Analysis of the Best Plays for MLB Teams in 2025
With the General Managers meetings underway and the Major League Baseball (MLB) winter beginning, a series of key moves are expected before the end of the year. Many players will sign contracts, some trades will be finalized, and team rosters will undergo significant changes.Next, we will analyze the best possible moves for each of the teams that qualified for the MLB playoffs in 2025, in addition to nine other clubs that could be protagonists this winter. Each team will have a choice, and the goal is to highlight the needs of each one, without pretending to predict all the movements perfectly.
Contents
Analysis of the Best Plays for MLB Teams in 2025Los Angeles DodgersToronto Blue JaysSeattle MarinersMilwaukee BrewersNew York YankeesPhiladelphia PhilliesDetroit TigersChicago CubsSan Diego PadresBoston Red SoxCincinnati RedsCleveland GuardiansNew York MetsBaltimore OriolesSan Francisco GiantsAtlanta BravesKansas City RoyalsHouston AstrosTexas RangersArizona DiamondbacksAthletics
Los Angeles Dodgers
2025 Results: 93-69, First place in the NL West, World Series ChampionsThe perfect transaction: Although the team has everything it needs (stars, rings, and money), it always seeks improvements. It is unlikely that they will make a large financial investment. The priority is to secure a quality closer after Tanner Scott’s disappointing performance. The most viable option is to sign free agent closer Edwin Díaz.Toronto Blue Jays
2025 Results: 94-68, First place in the AL East, Lost in the World SeriesThe perfect transaction: Despite the departure of several key players, the core of the team remains excellent and could benefit from an additional hitter. Toronto has financial resources, a locker room with good energy, and an ideal stadium. The perfect opportunity to give Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a left-handed complement. The best option is to sign free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker.Seattle Mariners
2025 Results: 90-72, First place in the AL West, Lost in the ALCSThe perfect transaction: Seattle performed great in 2025. With needs at first, second, and third base, the team needs to make important decisions. If they have to choose between their players, the choice is clear: sign free agent first baseman Josh Naylor.Milwaukee Brewers
2025 Results: 98-64, First place in the NL Central, Lost in the NLCSThe perfect transaction: The Brewers are usually cautious in the winter market. Their best option could be to trade Freddy Peralta, who will be a free agent and could be out of budget. However, the team should add, not subtract. They could trade prospects to acquire high-level players. The best option is to negotiate for Washington’s left-handed pitcher, MacKenzie Gore.New York Yankees
2025 Results: 94-68, Second place in the AL East, Lost in the ALDSThe perfect transaction: The Yankees have a great team in 2026. Although the bullpen needs improvement, the biggest need is in center field. The best option is to re-sign free agent outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger.Philadelphia Phillies
2025 Results: 96-66, First place in the NL East, Lost in the NLDSThe perfect transaction: The Phillies need an impact hitter for the middle of the lineup and a leader for the next generation. Alex Bregman, who performed great in Boston, meets both requirements. The best option is to sign free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.Detroit Tigers
2025 Results: 87-75, Second place in the AL Central, Lost in the ALDS
The perfect transaction: If the Tigers are not going to extend Tarik Skubal, they should consider trading him. Adding a long-term impact hitter is a good idea. The best option is to sign free agent infielder Bo Bichette.Chicago Cubs
2025 Results: 92-70, Second place in the NL Central, Lost in the NLDSThe perfect transaction: Despite Tucker’s possible departure, the Cubs have power in their lineup. The starting rotation needs help. The best option is to sign free agent right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai.San Diego Padres
2025 Results: 90-72, Second place in the NL West, Lost in the NL Wild CardThe perfect transaction: San Diego has financial limitations. The greatest need is in the rotation. They could find a low-cost starter with great potential. The best option is to sign free agent right-handed pitcher Cody Ponce.Boston Red Sox
2025 Results: 89-73, Third place in the AL East, Lost in the AL Wild CardThe perfect transaction: The Red Sox looked at Joe Ryan in the past. The best way to improve the team is to revisit that option. The best option is to trade for Minnesota’s right-handed pitcher, Joe Ryan.Cincinnati Reds
2025 Results: 83-79, Third place in the NL Central, Lost in the NL Wild CardThe perfect transaction: The Reds have room to make a big move. The need for offense and the proximity of the best free agent hitter to the city suggest they should sign Kyle Schwarber.Cleveland Guardians
2025 Results: 88-74, First place in the AL Central, Lost in the AL Wild CardThe perfect transaction: Cleveland needs offense, and a trade is an option. The best option is to trade for St. Louis player Brendan Donovan.New York Mets
2025 Results: 83-79, Second place in the NL East
The perfect transaction: The Mets have many options to recover. The priority is the rotation. The best option is to sign free agent left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez.Baltimore Orioles
2025 Results: 75-87, last place in the AL EastThe perfect transaction: The Orioles need to improve their pitching staff. The best option is to sign free agent right-handed pitcher Dylan Cease.San Francisco Giants
2025 Results: 81-81, Third place in the NL West
The perfect transaction: The Giants have options. The rotation and bullpen need adjustments. The best option is to sign free agent closer Devin Williams.Atlanta Braves
2025 Results: 76-86, Fourth place in the NL EastThe perfect transaction: The Braves’ biggest need is at shortstop. The best option is to sign free agent closer Robert Suarez.Kansas City Royals
2025 Results: 82-80, Third place in the AL Central
The perfect transaction: The Royals need hitters. The best option is to sign free agent second baseman Gleyber Torres.Houston Astros
2025 Results: 87-75, Second place in the AL West
The perfect transaction: The Astros’ offense is imposing, but they need to improve their starting pitching. The best option is to sign free agent right-handed pitcher Michael King.Texas Rangers
2025 Results: 81-81, Third place in the AL West
The perfect transaction: The Rangers need offense. The best option is to sign infielder Munetaka Murakami.Arizona Diamondbacks
2025 Results: 80-82, Fourth place in the NL WestThe perfect transaction: The Diamondbacks have an enviable core. The best option is to sign free agent first baseman Pete Alonso.Athletics
2025 Results: 76-86, Fourth place in the AL West
The perfect transaction: The A’s need pitching. The best option is to sign free agent left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez.
