Shopping season is upon us and that sentiment is also true for MLB teams. With the 2023-24 MLB offseason in full swing and big moves set to be made, let’s take a look at what each National League team needs the most heading into 2024.
Related: Revisiting the J.T. Realmuto Trade: Five Years Later
NL East
| Team | Biggest need |
|---|---|
 | Starting pitcher depth |
 | Power bat |
 | Starting pitching |
 | Mid-rotation starter |
 | Relief pitcher |
The Braves came into the offseason with a rather stacked roster, yet Atlanta has failed to make it past the NLDS in each of the past two seasons. Atlanta shored up the bullpen with Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez. However, an extra starter to join Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton in 2024 would help.
Miami may not be able to bring back Jorge Soler, who hit a team-high 36 home runs in 2023 and is poised for a raise. Another power-hitting outfielder to support Josh Bell, Jake Burger, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. would make sense for a team that has good pitching.
The Mets could use another outfielder, but New York’s most pressing need at the moment is pitching. Tylor Megill and David Peterson pitched well late in 2023, as did Joey Lucchesi and Jose Butto. But, a legitimate #2 or #3 would go a long way.
Washington’s likely another year away from contention. As the Nationals wait for the arrival of James Wood and Dylan Crews, a mid-rotation starter to join Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore makes sense.
As for the Phillies, their most pressing need at the start of November was a top starter — until Aaron Nola re-signed with the team. Another reliever to join forces with Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, and Seranthony Dominguez would make an already strong pen even better.
NL Central
| Team | Biggest need |
|---|---|
 | Left-handed hitting power hitter |
 | #1/2 Starter |
 | Power-hitting infielder |
 | Starting pitching |
 | Starter pitcher depth |
It’s still very much unclear what direction the Brewers will take this offseason. But if Milwaukee’s end goal is to compete in 2024, the Brewers should look to add a big bat for a team that finished 23rd in OPS (.705) a year ago.
St. Louis already added two starters in November, as the Cardinals signed right-handers Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson on short-term deals. Still, the Cardinals could use a high-end starter to deepen the rotation.
The Cubs have a number of holes to fill this offseason, as both Cody Bellinger and Marcus Stroman are free agents. However, the Cubs do have a hole at first and Chicago needs some pop. Could Rhys Hoskins be a fit? Chicago has reported interest in him, and there has been smoke between the Cubs and Pete Alonso.
Cincinnati has a lot of young talent in the team’s tentative 2024 lineup, but the Reds could use another arm to pair with youngsters Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson, and Hunter Greene.
Pittsburgh is in more or less the same spot as the Nationals. With Johan Oviedo done for 2024, a depth starter option makes sense here.
NL West
| Team | Biggest need |
|---|---|
 | Mid-rotation starter |
 | Power hitter |
 | Power hitter |
 | Starting pitcher depth |
 | Starter pitching |
The Diamondbacks were able to make it to the World Series with three starters. However, Arizona will likely need to add a pitcher in order to support Zac Gallen, Brandon Pfaadt, and Merrill Kelly.
All eyes are on the Dodgers this offseason, as Shohei Ohtani‘s a free agent and Los Angeles has been rumored to be in on the star. It would make sense, as Ohtani with Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman would make the Dodgers an early favorite for the 2024 World Series.
The Giants made a play for Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa last offseason, so it would make sense for San Francisco to strike in free agency this year. San Francisco has the money to spend and the need for hitting help. The Giants ended 2023 with the second-lowest runs scored (674) and lowest team OPS (.695) in the National League.
San Diego does have two impressive starters in Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish, but the Padres are also set to lose Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and 2023 NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. That’s a lot of talent to lose in a short period of time.
Colorado picked up righty Cal Quantrill in November after Cleveland DFA’d the righty. It was a sound move by the Rockies, but Colorado could use more given the team’s troubles on the mound last season. Colorado finished dead last in a plethora of pitching categories in 2023, including opposing batting average (.287).