The holidays are here and the MLB Hot Stove hasn’t been as busy in years past. We’ve seen a few trades including the Mariners’ salary dump deal and the Dodgers move for Tyler Glasnow. Speaking of the Dodgers, they have the busiest team this offseason spending over a billion dollars between the signings of Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. For Christmas and New Year’s week, here is a Holiday Wishlist for every MLB team.
Arizona Diamondbacks: National League West Title
Following a successful 2023 World Series run, the Diamondbacks look poised to make more noise in 2024. The National League West is a tough division, but the Diamondbacks can make things interesting if they beat out the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Atlanta Braves: Get Back to the World Series
In the standards of the Braves, the 2023 season could be considered a disappointment. They failed to reach both the NLCS and World Series. Heading into the 2024 season, Atlanta has all the tools to make it back to both. Another strong Ronald Acuna/Matt Olson season can bring them right back to the top.
Baltimore Orioles: Repeat Last Season’s Success
The Orioles won 100+ games since 1980, and they will return to their winning ways. Another strong campaign from the team’s talented young players, in addition to the arrival of top prospect Jackson Holliday will propel them to another top AL East finish. Baltimore should be a favorite to represent the American League in the 2024 Fall Classic.
Boston Red Sox: Add Some Young Pitching
The Red Sox have some young hitting to build a potential playoff team around. Another reliable arm or two to complement Brayan Bello would go a long way. Chris Sale is not a realistic option at this point in his career. Last season, Boston starters averaged under five innings pitched per start.
Chicago White Sox: Trade Dylan Cease
The White Sox experienced a short peak from 2020-2022, but finished fourth in the 2023 American League Central. The team has some pieces for the next rebuild, including starting pitcher Dylan Cease. Cease had a down season in 2023, but placed second in the AL Cy Young Award in 2022. They could gauge interest on him with teams that need pitching such as the Padres, Red Sox and others.
Chicago Cubs: Make a Substantial Move
The Cubs recorded their first winning season since the 2020 COVID-shortened campaign, and the future is bright. Chicago added Craig Counsell, one of baseball’s top managers, on a record-breaking contract. There are still plenty of holes to fill, and bringing back Cody Bellinger, or signing Matt Chapman/Rhys Hoskins, could bring the team back to the postseason.
Cincinnati Reds: Remain Competitive in the NL Central
The Cincinnati Reds put together an inspiring 2023 season and narrowly missed the 2023 playoffs. Cincinnati’s success came from a handful of rising stars, including rookie shortstop Matt McLain, TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer. There’s no reason the core can’t repeat success and win the division for the first time since 2012. With the addition of Jeimer Candelario, the Reds have increased their chances. It’s likely that they move one of Noelvi Marte or Jonathan India.
Cleveland Guardians: Trade Shane Bieber/Emmanuel Clase
Reports indicate Shane Bieber and Emmanuel Clase will be traded this off-season. Clase, a back-to-back All-Star and saves leader, is arguably the best closer in the game. Bieber is a former Cy Young Winner who could help a contending team reach the promised land. Cleveland could use prospects to help their own rebuild, while also remaining competitive in the American League Central.
Colorado Rockies: Watch Brenton Doyle Shine
The 2023 Colorado Rockies had one major shining moment during the 2023 season: Brenton Doyle can play. The 25-year-old rookie earned the Gold Glove Award in center field. He broke records with his arm strength and glove. If his bat can improve during his second season, Doyle could become a dangerous player for Colorado.
Detroit Tigers: American League Central Title
The Tigers finished second in the American League Central for the first time since 2016, and the team is ready to compete. Detroit added Jack Flaherty, Andrew Chafin, Shelby Miller and Kenta Maeda in the first two months of the off-season. The AL Central could be a two-team race, and Detroit is ready to take the crown back.
Houston Astros: Another Deep Postseason Run
While the Houston Astros didn’t return to the Fall Classic in 2023, the core remains top in the American League. The team reached its seventh consecutive postseason appearance last season, and winning the World Series will be the goal. Houston has reached the Fall Classic four times (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022) since 2017, and the 2024 season has the same expectations in store.
Kansas City Royals: Make A Bobby Witt Jr. Decision
Bobby Witt Jr. is one of baseball’s best young stars, and he should be the face of a great team. The Royals could see a handsome return if he gets traded during the season, but Kansas City should build around the budding superstar.
Los Angeles Angels: Life After Ohtani
MLB’s most talented player has come and gone through Anaheim, and the team experienced zero postseason appearances. The Angels still have Mike Trout, who remains one of baseball’s best stars when healthy. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe has showcased some pop in his bat. His progression will be intriguing to watch in 2024.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Championship and Some Depth
The Dodgers are in search of a championship. They’ve been the busiest team this offseason so far in both free agency and in the trade market. They have spent over $1B this offseason and likely aren’t done. The Dodgers still need to add some valuable depth in case the big-name players that they’ve acquired get hurt.
Miami Marlins: Return to the Postseason
The Miami Marlins battled for 84 wins and narrowly made the 2023 National League playoffs. In the tough National League East, making the playoffs for the second consecutive season would be a gift. Miami has an array of talent, including 2022 National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and second baseman Luis Arraez. The core is there to compete, but will they return to the postseason?
Milwaukee Brewers: Trade Corbin Burnes
Despite returning to their fifth postseason appearance in six seasons, reports indicate the Milwaukee Brewers are looking to trade starting pitcher Corbin Burnes. Burnes has dominated the past four seasons, including winning the 2021 National League Cy Young Award. He’s one of the top pitchers in baseball, and Milwaukee could get an intriguing return during the final season of his contract.
New York Yankees: Eventual Juan Soto Extension
The New York Yankees made one of the biggest off-season moves, by trading for superstar outfielder Juan Soto. Soto adds another layer of offensive versatility that few players contain. Persuading Soto and agent Scott Boras to sign a contract extension during the 2024 season is very unlikely, so the Yankees need to convince Soto of his long-term future. Pairing Soto and Aaron Judge in the same lineup for the next 10 seasons will be incredibly beneficial for New York.
New York Mets: Extend Pete Alonso
While reports originally indicated the New York Mets planned to trade Pete Alonso during the off-season, he’s clearly staying in New York for 2024. Alonso has become one of baseball’s best sluggers since his 2019 debut. A team like New York, with a spend-heavy owner like Steve Cohen, should keep him for as long as possible. Hitters like Alonso don’t grow on trees.
Oakland Athletics: Zack Gelof Ascension
The Oakland Athletics completed 2023 with the MLB’s worst record — 50-112 — but Zack Gelof was an unspoken great player. The 24-year-old rookie made his debut in mid July, and smashed 14 home runs in 69 games for Oakland. A full season of Gelof will be fun to watch, even if the overall product isn’t.
Philadelphia Phillies: Make Another Deep Postseason Run
The Philadelphia Phillies have been one of the best teams in baseball since 2022, and 2024 will be the same. Philadelphia has put together back-to-back deep postseason runs, behind a powerful lineup and strong starting pitching. Two-time MVP Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto have dominated at the plate, while Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola have anchored the rotation. With the same core in place, the expectations remain the same.
Pittsburgh Pirates: David Bednar Domination
The Pittsburgh Pirates placed fourth in the National League Central in 2023, but there are fun players to watch. Closer David Bednar has dominated since 2021, racking up two All-Star appearances and leading the National League with 39 saves in 2023. Additionally, 2021 first overall pick Henry Davis made his debut last season. He endured his struggles, but he’s only accumulated 225 plate at-bats.
San Diego Padres: A Starting Caliber Left-Handed Hitter
Honestly not sure where the Padres can go with this, but they need another outfielder. More specifically one that can hit from the left side. The only two outfielders on the 40-man roster that the Padres have are Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jose Azocar. Both of whom, hit from the right side. They have quite the list of utility players but the outfield could use some help.
San Francisco Giants: Add Onto Hopeful Off-Season
The San Francisco Giants have missed out multiple major free agents, including Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa last off-season. The Giants hoped to sign Shohei Ohtani, before he ultimately signed a record-breaking deal with division rival Los Angeles Dodgers. Still, San Francisco added South Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee on a six-year, $113 million contract. The Giants should remain active, especially in the starting pitcher market. 2023 Cy Young Winner Blake Snell remains unsigned, and would pair well with Alex Cobb.
Seattle Mariners: Another Substantial Hitter
I was going to say that the Mariners would have a full time DH on their MLB Holiday wishlist, but as we were putting together this article the Mariners signed Mitch Garver. He’ll be a good addition who could serve as an insurance policy at the DH spot if the Mariners don’t land one of Jorge Soler or Hoskins.
St. Louis Cardinals: Add Another Top-Tier Starting Pitcher
The St. Louis Cardinals finished 71-91 in 2023 — the lowest win total in a full season since 1995. Much of the Cardinals’ shortcomings came with their pitching staff. St. Louis added Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson and Lance Lynn to bolster the rotation. Gray was incredible in 2023, placing second in the American League Cy Young Award. Still, more should be done. Two-time Cy Young Winner (2018, 2023) Blake Snell is a free agent, and would excel in St. Louis.
Tampa Bay Rays: Make Another Deep Postseason Run
The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the most interesting teams, because they consistently compete in one of baseball’s best divisions, yet have a tiny payroll. Tampa Bay lost in the 2020 World Series, yet haven’t made it to the American League Championship Series since. The Rays traded starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Manuel Margot to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the off-season. Tampa Bay received 26-year-old pitcher Ryan Pepiot and outfielder Jonny DeLuca. Pepiot has shown flashes of dominance during his 17 career appearances, while DeLuca received a handful of opportunities during his 2023 rookie season.
Texas Rangers: Win Another World Series
With an early glance at the rosters heading into the 2024 season, the Rangers and Dodgers look like two of the most likely to make a deep run. Bringing in Bruce Bochy and spending some money seemed to work for the Rangers. There’s only one problem standing in their way… the MLB hasn’t seen a team repeat as champions since 1980.
Toronto Blue Jays: Add A Top Tier Free Agent
The Toronto Blue Jays finished the 2023 season with 89 wins, yet still placed third in the American League East — one of the toughest divisions in baseball. The Jays fell short of signing Shohei Ohtani, and need to revert to other players. Signing a top-tier free agent, particularly an offensive-minded outfielder, is crucial for remaining competitive. Cody Bellinger is a perfect fit for Toronto. Bellinger returned to his MVP form with the Chicago Cubs in 2023, slashing 26 home runs, while contributing elite defense in center field, especially if Kevin Kiermaier signs elsewhere during the off-season.
Washington Nationals: Hope For the Best
The Washington Nationals have endured four losing seasons since the 2019 World Series Championship win. The Nationals have little hope to win the division, especially battling against the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Miami Marlins. CJ Abrams and Mackenzie Gore, two players included in the 2022 Juan Soto trade, have showcased promise in their short big-league careers. The pair should be crucial in the Nationals’ next great team.
TL//DR: Holiday Wishlist For Every MLB Team
From all of us here at Fantom Sports, have a Merry Christmas!!
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