The MLB offseason gives contenders the opportunity to bolster their squads, while rebuilders have a chance to restock the farm for the future. With potential abound during the 2023-24 MLB offseason, we’ve taken a look at what each American League team should look to target this winter.
Related: One MLB Offseason Need for Every National League Team
AL East
| Team | Biggest need |
|---|---|
 | Starting pitching |
 | Mid-rotation starter |
 | Power-hitting outfielder |
 | Mid-rotation starter |
 | Infielder with power |
The Orioles came into the winter with one of the deeper lineups in MLB — and more bats are on the way. With a young lineup in tow, another starter to pair with Kyle Bradish, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells makes sense. However, would the O’s be willing to deal from the prospect pool to pick up a controllable arm like, for example, Dylan Cease?
A middle infielder to pair with Trevor Story should be on the agenda for the Red Sox, but starting pitching might be an even greater hole. Boston’s starting pitching was not great in 2023, as Chris Sale had an injury-filled campaign, while James Paxton gassed out in the second half.
It’s no secret that the Yankees struggled without Aaron Judge in 2023. From June 4 to July 28 — the period Judge missed in 2023 after an injury at Dodger Stadium — the Yankees had the third-worst wOBA (.290) in baseball. With Jasson Dominguez out for 2024, the Yankees will need help to support both Judge, Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo.
The Rays won’t have Shane McClanahan for all of 2024, while Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen are still recovering from season-ending injuries in 2023. Pitching is a pressing need for the Rays, and that need might get even greater should Tampa deal Tyler Glasnow.
Toronto could use another starter, but an extra infielder would help. The Jays saw Whit Merrifield and Matt Chapman both head to free agency this winter.
AL Central
| Team | Biggest need |
|---|---|
 | Starting pitcher depth |
 | Power bat |
 | Power-hitting infielder |
 | Starting pitching |
 | First baseman with pop |
The White Sox are in the midst of a major re-tool, so major acquisitions might not be on the way. However, the Sox saw significant upheaval in the rotation over the past six months. Added starting pitcher depth makes sense here.
Cleveland sunk in the AL Central last season thanks in large part to a less-than-stellar offense. The Guardians finished 29th in the Majors last year in slugging (.381) last season, behind only the A’s. More pop would greatly benefit a rather strong pitching staff.
Much like the Guardians, the Tigers struggled to run production in 2023. An arm to replace Eduardo Rodriguez makes sense but so does support for Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter.
Kansas City got very little from their rotation in 2023. The Royals did pick up Kyle Wright to bolster their rebuilding squad, but the righty likely won’t be available for all of 2024. A veteran arm on a short-term deal makes sense for the Royals.
Minnesota may lose starters Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda in free agency, so it would make sense for the Twins to look for replacements. However, a permanent fixture at first base would deepen a Twins lineup that could look different should Minnesota look to cut salary.
AL West
| Team | Biggest need |
|---|---|
 | Bullpen depth |
 | Starting pitching |
 | Starter depth |
 | Power bat for infield or outfield |
 | Additional SP depth |
The Astros could use a back-end starter, but relief help is the more pressing need. Hector Neris, Phil Maton, and Ryne Stanek all hit the market this winter, the latter of whom was key against left-handers. Replacement relievers, including a left-handed specialist, should be a priority for Houston.
The Los Angeles Angels may have a Shohei Ohtani-sized hole in their lineup come 2024, but pitching depth is something else the Angels need to consider, as well. Los Angeles does have some good young arms, but more will be needed if the Angels want to keep up with the titans of the AL West.
It’s highly unlikely that the A’s do much in free agency. However, starting pitcher depth would make sense. Oakland did target starters last offseason with Drew Rucinski and Shintaro Fujinami, but neither was effective in the rotation.
Seattle traded away third baseman Eugenio Suarez in November, a power hitter who blasted 53 home runs over two seasons with the Mariners. Seattle has a very good pitching staff, but no Suarez and possibly no Teoscar Hernandez leaves some holes in the M’s lineup.
The reigning World Series champions are set to come into 2024 with arguably the game’s best lineup. However, the Rangers may lose Jordan Montgomery in free agency. With no Jacob deGrom for at least the first half of 2024, another starter would be the ideal move.