Soroka, however have but to make important upgrades to the bullpen, which was an Achilles heel for all of them season. Quite a lot of the highest backend bullpen free agent choices have signed, however GM Mike Hazen mentioned not too long ago that there have been nonetheless avenues open to perform their targets. How they pull that off bears watching. — Steve Gilbert
DODGERS: How will the outfield look?The bullpen is shored up with the addition of Edwin Díaz, so the Dodgers may flip their consideration to the outfield. Whereas they may stand so as to add an outfielder to the combo, there’s additionally the query of who will play the place. Supervisor Dave Roberts reaffirmed on the Winter Conferences that Teoscar Hernández is the group’s proper fielder, however did not rule out a transfer to left. Andy Pages may stay in middle or shift to proper, the place the Dodgers may get extra use out of his highly effective arm. These are among the many choices that the group should sift by way of earlier than spring. — Sonja Chen
GIANTS: How proficient of a roster can they put collectively for brand new supervisor Tony Vitello?The Giants dismissed Bob Melvin following a disappointing .500 end in 2025, so there shall be strain to enhance now that the group has made long-term investments in core items like Rafael Devers, Willy Adames, Matt Chapman, Jung Hoo Lee and Logan Webb. The membership believes Vitello’s arrival will assist infuse the group with recent power, however his new boss, president of baseball operations Buster Posey, should encompass him with much more high quality gamers to make a practical run on the Dodgers, D-backs and Padres within the Nationwide League West. — Maria Guardado
PADRES: Who’s within the rotation?Dylan Stop is a Blue Jay. Yu Darvish is slated to overlook the 2026 season following elbow surgical procedure. Even after re-signing Michael King, the Padres want pitching. So the place do they discover it? Is a commerce on the desk? Would they deal from an space of energy – like their bullpen? Can they make one other shrewd free-agent signing – like Nick Pivetta and Seth Lugo in recent times? Given the holes of their rotation, they’ll absolutely be open to all choices. — AJ Cassavell
ROCKIES: Who will provide expertise?A group coming off one of many worst seasons of the trendy period affords a lot alternative for younger pitchers and place gamers. Nevertheless, the acute inexperience was one of many causes for the poor document. By trades and free company, the Rockies hope to sprinkle a still-young roster with veterans who can set a regular and power youthful gamers to earn their solution to the Majors, moderately than obtain a name to assist a determined roster. Unable to depend on the well being of Kris Bryant, who continues to rehab again issues which have dogged him since he signed in 2022, the Rockies have to look elsewhere for veteran presence. — Thomas Harding
