Now that the 2024-25 MLB offseason is underway, teams have an opportunity to bolster their squads for next season. Contenders will likely busy, while some rebuilders — including those teams looking to cut payroll — might be quiet this winter. However, what should each NL team do this winter to improve their squad? Here’s a look at the most pressing need for each National League team this offseason and why.
NL East
| Team | Most Pressing Need |
|---|---|
 | Starting pitcher depth |
 | Outfielder with pop |
 | #1/#2 starter |
 | High-leverage reliever |
 | Power-hitting corner infielder |
The Braves already acquired pitcher Griffin Canning from the Angels. Canning had a rough 2024 and if Atlanta holds onto him, would be a project heading into 2025. That’s a start for a Braves team that may lose one, or multiple, pitchers this winter. Max Fried is likely not coming back to Georgia, while Charlie Morton, also a free agent, might be an option.
Realistically, the Marlins won’t be significant buyers in this year’s offseason. However, an outfielder with pop would be of some help, particularly in the summer come deadline time. Miami has Kyle Stowers and Jesus Sanchez under roster, plus Derek Hill and Dane Myers.
The Mets may not have Pete Alonso next season, which could leave a gaping hole in their lineup. While all eyes are on Soto right now, the largest hole right now for the Mets is in their rotation. Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and Sean Manaea are on the market, leaving David Peterson as the only pitcher on the roster who made 20+ starts for the Mets last season.
The Phillies may have a hole at third base if some rumors are true. But right now, their most pressing need is in the bullpen. Philadelphia lost Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez to free agency and could use a replacement.
Nationals first basemen finished 22nd in wOBA (.301) and 24th in SLG (.376). At the hot corner, Washington third basemen finished 29th in SLG (.304) and wOBA (.263). The Nationals finished in the bottom half of the league in runs scored in 2024 but have plenty of youth. A power bat who can help drive in runs would be beneficial for a team that could take the next step forward.
NL Central
| Team | Most Pressing Need |
|---|---|
 | Back-end starter |
 | #4/#5 starter |
 | Starting pitcher depth |
 | Power bat |
 | Outfielder, preferably center fielder |
The Cubs‘ rotation served the team well in 2024. Despite their starters finishing 20th in SIERA (4.17), Cubs starters finished sixth in ERA (3.77) and 13th in opponent’s batting average (.241). Chicago has depth offensively, are young, and have Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, and Javier Assad for their rotation in 2025. A depth starter would go a long way.
Speaking of teams that could use help in their rotation, how about the Reds? Nick Martinez accepted his qualifying offer, making him a likely starter after a dominant September which he posted a 0.83 ERA over 32.2 IP. Still, the Reds have rotation concerns. Can Nick Lodolo stay healthy? What about Graham Ashcraft? The Reds have Hunter Greene, Rhett Lowder, and Andrew Abbott in place but like with the Cubs, another starter for depth would help.
The Brewers will likely get Brandon Woodruff back for 2025. However, the Brewers are staring down a roster shakeup, one that will likely see Willy Adames depart in free agency, and others — Devin Williams and Aaron Civale — leave as cost-cutting measures. Milwaukee has a deep lineup and bullpen depth. Cheap pitching depth would be their biggest need.
The Pirates have a lot of young pitching talent. But last season, Pittsburgh finished 27th in OPS (.672) and SLG (.371). Significant help for their lineup is at least a year away in their organization, meaning the Pirates should look towards getting a power bat. Especially since at this moment, Andrew McCutchen, who hit 20 home runs last year, is a free agent.
The Cardinals finished dead last in the Majors last season in wOBA (.255). Yes, St. Louis has Victor Scott II and Michael Siani, both of whom are stellar defenders. And likely, the Cardinals won’t take on much salary for 2025. But in a perfect world, adding an outfielder with pop and play center would make the most sense here.
NL West
| Team | Most Pressing Need |
|---|---|
 | First baseman |
 | Starting pitcher(s) |
 | Starting pitcher |
 | Shortstop |
 | Shortstop |
From 2022-24, just two first basemen — Matt Olson (117) and Pete Alonso (120) — had more home runs than free agent Christian Walker (95). The task for the Diamondbacks this winter is this: how can Arizona fill that hole at first if Walker doesn’t return? Pavin Smith is a first baseman by trade and hit well (9 HR, .896 OPS over 158 PA) in a small sample size. However, he doesn’t hit lefties (.600 career OPS) well.
Starting pitching is always in need in Colorado. Rockies starters owned the worst SIERA (4.87) in the league last season. Coors Field does not make it easy for pitchers in Colorado whatsoever. Now, will the Rockies be highly active in the starting pitcher market this winter? Probably not. In fact, the Rockies have been rumored to trade players to cut payroll, with Austin Gomber and Cal Quantrill linked to those rumors.
The Dodgers made it through 2024 without key names in the rotation. No Tyler Glasnow, no Clayton Kershaw. The trick for Los Angeles in 2025 will be to win again, and possibly with a re-aligned rotation. Walker Buehler is a free agent, while Shohei Ohtani likely won’t pitch to begin next season.
The Padres didn’t have Ha-Seong Kim for October and may not see him in a Padres uniform again, as he’s a free agent. As noted in our Padres’ 2024 recap. San Diego mixed and matched with Xander Bogaerts and Mason McCoy at short. Bogaerts fits better at second at this stage of his career, leaving a sizable hole at short.
Much like with the Rockies, the Giants are looking to scale back on payroll. Which, could mean a light offseason in San Francisco. The Giants could use a power-hitter to complement their team after San Francisco finished in the bottom half in runs scored. But if the Giants are to target one weakness this winter, it’s short, especially if Tyler Fitzgerald and Marco Luciano aren’t long-term answers there.