Now that the offseason has arrived, MLB teams have a chance to move their team forward for 2025. Yes, not every team will be active, either because of a rebuild or lack of funds to work. But, there are many competitors that have existing, as well as new, holes to fill. Here’s a look at we believe is the most pressing need for each American League team heading into the winter.
AL East
| Team | Most Pressing Need |
|---|---|
 | #1/#2 starter |
 | Power-hitting outfielder |
 | #2 hitter |
 | Outfielder with pop |
 | Middle-of-the-lineup bat |
The Orioles lost Corbin Burnes to free agency. The O’s don’t have significant money on the books in 2025. Per Spotrac, the O’s are projected to have expedintures slightly above $95MM. So in theory, the Orioles could definitely make a splash. The problem with long-term spending, though, are looming future deals with Gunnar Henderson and others. Baltimore is a win-now team and need help in the rotation, especially with Kyle Bradish out for 2025.
The Yankees have their pitching staff roughly set for 2025. But offensively, the Yanks have a huge hole. Juan Soto, acquired last winter from the Padres, was an excellent fit alongside Aaron Judge. If Soto doesn’t return, the Yankees will need someone to replace his presence in the lineup, even though no player in baseball has his skillset. Could that replacement be a new first baseman?
Tyler O’Neill benefitted greatly in the friendly right-handed hitter confines at Fenway Park. O’Neill hit 31 home runs for the Red Sox, leading Boston in that category. The 29-year-old is now a free agent, leaving Boston looking for a replacement to slot alongside Wilyer Abreu and Jarren Duran. It’s no wonder why the Red Sox, who state no fear of going over the CBT in 2025, are in on Juan Soto.
Given the Rays recently traded outfielder Jose Siri to the Mets, it’s more likely Tampa will not take significant additional salary in 2025. Jonny DeLuca is set to take over center. But. some pop to go alongside him and Jose Lowe wouldn’t hurt in a perfect world.
The 2025 season will be a consequential one for the Blue Jays. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are projected to hit the open market. It could be the last time Toronto can take a swing with the two in the AL East. The Jays finished 23rd in runs scored and 26th in home runs.
AL Central
| Team | Most Pressing Need |
|---|---|
 | Starting pitcher depth |
 | Building block bat |
 | #2/#3 starter |
 | Power-hitting outfielder |
 | #2/#3 starter |
The Guardians‘ rotation during the playoffs looked significantly different than projected to begin 2024. Shane Bieber underwent Tommy John surgery and Triston McKenzie was demoted in the summer. Cleveland leaned on Matthew Boyd, signed to a league-minimum deal, for innings late in the year (and it worked). Boyd is a free agent, and so is Bieber. Adding starter depth would make sense here.
It’s highly unlikely the White Sox will be active this winter in free agency. Chicago’s in the midst of a massive rebuild and have many holes. Most likely, the Sox will look for players on one or two-year deals who could be flipped in July. But, one could imagine signing a big hitter with pop to term would — in a perfect world — would be a nice piece to work with.
The Tigers were an agent of chaos in October. Detroit didn’t have a team full of superstars. But, the Tigers did have speed, a strong bullpen, and Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Skubal was the only trusted starter for the Tigers in the playoffs. With Jack Flaherty gone, Detroit realistically needs a reliable veteran starter. Otherwise, much of their hopes in 2025 will be heavily tied to their young arms.
The Royals scored 15 runs over six playoff games. Bobby Witt Jr. didn’t have a great ALDS (.118 AVG) but unfortunately, the Royals didn’t have impressive depth around him. Kansas City would benefit from adding a consistent power hitter for their outfield. The Royals finished 27th in wOBA (.271) and 25th in SLG (.367) last season.
Advanced analytics don’t paint the full picture behind the Twins‘ troubles last September. Minnesota starters had the eighth-best SIERA (3.82) in the final month. But at the same time, Twins starters also had the eighth-worst walk rate (3.2) and were victims of poor execution. The Twins have young starters, plus Pablo Lopez at the top of the rotation and likely won’t be big spenders. Still, it doesn’t change that the Twins could use another arm.
AL West
| Team | Most Pressing Need |
|---|---|
 | Power bat |
 | High-end starting pitching |
 | Depth bat |
 | Middle-of-the-lineup bat |
 | Starting pitching |
The Astros could replace Alex Bregman internally with, for instance, Shay Whitcomb. However, Bregman’s bat will be missed. Bregman is a good contact hitter who puts the ball in play and hit for power. He had three-straight 20+ home run seasons between 2022-24.
The Angels have been highly aggressive thus far. Los Angeles added OF/DH Jorge Soler and C Travis d’Arnaud, plus ex-Cub pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Pitching, though, was a major pitfall for the Halos last season. Angels starters had the fourth-worst SIERA (4.62) in the league last season. Yes, the Angels have young pitchers like Caden Dana and Sam Aldegheri. However, a high-end arm can take pressure of the young arms.
The Athletics, much like the other rebuilders in the AL, likely won’t be major players in the offseason. The A’s have many needs, as the Sacramento-bound team could use starting pitcher depth, plus offensive depth, particularly in the infield. Oakland third basemen finished 24th in wRC+ (81) and 18th (89) among second basemen.
The Mariners look like a match made in heaven with one of the big infield bats in the market. Seattle finished 21st in runs scored last season and their offense was a major reason why the pitching-deep Mariners couldn’t return to October.
The Rangers got back Jacob deGrom in September and have some exciting arms in the farm, including Kumar Rocker. The question for the Rangers, though, is whether Texas is comfortable with their pitching depth. Texas has the bats to be competitive again. But with no Nathan Eovaldi or Max Scherzer — injured for much of 2024 — around, there’s not as much depth.
Make sure to check our look at what each National League team should — ideally — target this offseason.