Here is one Winter Meetings goal for each team
With the Winter Meetings set to open Sunday in Nashville, the temperature setting on the Hot Stove could be turned way up as executives from around baseball gather in one location.
Whether it’s getting a feel for what’s possible this offseason or even making some big moves to propel their teams forward in 2024, MLB decisionmakers could significantly alter the landscape before leaving Tennessee next week.
The next few days could be packed with action, given that one of the most hyped free agents in MLB history is on this year’s market, while there is also a long line of teams seeking a limited supply of available pitching. With a reportedly robust trade market developing, there may be some serious wheeling and dealing.
Here’s a look at one thing each club can accomplish at this year’s Winter Meetings:
American League East
Blue Jays: Find clarity on the left side of the field
Third base is clearly Toronto’s first need, but with Kevin Kiermaier and Whit Merrifield joining Matt Chapman in free agency, the club will also need to fill at least one outfield spot this offseason. Assuming Daulton Varsho becomes the full-time center fielder, the Blue Jays still have internal options for left and third, meaning they will have some flexibility on the free-agent and trade markets. The Winter Meetings will be a good spot to gauge what’s possible, who’s available and what the urgency is to make a deal for either of those positions. — Julia Kreuz
Orioles: Lay the groundwork for additions to pitching staff
Baltimore is looking for pitching help this offseason, and it has two targets in mind: a starter who can ideally slot into a top-three spot in the rotation and a back-end reliever who could potentially close in the absence of Félix Bautista (out for 2024 after Tommy John surgery). The Orioles can use the Winter Meetings to meet with agents regarding pitchers on the open market and with other executives to discuss potential trades. The latter seems to be a more likely path for the O’s to take to acquire a top pitcher, considering they have extra position-player prospects to deal and they haven’t traditionally been big spenders in free agency. — Jake Rill
Rays: Figure out where they fit in the starting pitching market
The Rays are in the unusual position of needing to acquire depth for their starting rotation while also likely looking to deal top starter Tyler Glasnow. It’s possible that neither will take place during the Winter Meetings, but further activity at the top of the market — including free agents like Blake Snell and fellow trade candidates like Corbin Burnes — could help clarify who might have the greatest need for Glasnow, who’s due $25 million next season before reaching free agency. If free-agent pitchers start flying off the board, will they be better off adding the starter(s) they need through trades? — Adam Berry
Red Sox: Bolster the starting rotation
There have been very few offseasons where the main need for the Red Sox has been so obvious: the club needs more starting pitching. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow’s goal is to add one or two starters this winter, and you can be sure he will be in full pursuit in Nashville. Lefties Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are two pitchers on the market who could bring instant credibility to the Red Sox. The same could be said if Breslow can make an international splash and sign Japanese free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 25-year-old righty with a deep arsenal of pitches. — Ian Browne
Yankees: Shift the narrative
There has been a sour mood in the air on 161st Street, coming off an 82-win campaign that general manager Brian Cashman bluntly described as a “disaster.” A big addition would restore confidence in the franchise’s direction. The Yankees have strong interest in Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched a no-hitter last September with Cashman in attendance. Cashman even pocketed a ticket stub as a keepsake for his son. They’ve checked in about a blockbuster trade for Juan Soto, who’d lend a powerful left-handed bat to what was a sluggish offense. So, too, could free agent Cody Bellinger. — Bryan Hoch
Guardians: Improve the offense
Whether they trade starter Shane Bieber or someone else, the Guardians need to find a way to acquire a Major League-ready bat (preferably with plenty of power). With all 30 front offices in one building, maybe Cleveland can spark a conversation with a perfect trade partner. Bieber seems to be the most sensible trade candidate given his reputation, but it’s a matter of whether the elbow inflammation that sidelined him for two months in the second half of the regular season and the fact that he has just one year of control remaining will hurt his trade value. — Mandy Bell
Royals: Find a starter
The Royals set out this winter to acquire one or two starters they can not only rely on for innings in 2024, but someone who can help the rest of the rotation take a step forward as well. While they added Nick Anderson to the bullpen, there’s been little movement in the starting pitching market for the Royals and most teams. That could change in Nashville. General manager J.J. Picollo can use the three days of meetings to set the groundwork for a starter — or get a deal done there. There are plenty of holes to fill this offseason in Kansas City, and the Winter Meetings can be a good place to start filling them. — Anne Rogers
Tigers: Add more pitching
The Tigers added a veteran presence to their young rotation earlier this week by signing Kenta Maeda to a two-year, $24 million contract. President of baseball operations Scott Harris made it clear, though, that he’s looking for more, even echoing the oft-used phrase by predecessors Al Avila and Dave Dombrowski that there’s no such thing as having too much pitching. Detroit would like one more starter to ease the reliance on Casey Mize in his return from Tommy John surgery, and could use a lefty reliever to support Tyler Holton after losing Tyler Alexander. — Jason Beck
