PITTSBURGH PIRATES
82-79, 4TH, NL CENTRAL
What now: The Pirates had just their fourth
winning season in the last 26 years. Though that was good for just fourth
place, they believe they can contend in 2019 with a rotation of Chris
Archer, Jameson Taillon, Trevor Williams, Ivan Nova and Joe
Musgrove.
Offseason focus: The Pirates will need to look
for middle infielders — shortstop Jordy Mercer will be a free
agent, and the 2019 club option on second baseman Josh Harrison’s contract
is unlikely to be exercised. Picking up an outfielder for the short term is
possible because right fielder Gregory Polanco could be out until
mid-June while recovering from shoulder surgery.
Prospects to watch: Another talented pitcher,
22-year-old right-hander Mitch Keller is on the way after moving
from high Class A all the way to Class AAA and going a combined 12-4.
ARIZONA
DIAMONDBACKS 82-80, 3RD, NL WEST
What now: After a September collapse, the
Diamondbacks could lose two key players — center fielder A.J. Pollock and
left-hander Patrick Corbin — to free agency. Corbin, 29, was 11-7
with a 3.15 ERA and a career best adjusted ERA. Pollock, who’ll be 31 in
December, has exceeded 115 games just once in five years but is the team’s
second- best all-around player.
Offseason focus: The front office has to account
for not only Pollock and Corbin but also the long-term future of perennial MVP
candidate Paul Goldschmidt. His 2019 team option is a
budget-friendly $14.5 million; it might be time, though, to see if a long-term
deal can happen. He just turned 31.
Prospects to watch: Arizona placed one prospect,
right-hander Jon Duplantier at No. 48, in Baseball America’s
top 100. Catcher Daulton Varsho was rated the No. 10 prospect in
the high Class A California League.
ATLANTA BRAVES
90-72, 1ST, NL EAST
What now: For the first time since 2013 and just
the second since 2005, the Braves are National League East champions. They’ll
enter the postseason with plenty to gain and almost nothing to lose, as a young
team arriving ahead of schedule and already exceeding expectations. No matter
what, this will be the year outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and second
baseman Ozzie Albies became stars and the Braves got back in
the hunt.
Offseason focus: The biggest free agent decisions
will involve outfielder Nick Markakis and right-hander Anibal
Sanchez. But the bigger focus for the Braves will be on how they can build
on their 2018 success.
Prospects to watch: Most of the Braves’ young
pitchers got at least a look in 2018, including
Mike Soroka, Bryse Wilson, Touki Toussaint and Kyle
Wright. Watch for third baseman Austin Riley in the
spring.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
47-115, 5TH, AL EAST
What now: After a historically bad year, the
Orioles go into the offseason with many more questions than answers. Among the
most important: Who will be the general manager and manager, with the contracts
of both Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter ending?
Whoever gets those jobs will have a busy winter — the Orioles face a roster
overhaul.
Offseason focus: You name it and the Orioles
must deal with it, especially in terms of the pitching staff. September was
like a tryout camp. Other than center fielder Cedric Mullins, who
pushed veteran Adam Jones to right field, the newcomers did
not offer many answers. Jones is a free agent.
Prospects to watch: Mullins arrived in August
and gave the Orioles reason to be optimistic about his future. It remains to be
seen, though, what they can expect from the 15 players they got in midseason
trades.
BOSTON RED SOX
108-54, 1ST, AL EAST
What now: The Red Sox had a historically
outstanding regular season, won their third straight division title and have
two MVP candidates, Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez. But
if they bow out of the postseason in the Division Series, as they have the last
two years, it will feel like a failure.
Offseason focus: Closer Craig Kimbrel is
the most prominent of Boston’s free agents. If the Red Sox don’t bring him
back, they will need to find a replacement without an apparent heir in house.
The rest of the bullpen also needs work.
Prospects to watch: Keep an eye on infielders Michael
Chavis and Bobby Dalbec and lefthanders Jay
Groome ,making his way back from Tommy John elbow surgery in May, and Darwin
on Hernandez. First baseman Sam Travis shows promise despite
struggling in limited major league opportunities.
CHICAGO CUBS
95-68, 2ND, NL CENTRAL
What now: The Cubs made the postseason for the
fourth time in four seasons since Joe Maddon became manager.
However, after building a five game lead on Sept. 2, the Cubs lost to the
Milwaukee Brewers in a tiebreaker for the division title and settled for a wild
card.
Offseason focus: The Cubs have decisions to make
about 2019 club options on left-handers Cole Hamels ($20
million) and Jose Quintana ($10.5 million). They could stand
to add another starter even if both pitchers are retained. Shoring up the
bullpen will be another priority. Shortstop Addison Russell’s future
is cloudy after he finished the season on administrate leave following
accusations of domestic violence.
Prospect to watch: Righthander Adbert
Alzolay likely would have made his major league debut this
year if his season hadn’t been ended in May by a torn lat muscle.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
62-100, 4TH, AL CENTRAL
What now: The White Sox took a step backward in
the second year of rebuilding, including their hitters setting the single-
season major league record for strikeouts. However, management believes the
organization is on the right path.
Offseason focus: The White Sox do not want to
block any of their prospects but would like to add a veteran starting pitcher
to join their promising young trio of Carlos Rodon, Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas
Giolito in the rotation. They also are willing to add an outfielder on
a short-term contract. Like last winter, the White Sox will look to sign
relievers in quantity on minor league deals.
Prospects to watch: Outfielder Eloy Jimenez has
nothing left to prove in the minor leagues after the 21-year-old hit a combined
.337 with 22 home runs in 108 games in Class AA and AAA this season.
CINCINNATI REDS
67-95, 5TH, NL CENTRAL
What now: It was yet another long season for the
Reds as they finished last in the National League Central for the fifth
consecutive year while also again losing at least 94 games. Manager Bryan Price
was fired on April 19 following a 3-15 start, but it ultimately made little
difference as the Reds had an awful September.
Offseason focus: Finding a full-time manager is
the primary focus. Interim manager
Jim Riggleman will be given consideration, but
outside candidates also will be interviewed. The Reds say they have
“significant” capacity to sign free agents, and their focus will be on
pitching.
Prospects to watch: Though there isn’t an
opening for him in the lineup, infielder Nick Senzel figures
to be in the majors soon. Senzel, 23, hit .310 in Class AAA but was limited to
44 games because of a torn tendon in his right index finger.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
91-71, 1ST, AL CENTRAL
What now: The Indians cruised to their third
straight American League Central title during a season in which three of their
four division rivals were rebuilding and the Minnesota Twins sold off pieces at
the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. The franchise again is looking to win
its first World Series title since 1948, the longest current drought in the
major leagues.
Offseason focus: Three key players are eligible
for free agency — closer Cody Allen, left-handed reliever Andrew
Miller and left fielder Michael Brantley. The
small-market Indians likely will be able to sign only one. They have left-hander
Brad Hand as a replacement for Allen but will
need outfield depth even if they re-sign Brantley.
Prospects to watch: Righthander Triston
McKenzie should be ready to join the rotation at some point in 2019.
COLORADO ROCKIES
91-72, 2ND, NL WEST
What now: Try to parlay the franchise’s fifth
playoff berth, the result of a closing hot streak, into a second pennant and
first World Series title.
Offseason focus: Second baseman D.J.
LeMahieu, top setup reliever Adam Ottavino and
outfielder Carlos Gonzalez head the team’s group of pending free
agents. Keeping Ottavino makes the most sense, but he has leverage thanks to a
dominant season. Face of the franchise Nolan Arenado is due a raise
on his $17.75 million salary and will be entering his contract year, so
plotting his long-term future is on the short list, too. And now that he’s
eligible for arbitration, compensating MVP candidate Trevor Story well
above his $555,000 salary has to be on the agenda.
Prospects to watch: Brendan Rodgers, No. 11 on Baseball
America’s top 100, looks like the successor to LeMahieu.
DETROIT TIGERS
64-98, 3RD, AL CENTRAL
What now: The Tigers flirted with 100 losses for
the second consecutive season before falling short of that ignominious mark and
don’t figure to contend for a few years until the rebuilding process advances.
However, owner Chris Ilitch says he is confident the
organization is on the right track under general manager Al Avila and
manager Ron Gardenhire.
Offseason focus: The Tigers likely will make
small upgrades, such as adding a starting pitcher on a short-term contract.
They also could look to bring in a shortstop to replace Jose Iglesias, who
is a free agent.
Prospects to watch: Righthander Franklin
Perez, acquired from the Houston Astros in the Justin Verlander trade
last year, was limited to seven starts in high Class A this season because of a
right lat strain.
HOUSTON ASTROS
103-59, 1ST, AL WEST
What now: The defending World Series champions
are built for another deep playoff run with starters Justin Verlander,
Dallas Keuchel and Gerrit Cole healthy. The road to
their second consecutive division title wasn’t smooth as infielders
Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve battled
injuries and the pesky Oakland Athletics made them sweat, but third baseman Alex
Bregman picked up the slack with a season worthy of AL MVP
consideration.
Offseason focus: Keuchel could hit the free
agent market along with right-hander Charlie Morton and Marwin
Gonzalez, a versatile left-handed hitter. The catcher’s spot will need
to be addressed with the contracts of Martin Maldonado and Evan
Gattis expiring.
Prospects to watch: Outfielders Kyle Tucker, who
had 24 homers and 93 RBI in Class AAA, and Yordan Alvarez are
primed to make a splash.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
58-104, 5TH, AL CENTRAL
What now: The Royals had the fifth 100-loss
season in franchise history just three years after winning the World Series.
General Manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost are
stressing patience after only one year of what figures to be a lengthy rebuild.
The Royals were encouraged by the performances of right-hander Brad
Keller and shortstop Adalberto Mondesi, both rookies.
Offseason focus: The Royals aren’t ready to make
any splash moves at this point. They will look to add pitchers who won’t bust
the budget but, for the most part, will leave playing time open so their young
players can develop.
Prospects to watch: Though Mondesi seems
cemented in the shortstop role, he could be pushed by Nicky Lopez, who
has good baseball acumen and hit a combined .308 in 130 games in Class AA and
AAA.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
80-82, 4TH, AL WEST
What now: Injuries to the rotation again wrecked
the Angels’ season as they wasted the best start in franchise history (13-3)
and failed to contend in the second half. Mike Trout had
another sensational year, and Shohei Ohtani proved he wasn’t all
hype with a two-way game not seen in the majors in nearly a century.
Offseason focus: The departure of manager Mike
Scioscia makes finding his replacement the team’s first order of business. The
early front-runner was Eric Chavez, the former third baseman
and an Angels coach. Finding starters is a goal, especially with Ohtani not
being available to pitch after his Tommy John elbow surgery.
Prospects to watch: Righthander Griffin
Canning could contend for a rotation spot in the spring. He relies on
command of his fastball, which sits just above 90 mph, mixed with an effective
changeup.
LOS ANGELES
DODGERS 92-71, 1ST, NL WEST
What now: Attempt to claim the franchise’s first
World Series title since 1988, when Orel Hershiser and Kirk Gibson led the way.
Offseason focus: Left-hander Clayton
Kershaw can become a free agent this offseason if he opts out of his
contract. He’ll be 31 in March, and lower back ailments have sidelined him for
parts of the past three seasons. Definitely headed to free agency are Manny
Machado, Yasmani Grandal, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Yasmani Grandal and Brian
Dozier. Shortstop Corey Seager, coming back from
elbow surgery, could be ready for opening day.
Prospects to watch: Outfielder Alex Verdugo and
middle infielder Gavin Lux could press for starting roles
soon. And don’t rule out the possibility of catcher Keibert Ruiz, 20,
playing for the Dodgers next year.
MIAMI MARLINS
63-98, 5TH, NL EAST
What now: Derek Jeter’s first season as owner wasn’t
always smooth — there were major changes in the front office and on the roster
and far more losses than he ever experienced in any of his 20 years as a major
league player. The rebuilding process isn’t close to complete, either, and more
changes and losses are expected in 2019.
Offseason focus: The big decision will be on
catcher J.T. Realmuto, who survived the first wave of trades
but will be in high demand again this winter. Beyond that, the Marlins will try
to make their roster younger and more athletic.
Prospects to watch: Righthander Sandy
Alcantara got a look in the rotation in September. Outfielder Austin
Dean, who also had a September audition, was the Marlins’ minor league
player of the year. Their minor league pitcher of the year,
Nick Neidert, will compete for a rotation spot
next spring.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
96-67, 1ST, NL CENTRAL
What now: The Brewers made the postseason for
the first time since 2011, buoyed by an MVP-type season from right fielder Christian
Yelich. Milwaukee rallied from five games back Sept. 2 to win the
division title with a tiebreaker victory over the Chicago Cubs.
Offseason focus: The Brewers will have most of
their roster intact when next season opens — none of their key players is
eligible for free agency. They could add some starting pitching after relying
heavily on the bullpen to carry them to a playoff berth.
Prospects to watch: Though he was the Brewers’
first-round draft pick just last year, second baseman Keston Hiura already
is knocking on the door of the big leagues. The 22-year-old batted a combined
.293 with 13 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 123 games in high Class A and
Class AA.
MINNESOTA TWINS
78-84, 2ND, AL CENTRAL
What now: The Twins entered the season ready to
challenge the Cleveland Indians for the division title after playing in the
wild-card game in 2017. But the Twins were doomed by a slow start, and then
dealt veterans at the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. They still have
enough talent to potentially contend next season.
Offseason focus: With Logan Morrison
eligible for free agency, acquiring a first baseman will be a priority if Joe
Mauer retires. The Twins also could use a front-line starting pitcher to
replace right-hander Ervin Santana, whom they are unlikely to
re-sign after a finger injury limited him to five starts.
Prospects to watch: Middle infielder Nick
Gordon, an excellent defensive player, is likely to debut at some
point next year after hitting a combined .248 with seven home runs and 20
stolen bases in 141 games in Class AA and AAA.
NEW YORK METS
77-85, 4TH, NL EAST
What now: The Mets got a historically good
season from Jacob deGrom and an ace-like second half from Zack
Wheeler, but for the second consecutive year they expected to contend
but finished with a losing record. The rotation, with de-Grom, Wheeler, Noah
Syndergaard and Steven Matz, looks championship-ready. The
lineup, defense and bullpen do not.
Offseason focus: The first need is a new general
manager; the full-time position was never filled after Sandy Alderson took a
leave of absence in June and announced he wouldn’t be returning. The new GM
will need to figure out whether the Mets can build a contender without trading
any of their top starting pitchers.
Prospects to watch: Peter Alonso hit 36 home
runs in 132 games, but the Mets decided against giving him a September
audition.
NEW YORK YANKEES
100-62, 2ND, AL EAST
What now: Despite an excellent regular season,
the Yankees were hindered by injuries to several key players. What could they
have accomplished with full health? Despite the lengthy absences of sluggers
Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, the club still set a
major league record for home runs in a season. The Yankees got impressive
performances from rookies Miguel Andujar, the likely AL Rookie of
the Year, and Gleyber Torres. But the team’s depth was just
fair, and the Yankees were plagued by inconsistency.
Offseason focus: The Yankees have money to spend
on free agents, especially for the rotation and possibly at first base and the
outfield.
Prospects to watch: Lefthander Stephen
Tarpley made a positive late-season impression. Keep an eye on
left-hander Justus Sheffield, center fielder Estevan
Florial and right-hander Albert Abreu.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
97-65, 2ND, AL WEST
What now: The Athletics opened the season with
baseball’s lowest payroll but earned a wild-card berth after a spirited run at
the division title. Khris Davis led the majors in homers with
48, and Matt Chapman had a breakout season. Oakland thrived
even though injuries ravaged its rotation.
Offseason focus: Second baseman Jed
Lowrie is a free agent, as are starters Trevor Cahill, Edwin
Jackson and Brett Anderson and reliever Jeurys
Familia . Oakland could consider trading Dustin Fowler, who
was supplanted by Ramon Laureano in center field.
Prospects to watch: Southpaw A.J. Pukhas
electric stuff but wasn’t able to pitch in 2018 after undergoing Tommy John
elbow surgery.
PHILADELPHIA
PHILLIES 80-82, 3RD, NL EAST
What now: The rebuilding project turned the
Phillies into contenders perhaps a year ahead of schedule, and the
disappointment at falling short of a playoff spot was softened by the belief
there will be better years in the future. If nothing else, the Phillies will
come out of 2018 convinced they’ve found an ace, after right-hander Aaron
Nola’s outstanding season.
Offseason focus: This could be a huge winter for
the Phillies, who are thought to have money to spend and ambition to match it.
They could chase Bryce Harper or Manny Machado or perhaps both of them as they
try to move from surprise contenders in 2018 to a team that can shoot for a
World Series in the near future.
Prospects to watch: Righthander Sixto
Sanchez entered 2018 as one of the best pitching prospects in the
minors but was limited to just eight starts because of elbow trouble.
ST. LOUIS
CARDINALS 88-74, 3RD, NL CENTRAL
What now: The Cardinals stumbled during the
final week of the season and missed the playoffs for the third year in a row.
They had turned things around after being just 47-46 when manager Mike Matheny
was fired the day before the All-Star break and was replaced by bench coach Mike
Shildt.
Offseason focus: Right-hander Adam
Wainwright and closer Bud Norris can become free
agents, but there is enough pitching depth to cover both potential losses. The
Cardinals, though, would like to add a power bat and determine the future of
struggling outfielder Dexter Fowler , who has three years and
$49.5 million remaining on his contract.
Prospects to watch: Righthander Alex
Reyes is one of the hardest throwers in the game but has been limited
to one start over the last two seasons because of Tommy John elbow surgery and
a torn lat.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
66-96, 5TH, NL WEST
What now: The payroll should rise, given the
youth movement’s progress and attendance exceeding 2 million for the ninth
consecutive year despite the Padres’ 10th losing season in 11 years.
Offseason focus: A decision is due on shortstop Freddy
Galvis, who’s eligible for free agency. Top prospect Fernando
Tatis Jr. is a shortstop but could play third base if Galvis returns
as “glue” for the infield. Adding a veteran starting pitcher to a young staff
would make sense.
Prospects to watch: Led by Tatis at No. 2, the
Padres dominated Baseball America’s top 100. Other up-and-comers are
left-handers MacKenzie Gore (20th) and Adrian Morejon
(23rd), catcher Francisco Mejia (24th) and second baseman Luis
Urias (29th). Right-hander Chris Paddack had 83
strikeouts and only four walks in 52 1 ⁄ 3 high Class A innings.
SAN FRANCISCO
GIANTS 73-89, 4TH, NL WEST
What now: A year after losing 98 games, the
Giants were 50-46 and three games out of first place in mid-July. They
plummeted but drew 3 million fans for the ninth year in a row. Removing Bobby
Evans from his role as general manager figures to be only the first of many
changes in the organization.
Offseason focus: A roster retooling, not an
overhaul, is ahead. With catcher Buster Posey, 31, perhaps due
increased duty at first base in his comeback from hip surgery, it might be time
to see if first baseman Brandon Belt has much trade value after
being injured for much of the last two seasons. Left-hander Derek
Holland and catcher Nick Hundley head the list of
free agents.
Prospects to watch: Catcher Joey Bart,
drafted second, slugged .613 with 13 homers in 45 games at the rookie
level. Outfielder Marco Luciano, 17, excites scouts.
SEATTLE MARINERS
89-73, 3RD, AL WEST
What now: Seattle’s postseason drought reached
17 years as the Mariners watched Oakland sprint past them for the second AL
wild card. Robinson Cano’s suspension was unsettling and
appeared to put in motion a series of events that the M’s couldn’t overcome.
Outfielder
Mitch Haniger had an All-Star year, and closer Edwin
Diaz flirted with the major league saves record.
Offseason focus: Designated hitter Nelson
Cruz, the team’s most consistent slugger, is a free agent and will
leave a significant void if he exits. Seattle has been aggressive under GM Jerry
Dipoto, and he should be busy again.
Prospects to watch: Outfielder Kyle Lewis is
moving through the ranks, although a knee injury has slowed his progress. He
has shown speed and power at the plate and a strong arm with range in the
field.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
90-72, 3RD, AL EAST
What now: Arguably the surprise of the season
and wildly overachieving, the Rays started winning when they instituted the
unorthodox “opener” approach with pitching in May. Is it a one-season
phenomenon or could it be a sustainable longterm plan? After a major roster
turnover in the spring, many of their young players proved to be pleasant
surprises.
Offseason focus: The Rays’ offseason approach is
likely to be as it has been: Watch dollars and be bottom-feeders looking for
deals (steals) in the free agent market while building around the current core
of players. Despite their success with “openers,” they should shop for a couple
of starting pitchers. It would help if several injured young starters get
healthy.
Prospects to watch: The Rays already got a look
at many of their prospects in 2018 and will need those players to progress in
2019.
TEXAS RANGERS 67-95,
5TH, AL WEST
What now: Consecutive losing seasons cost
manager Jeff Banister his job. GM Jon Daniels’ contract was
extended, which means he has been given a runway to overlook the rebuilding job
needed to make the Rangers competitive again. Shin-Soo Choo had an
All-Star year, and Joey Gallo was again among the league leaders in
homers and RBI.
Offseason focus: Hiring a manager is No. 1, with
interim skipper Don Wakamatsu and first-base coach Steve
Buechele expected to be considered.
Adrian Beltre said he wants to return, but the
team’s interest isn’t as strong. The Rangers will continue to let their
youngsters grow, hoping they mature for the opening of the new ballpark in
2020.
Prospects to watch: Outfielder Willie Calhoun remains
high on the Rangers’ list and had a solid year at Class AAA.
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
73-89, 4TH, AL EAST
What now: It was a disappointing year for
Toronto, especially with injuries to many key players. The Blue Jays lagged
well behind the top three in the division — Boston, New York and Tampa Bay —
and have a lot of work to do. That includes finding a replacement for manager
John Gibbons, who stepped down last week with a year left on his contract.
Offseason focus: The Blue Jays appear to be
caught in the middle, which is not a good place to be: Do they go for a
full-blown rebuild or try to add a few pieces and hope their core can step up
next season? Ownership has the money, but how will the Blue Jays use it?
Prospects to watch: Uber prospects Vlad
Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are close to cracking the
major league roster. Some were disappointed they weren’t called up in
September, and the Blue Jays figure to make room for them soon.
WASHINGTON
NATIONALS 82-80, 2ND, NL EAST
What now: After two consecutive gut-wrenching
Game 5 losses in the Division Series, the Nationals got their disappointment
out of the way early this year — they were baseball’s biggest underachievers.
Even the spectacular arrival of 19-yearold outfielder Juan Soto and
another fine season from ace Max Scherzer couldn’t help the Nats
overcome their issues.
Offseason focus: There’s no bigger Nationals
question than whether they’ll re-sign Bryce Harper, who will
be one of the two biggest names (along with Manny Machado) on the free agent
market.
Prospects to watch: Outfielder Victor Robles would
have gotten his big chance in 2018 if he hadn’t hyperextended his left elbow in
April.
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