MLB Winter Meetings: Breaking down the team needs for every AL East team
As we get set for the biggest event of the offseason, let's take a deeper look at the AL East
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5 min read
The winter meetings begin next Monday, meaning an uptick in trades and free-agent signings are on the horizon. Though the meetings aren't always packed to the gills with moves, the recent agreement on a new CBA could well inspire teams to celebrate with a blockbuster or two.
But before any deals can be consumated at the meetings, it's wise to consider what each team needs. We've spent the past few days reflecting on other divisions. Today, it's time to ponder the American League East.
Baltimore Orioles
Coming off a painful defeat in the Wild Card Game, the Orioles figure to have a busy offseason ahead. Under Dan Duquette, the Orioles have shown a tendency to wait out the market before jumping on whoever remains. Sometimes this works wonderfully (see Nelson Cruz) and sometimes, well, it doesn't work at all (do whatever you can to avoid seeing Yovani Gallardo and Ubaldo Jimenez).
Duquette will have to take a more aggressive approach this winter, giving his to-do list includes finding a new starting pitcher, a new starting catcher, and replacing Mark Trumbo, who led the AL in home runs. Theoretically, the Orioles could try filling some of those holes internally -- perhaps Baltimore leans on Caleb Joseph's strong defense behind the plate until prospect Chance Sisco is ready; and maybe Trey Mancini gets a crack at the DH job -- but some external additions seem likely.
For instance, it wouldn't be surprising if the Orioles tabbed Chris Carter -- the recently non-tendered Brewers first baseman who homered 41 times in 2016 -- to help replace Trumbo. Likewise, Baltimore could reunite with Steve Pearce once more, and who knows -- maybe another reunion with Nick Hundley is in store. Those aren't the fanciest or most impactful of additions, but it's the kind Baltimore seems to always make -- and it's the kind that Baltimore has thrived with during the Duquette era.
Boston Red Sox
On e-paper, the Red Sox seem pretty well set. Assuming Dave Dombrowski doesn't do something wild, he already has his middle infield and outfield in place, as well as his catchers and a workable five-man rotation.
That stability means Dombrowski can spend his energy finding a new DH and adding to his bullpen. Edwin Encarnacion, who has been considered the favorite to replace David Ortiz for a while, seems increasingly unlikely to land in Boston. Dombrowski will instead sift through alternatives -- Carlos Beltran and Mike Napoli figure to be the top targets. As for relievers, the Red Sox have already been tied to former Kansas City Royals closer Greg Holland, and you can bet Dombrowski will check in on most every vet reliever.
This being Dombrowski, there is a chance he does do something wild -- like, hm, trade for Chris Sale.
New York Yankees
Having successfully rebuilt the farm system over the past six months, the question for Brian Cashman is when he'll shift from reverse to drive -- and just how hard he'll push the pedal after he does.
Heretofore this winter, the Yankees have been tied to, well, former Yankees. Closer Aroldis Chapman has done everything but text Cashman the heart-eyes emoji -- and we can't be certain he hasn't done that. Meanwhile, the Yankees have reportedly asked Carlos Beltran to fill their void at designated hitter. The Yankees figure to pursue at least one veteran starting pitcher, too -- lest they enter the spring relying upon the likes of Chad Green and Bryan Mitchell.
Given the Yankees have what many consider to be the top farm system in baseball, it's fair to wonder if Cashman will get involved in some big-game hunting on the trade market. There's no indication of that yet -- and perhaps we're just stuck in the past on thinking they'll be aggressive -- but it makes for a fun thought, doesn't it? Alternatively, the Yankees could continue their rebuild by trading another vet -- likely outfielder Brett Gardner, who is among the franchise's contemporary leaders in trade rumor references.
Tampa Bay Rays
Assembling a needs list for the Rays is difficult, in large part because their offseason approach is indeterminable. The Rays could well try building for 2017 and onward, or could hit the reset button -- provided, that is, some team comes correct with a big package for Chris Archer and/or Evan Longoria.
Presuming no team gives up the necessary bounty, the Rays figure to focus on incremental upgrades behind the plate and in the bullpen. They've already seen rumored targets Brett Cecil and Jason Castro come and go to higher pastures, and that figures to remain a theme. The Rays, then, will have to rely on trades -- likely one(s) involving pitchers Alex Cobb, Drew Smyly, and/or Jake Odorizzi -- to fill their needs, while supplementing their acquisitions through bargain-bin signings.
Tampa Bay has to chase undervalued types. That means catchers whose framing ability are undervalued by the market -- though you wonder how true that is anymore; that means relievers with high-spin fastballs; and that means platoon players without clear defensive homes. Expect to hear the Rays connected to basically every potentially available catcher -- from Derek Norris to Tyler Flowers -- as well as with assorted veteran relievers -- Fernando Salas fits the mold -- and probably platoon types -- hi hello, Steve Pearce.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays got an early start on their shopping list, signing Kendrys Morales to a multi-year deal earlier in the offseason.
With a new DH in tow, Ross Atkins can turn his attention to the outfield. Both Michael Saunders and Jose Bautista are free agents, leaving the Blue Jays with a perspective starting lineup that includes Melvin Upton Jr. and Ezequiel Carrera. Lovely. Toronto has been tied to Dexter Fowler and Jay Bruce, and was supposedly tracking Sean Rodriguez, too. As such, count on the Blue Jays landing two new outfielders and perhaps someone who can platoon with Justin Smoak and/or fill in for Devon Travis in case of injury.
The Blue Jays are seemingly still involved in the Edwin Encarnacion sweepstakes, too.
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