MLB Power Rankings: Where All 30 Teams Stack Up Post-Winter Meetings

The winter meetings always provide a good deal of excitement around the MLB community, and this year was no different.

With a number of notable moves going down since the start of the offseason, it is the perfect time for an updated version of our power rankings. This will be the first update since the conclusion of the regular season, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Offseason rankings are not meant to be a prediction for the year ahead. Instead, they are a look at how teams would stack up with the rosters they have if the season started today.

• These rankings will be updated several more times between now and the start of the 2018 campaign, so if your favorite club is lower than you would like, there is still time for improvement.

• A perfect example of this is the Boston Red Sox. If they add the impact power bat most are expecting them to land before the offseason comes to a close, they will undoubtedly climb in the rankings.

Included for each team is an overview of their offseason to date and what to expect going forward, as well as a preliminary rundown of what the 25-man roster might look like of the season started today.

Players listed in bold on projected rosters indicate newcomers. Players listed in italics are not on the 40-man roster. An (R) next to a player indicates his rookie status is intact.

Offseason Overview

On Wednesday, the Detroit Tigers added second baseman Ian Kinsler to the growing list of players who have been traded over the past six months, picking up pair of lottery-ticket prospects and shedding his $11 million salary in the process, per ESPN.com.

Right-hander Mike Fiers has been the biggest addition to date, signing a one-year, $6 million deal after he was non-tendered by the Houston Astros. The 32-year-old is arbitration-eligible through the 2019 season if he's able to turn things around after a poor 2017 season.

Outfielder Victor Reyes was also scooped up with the No. 1 pick in the Rule 5 draft, and he'll have a chance to compete with Mikie Mahtook, JaCoby Jones and free-agent signings Leonys Martin for playing time alongside right fielder Nick Castellanos.

The rebuild is in full effect, so unless the team pulls the trigger on flipping controllable starter Michael Fulmer, expect a relatively quiet winter.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Leonys Martin	RHP Michael Fulmer
3B Jeimer Candelario	LHP Matthew Boyd
1B Miguel Cabrera	RHP Mike Fiers
DH Victor Martinez	RHP Jordan Zimmermann
RF Nick Castellanos	LHP Daniel Norris
C James McCann	Bullpen
LF Mikie Mahtook	RHP Buck Farmer
2B Dixon Machado	LHP Daniel Stumpf
SS Jose Iglesias	RHP Joe Jimenez
Bench	LHP Blaine Hardy
C John Hicks	RHP Drew VerHagen
IF/OF Niko Goodrum (R)	RHP Alex Wilson
IF/OF JaCoby Jones	RHP Shane Greene
OF Victor Reyes (R)

DL: None

Offseason Overview

It appears the Kansas City Royals have given up any hope of re-signing Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain, which means a significant rebuild is coming over the next few seasons.

While there are not a ton of movable parts left on the roster, closer Kelvin Herrera looks like a prime candidate to be traded ahead of his final year of club control.

FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman described Danny Duffy as "extremely popular" during the winter meetings, and controllable players like Whit Merrifield (2022) and Scott Alexander (2022) also profile as attractive trade chips.

As for any potential additions, expect them to pick through the scraps toward the end of the offseason to fill out the roster.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
2B Whit Merrifield	LHP Danny Duffy
LF Alex Gordon	RHP Ian Kennedy
RF Jorge Bonifacio	RHP Jason Hammel
1B Brandon Moss	RHP Jake Junis
C Salvador Perez	RHP Nathan Karns
DH Jorge Soler	Bullpen
3B Cheslor Cuthbert	RHP Burch Smith
CF Paulo Orlando	RHP Wily Peralta
SS Raul Mondesi	RHP Brandon Maurer
Bench	LHP Ryan Buchter
C Drew Butera	RHP Joakim Soria
IF Ramon Torres	LHP Scott Alexander
IF/OF Hunter Dozier (R)	RHP Kelvin Herrera
OF Billy Burns

DL: None

Offseason Overview

Poor Christian Yelich.

When the winter meetings began, he was part of arguably the best outfield in baseball, playing alongside Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna.

Now he's the proverbial last man standing.

The Miami Marlins have also traded second baseman Dee Gordon and released starter Edinson Volquez as the new ownership group continues to slash payroll.

According to Heyman, the front office plans to sit down with Yelich to discuss his future, so don't be surprised if he is also on the move before the season is over. The 26-year-old is owed a reasonable $43.25 million over the next four seasons with a $15 million option for 2022.

No one appears to be safe, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them slip to the No. 30 spot before the offseason is over.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
C J.T. Realmuto	RHP Dan Straily
2B Starlin Castro	LHP Wei-Yin Chen
CF Christian Yelich	RHP Jose Urena
1B Justin Bour	LHP Dillon Peters (R)
LF Martin Prado	RHP Odrisamer Despaigne
RF Derek Dietrich	Bullpen
3B Brian Anderson (R)	LHP Justin Nicolino
SS J.T. Riddle	RHP Brett Graves (R)
Bench	RHP Junichi Tazawa
C Tomas Telis	LHP Jarlin Garcia
1B Garrett Cooper (R)	RHP Drew Steckenrider
IF Miguel Rojas	RHP Kyle Barraclough
OF J.B. Shuck	RHP Brad Ziegler
OF Magneuris Sierra (R)

DL: None

Offseason Overview

The San Diego Padres haven't made a splash this offseason, but one might be on the horizon.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Thursday morning that they have become the "clear-cut favorites" to sign first baseman Eric Hosmer. That would represent a departure from the bargain-hunting approach they have employed the past few seasons.

Former Padres star Chase Headley and right-hander Bryan Mitchell were acquired from the New York Yankees in what amounted to a salary dump, and the team has been actively looking to trade from its pool of infield depth.

If they do sign Hosmer, it will be a forward-looking move with an eye on contending at the back of his contract, so don't expect more majors moves to follow.

Instead, they will likely look to make a few low-risk additions to fill out the pitching staff after hitting on Jhoulys Chacin, Trevor Cahill, Clayton Richard and Kirby Yates a year ago.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Manuel Margot	LHP Clayton Richard
3B Chase Headley	RHP Dinelson Lamet
1B Wil Myers	RHP Luis Perdomo
LF Jose Pirela	LHP Travis Wood
2B Yangervis Solarte	RHP Bryan Mitchell
RF Hunter Renfroe	Bullpen
SS Freddy Galvis	LHP Matt Strahm
C Austin Hedges	LHP Buddy Baumann
Bench	RHP Carter Capps
C Rocky Gale (R)	LHP Jose Torres
3B Christian Villanueva	RHP Phil Maton
IF Cory Spangenberg	RHP Kirby Yates
OF Travis Jankowski	LHP Brad Hand
OF Matt Szczur

DL: None

Offseason Overview

It's unlikely the Chicago White Sox will enter the season with Dylan Covey as the No. 5 starter after he posted a 7.71 ERA over 70 innings as a Rule 5 selection last season.

As such, a signing similar to the one-year deal they gave Derek Holland last offseason seems likely once the starting pitching market unfolds.

Adding Welington Castillo on a two-year, $14.5 million deal that includes an $8 million option for 2020 was a great move that should provide some stability to the young pitching staff.

Sluggers Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia will continue to hear their names pop up in trade rumors, and there's no reason not to at least entertain offers. But at this point, it seems unlikely either player is moved.

Filling out the bullpen with potential bargains will be the focus the rest of the way.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
SS Tim Anderson	RHP James Shields
2B Yoan Moncada	RHP Lucas Giolito
1B Jose Abreu	RHP Reynaldo Lopez
RF Avisail Garcia	RHP Carson Fulmer (R)
DH Nicky Delmonico	RHP Dylan Covey
C Welington Castillo	Bullpen
3B Yolmer Sanchez	RHP Chris Beck
LF Leury Garcia	RHP Rob Scahill
CF Charlie Tilson	RHP Thyago Vieira (R)
Bench	LHP Aaron Bummer (R)
C Omar Narvaez	RHP Danny Farquhar
3B Matt Davidson	RHP Gregory Infante
IF/OF Tyler Saladino	RHP Juan Minaya
OF Willy Garcia

DL: SP Carlos Rodon, RP Nate Jones

Offseason Overview

Unless the Baltimore Orioles are going to make an effort to significantly upgrade the starting rotation, there's no reason not to trade Manny Machado.

The O's have received 10 "legitimate offers" for their superstar third baseman, according to Nightengale, with the White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals checking in as the early front-runners.

The 25-year-old is headed for free agency next offseason, and the Orioles have quickly fallen to the back of the pack in the AL East. The substantial haul he would bring back would go a long way toward kicking off an overdue retooling.

And if they do go that route, closer Zach Britton and setup man Brad Brach should also be shopped.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
SS Tim Beckham	RHP Dylan Bundy
3B Manny Machado	RHP Kevin Gausman
2B Jonathan Schoop	RHP Gabriel Ynoa
CF Adam Jones	RHP Miguel Castro
1B Chris Davis	RHP Mike Wright
LF Trey Mancini	Bullpen
DH Mark Trumbo	LHP Nestor Cortes (R)
C Chance Sisco (R)	RHP Jose Mesa (R)
RF Austin Hays (R)	LHP Richard Bleier
Bench	RHP Darren O'Day
C Caleb Joseph	RHP Mychal Givens
IF Luis Sardinas	RHP Brad Brach
OF Joey Rickard	LHP Zach Britton
OF Anthony Santander (R)

DL: None

Offseason Overview

It's tough to decide exactly what to make of the Cincinnati Reds.

Already several years into the rebuilding process, they have a solid offensive core in place that plated 4.6 runs per game last season and returns all the significant pieces except shortstop Zack Cozart.

However, the starting rotation is still a question mark, though it's not for lack of options.

Luis Castillo and Robert Stephenson are the front-runners to join veterans Anthony DeSclafani, Brandon Finnegan and Homer Bailey in the rotation, while Amir Garrett, Rookie Davis, Sal Romano, Tyler Mahle, Cody Reed, Jackson Stephens and Keury Mella will all get a look this spring.

Some of those guys will inevitably wind up in the bullpen—including Garrett, who is out of minor league options and a certainty to be claimed off waivers.

If that group can take a step forward, this team could surprise some people.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Billy Hamilton	RHP Anthony DeSclafani
SS Jose Peraza	LHP Brandon Finnegan
1B Joey Votto	RHP Luis Castillo
LF Adam Duvall	RHP Homer Bailey
3B Eugenio Suarez	RHP Robert Stephenson
2B Scooter Gennett	Bullpen
RF Jesse Winker (R)	LHP Amir Garrett
C Tucker Barnhart	RHP Austin Brice
Bench	LHP Kyle Crockett
C Devin Mesoraco	RHP Kevin Shackelford
IF Alex Blandino (R)	LHP Wandy Peralta
IF Dilson Herrera	RHP Michael Lorenzen
OF Phillip Ervin (R)	RHP Raisel Iglesias
OF Scott Schebler

DL: None

Offseason Overview

Patience continues to be the standing order for the Atlanta Braves.

The starting rotation will likely feature a pair of rookies in Luiz Gohara and either Max Fried or Lucas Sims in the No. 5 spot unless the team adds another veteran on a short-term deal.

Meanwhile, the middle infield of Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson is in place, and it won't be long before Minor League Player of the Year Ronald Acuna joins them in the lineup.

Freddie Freeman, Ender Inciarte and Julio Teheran are the veteran building blocks on the roster, and there's plenty more young talent on the way, including Austin Riley, who might be ready to take over at third base after the All-Star break.

Stopgap veterans and low-cost relief help figure to be the extent of their remaining shopping list.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Ender Inciarte	RHP Julio Teheran
2B Ozzie Albies	LHP Sean Newcomb
1B Freddie Freeman	RHP Mike Foltynewicz
LF Matt Kemp	LHP Luiz Gohara (R)
RF Nick Markakis	LHP Max Fried (R)
C Tyler Flowers	Bullpen
SS Dansby Swanson	RHP Chase Whitley
3B Johan Camargo	RHP Anyelo Gomez (R)
Bench	RHP Dan Winkler (R)
C Kurt Suzuki	LHP Sam Freeman
IF Christian Colon	RHP Luke Jackson
3B Rio Ruiz	LHP A.J. Minter (R)
OF Lane Adams	RHP Jose Ramirez
	RHP Arodys Vizcaino

DL: RP Grant Dayton

Offseason Overview

The San Francisco Giants will be a better team in 2018 for the simple fact it would be difficult for them to be worse than the 98-loss club we saw in 2017.

That being said, this is not a playoff contender if they are simply banking on in-house improvements.

A full season of Madison Bumgarner and bounce-back performances from Johnny Cueto, Mark Melancon, Hunter Pence and a handful of others would undoubtedly help.

However, we are not talking about a 20-25 win improvement amount of help, and that's what it will take for them to be in the hunt for a postseason berth.

It won't be difficult to upgrade at third base and in left field, but until they do that, it's hard to rank them any higher.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Denard Span	LHP Madison Bumgarner
2B Joe Panik	RHP Johnny Cueto
1B Brandon Belt	RHP Jeff Samardzija
C Buster Posey	LHP Matt Moore
SS Brandon Crawford	RHP Chris Stratton
RF Hunter Pence	Bullpen
LF Jarrett Parker	RHP Julian Fernandez (R)
3B Pablo Sandoval	RHP Derek Law
Bench	LHP Steven Okert
C Trevor Brown	RHP Cory Gearrin
IF Miguel Gomez	RHP Hunter Strickland
IF Kelby Tomlinson	RHP Sam Dyson
OF Gorkys Hernandez	RHP Mark Melancon
OF Mac Williamson

DL: RP Will Smith

Offseason Overview

The Philadelphia Phillies have bolstered the relief corps by bringing back All-Star Pat Neshek and adding Tommy Hunter to join him in a setup role.

However, that's not exactly the needle-moving free-agency splash for which many fans have been hoping.

Full seasons of Rhys Hoskins and Nick Williams and bigger roles for Jorge Alfaro and J.P. Crawford will represent another important step forward in the process, and there is plenty more high-end talent working its way through the minor league ranks.

Still, this team has money to spend, and adding a top-tier starting pitcher to join Aaron Nola atop a young rotation looks like the best place to do it.

Could they wind up signing Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish to finally kick the starting pitching market into gear?

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
2B Cesar Hernandez	RHP Aaron Nola
CF Odubel Herrera	RHP Jerad Eickhoff
LF Rhys Hoskins	RHP Vince Velasquez
1B Carlos Santana	RHP Ben Lively
RF Nick Williams	RHP Jake Thompson
3B Maikel Franco	Bullpen
C Jorge Alfaro	RHP Mark Leiter
SS J.P. Crawford (R)	RHP Edubray Ramos
Bench	LHP Adam Morgan
C Cameron Rupp	RHP Luis Garcia
1B Tommy Joseph	RHP Tommy Hunter
IF Jesmuel Valentin (R)	RHP Pat Neshek
IF/OF Pedro Florimon	RHP Hector Neris
OF Aaron Altherr

DL: None

Offseason Overview

The Oakland Athletics have quietly put together a dangerous lineup.

Khris Davis has turned in back-to-back 40-homer seasons, while Matt Olson (216 PA, 24 HR) and Matt Chapman (326 PA, 14 HR) both flashed considerable pop in their first extended MLB action.

Right fielder Stephen Piscotty was acquired from the Cardinals Thursday for a pair of prospects, as St. Louis announced. He looks like a great buy-low acquisition. The 26-year-old is just one year removed from posting a 113 OPS+ with 22 home runs and 85 RBI, and he's signed to a team-friendly deal through the 2022 season.

It's never clear exactly which direction the A's are headed, as they tend to be both buyers and sellers depending on what opportunities present themselves.

Starters Sean Manaea and Kendall Graveman and reliever Blake Treinen are all valuable trade chips, but there have been no rumblings on any of those players.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
SS Marcus Semien	RHP Kendall Graveman
RF Matt Joyce	LHP Sean Manaea
2B Jed Lowrie	RHP Andrew Triggs
DH Khris Davis	RHP Jesse Hahn
1B Matt Olson	RHP Daniel Mengden
RF Stephen Piscotty	Bullpen
3B Matt Chapman	RHP Emilio Pagan
C Bruce Maxwell	LHP Daniel Coulombe
CF Jake Smolinski	RHP Liam Hendriks
Bench	RHP Ryan Dull
C Josh Phegley	RHP Yusmeiro Petit
IF/OF Renato Nunez (R)	RHP Santiago Casilla
IF/OF Chad Pinder	RHP Blake Treinen
OF Boog Powell

DL: None

Offseason Overview

It's already been a busier offseason for the New York Mets than a year ago, at least as far as outside additions are concerned.

Last winter, Yoenis Cespedes signed a new contract, Neil Walker accepted a qualifying offer and Jerry Blevins re-signed in the bullpen, but not a single notable newcomer joined the roster.

That trend was broken when reliever Anthony Swarzak signed a two-year, $14 million deal during the winter meetings, though that's at best a sideways move considering he's essentially replacing Addison Reed.

The front office is casting a wide net in the search for a second baseman, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, and it looks like Matt Harvey could be on his way out the door. But it's hard to tell what the rest of the offseason holds for a team that needs to shake things up one way or another.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
RF Brandon Nimmo	RHP Jacob deGrom
3B Asdrubal Cabrera	RHP Noah Syndergaard
LF Yoenis Cespedes	RHP Matt Harvey
2B Wilmer Flores	RHP Seth Lugo
C Travis d'Arnaud	RHP Zack Wheeler
1B Dominic Smith	Bullpen
CF Juan Lagares	RHP Rafael Montero
SS Amed Rosario	LHP Josh Smoker
Bench	RHP Paul Sewald
C Kevin Plawecki	LHP Jerry Blevins
IF Gavin Cecchini	RHP Anthony Swarzak
IF/OF Phillip Evans (R)	RHP A.J. Ramos
IF/OF Matt Reynolds	RHP Jeurys Familia
OF Zach Borenstein (R)

DL: OF Michael Conforto, SP Steven Matz, 3B David Wright, IF T.J. Rivera

Offseason Overview

Are the Pittsburgh Pirates going to trade Gerrit Cole?

That's the biggest story out of Pirates camp, and it appears to be more substantive than when his name has popped up in trade talks at any point in the past.

According to George A. King III of the New York Post, the New York Yankees are in on Cole and could be looking to build a trade package around outfielder Clint Frazier.

The bigger question might be what comes next if the front office does pull the trigger on dealing its staff ace.

Andrew McCutchen is a year removed from free agency, versatile Josh Harrison has plenty of trade appeal and flame-throwing closer Felipe Rivero, with his four remaining years of team control, might be the most valuable trade chip on the entire roster.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
LF Starling Marte	RHP Gerrit Cole
2B Josh Harrison	RHP Jameson Taillon
CF Andrew McCutchen	RHP Ivan Nova
1B Josh Bell	RHP Trevor Williams
3B David Freese	RHP Chad Kuhl
RF Gregory Polanco	Bullpen
C Francisco Cervelli	RHP Jordan Milbrath (R)
SS Jordy Mercer	RHP Dovydas Neverauskas (R)
Bench	LHP Nik Turley (R)
C Elias Diaz	RHP A.J. Schugel
1B/OF Jose Osuna	RHP George Kontos
IF/OF Adam Frazier	RHP Daniel Hudson
IF/OF Sean Rodriguez	LHP Felipe Rivero
OF Jordan Luplow (R)

DL: RP Nick Burdi, 3B Jung Ho Kang (restricted list)

Offseason Overview

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times spelled out the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason plans prior to the winter meetings:

"They're going to trade at least a couple of their bigger-named, higher-salaried players, ceding ownership's request to cut payroll. Then, based on what they can get back and what their realistic chances are to compete for a playoff spot, determine whether to keep going and commit to an extensive makeover of their roster rather than their typical re-tooling."

Alex Colome, Jake Odorizzi, Chris Archer and Evan Longoria were identified as the most likely trade candidates—in that order.

If the team does decide to sell aggressively, top prospects Brent Honeywell, Jake Bauers and Willy Adames could all see significant time in the majors in 2018.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Kevin Kiermaier	RHP Chris Archer
RF Steven Souza Jr.	RHP Jake Odorizzi
3B Evan Longoria	LHP Blake Snell
LF Corey Dickerson	RHP Jacob Faria
C Wilson Ramos	RHP Matt Andriese
DH Brad Miller	Bullpen
1B Jake Bauers (R)	RHP Nathan Eovaldi
2B Matt Duffy	RHP Austin Pruitt
SS Adeiny Hechavarria	LHP Jose Alvarado
Bench	RHP Andrew Kittredge (R)
C Jesus Sucre	LHP Dan Jennings
IF Daniel Robertson	RHP Chaz Roe
IF/OF Micah Johnson	RHP Alex Colome
OF Mallex Smith

DL: None

Offseason Overview

Aside from the ongoing trade chatter surrounding star third baseman Josh Donaldson—which was inevitable given his impending free agency—it's been a quiet offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Assuming the front office is set on making one final push before selling at the deadline, adding at least one corner outfielder would appear to be the No. 1 priority.

Steve Pearce is best served in a utility role, and finding a power bat to man left field and take on some of the run-production load would go a long way for the offense.

The one notable move they have made this offseason was acquiring 2016 All-Star Aledmys Diaz from the Cardinals. He looks like a great buy-low addition, especially considering how frequently middle infielders Devon Travis and Troy Tulowitzki have found themselves residing on the disabled list in recent seasons.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
RF Teoscar Hernandez	RHP Marcus Stroman
3B Josh Donaldson	LHP J.A. Happ
1B Justin Smoak	RHP Marco Estrada
DH Kendrys Morales	RHP Aaron Sanchez
SS Troy Tulowitzki	RHP Joe Biagini
CF Kevin Pillar	Bullpen
LF Steve Pearce	RHP Carlos Ramirez (R)
C Russell Martin	LHP Matt Dermody
2B Devon Travis	RHP Danny Barnes
Bench	LHP Aaron Loup
C Luke Maile	RHP Dominic Leone
IF Aledmys Diaz	RHP Ryan Tepera
OF Ezequiel Carrera	RHP Roberto Osuna
OF Dalton Pompey

DL: None

Offseason Overview

Despite another busy offseason from general manager Jerry Dipoto, the Seattle Mariners are still far from a finished product.

Missing out on Shohei Ohtani was a major blow, and they need to do something to address a suspect starting rotation.

James Paxton is a legitimate ace if he can stay healthy, and there's reason to believe both Felix Hernandez and Mike Leake are capable of 180-plus innings and a sub-4.00 ERA, but that's simply not good enough.

If they are going to make a run at the Houston Astros in the AL West, it might take signing someone like Yu Darvish to do it.

At any rate, there's no shortage of motivation to snap a postseason drought that stretches back to 2001.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Dee Gordon	LHP James Paxton
SS Jean Segura	RHP Felix Hernandez
2B Robinson Cano	RHP Mike Leake
DH Nelson Cruz	RHP Erasmo Ramirez
3B Kyle Seager	LHP Marco Gonzales
RF Mitch Haniger	Bullpen
1B Ryon Healy	RHP Shawn Armstrong
C Mike Zunino	LHP Marc Rzepczynski
LF Ben Gamel	RHP David Phelps
Bench	LHP James Pazos
C Mike Marjama	RHP Nick Vincent
IF/OF Taylor Motter	RHP Juan Nicasio
IF/OF Andrew Romine	RHP Edwin Diaz
OF Guillermo Heredia

DL: None

Offseason Overview

It sounds like the Texas Rangers are seriously considering employing a six-man rotation next season, and given the  makeup of their roster, it makes a lot of sense, as Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News explained:

"The Rangers have no returning starters who pitched 190 innings in 2017. Cole Hamels, who turns 34 in three weeks, fell to 148, his fewest since his rookie season. Three pitchers under consideration for rotation spots -- Mike Minor, Doug Fister and Matt Bush -- all pitched fewer than 100 innings last season. It's likely all would need their innings monitored and capped. A modified six-man rotation -- in which the sixth man is dropped or moved to the bullpen when scheduled off days allow for five days of rest between outings without the extra starter -- would be one way to do that."

Moving Minor and Bush out of bullpen roles where they thrived and into the rotation is risky, to say the least, but it's a move that could pay huge dividends, especially if they find a way to structure their workload.

Regardless, signing at least one more capable starter looks like a must.

Prospect Yohander Mendez would likely be the next man up for a spot in the rotation as things stand.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Delino DeShields Jr.	LHP Cole Hamels
RF Shin-Soo Choo	LHP Martin Perez
SS Elvis Andrus	RHP Doug Fister
3B Adrian Beltre	LHP Mike Minor
LF Nomar Mazara	RHP Matt Bush
1B Joey Gallo	Bullpen
C Robinson Chirinos	RHP Kevin Jepsen
2B Rougned Odor	RHP Chris Martin
DH Willie Calhoun (R)	RHP Tony Barnette
Bench	RHP Jose Leclerc
C Juan Centeno	LHP Jake Diekman
IF/OF Jurickson Profar	RHP Keone Kela
IF/OF Ryan Rua	LHP Alex Claudio
OF Carlos Tocci (R)

DL: None

Offseason Overview

The Minnesota Twins found their closer at the winter meetings, signing veteran Fernando Rodney to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, per the Minnesota Star Tribune.

And the front office appears to have its sights set on a far bigger target.

"While I think the Twins remain against offering five- or six-year contracts to free agent pitchers, I'm starting to think that they will make a run at [Yu] Darvish. A team official maintains that ownership is prepared to compete for top pitching talent," La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune wrote.

Ervin Santana and Jose Berrios were a terrific one-two punch last season, Kyle Gibson is a capable middle-of-the-rotation arm and Adalberto Mejia looks like a long-term piece. There's a glaring need for a fifth starter of some sort, though, and adding a front-line arm would change the complexion of this team.

Keep an eye on Rule 5 selection Tyler Kinley.

The 26-year-old posted a 3.54 ERA with 17 saves and 12.2 K/9 between High-A and Double-A in the Marlins organization this past season and then dazzled in the Dominican Winter League with just four hits allowed and 30 strikeouts over 18.1 scoreless innings.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
2B Brian Dozier	RHP Ervin Santana
1B Joe Mauer	RHP Jose Berrios
DH Miguel Sano	RHP Kyle Gibson
LF Eddie Rosario	LHP Adalberto Mejia
SS Jorge Polanco	RHP Tyler Duffey
RF Max Kepler	Bullpen
CF Byron Buxton	RHP Tyler Kinley (R)
3B Eduardo Escobar	RHP John Curtiss (R)
C Jason Castro	RHP Alan Busenitz
Bench	RHP Ryan Pressly
C Mitch Garver (R)	LHP Taylor Rogers
1B Kennys Vargas	RHP Trevor Hildenberger
IF/OF Ehire Adrianza	RHP Fernando Rodney
OF Robbie Grossman

DL: SP Michael Pineda, SP Phil Hughes, RP Trevor May

Offseason Overview

The world is still waiting for the Milwaukee Brewers to make a splash.

"We have spending power this offseason", GM David Stearns told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com Wednesday. "I'm confident we are going to find places to use that effectively." 

Adding a top-tier starting pitcher might be enough to vault them into the top 10 in these rankings with a good young core in place and fresh off a surprising 86-win season.

Aside from upgrading the rotation, second base also needs to be addressed.

Neil Walker was terrific after coming over from the Mets, with a 121 OPS+ and 12 extra-base hits in 38 games, and a reunion remains a strong possibility.

After swinging a trade to acquire Anthony Swarzak at the deadline last season, adding another relief arm could also be on the to-do list now he's moved on in free agency.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
2B Jonathan Villar	RHP Chase Anderson
1B Eric Thames	RHP Zach Davies
LF Ryan Braun	LHP Brent Suter
3B Travis Shaw	RHP Brandon Woodruff
RF Domingo Santana	RHP Aaron Wilkerson (R)
C Stephen Vogt	Bullpen
SS Orlando Arcia	RHP Taylor Jungmann
CF Keon Broxton	LHP Tyler Webb
Bench	RHP Oliver Drake
C Manny Pina	RHP Jeremy Jeffress
1B Jesus Aguilar	LHP Josh Hader
IF/OF Hernan Perez	RHP Jacob Barnes
IF/OF Eric Sogard	RHP Corey Knebel
OF Brett Phillips (R)

DL: SP Jimmy Nelson

Offseason Overview

Need proof that the Colorado Rockies are a team on the rise?

Reliever Jake McGee spent two seasons in Colorado after coming over in a trade with the Rays and then chose to re-sign on a three-year, $27 million deal this winter.

The list of pitchers who have chosen to re-sign with the Rockies in the primes of their careers is pretty short, and McGee's willingness to stay speaks to the perception of this team.

Workhorse reliever Bryan Shaw was also added during the winter meetings, and the team is still trying hard to bring back closer Greg Holland. According to Heyman, they are waiting to hear back on a "nice" offer they have presented the 32-year-old, who saved 41 games last season.

The closer spot is undoubtedly the biggest area of focus and could be the last remaining significant move the Rockies make if they are comfortable with some combination of Ryan McMahon, Ian Desmond, Raimel Tapia and David Dahl manning first base and left field.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Charlie Blackmon	RHP Jon Gray
2B DJ LeMahieu	RHP Chad Bettis
3B Nolan Arenado	LHP Tyler Anderson
RF Gerardo Parra	RHP German Marquez
SS Trevor Story	LHP Kyle Freeland
1B Ryan McMahon (R)	Bullpen
LF Ian Desmond	RHP Antonio Senzatela
C Chris Iannetta	LHP Chris Rusin
Bench	RHP Scott Oberg
C Tony Wolters	RHP Carlos Estevez
IF/OF Pat Valaika	LHP Mike Dunn
OF Raimel Tapia	RHP Adam Ottavino
OF Mike Tauchman (R)	RHP Bryan Shaw
	LHP Jake McGee

DL: None

Offseason Overview

What will the Boston Red Sox do to counter the Yankees adding Giancarlo Stanton?

Because make no mistake, the Yankees have become the clear favorites in the AL East after adding the reigning AL MVP to an already stacked lineup.

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald provided an interesting potential answer to that question:

"A source at the winter meetings said that the Red Sox are engaged in talks with not only free agent outfielder J.D. Martinez but also free agent first baseman Eric Hosmer.

"The intent is not to try to ensure signing one of the two elite hitters, said the source.

"The goal is to try to sign both of them."

That would make for a worthy retort and would bring some much-needed pop back to the Boston lineup.

Meanwhile, the second base spot and No. 5 starter job are shaping up to be a pair of interesting camp battles. Dustin Pedroia will start the season on the disabled list following knee surgery, while Eduardo Rodriguez is also recovering from knee surgery and Steven Wright is facing domestic assault charges.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
SS Xander Bogaerts	LHP Chris Sale
LF Andrew Benintendi	LHP David Price
RF Mookie Betts	RHP Rick Porcello
DH Hanley Ramirez	LHP Drew Pomeranz
3B Rafael Devers	LHP Brian Johnson
1B Sam Travis (R)	Bullpen
CF Jackie Bradley Jr.	RHP Heath Hembree
C Christian Vazquez	LHP Robby Scott
2B Esteban Quiroz (R)	RHP Joe Kelly
Bench	RHP Carson Smith
C Sandy Leon	RHP Tyler Thornburg
IF Deven Marrero	RHP Matt Barnes
IF/OF Brock Holt	RHP Craig Kimbrel
OF Bryce Brentz (R)

DL: 2B Dustin Pedroia, SP Eduardo Rodriguez

Offseason Overview

Don't look now, but the Los Angeles Angels appear to be building a legitimate contender around Mike Trout.

What an idea.

After re-signing Justin Upton and then emerging as the surprise winners of the Ohtani sweepstakes in the days leading up to the winter meetings, they swung a deal to acquire Ian Kinsler on Thursday.

That was followed by the addition of Zack Cozart, which the team announced on Friday afternoon. He'll presumably play third base, with Luis Valbuena moving into a utility role.

The to-do list is still not complete, though.

As good as Blake Parker was last season—8 SV, 15 HLD, 2.54 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 11.5 K/9—counting on him to close for a contending team would be playing with fire.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
2B Ian Kinsler	RHP Garrett Richards
CF Mike Trout	RHP Shohei Ohtani (R)
LF Justin Upton	LHP Tyler Skaggs
DH Albert Pujols	RHP Matt Shoemaker
RF Kole Calhoun	RHP Parker Bridwell
3B Zack Cozart	Bullpen
SS Andrelton Simmons	RHP JC Ramirez
1B C.J. Cron	RHP Blake Wood
C Martin Maldonado	LHP Jose Alvarez
Bench	RHP Keynan Middleton
C Carlos Perez	RHP Jim Johnson
IF Luis Valbuena	RHP Cam Bedrosian
IF/OF Jefry Marte	RHP Blake Parker
OF Jared Hoying

DL: SP Alex Meyer

Offseason Overview

After missing out on Stanton, the St. Louis Cardinals might have wound up making an even better deal with the acquisition of Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna, 27, hit .312/.376/.548 with 30 doubles, 37 home runs and 124 RBI while also posting terrific defensive metrics (10 DRS) and winning Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors en route to a 5.8 WAR.

He's really good.

By trading away Piscotty and Magneuris Sierra, they have begun to open up what was an outfield logjam. And there's still a good chance Randal Grichuk is playing elsewhere when the 2018 season begins.

While the Ozuna deal was great, the front office still has work to do.

Signing Miles Mikolas means they won't need to rely on Alex Reyes or Jack Flaherty in the early going, and the two-year, $11 million deal they gave Luke Gregerson looks like a bargain relative to the rest of the reliever market this offseason.

However, the team is still lacking a proven closer, and the bullpen as a whole leaves a lot to be desired.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
3B Matt Carpenter	RHP Carlos Martinez
CF Tommy Pham	RHP Michael Wacha
LF Marcell Ozuna	RHP Adam Wainwright
CF Dexter Fowler	RHP Luke Weaver
SS Paul DeJong	RHP Miles Mikolas
C Yadier Molina	Bullpen
1B Jose Martinez	LHP Ryan Sherriff (R)
2B Kolten Wong	RHP Sam Tuivailala
Bench	RHP John Brebbia
C Carson Kelly (R)	LHP Brett Cecil
1B Luke Voit	RHP Matt Bowman
IF Greg Garcia	LHP Tyler Lyons
IF Jedd Gyorko	RHP Luke Gregerson
OF Randal Grichuk

DL: SP Alex Reyes

Offseason Overview

The Arizona Diamondbacks used a 24-win improvement to go from fourth in the NL West standings to playing in the NL Wild Card Game.

While there is always room to improve, they would have a fairly complete roster if the season started today.

Fernando Rodney's departure in free agency likely means Archie Bradley will move into the closer's role after a breakout season pitching in the eighth.

Brad Boxberger is also an option to close games if the team feels more comfortable leaving Bradley where he is. The 29-year-old was acquired in a trade with the Rays. He was an All-Star in 2015, when he saved 41 games.

With Ketel Marte, Chris Owings, Brandon Drury and Nick Ahmed all vying for playing time at the middle infield spots, trading one of those guys to acquire more bullpen help might make sense.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
RF David Peralta	RHP Zack Greinke
CF A.J. Pollock	LHP Robbie Ray
1B Paul Goldschmidt	RHP Taijuan Walker
3B Jake Lamb	RHP Zack Godley
LF Yasmany Tomas	LHP Patrick Corbin
SS Ketel Marte	Bullpen
2B Chris Owings	RHP Albert Suarez
C Jeff Mathis	LHP T.J. McFarland
Bench	RHP Randall Delgado
C John Ryan Murphy	RHP Jimmie Sherfy (R)
C/OF Chris Herrmann	LHP Andrew Chafin
IF/OF Daniel Descalso	RHP Brad Boxberger
IF/OF Brandon Drury	RHP Archie Bradley
OF Socrates Brito (R)

DL: SP Shelby Miller

Offseason Overview

The Cleveland Indians have a big decision to make regarding free-agent slugger Carlos Santana.

While the team is still working to re-sign him, they are also exploring alternatives, with Logan Morrison one potential target, per Rosenthal.

Meanwhile, the Mets are targeting Jason Kipnis to fill their need at second base, according to Marc Carig of Newsday.

A Kipnis trade would mean Jose Ramirez slides over to second base, Yandy Diaz takes over as the everyday third baseman and the DH spot opens up for whomever the team might wind up landing in free agency.

There's also a decision to make in the rotation following a breakout season from Mike Clevinger, who went 12-6 with a 3.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 137 strikeouts in 121.1 innings.

The Chicago Cubs and Indians have discussed a potential Danny Salazar trade, according to Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
SS Francisco Lindor	RHP Corey Kluber
2B Jason Kipnis	RHP Carlos Carrasco
3B Jose Ramirez	RHP Trevor Bauer
1B Edwin Encarnacion	RHP Mike Clevinger
LF Michael Brantley	RHP Josh Tomlin
DH Yandy Diaz	Bullpen
RF Lonnie Chisenhall	RHP Danny Salazar
CF Bradley Zimmer	RHP Zach McAllister
C Roberto Perez	RHP Dan Otero
Bench	LHP Tyler Olson
C Yan Gomes	RHP Nick Goody
3B Giovanny Urshela	LHP Andrew Miller
IF Erik Gonzalez	RHP Cody Allen
OF Brandon Guyer

DL: SP Cody Anderson

Offseason Overview

The Chicago Cubs have already had a busy offseason, signing starter Tyler Chatwood to fill one of the vacant rotation spots and adding Dario Alvarez, Steve Cishek and Brandon Morrow to the bullpen.

Is Mike Montgomery going to be the No. 5 starter?

Is Morrow going to be the closer?

These are the two big questions the team is still facing, and the answers will go a long way toward determining just how good they can be in 2018.

Giving Albert Almora Jr. the everyday center field job and batting him leadoff seems like a no-brainer after a terrific season platooning with Jon Jay.

The versatility of guys like Ian Happ and Ben Zobrist makes it easy for manager Joe Maddon to go with a four-man bench and eight-man bullpen.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Albert Almora Jr.	LHP Jon Lester
3B Kris Bryant	RHP Kyle Hendricks
1B Anthony Rizzo	LHP Jose Quintana
C Willson Contreras	RHP Tyler Chatwood
LF Kyle Schwarber	LHP Mike Montgomery
SS Addison Russell	Bullpen
RF Jason Heyward	RHP Eddie Butler
2B Javier Baez	LHP Dario Alvarez
Bench	RHP Justin Grimm
C Victor Caratini (R)	LHP Justin Wilson
IF Tommy La Stella	RHP Steve Cishek
IF/OF Ian Happ	RHP Pedro Strop
IF/OF Ben Zobrist	RHP Carl Edwards Jr.
	RHP Brandon Morrow

DL: SP Drew Smyly

Offseason Overview

While the blockbuster deal to acquire Stanton vaulted the Yankees to the top of the AL East pack, they are not quite ready to take over as baseball's No. 1 team.

There is still a spot to fill in the rotation, as well as the matter of potentially having two rookies manning spots on the infield when the season starts.

That bodes well for the future, but there could also be some growing pains.

Moving Chad Green into the rotation is one option if no other starter is signed, and a reunion with CC Sabathia is still possible.

We've also touched on the team's efforts to acquire Gerrit Cole from the Pirates. If that deal comes to fruition, it would be awfully hard not to call the Yankees the team to beat in 2018.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
LF Brett Gardner	RHP Luis Severino
RF Aaron Judge	RHP Masahiro Tanaka
DH Giancarlo Stanton	RHP Sonny Gray
SS Didi Gregorius	LHP Jordan Montgomery
C Gary Sanchez	RHP Chad Green
1B Greg Bird	Bullpen
CF Aaron Hicks	RHP Adam Warren
3B Miguel Andujar (R)	RHP Jonathan Holder
2B Gleyber Torres (R)	LHP Chasen Shreve
Bench	RHP Tommy Kahnle
C Austin Romine	RHP David Robertson
1B/OF Tyler Austin	RHP Dellin Betances
IF Ronald Torreyes	LHP Aroldis Chapman
OF Jacoby Ellsbury

DL: None

Offseason Overview

Will 2018 be the year the Washington Nationals finally advance beyond the NL Division Series?

It's going to have to be if they want to win a title with Bryce Harper, as he's set to reach free agency next offseason, along with Daniel Murphy and Gio Gonzalez.

Full seasons of Sean Doolittle, Ryan Madson and the recently re-signed Brandon Kintzler would give the bullpen a huge head start on where it was at this time a year ago.

A healthy Adam Eaton also plays like a major roster addition given he suited up for just 23 games last season.

Even if the team is comfortable starting the season with Erick Fedde as the No. 5 starter until Joe Ross is healthy, adding some viable starting pitching depth is a must.

Beyond that, it's simply a matter of this group playing up to its potential.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
SS Trea Turner	RHP Max Scherzer
LF Adam Eaton	RHP Stephen Strasburg
RF Bryce Harper	LHP Gio Gonzalez
1B Ryan Zimmerman	RHP Tanner Roark
2B Daniel Murphy	RHP Erick Fedde (R)
3B Anthony Rendon	Bullpen
C Matt Wieters	RHP A.J. Cole
CF Michael Taylor	LHP Matt Grace
Bench	RHP Shawn Kelley
C Pedro Severino	LHP Enny Romero
1B/OF Jose Marmolejos (R)	RHP Ryan Madson
IF Adrian Sanchez	RHP Brandon Kintzler
IF/OF Wilmer Difo	LHP Sean Doolittle
OF Brian Goodwin

DL: SP Joe Ross

Offseason Overview

The Los Angeles Dodgers don't necessarily need to do anything major this offseason to once again be considered one of the favorites to win the World Series.

Some bullpen help following Brandon Morrow and Tony Watson's departures looks like the biggest need.

Using Walker Buehler as a reliever is an intriguing option, but the club would likely prefer to continue his development into a potential front-line starter.

The back of the starting rotation also needs to be sorted out.

Hyun-Jin Ryu, Scott Kazmir and Brandon McCarthy are owed a combined $37 million in 2018, and there's only one open spot in the rotation for them to fill. Julio Urias' return could wind up making all three of them expendable.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF Chris Taylor	LHP Clayton Kershaw
SS Corey Seager	LHP Rich Hill
3B Justin Turner	RHP Kenta Maeda
LF Cody Bellinger	LHP Alex Wood
RF Yasiel Puig	LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu
1B Adrian Gonzalez	Bullpen
C Austin Barnes	LHP Scott Kazmir
2B Logan Forsythe	RHP Brandon McCarthy
Bench	LHP Luis Avilan
C Yasmani Grandal	RHP Josh Fields
IF Charlie Culberson	LHP Tony Cingrani
IF/OF Kike Hernandez	RHP Pedro Baez
OF Joc Pederson	RHP Kenley Jansen
OF Trayce Thompson

DL: SP Julio Urias

Offseason Overview

There's no reason to knock the defending champions from atop these power rankings.

With a full season of Justin Verlander and healthy seasons from Dallas Keuchel (23 GS) and Lance McCullers (22 GS), this starting rotation will have a chance to be the best in baseball.

Brad Peacock went 13-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 132 innings, and he's projected to be the No. 5 starter.

Carlos Beltran's retirement creates an opening in the starting lineup, and the leading candidates to fill it will be Jake Marisnick and Derek Fisher. Regardless, Marwin Gonzalez will continue serving in a super-utility role, so there won't be a set lineup.

Signing relievers Joe Smith and Hector Rondon is a good start to shoring up the bullpen, but the team could use at least one more proven bullpen arm.

Anthony Gose, who once ranked as the No. 39 prospect in baseball as an outfielder, is now a pitcher, and the Astros grabbed him in the Rule 5 draft. He's an interesting option to potentially fill the need for a lefty reliever.

Projected Opening Day Roster (as of Dec. 14)

Starting Lineup	Starting Rotation
CF George Springer	RHP Justin Verlander
3B Alex Bregman	LHP Dallas Keuchel
2B Jose Altuve	RHP Charlie Morton
SS Carlos Correa	RHP Lance McCullers Jr.
DH Marwin Gonzalez	RHP Brad Peacock
1B Yuli Gurriel	Bullpen
RF Josh Reddick	RHP Collin McHugh
C Brian McCann	LHP Tony Sipp
LF Derek Fisher	RHP Hector Rondon
Bench	RHP Joe Musgrove
C Evan Gattis	RHP Will Harris
IF Tyler White	RHP Joe Smith
OF Jake Marisnick	RHP Chris Devenski
	RHP Ken Giles

DL: RP Jandel Gustave

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference and FanGraphs, unless otherwise noted.