THE BIGGEST QUESTION FACING EVERY MLB TEAM

BIGGEST QUESTION FOR EVERY MLB TEAM GOING INTO THE 2019 SEASON

As spring training opens, many teams have reason to be optimistic about the 2019 season. Still, every team has overriding questions that won't be answered until the regular season is underway.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES: WILL THEY SCORE ENOUGH RUNS?

The Pirates made the surprising additions of Chris Archer and Keone Kela at last year's trade deadline, with the 2019 season in mind. Their pitching staff now stacks up with some of the best in baseball, but the offense failed to score 700 runs last season and will miss right fielder Gregory Polanco at the start of the season due to a shoulder injury. They'll need young players like Josh Bell, Colin Moran and Adam Frazier to step up.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: CAN THEY COMPETE WITHOUT GOLDSCHMIDT AND CORBIN?

Arizona finished the 2018 season with a disappointing 82-80 record and has lost significant talent in the offseason, including Paul Goldschmidt, Patrick Corbin and A.J. Pollock. The D-backs are hoping a healthy Jake Lamb and the return they received from St. Louis in the Goldschmidt deal (Luke Weaver and Carson Kelly) will give them a boost, but competing for a playoff spot in 2019 might not be realistic.

ATLANTA BRAVES: CAN THE PITCHING STAFF REPEAT?

The breakout season for the young Braves came early, as they surprisingly claimed the NL East last year. They hope for an encore this year, and to do so the young starting rotation will need to deliver again. The Braves rotation had the second-best ERA in the NL at 3.50 last season but lost Anibal Sanchez, while Mike Foltynewicz, Julio Teheran and Sean Newcomb exceeded their ERA predictive metrics. A full year of Kevin Gausman along with the availability of top youngsters like Mike Soroka, Touki Toussaint and Kolby Allard should help, but the Braves could have a hard time matching last year.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES: HOW MUCH WORSE CAN IT GET?

Baltimore is coming off a 115-loss season and hasn't made any moves this offseason to indicate it is trying to win in 2019. New general manager Mike Elias has his hands full, and he comes from a Houston Astros model that stripped down and built through the draft. Not only does the team look worse on paper, but that also actually might be its intent.

BOSTON RED SOX: WHO IS THE CLOSER?

The reigning world champs are riding high, but there are major questions regarding their bullpen heading into 2019 after losing Craig Kimbrel and Joe Kelly. No one knows who they'll employ as the closer on Opening Day, but the candidates include the unproven Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier. The team hopes to have effective answers for their bullpen roles.

CHICAGO CUBS: WILL THE 2018 STARTING ROTATION ADDITIONS DELIVER THIS YEAR?

The Cubs spent a combined $164 million last offseason on Yu Darvish and Tyler Chatwood, but neither pitcher made a meaningful contribution in 2018. Ownership claimed it didn't have much to spend during this offseason, and that means it's counting on Darvish and Chatwood even more this year. With an NL Central that has improved significantly during the offseason, the Cubs could be in trouble if the pair doesn't rebound.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX: WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM THE TOP PROSPECTS?

Despite their interest in Manny Machado, the White Sox remain in rebuild mode this year. Their farm system is one of the best in the game, and pending arrivals this season will give fans reason to go to the ballpark. Among the expected prospect arrivals this season are Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, Dane Dunning and Zack Collins, with 2018 first-round pick Nick Madrigal not far behind. There is as much reason as ever for White Sox faithful to be excited.

CINCINNATI REDS: DO THEY HAVE ENOUGH PITCHING?

Cincinnati has had one of the busiest offseasons in baseball after losing 95 games last year. The most notable additions are Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood, Sonny Gray and Tanner Roark. It's a team that could make some noise, but it remains to be seen if the pitching additions, along with holdovers Luis Castillo and Anthony DeSclafani, are enough after the team allowed an NL-worst 819 runs last year.

CLEVELAND INDIANS: DOES THE LINEUP HAVE ENOUGH TO DEFEND THE DIVISION TITLE?

Cleveland cut costs this offseason, which was discouraging after winning three straight AL Central titles. The core of the team remains intact, including a starting rotation that can rival any in baseball. There are questions about the lineup, however, after losing Michael Brantley, Josh Donaldson, Edwin Encarnacion and Yan Gomes, and Francisco Lindor has a calf injury that could cause him to miss Opening Day. The team is hopeful the return of Carlos Santana and addition of Jake Bauers helps, but it could have trouble scoring runs after losing so many key parts of its 2018 lineup.

COLORADO ROCKIES: CAN THE YOUNG PLAYERS MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR OPPORTUNITIES?

Rockies manager Bud Black has developed a reputation for playing veterans, but he might not have a choice but to throw his youngsters into the fire this year. The team has lost DJ LeMahieu, Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra, so it's counting on young players like David Dahl, Garrett Hampson and Ryan McMahon to produce.

DETROIT TIGERS: HOW MANY VIABLE TRADE ASSETS DO THEY HAVE?

The Tigers are still in the thick of their rebuild, with arguably an even thinner roster than last year. They've added several veterans on short-term deals during the offseason, and those experienced players are probably going to be trade chips in July. It remains to be seen if the group that includes Tyson Ross, Matt Moore, Jordy Mercer, and Josh Harrison have much left, but they're hoping the vets can contribute to the rebuild in one way or another.

HOUSTON ASTROS: CAN THEY REPLACE THE STARTING ROTATION LOSSES?

Houston's 2018 starting rotation was historic, with an amazing starting five of Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers. The only ones left of that rotation going into Opening Day are Verlander and Cole, with some combination of Collin McHugh, Wade Miley, Josh James, Framber Valdez, Brad Peacock and Forrest Whitley being counted on to fill some big shoes.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS: CAN THEY WIN PLAYING SMALL BALL?

As the Royals continue their rebuild, they enter the year with an intriguing roster full of speed demons. 2018 AL stolen base leader Whit Merrifield returns with double play partner Adalberto Mondesi, and the team also signed Billy Hamilton, who had at least 56 steals in four straight seasons, from 2014-2017, in Cincinnati. While the 2019 Royals squad might not have much power or on-base ability, it can certainly run. It remains to be seen if this team will be able to improve, however, after losing 104 games last season.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS: WILL MIKE TROUT GO TO WASTE AGAIN?

The Angels have now missed the playoffs in four straight seasons despite possessing the best player in baseball in Mike Trout. The center fielder has only two years remaining on his contract, yet the Angels have made the playoffs only once thus far in his eight years. L.A. made major changes to its coaching staff and revamped its pitching with the additions of Matt Harvey, Trevor Cahill and Cody Allen, along with acclaimed defensive catcher Jonathan Lucroy. It would be a shame if the Angels let another year of the greatest player of this generation go to waste.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS: CAN CLAYTON KERSHAW HOLD UP PHYSICALLY?

The Dodgers have appeared in back-to-back World Series, and this year's squad has as much depth as any before it. Still, it needs its elite players to perform, and the news is already looking dire for Kershaw with early spring shoulder issues. He's averaged only 25 starts over the last three seasons and saw his performance start to slip last year. The early signs certainly don't point to a rebound.

MIAMI MARLINS: IS THERE ANYTHING ON THE ROSTER WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION?

The Marlins traded Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna and Dee Gordon last offseason and have finished off their fire sale by trading J.T. Realmuto this offseason. What's left? Not much. Brian Anderson was one of the few young players from last year worth watching, but the roster is largely journeyman veterans and fringe prospects trying to establish themselves.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS: CAN THEY COMPETE WITH AN IFFY STARTING ROTATION AGAIN?

Milwaukee surprisingly won the NL Central last year with an excellent offense and bullpen and just enough starting pitching to get the job done. The lineup looks even better this year with the return of Mike Moustakas and the addition of Yasmani Grandal, but the starting rotation still has its share of questions after losing Wade Miley and with Jimmy Nelson still hoping to regain his old form after shoulder surgery. The division also looks even more difficult following major additions by the Cardinals and Reds.

MINNESOTA TWINS: WILL THE BEVY OF OFFSEASON MOVES LEAD TO A TURNAROUND?

Minnesota was one of the most disappointing teams of 2018 after finishing with 78 wins, but the team certainly didn't stand pat in the offseason. New manager Rocco Baldelli brings a new brand of leadership from Tampa Bay, and the team made several bold signings like Nelson Cruz, C.J. Cron, Jonathan Schoop and Marwin Gonzalez. The AL Central looks extremely winnable after Cleveland lost several key hitters, and the Twins hope to be the beneficiaries.

NEW YORK METS: CAN THE TALENTED STARTING ROTATION STAY HEALTHY?

New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen has made it clear that he plans to win now with the team's offseason moves, including Edwin Diaz, Robinson Cano, Jed Lowrie and Wilson Ramos. Still, the starting rotation remains the same as it was in 2018 and is now just hoping for better health from Noah Syndergaard, Steven Matz and Jason Vargas. If the Mets can get adequate contributions from that trio on top of something close to what Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler produced in 2018, they have a great shot in the NL East.

NEW YORK YANKEES: DO THEY HAVE ANY WEAKNESSES?

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman put together a roster that won 100 games last year, and it looks even better going into 2019 with the additions of James Paxton and Adam Ottavino, along with the re-signing of Zack Britton. The team finished with a plus-182 run differential last year, and now the sky is the limit.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS: CAN THE STARTING ROTATION REPEAT LAST YEAR'S SURPRISE?

Oakland was one of the biggest surprises of 2018, as its youngsters arrived and the team got just enough from its starting rotation to win 97 games. The quest to repeat looks tough, considering Sean Manaea will miss significant time after shoulder surgery, and the A's also lost the huge contributions of Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson. They will attempt to replace them with a full year of Mike Fiers, the addition of Marco Estrada and several other arms returning from injury. Unmentioned is the loss of catcher Jonathan Lucroy, whose ability to call games and frame pitches is revered. 

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: IS THERE ENOUGH STARTING PITCHING DEPTH?

The Phillies won 82 games last year and invested heavily in the lineup this offseason, adding Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto. The offense could be the best in the NL, but the starting rotation doesn't look elite. Beyond Aaron Nola, the rotation didn't have a pitcher with an ERA better than 3.96 last season. The pressure will be on Jake Arrieta and Nick Pivetta, in particular, to pitch up to their abilities.

SAN DIEGO PADRES: CAN MANNY MACHADO HELP THEM TAKE A LEAP FORWARD?

The Padres lost 96 games last season and had a relatively quiet offseason until they signed Manny Machado to a $300 million contract in February. They promoted some intriguing prospects last year and have several more behind them, like shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and pitcher Chris Paddack. Machado won't put the Padres where they want to be on his own, but the organization is hoping he's the spark.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: ARE THE RECENT INJURIES BEHIND THEM?

The Giants had arguably the most significant injuries of any team in baseball last year, losing nearly every high-priced player on their roster for significant time to injuries, including Madison Bumgarner, Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, Evan Longoria and Jeff Samardzija. They're hoping that group returns re-energized and healthy in what will be manager Bruce Bochy's final year.

SEATTLE MARINERS: WILL THEY CONTINUE THE FIRESALE?

General manager Jerry Dipoto has always been one of baseball's most active decision makers, but he took it to a new level this offseason. The Mariners traded key players like James Paxton, Jean Segura, Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz and Alex Colome from last year's team while also losing Nelson Cruz in free agency. The team still has some talent to trade, led by Edwin Encarnacion and Kyle Seager, and it remains to be seen if Dipoto is finished with his work.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: WAS PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT THE MISSING PIECE?

The Cardinals have missed the playoffs in three straight years, with fans fretting over the team's lack of offensive star power since the days of Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. They answered those complaints by trading for Paul Goldschmidt, giving the team a true franchise player once again. Added to a deep pitching staff, the Cardinals hope they can end the playoff drought this year.

TAMPA BAY RAYS: CAN SMARTS WIN OVER MONEY?

Tampa Bay surprisingly won 90 games last year, with the front office and manager Kevin Cash using unorthodox methods like a four-man rotation and a reliever to start games. The Rays have exceeded almost all expectations and have made intriguing offseason additions like Charlie Morton, Yandy Diaz and Avisail Garcia. Once again, the team has a tall task of making the playoffs in a division that includes the Red Sox and Yankees.

TEXAS RANGERS: HOW MANY PLAYERS CAN THEY EXPECT TO REBOUND?

The Rangers lost 95 games last season with one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. They're still in rebuild mode but have also been busy during the offseason with interesting additions like Lance Lynn, Drew Smyly and Asdrubal Cabrera. The starting rotation now has five pitchers who have found past MLB success, while the lineup also hopes for rebound seasons from Elvis Andrus and Rougned Odor. After so much went wrong last year, the Rangers deserve better luck this season.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS: WHEN WILL THE TOP PROSPECTS ARRIVE?

Toronto had a relatively quiet offseason, knowing that the arrival of its elite prospects is right around the corner. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., arguably the top prospect in baseball, is expected to see the majors a few weeks into the season, while other prospects like Bo Bichette and Nate Pearson shouldn't be far behind. Added to last year's arrivals, like Danny Jansen, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Ryan Borucki, the Blue Jays should have a bright future.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS: ARE THEY BETTER OFF WITHOUT BRYCE HARPER?

Washington finally moved on from Bryce Harper, using his money and that of other expiring contracts to add Patrick Corbin, Anibal Sanchez, Trevor Rosenthal, Brian Dozier and Yan Gomes this offseason. There's a strong argument to be made that the team is better in 2019 than it was last season, but the NL East also looks much more competitive. Second-year manager Dave Martinez probably needs to make the playoffs to keep his job after a disappointing 82-80 finish last year, and he has no excuses with a roster that is much deeper.