The MLB offseason can be divided into three distinct categories:
1. The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and then traded for Tyler Glasnow and gave him a big extension. The total future outlay: More than $1 billion, which if you stacked it up in $1 bills would reach 68 miles high.
2. The New York Yankees traded for Juan Soto -- and they're still looking to do more.
3. And then there's most other teams, who appear to be looking for reasons not to spend money.
It's been a slow burn of an offseason, with a lot of moves still on the way. More than half of Kiley McDaniel's original top 50 free agents remain unsigned, plus we could still have a couple of significant trades. As we wait for all the dominoes to fall, however, let's do mid-offseason grades for each team -- and one thing each still needs to do.
We're grading on a curve here, basing our scores on expectations heading into the offseason. (We expected the Dodgers to be big spenders; we did not expect the Colorado Rockies to do anything -- and they haven't.)
Los Angeles Dodgers: A++
Remarkably, despite signing the two top free agents and trading for a starter with No. 1 potential in Glasnow, some are still calling for the Dodgers to do even more, like trading for Dylan Cease, because why not.
One thing to do: I think the Dodgers are fine in the rotation: Yamamoto, Glasnow, Bobby Miller, Walker Buehler and a slew of youngsters. They can still reunite with Clayton Kershaw in August. I was going to suggest adding another outfielder, but the Dodgers solved that depth issue with the Teoscar Hernandez signing on Sunday night. He adds a much-needed right-handed bat to the mix, pushing Chris Taylor into more of a utility role. I think the Dodgers are set. Right?
Arizona Diamondbacks: A-
They signed Eduardo Rodriguez to a four-year contract, re-signed Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and traded for Eugenio Suarez to fill a hole at third base. They've improved a team that, while reaching the World Series, was still outscored during the regular season, so credit the front office for knowing they had to get better.
One thing to do: The obvious hole is DH, and the Diamondbacks have indicated they intend to fill that. The right-handed J.D. Martinez is a nice fit. Sign him and it's an "A" of an offseason.
Atlanta Braves: A-
GM Alex Anthopoulos certainly earns an A+ for creativity. He essentially acquired Jarred Kelenic from the Seattle Mariners and hard-throwing lefty reliever Ray Kerr from the San Diego Padres by taking on some bad contracts. Before that, he traded five non-tender candidates to the Chicago White Sox for reliever Aaron Bummer, traded the injured Kyle Wright, re-signed Joe Jimenez and signed Reynaldo Lopez.
Then came the big move, trading Vaughn Grissom for Chris Sale, and then reworking Sale's contract. All in all, it's a unique approach that could pay big dividends if Kelenic reaches his potential and if Sale is healthy come October. I'm not giving this an "A," however, because the Braves' initial plan to improve the rotation was Aaron Nola or Sonny Gray.
One thing to do: Add a fourth outfielder. That could be a right-handed platoon partner for Kelenic, somebody like Adam Duvall or Tommy Pham on the high end, but I'd like to see Kelenic get the opportunity to play every day. Then check back in July if an addition needs to be made.
Kansas City Royals: B+
While much of the league is crying poor, the Royals -- the ROYALS -- have signed a bunch of free agents: Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Hunter Renfroe, Will Smith, Chris Stratton, Garrett Hampson. Hey, it's something, which isn't what we expected, and Lugo and Wacha were pretty good in 2023 (4.2 combined WAR). If Cole Ragans is indeed the real deal and Brady Singer finds his 2022 form, that could be a solid rotation. I'm less sanguine about the other three, although the bullpen was awful and they're not paying Smith and Stratton that much.
One thing to do: What, you want more? While the payroll is up about $20 million so far, it's still below where it was from 2016 to '18, so maybe there's room to go higher. If the Royals are serious about making a run in a weak division, Matt Chapman plugs a hole at third base (with Maikel Garcia sliding over to second).
Cincinnati Reds: B
Another small-market team that has spent some money in free agency, adding Jeimer Candelario, Frankie Montas, Nick Martinez and Emilio Pagan. Montas, coming off shoulder surgery, and Martinez add some much-needed rotation depth, although Montas is certainly more of a wild card. Now, don't be fooled: The Reds' payroll is still one of the lowest in the majors and only about $12 million more than it was in 2023 -- and about $25 million less than the club record of $126 million in 2019.
One thing to do: At the Montas signing, GM Nick Krall said the Reds were done with "major moves" but could add to the bench or bullpen. Lefty reliever Matt Moore, who has a 2.20 ERA over the past two seasons, would be a nice boost.
Milwaukee Brewers: B
They lost manager Craig Counsell to the Chicago Cubs, and maybe the transition to Pat Murphy, the bench coach under Counsell, will be seamless. They haven't done anything to supplement the major league roster, but I'll give this offseason a strong grade anyway after they signed prospect Jackson Chourio to an eight-year, $82 million contract that also includes two team options. If Chourio lives up to the hype, the Brewers will have a star player at a steep discount.
One thing to do: Keep Corbin Burnes. In the National League Central, where the division is wide open, the Brewers still have the core of a 92-win team returning, so keep Burnes and go for it.
Detroit Tigers: B
They signed Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty to provide some depth to a rotation that has been ravaged by injuries the past couple of seasons, as well as relievers Shelby Miller and Andrew Chafin and outfielder Mark Canha. It's been a long time now since Flaherty had that dominant run in the second half of 2019, and his control issues continue to plague him. I'm not super optimistic he suddenly turns back into a frontline starter, but he's worth a flyer.
One thing to do: They still need offense and have a big, gaping hole at DH. Jorge Soler or any of the other DHs out there (Martinez, Justin Turner, Rhys Hoskins, Brandon Belt, Joc Pederson) would fill that void.
San Diego Padres: B-
We knew they had to trade Soto, and they did pretty well in the return for him -- Michael King, Randy Vasquez and Jhony Brito are all rotation possibilities for 2024 and prospect Drew Thorpe might end up as the best of the group. They also added two relievers in lefty Yuki Matsui from Japan and righty Woo-Suk Go from South Korea.
One thing to do: The only outfielders on the 40-man roster are Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jose Azocar. The sexy move would be to sign Cody Bellinger, but he's probably not realistic given the team's payroll cuts. Free agent Michael A. Taylor makes sense as a center fielder. Minnesota Twins right fielder Max Kepler is potentially available, while the Mariners (a frequent Padres trade partner) also have a slew of minimum-salaried outfielders on their 40-man roster.
New York Yankees: B-
This grade will likely go up as the Yankees are reportedly interested in both Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, the top two free agent starters left out there, as well as Cease as a trade candidate. Still, the Yankees wanted both Soto and Yamamoto this offseason and got only one.
One thing to do: Besides acquiring another starter ... sign Soto to a big, fat extension.
St. Louis Cardinals: C+
They needed to fix their rotation so they bulldozed their way into free agency -- not exactly what the Cardinals like to do -- and signed Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn. The common denominator there: All three chewed up innings in 2023, combining for 559 innings as each ranked in the top 25 in the majors. It's a plan, at least, although I wouldn't expect Gray to repeat his Cy Young runner-up performance. You're also looking at a 34-year-old, a 36-year-old and a 37-year-old, respectively, so it could all backfire as well.
One thing to do: They haven't yet addressed a bullpen that ranked 21st in the majors in ERA. The Cardinals' payroll is still just where it was last year and well under the tax threshold. Ramp that up and sign Josh Hader.
Boston Red Sox: C+
Craig Breslow, the former reliever who is the new chief baseball officer, got the job purportedly with the idea of being more aggressive in the transactions department. The Red Sox, however, have struck out on the big free agents, so maybe it's time to consider that Boston is simply no longer an attractive destination for the top free agents. I like the Grissom acquisition to fill second base and trading Alex Verdugo for some pitching depth, while Lucas Giolito should at least chew up some innings. But it doesn't feel like this offseason has pushed the Red Sox much closer to the top of the American League East.
One thing to do: After trading Sale, they need another starting pitcher, and Montgomery would line up as their No. 1 starter.
Tampa Bay Rays: C+
Given that Glasnow was set to make $25 million, the Rays did well in acquiring a rotation arm in Ryan Pepiot in return as well as a fourth/platoon outfielder in Jonny DeLuca. They've also held on to Yandy Diaz and Isaac Parades, two keys to one of the majors' best lineups in 2023. The Wander Franco situation complicates matters, but they just added more infield depth in acquiring Jose Caballero from the Mariners.
One thing to do: Junior Caminero might be the Opening Day shortstop at age 20. He's right up there alongside Chourio as the best position player prospects in the game, so signing him to a similar deal would be ideal.
Philadelphia Phillies: C
They re-signed Nola -- which was important, in part, because that kept him from going to the Braves -- but it's otherwise been a quiet offseason, although the Phillies were breathing heavily in pursuit of Yamamoto. Granted, there aren't any obvious holes to fill, but it means they haven't picked up any ground on the Braves.
One thing to do: Either extend Zack Wheeler now or -- since there was money to sign Yamamoto -- perhaps pour that into Snell, Montgomery or Marcus Stroman.
Chicago White Sox: C
New GM Chris Getz has made a lot of moves, but not the kind of moves that are going to boost ticket sales or even improve the win-loss record much. I do find it amusing that Getz, a weak-hitting second baseman during his big league career, signed Paul DeJong and traded for Nicky Lopez to man the middle infield. However, given that the White Sox received neither offense nor defense last year from their middle infielders, the pair will at least catch the ball.
One thing to do: Trade Cease. It's pretty much a no-brainer. The Sox need talent up and down the roster and there is high demand for Cease, who has two years left of team control.
Pittsburgh Pirates: C
Even by the low standards of the Pirates, it's been an underwhelming offseason -- at a time when the Pirates are, in theory, trying to improve after going 76-86 last season. With a couple of big additions, you could map out a potential route to the playoffs. Instead, they added veteran lefties Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales and first baseman Rowdy Tellez, while re-signing Andrew McCutchen. Perez, Gonzales and Tellez combined for minus-0.2 WAR in 2023. Oh, and since the end of the regular season, they've lost starter Johan Oviedo and catcher Endy Rodriguez to Tommy John surgery.
One thing to do: It would require money (their payroll currently matches the 2023 figure), but they certainly could use another starting pitcher. We'll be realistic here, so maybe a guy like Michael Lorenzen.
Colorado Rockies: C
The Rockies are a fascinating organization. They don't sign free agents and they don't make trades, so they mostly end up developing and then extending their own players, usually for too much money. They prefer low turnover on the roster, perhaps believing this creates loyalty from both fans and players. Looking at the six biggest free agent contracts in Rockies history, however, maybe their best move is doing nothing:
1. Kris Bryant: Two years in, looking like one of the worst contracts of all time.
2. Mike Hampton: Traded after going 21-28 over two seasons.
3. Ian Desmond: Negative WAR in each of his three seasons.
4. Wade Davis: Solid first season, 9.77 ERA over next two.
5. Denny Neagle: 5.57 ERA over three seasons.
6. Michael Cuddyer: At least he won a batting title.
Really, the Rockies haven't made a successful major free agent signing since Larry Walker in 1995.
One thing to do: Go against that organizational philosophy and sign a first baseman. How about Rhys Hoskins, who could put up monster home run numbers at Coors Field and then hit the market again.
Miami Marlins: C-
Peter Bendix came over from the Rays as the new president of baseball operations after owner Bruce Sherman effectively pushed out Kim Ng. Bendix has played it very conservatively so far -- such as not trading Jesus Luzardo, an idea that never made a lot of sense in the first place, and, well, not doing anything else for that matter.
One thing to do: They do have to replace Soler's production (36 home runs). They could also use a shortstop as Jacob Amaya (.752 OPS at Triple-A) is the top option right now, but there isn't anyone in free agency who makes sense. Bringing Soler back is probably the best fit, although giving him a three-year deal is not the type of deal the Rays would ever make, so it will be interesting to see what Bendix does.
Texas Rangers: C-
At the start of the offseason, the belief/hope was the Rangers would go all-in to defend their World Series championship. Bringing back Montgomery felt like the perfect fit given his performance and the team's need for a durable starting pitcher -- an even more acute need after it was announced Max Scherzer had back surgery and will miss the start of the 2024 season. The bullpen got hot in October but was still a weakness in the regular season, so Hader seemed like another possibility. Instead, the moves have been minimal: signings of reliever Kirby Yates and starter Tyler Mahle (to a backloaded two-year deal since he's coming off Tommy John surgery).
One thing to do: The Rangers paid a minimal $1.8 million competitive balance tax for 2023 -- the first time they've gone over the threshold -- and the Dallas Morning News reported that managing partner Ray Davis "isn't keen" to start above the threshold in 2024. The Rangers are about $4 million under, so they might very well be done. But, hey, flags fly forever.
Washington Nationals: C-
The Nationals weren't expected to do much and they haven't, signing Nick Senzel and Dylan Floro on the same day in a pair of deals that flew way under the radar given they happened at the same time as the Ohtani signing.
One thing to do: They are looking to add a left-handed bat, so how about they go after Bellinger in a surprise move? GM Mike Rizzo has made many deals with Scott Boras clients, and the Nationals could compare a Bellinger signing to the Jayson Werth contract in 2011. Otherwise, it's one of the DHs like Belt, Pederson or Carlos Santana.
Cleveland Guardians: D+
They had the worst power-hitting outfield since the dead ball era, and their biggest move has been to trade for Estevan Florial, a onetime top prospect with the Yankees. He's 26 now and did post a .945 OPS in Triple-A, but he has hit .209 in 134 major league plate appearances and contact issues are a concern.
One thing to do: At this point, if they're not going to improve the offense, they should probably just keep Shane Bieber and hope they can pitch-and-defense their way to a division title.
Houston Astros: D
Not including the COVID season of 2020, the Astros had their worst season since 2016 in terms of winning percentage and run differential. Ignoring that shortened season, from 2017 to 2022, they averaged 102 wins and a plus-233 run differential. They dropped to 90 wins and plus-129 in 2023 -- allowing 180 more than 2022 -- yet their only major move has been signing catcher Victor Caratini.
One thing to do: Pitching help? At the minimum, they do need to replace about 120 innings in the bullpen from Hector Neris and Ryne Stanek. Re-signing Neris makes sense, but adding rotation depth with a midtier option like Stroman also works.
Baltimore Orioles: D
It's a low grade so far -- Craig Kimbrel has been the only big move, and that doesn't exactly inspire confidence -- but there is still time for the Orioles to make the rotation addition they need.
One thing to do: Trade for Cease. If GM Mike Elias is following the Astros' blueprint, which was to trade for proven starters rather than sign free agents, then Cease is the match (or Burnes or Bieber, but it's less likely now that those two are dealt). The Orioles' farm system remains loaded with position-player prospects and the White Sox need hitters (well, and pitchers, too).
New York Mets: D
Remember, we're measuring these grades against the expectations heading into the offseason. The Mets, coming off a bad season with a still bloated payroll even after trading Justin Verlander and Scherzer last season, had one clear goal: sign Ohtani or Yamamoto. That didn't happen, so instead of committing to other long-term deals for less desirable players, they've just been adding around the margins with the likes of Luis Severino, Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor, Adrian Houser, Joey Wendle and Jorge Lopez. That's not exactly the report card you're going to hang with pride on the refrigerator.
One thing to do: Sign Pete Alonso to an extension.
Toronto Blue Jays: D-
For a few glorious hours, Ohtani was headed to Toronto. Blue Jays fans tracked the flight of that private jet leaving Orange County with the same anticipation as a Jose Bautista playoff at-bat against Sam Dyson. Ohtani would give the Jays that big hitter they needed after the offense fell off in 2023. Surely, we would learn his dog was named "Blue." Alas ... don't call me Shirley. Turns out Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa were the backup plan.
One thing to do: GM Ross Atkins told the media that the Jays are likely to add one more player, in the outfield or DH. That could mean bringing back Belt, who led the team in OPS, or going after one of the other DH options.
Minnesota Twins: D-
The Twins' response after winning their first playoff game since 2004? We're cutting payroll! That set up expectations for a cold offseason, and the Twins have delivered. They've lost Gray, Maeda, Pagan and Mahle, while Michael A. Taylor, Donovan Solano and Joey Gallo are also free agents. That's 12.4 WAR missing from the 2023 roster. The one major league free agent they've signed is reliever Josh Staumont.
One thing to do: Trading Jorge Polanco (and his $10.5 million salary) still feels like something that will happen, especially if the Twins believe Edouard Julien can play at least a passable second base. Maybe Kepler (and his $10 million salary) will go as well.
San Francisco Giants: D-
This is the grade most likely to improve as the Giants clearly have room in the budget. They went into the offseason wanting to sign Ohtani or Yamamoto. Failing to land one is a major disappointment for a franchise that just can't reel in that superstar free agent. Instead, the major addition has been Korean center fielder Jung Hoo Lee on a six-year, $113 million deal, which feels a little steep for a player who isn't going to produce much power. The Robbie Ray-for-Mitch Haniger/Anthony DeSclafani trade helps clear the outfield logjam, although Ray won't help until later in the season.
One thing to do: Snell or bust? OK, Snell AND Bellinger or bust? Chapman and Shota Imanaga? It wouldn't surprise me to see the Giants land two of these guys.
Chicago Cubs: F
It's early January and the Cubs remain the only team not to make a major league addition to the roster. For a team that missed the wild card by two games and has Bellinger (4.4 WAR) and Stroman (1.6) as free agents, it's a big nothing burger of angst for Cubs fans. Bringing in Counsell as manager was a widely acclaimed move, but that won't be enough to salvage the offseason if president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer doesn't do anything else.
One thing to do: If they're not going back to Bellinger, then Hoskins is a good fit for first base. Maybe Imanaga for the rotation, or even Hader for the bullpen.
Los Angeles Angels: F
Look, nobody expected them to re-sign Ohtani, but their only moves so far have been 26th man types: Luis Garcia, Jake Marisnick, Adam Cimber, Willie Calhoun.
One thing to do: They're interested in Snell, but the offense is the bigger problem. Bellinger can play right and center, allowing Mike Trout some DH time.
Seattle Mariners: F
The offseason began with dreams of Ohtani. Those were nice dreams, vivid dreams, full of life and color and home runs. Then came word that the Mariners were not going to increase payroll, that right at a time when they needed to improve to keep up with Texas and Houston, ownership was suddenly concerned with local TV revenue. So it's led to another chaotic offseason from president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, though it's really just been shuffling money around and not making the team any better.
One thing to do: Let's dream again. The Mariners cleared some future payroll with the Ray trade (although the salaries exchanged are about even for 2024). Maybe that creates the opportunity to sign local product Snell, who would love to pitch for his hometown team. Snell, Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo ... vivid, technicolor World Series dreams.
Oakland Athletics: F
Let's not kid ourselves: The A's haven't done anything worth grading yet this offseason, and that isn't going to change between now and spring training. So instead, let's use this space to come up with some ideas for the A's scheduled special promotional events in 2024:
April 14: Youth Baseball and Softball Day. One lucky kid gets to pitch the sixth inning.
April 17: Career Education Day & College Fair. Learn how to turn a family fortune into owning a baseball team.
May 8: Weather Education Day. Special presentation by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
July 19: Drone show. See what happens when a fly ball hits a drone!
One thing to do: I'd suggest scheduling another drone show ... but there is already another one in August.