MLB Trade Season Begins: What to Expect?
The MLB general managers’ annual meetings in Las Vegas have kicked off the trade season. This event offers the first opportunity for team executives to discuss their priorities for the upcoming offseason, from seeking big signings in free agency to making decisions about potential trades.
Alofoke Deportes presents a summary of what each MLB franchise has in mind for this winter, analyzing the strategies and objectives of each team.
American League East Division
- Baltimore Orioles: General Manager Mike Elias is looking for a top-tier starting pitcher and is willing to negotiate with their minor league system. They are also eyeing a closer and an impact hitter, preferably an outfielder.
- Boston Red Sox: President of Baseball Operations Craig Breslow has an ambitious list that includes a top-tier starter to complement Garrett Crochet and a right-handed hitter who produces in the middle of the batting order.
- New York Yankees: The Yankees need relievers, with Devin Williams and Luke Weaver in free agency. They are also looking for a right-handed catcher, a right-handed first baseman, and depth in the starting rotation.
- Tampa Bay Rays: The team will look for a catcher and possibly a versatile infielder, as well as finding cost-effective ways to replace their top reliever.
- Toronto Blue Jays: After failing to sign key free agents in recent years, Toronto will invest to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They will also evaluate the possibility of keeping Bo Bichette or looking for a replacement.
American League Central Division
- Chicago White Sox: General Manager Chris Getz will look to complement the team with a veteran outfielder and pitcher to guide young players.
- Cleveland Guardians: Chris Antonetti will seek to improve the team and explore external options to score more runs.
- Detroit Tigers: The team will await Gleyber Torres’ decision on the qualifying offer and seek to improve internally.
- Kansas City Royals: The team will prioritize finding help in left field, where they struggled in the previous season.
- Minnesota Twins: The team will look to improve their defense and focus on bullpen and catcher needs.
American League West Division
- Athletics: The team desperately needs starting pitchers.
- Houston Astros: The main goal is to find a replacement for Framber Valdez.
- Los Angeles Angels: They will seek to cover several positions, including third base, second base, center field, starting pitchers, and the final part of the bullpen.
- Seattle Mariners: The goal is to retain as much of the 2025 team as possible.
- Texas Rangers: The team is expected to reduce the payroll and focus on young players.
National League East Division
- Atlanta Braves: The team will look for a shortstop, starting pitchers, and several relievers.
- Miami Marlins: The team’s priority is to add pitchers, both in the rotation and in the bullpen, and an infielder.
- New York Mets: The team has important decisions to make with Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz. In addition, they will seek to improve the defense and the pitching staff.
- Philadelphia Phillies: The team could lose three key players.
This is a summary of the strategies and objectives of each MLB team for the upcoming offseason. Free agency and trades promise an exciting season for baseball fans.
