MLB GMs Gather in Las Vegas to Outline Offseason Plans

As Major League Baseball (MLB) enters its offseason, general managers from all 30 teams convened in Las Vegas for the annual meetings. This event marked the first opportunity for team executives to publicly discuss their offseason strategies and priorities. A range of topics emerged, from aggressive free agency pursuits to assessing trade possibilities, as teams prepare for the 2025 season.

The meetings occurred amid the backdrop of a scandal involving the Cleveland Guardians, with team executives voicing their hope that upcoming penalties for pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz would deter similar issues in the future. According to various team leaders, the focus will be on enhancing player integrity, particularly regarding the intersection of gambling and professional baseball.

AL East Teams Set Their Sights on Key Acquisitions

In the American League East, teams expressed diverse offseason plans. The Baltimore Orioles are prioritizing the acquisition of a front-line starter, with general manager Mike Elias willing to trade from the minor league system. The Orioles struggled with a 24th-ranked starter ERA in 2025, and Elias aims to strengthen their pitching lineup alongside targeting a closer and an impactful outfielder.

The Boston Red Sox are pursuing a front-line starter to complement Garrett Crochet, the runner-up for the AL Cy Young Award. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow stressed the importance of adding a middle-of-the-order slugger to enhance their batting depth. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are evaluating the futures of outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, both of whom could significantly impact the team’s offseason strategy.

The Tampa Bay Rays have made decisions regarding player options, including retaining Brandon Lowe and Taylor Walls, but declined an option on Pete Fairbanks. This reflects the financial constraints typical of a small-market team. The Toronto Blue Jays, on the other hand, are looking to retain star player Bo Bichette while also exploring the free agency market for top-tier talent.

AL Central and West Teams Evaluate Roster Needs

In the American League Central, the Chicago White Sox aim to complement their young roster with veteran leadership. General manager Chris Getz indicated a focus on adding a veteran outfielder and pitcher to guide the younger players. The Cleveland Guardians, led by Chris Antonetti, expressed a desire to improve their scoring capabilities but are not expected to make significant financial commitments.

The Detroit Tigers confirmed that they have no plans to trade Tarik Skubal, aiming instead for gradual improvement through free agency and internal development. In contrast, the Kansas City Royals recognize the pressing need for offensive upgrades, particularly in left field, following a disappointing 2025 season.

As the American League West teams look ahead, the Oakland Athletics find themselves needing experienced starting pitching after a challenging 2025 season. The Houston Astros are focused on recovering innings lost from free agency, particularly from Framber Valdez, while the Los Angeles Angels face restrictions in their spending due to ongoing legal matters related to Tyler Skaggs’ death.

The Seattle Mariners are keen to build on their near-World Series appearance by retaining key players and strengthening roster depth. The Texas Rangers, after experiencing back-to-back playoff misses, are contemplating payroll cuts, yet president of baseball operations Chris Young reassured that they would maintain a competitive payroll to support winning efforts.

NL Teams Seek to Fortify Their Lineups

In the National League East, the Atlanta Braves are targeting improvements in their pitching staff and shortstop position after an uncharacteristic season outside the playoffs. General manager Alex Anthopoulos outlined clear needs for reinforcements in both areas. The Miami Marlins are looking to build on a successful season by enhancing their pitching staff and adding a corner infielder.

The New York Mets face crucial decisions regarding their future, particularly concerning All-Stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, both of whom have opted out of their contracts. President of baseball operations David Stearns indicated a strong desire to bolster run prevention through both defensive upgrades and pitching staff improvements.

In the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs are actively seeking pitching talent to improve their roster, with general manager Carter Hawkins emphasizing the need for both high-end starters and depth options. The Cincinnati Reds aim to strengthen their offensive capabilities while maintaining their strong pitching rotation, and the Milwaukee Brewers appear committed to retaining Freddy Peralta despite growing interest from other teams.

Finally, the NL West teams are also in the mix for significant offseason moves. The Arizona Diamondbacks are focusing on pitching after losing several key players to injury. The San Diego Padres are primarily looking for starting pitching depth and may explore moving players between positions, while the San Francisco Giants are prioritizing improvements in outfield defense and baserunning.

As the offseason unfolds, the discussions and decisions made during these meetings will shape the future of each franchise, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 MLB season.