[Bowden]: Biggest offseason needs for all 30 MLB teams for the 2026-27 offseason

posted by u/TheAthletic · 2026-11-03 13:33 UTC

Arizona Diamondbacks

Needs: Left-handed bats and bullpen help

Analysis: The Diamondbacks ranked first in MLB with a .275 batting average versus left-handed pitching in 2026, but they hit just .235 against right-handed pitching and ranked 26th against righties with a .697 OPS. Consequently, they’re exploring ways to better balance the lineup against right-handers both via free agency and the trade market.

On the pitching side, their bullpen finished the year in the middle of the pack with a team ERA of 4.07. Their bullpen was also 28th in strikeouts, so adding more swing-and-miss relievers is a priority for them.

Atlanta Braves

Needs: A starting pitcher and bullpen help

Analysis: The Braves have their ace in Chris Sale and solid starters returning in Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder. With Tyler Mahle testing free agency and Spencer Strider’s injury history, the Braves are expected to pursue one of the free-agent starters or try to acquire a top starter in a trade. They tried to trade for Jacob deGrom at the deadline, but he invoked his no-trade clause to stop the deal. I expect them to have some interest in free agents such as Michael King, Sonny Gray, Freddy Peralta and Shota Imanaga, if they can’t trade for a top starter.

As for the bullpen, the Braves will try to bring back Raisel Iglesias, and if they can’t, they’ll look for other ways to add a high-leverage arm.

Athletics

Needs: Pitching, pitching and pitching

Analysis: The A’s hired Taylor Smith as their president of baseball operations, and he has the immediate tall task of trying to rebuild a pitching staff from top to bottom. It won’t be easy.

Smith will also try to extend the contracts of catcher Shea Langeliers and first baseman Nick Kurtz. The A’s have the position-player talent to be a postseason team, but they’ll never get there until they have a competitive pitching staff to go along with it.

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias (left) recently hired Jared Banner (right) away from the Cubs to be the Orioles’ new GM.Stephanie Scarbrough / Associated Press

Baltimore Orioles

Needs: Outfield

Analysis: Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias hired Jared Banner as the team’s new GM, and the tandem is getting high marks throughout the industry. Most executives say they believe they’ll complement each other extremely well.

Elias will continue to take the lead on player acquisitions, and his top priority is to improve the Orioles’ outfield. There are a couple of free-agent outfielders who could fit, namely right fielder Seiya Suzuki and left fielder Randy Arozarena.

Boston Red Sox

Needs: Offense

Analysis: The Red Sox are prioritizing improving their offense and could look to upgrade in a lot of different spots, including second base, third base and the outfield. Among free agents, third baseman Teruaki Sato and second baseman Brandon Lowe could be fits. It might be worth it for Boston to revisit the idea of trading with the Diamondbacks for Ketel Marte, too.

The Red Sox will also continue to call the Nationals regarding a possible CJ Abrams trade and the Reds if Cincinnati decides to move Elly De La Cruz. Either way, expect them to be aggressive with the aim of adding at least a bat or two.

Milwaukee Brewers

Needs: Extend William Contreras and keep celebrating

Analysis: The Brewers do have to deal with some free agents, specifically first baseman Jake Bauers and pitchers Brandon Woodruff, Dustin May and JoJo Romero. Bauers will probably depart and be replaced by prospect Andrew Fischer, who hit 48 homers in the minor leagues this season. They’ll probably try to re-sign Romero.

Besides that, they’ll keep this team together, add from their farm system and be ready to defend their title in 2027.

One of the big issues facing them this offseason is that Contreras is now one year from free agency, and they really can’t trade him or let him walk and still win. They need to find a way to sign him long-term. And, yes, he will become the highest-paid catcher in baseball history when the deal is completed.

Minnesota Twins

Needs: Replacing the offensive production from Ryan Jeffers and Josh Bell and adding to the bullpen

Analysis: The Twins believe they are not far behind the Guardians and White Sox in the AL Central. They will try to add to their offense and replace run production they got from free agents Ryan Jeffers and Josh Bell, who both are not expected to return.

In addition, Minnesota will focus on improving its bullpen, which ranked 26th in ERA (4.74). The Twins will get Pablo López back from Tommy John surgery, and he will join Joe Ryan at the top of their rotation.

They are excited about their young core of position players centered around Luke Keaschall, Brooks Lee, Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper. If they can get a fully healthy year out of Byron Buxton, who knows how good they could be, but we seem to say that every year.

New York Mets

Needs: Starting rotation and bullpen

Analysis: The Mets are focused on improving their pitching staff and are excited about young starters Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton. Even with those young arms, I expect them to be players at the top of the starting pitching market, including both Skubal and King.

They’re also going to go hard to improve their bullpen, both in terms of quality and quantity.

I personally think they should look to upgrade at first base, and I think Bauers would be a perfect fit with his winning attitude, power bat and on-base skills.

New York Yankees

Needs: Bullpen

Analysis: The Yankees are going to make working on their bullpen their top priority, with hopes of bringing back closer David Bednar and setup reliever Paul Blackburn and perhaps making a run at left-handed reliever Adrian Morejon.

I think they’ll move on from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and perhaps go with Anthony Volpe at second base and George Lombard Jr. at shortstop. If they do that, they should consider signing Sato, who would give them another middle-of-the-order bat.

## Top comments

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2. u/capillatusk · 2026-11-03 14:30 UTC

I disagree with some of these. For example, the A's biggest need is new ownership.

3. u/WantToTypeComments55 · 2026-11-03 20:46 UTC

yeah Twins too

4. u/TheSocraticGadfly · 2026-11-03 15:23 UTC

No. 1 need is probably not to listen to Jim Bowden.

5. u/stickman07738 · 2026-11-03 15:30 UTC

As a die-hard Yankee fan, We need to upgrade medical and strength snd conditioning staffs as we have just too many injuries the last ten years. Except for 2017, we are in the top quartile in days lost due to injuries.

6. u/Suitable_Elk6199 · 2026-11-03 16:54 UTC

Giants needs: Learn from the Valkyries.

7. u/Background_Land_9877 · 2026-11-03 17:52 UTC

Brewers need no help but sign Bauers and Contreras to multi year. Rest of the league best take notice and copy that recipe. Go Brewers!!