It’s probably the most fantastic time of the yr! December is a time stuffed with giving and receiving presents to have a good time the vacations.
Now that the winter conferences have handed, only some days stay earlier than Christmas and turning the web page to 2025. Every group has query marks value answering, some with presents beneath the tree for you and me.
With out additional ado, listed here are among the most urgent subjects surrounding every American League group.
AL EAST
Baltimore Orioles – Return or Substitute Corbin Burnes
The Baltimore Orioles received 91 video games a yr in the past after 101 in 2023 however as soon as once more have been bounced early from the playoffs. Baseball’s fourth-highest-scoring offense possesses stars all over the place across the diamond, but it surely’s the mound that leaves probably the most questions. All’s quiet on the free agent entrance for star righty Corbin Burnes. The 2021 NL Cy Younger winner posted a 2.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 181 strikeouts, and a 15-9 report in 32 begins spanning 194.1 innings. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported Thursday it’s probably Alex Bregman and Burnes signal after Christmas. The Orioles, San Francisco Giants, and Toronto Blue Jays are the primary groups to observe for Burnes. The Orioles can’t afford to lose Burnes and never exchange him with a front-line starter. A reunion with Jack Flaherty can be probably the most high-profile add exterior of Burnes. Baltimore must do every part it could actually to convey again its ace.
Boston Pink Sox – High of the rotation arm
The Pink Sox have been busy including to their pitching workers this offseason however could also be on the lookout for extra. Boston has already added lefty Garrett Crochet in a commerce with the White Sox and this week inked former Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler to a one-year deal. They could nonetheless be on the lookout for extra although. The Pink Sox are amongst a handful of groups which have been linked to Seattle right-hander Luis Castillo. High free agent Corbin Burnes remains to be on the board as is veteran Jack Flaherty.
New York Yankees – Bullpen Assist and Good Well being
The Yankees wasted no time addressing their roster after dropping outfielder Juan Soto to their crosstown rival the New York Mets. The Yankees responded by signing left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $216 million deal after which traded for former NL MVP Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs) and nearer Devin Williams (Milwaukee Brewers). The group additionally added veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal.
It must be unusual for Yankee followers to observe the Mets poach Soto and Holmes, however Bellinger, Williams, and Goldschmidt are high-profile veterans able to including stability the place the Yanks want it. Will Gleyber Torres return? Regardless, the Yankees might flip their consideration to the bullpen and solidify a stable group from an actual in the past. Greater than something, the Yankees want good well being for Aaron Choose, Giancarlo Stanton, Gerrit Cole, and others to return to the promised land.
Tampa Bay Rays – Consolation in New Amenities
Hurricane Milton ravished Tropicana Area and left the enclosed stadium with injury too excessive to host baseball video games in 2025. In consequence, the Rays will play at George M. Steinbrenner Area, residence of the New York Yankees spring coaching affiliate. It received’t be straightforward to regulate to a brand new atmosphere and stadium with 11,000 individuals, just like what the Blue Jays wanted to do through the pandemic. Tampa traded Isaac Paredes to Chicago for Christopher Morel and added a solution at third base. Shortstop stays an space of want and a praise to Danny Jansen behind the plate can assist enhance the offense. Jose Iglesias and Paul DeJong might be potential suits.
Toronto Blue Jays – Ought to I Keep or Ought to I Go?
The favored track by The Conflict stays a well-liked track years later, but in addition applies to the state of the Blue Jays franchise. The course of baseball in Toronto will likely be formed by two selections in 2025. Will Vlad Guererro and Bo Bichette stay Blue Jays long-term, stroll in free company, or be traded on the deadline? Faint rumors swirled that the group would pay attention on their two stars however neither reportedly was near dotting I’s and crossing T’s. Impending free brokers mixed to make an estimated $46 million, Guerrero and Bichette are the spine of Jays baseball and two of the most effective offensive gamers within the sport. Guerrero mashed 30 residence runs, 103 RBIs, hit .323 (2nd within the AL), and recorded a .940 OPS. Bichette solely performed 81 video games resulting from harm as Toronto completed final within the division at 74-88. Committing vital capital to each could also be off the desk, however the two exiting would sign a rebuild underway in a robust AL East.
AL CENTRAL
Cleveland Guardians – Beginning Pitching
The Guardians have been busy this winter retooling their roster for value financial savings whereas attempting to stay aggressive within the Central. Cleveland traded Andres Gimenez to Toronto in what was largely a value chopping transfer. Additionally they dealt first baseman Josh Naylor to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Guardians changed Naylor by agreeing to a one-year take care of Carlos Santana. Shane Bieber will likely be again from Tommy John in June to solidify the rotation, however nonetheless might add a longtime veteran. The Guardians are in an incredible spot however want extra thump of their lineup because the Kansas Metropolis Royals and Detroit Tigers knocked down the playoff door final yr and tightened the division. Whit Merrifield or Brendan Rodgers would look good in a Guardians uniform.
Chicago White Sox – Purchase prime prospects for Luis Robert
The Chicago White Sox had possibly the worst season in MLB historical past a yr in the past. Ending 41-121, the White Sox joined the Cleveland Spiders within the backside of baseball’s all-time basement. Underneath contract for probably three seasons, Luis Robert is Chicago’s most engaging commerce piece to amass expertise to hurry up a sluggish rebuild. Coming off his worst season, Robert hit solely .224 with a .657 OPS, 14 residence runs, and 35 RBIs by 393 at-bats. Robert struck out 141 instances in 100 video games however mashed 38 residence runs and drove in 80 en path to an All-Star bid two years in the past. Passan believes Robert is offered and hypothesis surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies and Yankees provides elevated hypothesis the Sox will deal Robert, ideally for 2 prime 100 prospects, and provides followers hope for the longer term.
Detroit Tigers – Extra Offense
The Tigers shocked baseball by making a late run to the playoffs and upsetting the Houston Astros. Tarik Skubal received the AL Cy Younger with 228 strikeouts over 192 innings and a 2.39 ERA. The rotation might use some assist to enrich Skubal however stays a power, particularly if former No. 1 decide Casey Mize figures it out. Detroit wants so as to add extra offense to a unit that posted the Twenty third-best OPS and a .234 group common. Alex Bregman stays a believable match and the Tigers haven’t been shy about including payroll up to now. Bregman and an outfielder can take the Tigers again to the playoffs.
Kansas Metropolis Royals – Bats to Assist Witt
What a time to be a Kansas Metropolis sports activities fan. The Chiefs have received back-to-back Tremendous Bowls and look to lock within the No. 1 seed. The Royals reached the playoffs a yr after dropping 100 video games and possess certainly one of baseball’s brightest stars in Bobby Witt Jr. at quick. KC wants assist at third base and the outfield to take among the stress off Witt. Might Alex Bregman be a darkish horse candidate? The bullpen completed twentieth in baseball with a 4.13 ERA and should use a facelift to achieve the again finish.
Minnesota Twins – Outfield Assist
Max Kepler signed a one-year take care of Philadelphia Manuel Margo is a free agent, leaving a pedestrian Twins offense on the lookout for solutions. Minnesota ranked within the center third of most offensive classes and should need to add a number of bullpen items, however have impactful gamers like Byron Buxton, Pablo Lopez, Jhoan Duran, and Carlos Correa to hold the load. In a tricky division, the Twins aren’t far off from returning to the playoffs however want to face out within the pack offensively. Jason Heyward and Jurickson Profar each make sense and Profar can bounce across the subject with a reliable hit instrument.
AL WEST
Houston Astros – Remake the outfield
The Astros have additionally had a busy offseason and stunned everybody by sending outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and prospect Cam Smith. Houston practically traded for Nolan Arenado however was blocked when he invoked the no-trade clause in his contract. In consequence, they pivoted by signing first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year deal. The additions of Paredes at third and Walker seem to have introduced an finish to the Alex Bergman period.
Whereas dropping Tucker stings, the Astros have executed job of retooling. There may be nonetheless alternative to enhance within the outfield the place Taylor Trammell, Jake Meyers and Chas McCormick are the projected starters.
A’s – Discover an Identification
Oakland isn’t any extra. That’s going to want some getting used to. The A’s will play in Sacramento for the subsequent three seasons earlier than shifting to Las Vegas in 2028. Till then, they are going to solely be known as the “A’s” with no location connected. What’s going to the tradition of the A’s seem like in 2025? Followers crying within the stands of the Oakland Coliseum and watching the tip of an period was robust to observe, however the man on the mound to shut the sport brings hope and optimism. Mason Miller must seize management of the group’s tradition and management. Flirting with him as a starter is dangerous however might pay dividends with a 100 mph fastball like Paul Skenes and electrical choices. Signing Luis Severino to the most important deal in franchise historical past was an enormous begin, however who do the A’s need to be with questions surrounding the franchise and roster?
Seattle Mariners – Get Over the Hump
Seattle ought to ask Santa for something that may get them to cease placing out as a lot and put the ball in play. The Mariners must reshape their offense and add a few items to enrich an incredible rotation with Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert. The group ranked No. 1 in beginning rotation ERA (3.49) however first in strikeouts (1,625) and second to final in batting common (.224). The big hole in success hampered Seattle with 85 wins as a substitute of what might have been 90+. Lower down on the offensive gasps and the Mariners turn out to be the favourite to win the AL West.
Los Angeles Angels – Mike Trout’s Future
One of many best baseball gamers of all time has reached a breaking level in his profession. Mike Trout enters his age 33 season and not using a playoff collection victory and in jeopardy of turning into the most effective to by no means advance to a league championship collection. Accidents ravished Trout’s profession in three of the final 4 years in 2021 (36 video games), 2023 (82 video games), and 2024 (29). He hit 10 residence runs earlier than reinjuring and tearing his meniscus. Trout hit 40 residence runs two years in the past however the three-time MVP appears to be in an not possible state of affairs. He’s beneath contract by 2030 making $35 million per season. Though his worth isn’t the very best, the Angels might obtain a king’s ransom for Trout. It won’t work financially and Trout won’t need to depart the place he’s spent his total profession, however a separation may be greatest for either side.
Texas Rangers – Jacob DeGrom Wholesome and Add Pitching
The Rangers offense poses a big energy risk however waivered for parts of the season. Jacob DeGrom’s well being at 36 is one thing value something however a lump of coal. Since signing a five-year, $185 million deal, DeGrom has pitched 41 innings. The Rangers must complement him with extra pitching assist, however the two-time Cy Younger winner must be on the mound for Texas to show issues round. Whit Merrifield can also slot in Texas, needing a participant who hits for a excessive common on the prime of the lineup. DeGrom and a bat beneath the tree will mild the Rangers torch once more.
