With executives from all 30 groups set to descend on Orlando, Fla., for the annual Winter Conferences, the Scorching Range could also be on the verge of heating up.
Although some golf equipment have already made some strikes this offseason, each group nonetheless has loads of inquiries to reply between now and Spring Coaching — however a few of these questions are greater than others.
This is a take a look at essentially the most urgent query going through every group heading into the Winter Conferences:
Blue Jays: Will Bo Bichette be again?
Sure, the Blue Jays will probably be concerned within the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, however that’s simply stating the apparent for any critical group with money. Nonetheless, the most important query hanging over Toronto getting into the Winter Conferences is whether or not Bichette will stay with the one huge league membership he is ever performed for. The beloved homegrown star has stated the identical factor all alongside: “I’ve stated I wish to be right here from the start,” Bichette stated simply hours after the Blue Jays’ crushing loss in Sport 7 of the World Collection. It will not come low-cost, as Bichette — who turns 28 in March — figures to garner loads of curiosity this offseason.
Orioles: May the O’s reel in one of many marquee free brokers?
The Orioles have already proven elevated aggressiveness with the a number of strikes they’ve made early this offseason, and so they’ve additionally expressed a willingness to broaden their payroll. However Baltimore has nonetheless by no means made an enormous free-agent splash since Mike Elias grew to become the top of the baseball operations division in November 2018. Maybe that quickly adjustments. The O’s want one other beginning pitcher close to the highest of their rotation — a emptiness that may make sense to fill with an arm comparable to Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Michael King or a pitcher of that ilk.
Rays: What’s their subsequent transfer?
To date, the Rays’ largest additions of the offseason are veteran heart fielder Cedric Mullins (supply) and outfielder Jake Fraley, a participant they claimed off waivers earlier than slicing and re-signing. They’ve added some pitching depth, specifically reliever Steven Wilson and potential starter Yoendrys Gómez, however in addition they misplaced nearer Pete Fairbanks and starter Adrian Houser to free company. They’ve made quite a few strikes on the margins, however nothing to make anybody really feel in another way about their roster subsequent season. One thing’s received to provide with their glut of outfielders, and so they have wants within the rotation, behind the plate and at shortstop. The place will they focus first?
Pink Sox: How aggressively will the Pink Sox pursue bringing again Alex Bregman?
There was monumental enthusiasm again in February when the Sox signed the veteran chief to a three-year, $120 million contract that included deferrals. Nonetheless, the contract additionally included opt-out clauses after the primary two seasons and Bregman took benefit of that by opting out after the World Collection. There was radio silence from the Pink Sox about Bregman since, with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow unwilling to tip his hand on the membership’s degree of curiosity in exploring a long-term cope with Bregman. Boston’s clubhouse would definitely be thrilled to have Bregman again as he grew to become the group’s chief immediately upon arrival.
Yankees: How a lot will they modify from the 2025 membership?
Aaron Choose has captured three of the final 4 American League MVP Awards, establishing himself as one of the vital harmful right-handed hitters the game has ever seen. He’s additionally the reigning batting champion. And when he says he would commerce all of it for a World Collection ring, it rings true. After matching the Blue Jays for the AL’s finest win whole at 94, there’s a temptation contained in the group to convey again a lot of the 2025 group. Membership officers consider the hole between the Yankees and Blue Jays — together with the Dodgers, now back-to-back champions — is smaller than most outsiders suppose. Do they really have sufficient to reward Choose’s prime with a title? That would be the query hanging over all the pieces they do in Florida.
Guardians: How will they enhance their offense?
That is the Guardians’ largest query this offseason. Even with one other stellar marketing campaign by perennial MVP candidate José Ramírez, Cleveland ranked twenty eighth in MLB in runs per sport (3.97) in 2025, forward of solely the Rockies and Pirates. Younger gamers taking a step ahead would assist enhance the manufacturing subsequent season, however whether or not it’s via commerce or free company, the Guardians ought to nonetheless increase the group with exterior acquisitions.
Royals: When will they make a transfer for a bat?
The Royals haven’t been quiet about their want for a bat or two that may influence the center of the order or present dependable depth on the backside. An outfielder or versatile utilityman are the likeliest paths for an addition. What has been quiet, although, is precise motion. They added outfielder Kameron Misner after the Rays designated him for project, however that was purely a depth transfer. The Royals have pitching depth to commerce for a bat if they’ll discover a match with one other group. Typically these conversations transfer slowly — or they’ll choose up at a second’s discover.
Tigers: Will they fortify their offense?
Although president of baseball operations Scott Harris and normal supervisor Jeff Greenberg have made it clear pitching is the precedence, notably within the bullpen, Harris has additionally been up-front about Detroit’s hitting woes down the stretch final season and the necessity for enchancment subsequent 12 months. The one transfer to date to that finish is the return of Gleyber Torres on a one-year deal. Will the Tigers rely on continued development from their younger hitters carrying the day, or will they make a transfer for assist, comparable to a second attempt at free agent Alex Bregman or a possible commerce for second baseman Ketel Marte?
Twins: Are they finished buying and selling veterans?
Final July’s Commerce Deadline sell-off shook the clubhouse and the fan base. There aren’t loads of expensive veterans left in Minnesota, however they’re all key items: Pablo López, Joe Ryan, Ryan Jeffers and Byron Buxton. The Twins might nonetheless look to contend this 12 months in the event that they had been to commerce López or Ryan, particularly in the event that they received Main League-ready items in return. If a couple of is dealt, then they’re most likely one thing resembling a complete reset. Buxton has a full no-trade clause however reportedly has indicated that if the group strikes extra veterans, he may waive it.
White Sox: What’s their degree of exercise?
The No. 1 query for the South Siders facilities on getting the No. 1 choose via the Draft Lottery going down on Tuesday. A prime choice might present one other main influence as this rebuild regularly strikes out of purely acquisition and growth and into competition. They’ve the perfect odds getting into Orlando. However the White Sox need to enhance, and whereas the big-market finish of the spectrum isn’t on their radar, normal supervisor Chris Getz stated a multiyear deal is feasible if it made sense general. Growing the younger core, which made a robust debut in 2025, stays the main target, although Getz might work via commerce or free company to assist get his group stronger.
A’s: Will they add one other confirmed beginning pitcher?
The A’s have a strong offense led by the core of unanimous AL Rookie of the 12 months Award-winner Nick Kurtz and runner-up Jacob Wilson, together with Shea Langeliers, Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom and Lawrence Butler. That group stays below contract for the foreseeable future with tremendous prospect Leo De Vries doubtlessly becoming a member of the combo as early as subsequent season. But when the A’s are going to enhance upon their 76-win whole from final season and make a critical playoff push, they’ll want extra from their rotation, which mixed for a 4.85 ERA that ranked twenty seventh within the Majors.
Final 12 months, the A’s helped set the marketplace for beginning pitching by hanging early within the offseason to signal Luis Severino, then traded for veteran Jeffrey Springs shortly after. These two stay their solely starters with any type of actual observe file of success within the Majors. After that, you’re a proficient however very inexperienced group that features Jacob Lopez, Luis Morales, Jack Perkins, Gunnar Hoglund and J.T. Ginn, with MLB Prime 100 prospects Jamie Arnold and Gage Bounce on the horizon. Ideally, the A’s want to add one other veteran starter.
Angels: What is going to occur with Anthony Rendon?
It was reported by ESPN that the Angels are working towards deferring the $38 million Anthony Rendon is owed subsequent 12 months, after which he would retire after present process hip surgical procedure that pressured him to overlook the 2024 season. That will be a giant monetary aid for the Angels, as it will give them added payroll flexibility after additionally saving roughly $13-$14 million this 12 months by buying and selling outfielder Taylor Ward for promising right-hander Grayson Rodriguez. If the Halos certainly work out the Rendon scenario, it will be fascinating to see what they do with that freed up wage.
Astros: What’s the way forward for outfielder Cam Smith?
Smith, who was considered one of three gamers acquired from the Cubs a 12 months in the past, made a formidable place swap in Spring Coaching and received the Opening Day job in proper area, the place he was in the end a Gold Glove finalist. Offensively, he regressed via the season — he had a .489 OPS in 170 plate appearances after the All-Star break — and wound up platooning with Jesus Sánchez, who began in opposition to right-handers. Astros normal supervisor Dana Brown stated on the Normal Managers Conferences final month that Smith must play with extra consistency or he could possibly be despatched to Triple-A. Smith’s struggles in opposition to right-handed pitching (.617 OPS) might trigger the Astros to start out him within the Minor Leagues to get on a regular basis at-bats, particularly if Sánchez doesn’t get traded.
Mariners: Will they make a transfer in Orlando?
The Mariners lately have both been extremely lively on the Winter Conferences or principally stood pat, an strategy rooted in the place they’re at competitively with their roster for the upcoming season. With a number of notable wants — albeit none almost as paramount because the transfer they already made to convey again first baseman Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million free-agent contract — this could possibly be a time for president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and normal supervisor Justin Hollander to make headway in different areas. That features netting a minimum of two relievers, ideally one left-handed to pair with leverage choice Gabe Speier, and doubtlessly, one other infield bat, with a Jorge Polanco reunion nonetheless very a lot in play.
Rangers: How will the finances/payroll scenario have an effect on their offseason strikes?
President of baseball operations Chris Younger stated there’s a “tough concept” of the finances the membership has to work with. That being stated, it’s not utterly set simply but. Over the previous 5 years, the Rangers have handed out huge free-agent contracts to essential gamers comparable to Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi (twice) — however huge splashes probably received’t occur this offseason.
“I believe as we go right here, we do have room to function,” Younger stated. “We’re enthusiastic about what we’ve in place proper now. It is our job as a entrance workplace to spherical out this roster. When there’s the flexibility to exit and get one thing that is going to assist us win, possession has been superb about permitting us the flexibility to do this.
“It is not going to be on the ranges it was the final couple years. We all know that. We’re good with that. We do not want that. … We count on to have the assets we have to spherical out a extremely good roster.”
Braves: Is there a necessity so as to add a giant bat?
If Mauricio Dubón would be the shortstop, the Braves seemingly want so as to add a giant bat to their lineup. However even when Ha-Seong Kim finally ends up returning to Atlanta to fill the shortstop position, you possibly can argue the Braves want to exchange what was a minimum of anticipated from designated hitter Marcell Ozuna this previous season. The highest of the lineup has nice potential with Jurickson Profar, Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley at the moment accessible to fill the primary 4 spots. However the inconsistency that each Michael Harris II and Ozzie Albies have skilled the previous couple of seasons creates concern in regards to the lineup’s depth. Ought to the Braves take an opportunity on an Ozuna rebound? Or ought to they discover a participant who might add worth to the DH spot and likewise present some defensive worth?
Marlins: How a lot will they add to the roster?
For the reason that total roster is below membership management for a number of years, Miami’s gamers are comparatively younger and reasonably priced. The group is coming off a 17-win enchancment, and each Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez are additional faraway from Tommy John surgical procedure and restoration. Braxton Garrett will probably be coming back from his personal process to help the starting-pitching depth, however the Marlins, as supervisor Clayton McCullough has repeatedly stated, cannot merely assume everybody will get higher. Regression occurs. Different groups enhance. Outdoors assist could possibly be the carry Miami wants.
Mets: How will they handle their rotation?
The Mets already made a big position-player splash in dealing Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien. They’ll virtually definitely make a minimum of yet one more, both at first base or in left area (or fairly probably in each locations). In addition they agreed to a three-year cope with two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams. What’s much less clear is how they’ll repair a rotation that ranked among the many sport’s worst over the ultimate 4 months of final season. Whereas the Mets have loads of veteran depth returning and an excellent quantity of prospect upside (shoutout Nolan McLean), they may very a lot use a battle-tested ace. It stays solely unclear how aggressive president of baseball operations David Stearns could be in pursuing one.
Nationals: How aggressive will they be in free company?
That is president of baseball operations Paul Toboni’s first offseason on the helm of the Nationals. Lately, the Nats have added to their younger roster by signing veterans to short-term offers. Will Toboni take the identical strategy? Or will he be extra lively in inking long-term contracts? This winter would be the first glimpse into the 35-year-old’s strategy to developing a roster.
Phillies: Will they run it again once more or shake up the roster?
The Phillies want Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto again, however they’ll’t simply re-sign these two and name it an offseason. They should do extra. In the event that they actually wish to begin 2026 with a recent combine, they’ll most likely have to commerce gamers from the present 26-man roster. It would imply tough choices, nevertheless it’s doable. The Mets simply traded Brandon Nimmo to the Rangers for Marcus Semien, an acknowledgement that adjustments are sometimes wanted — even when it means buying and selling a homegrown favourite.
Brewers: How a lot will they modify the roster?
The Brewers are coming off a 97-win season through which they ranked second within the Majors in group ERA, third in runs scored and third in Statcast’s Fielding Run Worth. And their departures because the finish of the season — Rhys Hoskins, Jose Quintana, Danny Jansen, Erick Fedde and Shelby Miller (plus the injured Jordan Montgomery) — had been on the minor aspect. So, will they run it again with their younger core, or get artistic in trades to get higher? The most important commerce chip, after all, is right-hander Freddy Peralta, who’s coming off 17 wins and a 2.70 ERA and is about to earn $8 million in his last season earlier than free company. The Brewers don’t must commerce him, however they may reload for the long run by doing so.
Cardinals: Which vets will probably be left by Spring Coaching?
New president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom made his intentions of constructing for the long run identified when he dealt Sonny Grey and roughly $20 million for 2 younger, unproven pitchers and a participant to be named later. Who’s the following to go? Nolan Arenado, Willson Contreras, Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman can be found for the precise return. Will the Playing cards must bundle Donovan and Arenado to rid themselves of the $42 million left on the 10-time Gold Glover’s contract? On the pitching aspect, lefty reliever JoJo Romero ought to fetch a pleasant haul of prospects if Bloom can discover the precise deal.
Cubs: Will they shock individuals and add an influence bat?
The Cubs knew that buying and selling for star outfielder Kyle Tucker final offseason may very properly result in a one-year partnership between the group and participant. With Tucker on the free-agent market, Chicago is tasked with both attempting to maintain him within the fold or in search of different methods to improve the offense. Now, the Cubs have Seiya Suzuki for proper area and a few Prime 100 prospects prepared for the Majors in outfielder Owen Caissie and catcher Moisés Ballesteros. It’s potential the group goes with the items already in place, particularly with pitching being the most important want. That stated, the Cubs’ entrance workplace has stunned earlier than, and it was simply final spring that they stayed in on Alex Bregman till the very finish. May president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer have one thing else up his sleeve this 12 months? We’ll see.
Pirates: Will they land a giant hitter?
We’ve seen rumors of the Pirates being related to some high-profile free brokers. They’ve some cash to spend, a number of apparent wants and a way of urgency to qualify for the postseason for the primary time since 2015. In addition they tried so as to add to the roster every of the final couple of winters however didn’t accomplish a lot. Will this offseason be totally different? The Pirates’ core has some proficient gamers, however they’re going to want exterior additions to recover from the hump. They’re speaking the discuss this winter. Now, they must observe via.
Reds: How can they improve their lineup?
President of baseball operations Nick Krall famous in early November that the 2026 group payroll could be across the similar because it was this previous 12 months, which was about $112 million on Opening Day. With a number of arbitration instances pending and a number of holes within the bullpen created by free-agent departures, there would not look like room within the finances to make an enormous free-agent splash comparable to signing Kyle Schwarber to his hometown group. Whether or not it is signing a lower-tiered free agent or including by way of a commerce, Krall and his baseball operations group are going through a problem so as to add extra offense.
D-backs: Will they be capable to fortify their pitching employees?
Normal supervisor Mike Hazen is decided so as to add one if not two beginning pitchers, in addition to a number of back-end relievers, however the query is how will he try this? Arizona had a club-record Opening Day payroll final 12 months round $195 million and all indications are that it will likely be decrease than that this 12 months. How a lot decrease is the query, with Hazen saying solely that he may have loads of cash to area a aggressive group. It’s uncertain that the Diamondbacks will probably be a suitor for a few of the dearer free brokers, although bear in mind they stunned everybody final 12 months by signing Corbin Burnes to a $210 million deal. Because of this, they’ll probably must do extra within the commerce market — and Hazen made it clear he’s open to dealing from the highest of his prospect checklist if wanted. Would possibly he even be prepared to half with All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte? Hazen has stated it’s unlikely {that a} deal of that magnitude would occur, however we’ll see the way it all shakes out because the winter goes on.
Dodgers: How badly do they want one other nearer?
The primary 12 months of Tanner Scott’s four-year, $72 million deal didn’t go properly (4.74 ERA, 10 blown saves), and the bullpen — as an entire — was persistently an space of weak spot for the World Collection champions. The Dodgers are optimistic that Scott can bounce again in 2026 — and that they produce other candidates to shut out video games — however they may additionally look so as to add a confirmed late-inning arm to assist stabilize the aid corps.
Giants: How will they handle their pitching wants?
The Giants splurged by signing Willy Adames to a franchise-record seven 12 months, $182 million deal final offseason after which made a good greater dedication by agreeing to tackle the roughly $250 million remaining on Rafael Devers’ contract in June. However they don’t seem eager on persevering with to spend huge to bolster their rotation this winter. With the membership reportedly hesitant to satisfy the asking worth for prime free-agent starters like Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, the Giants appear extra more likely to give attention to mid-tier alternate options — except they’re prepared to swing one other huge commerce for a cost-controlled arm.
Padres: What occurs with Mason Miller?
There’s an apparent spot on the again finish of the bullpen for Miller, with Robert Suarez departing in free company. Down the stretch final season, no pitcher was extra dominant than Miller, and he rapidly proved his worth on the October stage with two unimaginable aid outings in opposition to the Cubs. Then once more, is there extra worth to be extracted from Miller as a starter? And if that’s the case, how huge are the dangers? Are they value it? The Padres are asking themselves — and Miller — these questions proper about now. The solutions might severely form their path this winter.
Rockies: How are they going to construction themselves for fulfillment?
For a lot of their historical past, the Rockies held onto gamers they drafted or signed as amateurs with the plan that sufficient of them would blossom on the similar time to provide the group a window of competition. However they’ve endured lengthy dry intervals, and when a group did come collectively, Colorado couldn’t maintain it. It’s a standard drawback for groups that don’t have massive payrolls, however the Rockies dedicated to president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and a brand new plan with the data that a number of golf equipment have discovered tips on how to contend persistently with out main spending sprees.
The brand new regime will probably be charged with doing a greater job instructing and evaluating, being extra lively and extra profitable buying expertise from different groups and discovering wins within the margins by making use of superior info extra successfully.
