The Major League Baseball offseason for 2024-25 is gaining momentum as notable decisions regarding player and club options have been finalized. With 13 qualifying offers, each valued at one year and $21.05 million, extended to various players, the majority are expected to decline these offers by the deadline of November 19. As free agency approaches, anticipation builds around the destinations of these players. In this analysis, we explore the current state of each MLB team, focusing on notable free agents, key areas of need, and significant questions to address as the offseason unfolds.
For the Arizona Diamondbacks, notable free agents include Christian Walker, Joc Pederson, and Paul Sewald. The biggest question lingering is whether Walker will accept his qualifying offer. While the expectation is that he will decline in favor of a multi-year deal, the Diamondbacks must consider their options should he choose not to return. Additionally, they have decisions to make regarding Jordan Montgomery, who exercised his player option worth $22.5 million, creating tension with both the player and the organization.
The Oakland Athletics, with Scott Alexander and T.J. McFarland as notable free agents, face scrutiny on their ability to build a competitive roster. While they experienced the second-best improvement in wins in 2023-24, they still need to address their deficiencies in starting pitching and overall competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves must decide how to allocate their payroll after declining Travis d'Arnaud's club option and trading Jorge Soler, opening up funds likely aimed at bolstering their starting rotation, especially following the absence of Max Fried and Charlie Morton.
The Baltimore Orioles are under scrutiny as they appear poised to begin significant investments in their roster, particularly in re-signing pitchers like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. The team has yet to show substantive increases in spending, raising questions about whether this offseason will signify a shift in strategy. Simultaneously, the Boston Red Sox must navigate the challenging return of players like Nick Pivetta while also looking for impactful additions to their pitching staff to address their disappointing rotation.
For the Chicago Cubs, the offseason has been largely set with Cody Bellinger choosing to stay on for another season. The Cubs are likely looking to enhance their pitching rotation through an additional signing, particularly now that Kyle Hendricks has left. Likewise, in the Chicago White Sox camp, significant changes loom with the potential trades of star players like Luis Robert Jr. and Garrett Crochet, leaving them to contend with a bleak future heading into 2025.
Moving on to the Cincinnati Reds, questions surrounding the team's willingness to invest in additional starting pitchers loom following their stability at the top of the rotation with Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott. Cleveland experts are questioning whether a revamp of their starting rotation is necessary after a recent trip to the ALCS revealed vulnerabilities in their lineup. They could benefit from a more significant commitment in free agency.
The Colorado Rockies, having dealt with a disappointing season, will look to their returning pitchers to form a foundational rotation. On the other hand, the Detroit Tigers, after an improbable late-season surge, could consider spending to continue their improvements as Chris Ilitch's ownership has seen more frugal practices. As for the Houston Astros, with Alex Bregman entering free agency, their ability to maintain a competitive payroll while filling gaps in their roster will be critical.
The Kansas City Royals are off to a good start after securing Michael Wacha's services but still need to address crucial offensive support to complement their key players. The Los Angeles Angels continue their quest for competitiveness despite a challenging past season. Their focus will undoubtedly be on pitching acquisitions to bolster their depleted rotation while also managing the player health of stars like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to strategically navigate free agency as they look to bolster their pitching staff amid injury concerns. With substantial money already committed, their potential acquisitions will require careful consideration. As for the Miami Marlins, who have traded away several key assets, they need to determine whether trading away star pitcher Sandy Alcántara is a strategic move to address their offense's glaring holes.
The Milwaukee Brewers face the challenge of filling the void left by departing shortstop Willy Adames while also deciding whether to trade their valuable pitcher, Devin Williams. The Minnesota Twins' offseason decisions will hinge on ownership changes as they look to make impactful acquisitions for their roster. The New York Mets must clarify their strategy in the wake of significant player departures and are under pressure to retain star outfield talent Juan Soto while diversifying their roster.
In New York, the Yankees will work to retain Juan Soto and address their infield deficiencies, alongside having several key relievers become free agents. The Philadelphia Phillies find themselves facing questions about Taijuan Walker's future and their center-field solutions as they work to enhance their roster. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, there is a critical need to increase spending to complement their existing young core and potentially make a stronger playoff push next season.
As for the San Diego Padres, they must navigate financial hurdles while determining their budget for the offseason following significant payroll reductions. Similarly, the San Francisco Giants aim to land impactful players in free agency while addressing their lineup deficiencies post a disappointing season. Lastly, the Seattle Mariners aim to improve their offense to match their impressive starting rotation, while the Washington Nationals must decide if they are ready to accelerate their development timeline or wait before making significant moves.
