So far this off-season the likes of Chris Sale, Matt Holliday and Wilson Ramos have joined the American League East, adding to the competition in what’s arguably baseball’s toughest division. At the same time, plenty of talent has flowed in the other direction, creating needs throughout the AL East.
At this point in the off-season four of the division’s five teams still have major needs to address…
Additions to date: Welington Castillo, Logan Ondrusek, Adam Walker, Jed Bradley, Aneury Tavarez, Anthony Santander
Remaining needs: Not only would the Orioles benefit from improving on a starting rotation that posted a 4.72 ERA in 2016, they’re in search of a corner outfielder and DH to replace free agents Mark Trumbo and Pedro Alvarez. Expect Dan Duquette to wait the market out in the hopes of finding affordable power the way he did with Trumbo and Nelson Cruz.
If Trumbo leaves, the Orioles could turn to Chris Carter, a similar player who would cost far less despite the fact that he led the NL with 41 home runs in 2016.
Additions to date: Chris Sale, Tyler Thornburg, Mitch Moreland, Josh Rutledge
Remaining needs: Having addressed their biggest needs, the Red Sox are now positioned to part with some starting pitching depth. Clay Buchholz and Drew Pomeranz will hear their names mentioned in plenty of rumours now that the Red Sox have seven starters for five spots.
On paper, the Mariners, Pirates and Padres are among the teams that could use starting depth.
Additions to date: Matt Holliday, Aroldis Chapman, Zack Littell, Albert Abreu, Jorge Guzman
Remaining needs: With a new DH and a familiar closer in place, the Yankees have completed lots of their heavy lifting. They haven’t ruled out trading veteran position players such as Chase Headley and Brett Gardner, but the most likely conclusion to their off-season may simply be the acquisition of another starting pitcher.
Additions to date: Wilson Ramos, Kevin Gadea
Remaining needs: Thanks to an abundance of starting pitching, the Rays are poised to take advantage of a market that lacks arms by listening to offers for the likes of Chris Archer, Alex Cobb, Drew Smyly and Jake Odorizzi. Who knows, they could even keep an open mind on closer Alex Colome. In return the Rays seem likely to seek a bat, someone capable of generating offence as a corner outfielder and/or DH. The Tampa front office could explore free agency if the trade market’s not to their liking, but Ramos appears to be their big off-season signing.
Additions to date: Kendrys Morales, Steve Pearce, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Glenn Sparkman
Remaining needs: Toronto’s most glaring hole exists in the outfield, where one or two additions will be required to make up for the departing Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders. Left-handed relief is another clear need for the Blue Jays, even though the recent deal for Mike Dunn reinforces the idea that demand exceeds supply for quality lefties (in other words, they’ll have to be prepared to spend if they want an established southpaw). GM Ross Atkins will also need right-handed relief and a backup catcher before opening day.
