The 2025 Christmas holiday season is nearing its end, which also means we’re getting closer to 2026 Spring Training. With roughly five weeks until players begin to report in earnest, let’s take a look at what each National League team should give itself this holiday season, in a purely hypothetical look, of course.
NL East
- Braves: Depth starting pitching
- Marlins: Power-hitting DH
- Mets: Starting pitching
- Nationals: First baseman
- Phillies: Catcher
Given that it’s the “silly” season, it is wise to point out that, likely, some of these wish-list thoughts may not become reality.
The Nationals, for example, are a rebuilding team that does have good hitters, headlined by James Wood and bounce-back candidate Dylan Crews, plus late-year breakout hitter Daylen Lile. However, will Washington’s new front office make a splash for a first baseman like last winter? That might not happen.
For Miami, the same can be said. The Marlins have been more active this winter compared to last year, as the Fish signed closer Pete Fairbanks and added a well-known slugger in Christopher Morel. But given potential payroll constraints, Miami may not be in the market for another power hitter.
The Braves took care of, arguably, their biggest roster hole when the team re-signed shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Kim will look to provide stability at shortstop, something Atlanta hasn’t had since Dansby Swanson left. Additionally, the Braves signed Mike Yastrzemski to fill Marcell Ozuna‘s previous spot in the lineup.
However, a depth starting pitcher would make sense. The Braves have their 2026 rotation, headlined by Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Spencer Schwellenbach, largely in place. But with AJ Smith-Shawever likely unavailable for all of 2026, another one wouldn’t hurt.
For the Phillies, it’s simple. J.T. Realmuto is a free agent, and the only two catchers on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster are Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs. A reunion with Realmuto would make sense for both sides.
As for the Mets, New York will look very different without Pete Alonso, Edwin Diaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil. But with Jorge Polanco, Marcus Semien, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver now in Queens, the Mets have chipped away at replacing those players.
Adding a starting pitcher would make sense. However, the Mets have been very risk-averse with starting pitchers since David Stearns was installed as president of baseball ops. Clay Holmes and Sean Manaea were both signed to three-year deals last winter, and the Mets opted for short-term deals with Frankie Montas and Griffin Canning, as well.
Eleven different pitchers made at least four starts for the Mets last season. And given how the Mets struggled to get five to six innings out of a starter regularly, that taxed the bullpen.
NL Central
- Brewers: Depth starting pitching
- Cardinals: Starting pitching
- Cubs: Depth starting pitching
- Pirates: Third baseman
- Reds: Power-hitting outfielder
As of now, Freddy Peralta remains a Milwaukee Brewer. Peralta headlines a deep rotation that tentatively should include a returning Brandon Woodruff, Jacob Misiorowski, and Quinn Priester. Chad Patrick, Robert Gasser, and Logan Henderson are among the fill-out options.
If the Brewers don’t trade Peralta, Milwaukee may very well stand pat. And why not, as that rotation, on paper, is very strong. But if the Brewers do trade Peralta, a short-term deal for a pitcher on a lower salary would make sense for a team with few flaws.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have been diligent with adding to the bullpen since their loss in the NLDS. That’s been out of necessity, as the Cubs lost Brad Keller (Phillies), Drew Pomeranz (Angels), and Taylor Rogers to free agency, plus Andrew Kittredge via trade.
Offensively, the Cubs are fine, even without Kyle Tucker. Yes, losing him — assuming he doesn’t re-sign — would hurt. However, it would open the door for Owen Caissie in right field.
Like the Brewers, a depth starter wouldn’t hurt.
The Reds were the other NL Central team to make the playoffs this past year. However, unlike the Brewers and Cubs, Cincinnati wasn’t an offensive juggernaut.
Cincinnati has already added to its outfield, bringing in JJ Bleday and Dane Myers. In a perfect world, bringing in a big bopper to play alongside TJ Friedl and Noelvi Marte would make sense. However, that may not be economically feasible for the Reds’ management group.
Pittsburgh’s offseason has been very active. The Pirates brought in All-Stars Brandon Lowe and Ryan O’Hearn to add much-needed punch for a team that finished last in runs scored and home runs last season.
If the Pirates are to return to October — and the road is very much open for them to do so — their offense will need to score more to complement a strong pitching staff. A more permanent figure at third would be ideal. However, that may not be feasible, either.
Lastly, the Cardinals are knee-deep in a rebuild.
St. Louis shipped out Willson Contreras and Sonny Gray to the Red Sox, moves that returned Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins, two MLB starters. Between those two, plus ex-Red Sox Dustin May, those may be the only notable pitching additions this winter.
However, a veteran arm to supplement those young pitchers would make sense, as well.
NL West
- Diamondbacks: Relief pitcher/closer
- Dodgers: Corner outfielder
- Giants: Depth starting pitching
- Padres: Starting pitching
- Rockies: Starting pitching
What do you get a team that, on paper, seems to have it all?
The Dodgers have already taken care of, arguably, their biggest need: a shutdown closer/stopper. Edwin Diaz, a two-time NL Reliever of the Year with the Mets, is now with the Dodgers.
Between the bullpen, rotation, and lineup, there are very few flaws. However, if we were to nitpick, a corner outfielder, perhaps a left-handed bat to platoon with Alex Call, to slot in alongside Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernandez, would make sense.
The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, will likely be without Justin Martinez for most, if not all, of the 2026 season. The same can be said for A.J. Puk. It opens up an obvious need for short-term relief pitching help.
San Diego lost several arms to free agency in November. However, the Padres got one back, as Michael King re-signed on a short-term deal. However, the Padres lost Dylan Cease to the Blue Jays and won’t have Yu Darvish for 2026.
Assuming Joe Musgrove is healthy for 2026, that would leave a tentative rotation of Musgrove, King, Nick Pivetta, plus Matt Waldron, Randy Vasquez, and JP Sears to fill out the back-half. The question is whether the Padres would be content with that, or can San Diego tweak the roster to fit another pitcher or two?
The Giants added Adrian Houser in December, giving San Francisco a top-three of Houser, Logan Webb, and Robbie Ray (not in that order). Like the Padres, more depth will be something to watch.
Lastly, the Rockies always seem to need pitching — and for good reason. In fact, there are 5,280 reasons why the Rockies have a constant need for arms.
However, getting that help is easier said than done.
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