The MLB offseason has officially begun as the Milwaukee Brewers won the World Series last Wednesday. Now the Brewers, as well as other teams, are preparing to make offseason moves. This offseason has a specific obstacle given the expectation of a lockout as MLB and the MLBPA work to come to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. Nevertheless, the teams will have all of November to make moves before the CBA deadline in early December. Today, we are going to reveal our MLB Power Rankings for the offseason and also share one move each team should consider making.
1. Milwaukee Brewers
There is an argument to be made that the Brewers do not feature the most talent in the sport despite winning the 2026 World Series. Don't worry Brewers fans, I'm still keen on your favorite team's outlook. They are the best in the sport when it comes to finding success as an all-around unit.
Milwaukee, in all reality, cruised through the postseason. The Brewers lost a total of two playoff games. They swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. It was a dominant World Series run for the ball club.
While the Brewers do have some players headed for free agency, most of their core is intact for years to come. Milwaukee could realistically stand pat all offseason and still enter 2027 as one of the favorites to repeat as champions.
Making a move or two wouldn't hurt, though. Dustin May is among their 2026 players who entered free agency. Adding another veteran starter for depth purposes wouldn't be a bad idea — whether it's May or someone else.
Move Brewers must make: Sign one veteran starting pitcher
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers feature no shortage of talent despite losing in the NLCS. They are going to be just fine.
The easy answer to the move LA should make this offseason would be to re-sign Tarik Skubal. That is simply too obvious of a choice, though. Yes, the Dodgers should look to bring back the best pitcher in baseball if possible.
Making a trade of some sort to address other areas of their roster should be their goal. Teoscar Hernandez's fit with the Dodgers is now in question. Trading him for perhaps prospects or even MLB level talent (on the pitching staff probably) could make sense.
Move Dodgers must make: Trade Teoscar Hernandez to upgrade another area of roster
3. Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays should feel proud of the season they had. Sure, Tampa Bay fell short in the World Series. Nevertheless, the Rays established themselves as the unquestioned best team in the American League. They will surely be in a position to make another deep run next year.
The Rays would benefit from signing a starting pitcher this offseason. Freddy Peralta and Nick Martinez are both headed for free agency. Peralta has said he's open to a return — but it remains to be seen if Tampa Bay can give him an enticing enough contract.
Move Rays must make: Sign at least one starting pitcher
4. Atlanta Braves
The Braves were consistent in 2026, but it ended with them losing in the National League Division Series to the Dodgers. The question Atlanta needs to ask this offseason is how can they find a way to surpass the Brewers and Dodgers in the National League?
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Braves need more reliable pitching. Chris Sale is the ace, but the rest of their rotation has questions. Atlanta arguably needs to add at least two reliable starting pitchers this offseason to feel good about the 2027 rotation.
Move Braves must make: Add at least two reliable starting pitchers
5. San Diego Padres
The Padres felt like the dark horse to win the World Series this past season. They ended up falling short in their NLDS matchup with the Brewers. Nevertheless, San Diego's future remains bright.
I'm going to stick with the starting pitching take for their offseason need, but I'll get more specific here.
Move Padres must make: Re-Sign Michael King in MLB free agency
6. New York Yankees
The Yankees have consistently reached the postseason in recent years, but their 28th franchise championship has eluded them since 2009. Will that change in 2027? Well, their offseason performance may answer that question.
The Yankees have a strong pitching staff. Sure, they will be linked to a Tarik Skubal free agency pursuit, but what the Yankees really need is a couple more bats.
The outfield is in respectable shape. Aaron Judge is still among the best players in the sport — although he was limited due to injury this past season. Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger, Heliot Ramos and Spencer Jones are all other outfield options. The infield could use an upgrade or two, however.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a free agent. Anthony Volpe has been mentioned as a trade candidate. Perhaps acquiring a shortstop such as CJ Abrams from the Washington Nationals may appeal to the Yankees. Signing an infielder such as Alec Bohm or Brandon Lowe may also catch their attention.
Move Yankees must make: Upgrade infield with at least one addition
7. Chicago Cubs
We have returned to the teams that need starting pitching.
The Cubs had a strong 2026 season for the most part. Pitching injuries hurt the ball club, however. If Chicago wants to make it further than the Wild Card round of the postseason in 2027, then adding a true ace should be the priority.
Chicago has been discussed as a possible Skubal free agency destination. Peralta is also in the conversation for the Cubs. If free agency doesn't lead to them signing an ace, a trade could also be an option.
Move Cubs must make: Add an ace for the rotation
8. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies, similarly to the Cubs, are good but not quite good enough right now since they play in the deep National League. Unlike Chicago, Philadelphia's biggest need is on offense.
Many of their best hitters are left-handed. Signing a right-handed bat would make sense for them. They would benefit from bringing in an outfielder as well.
Seiya Suzuki should be among their top targets in free agency. Randy Arozarena and Ian Happ may also be targets for them.
Move Phillies must make: Sign a right-handed hitting outfielder
9. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox made noise this past season. They have some questions to answer this offseason, though.
Could the offense use another hitter or two? Sure. However, the rotation needs to be addressed with Sonny Gray entering free agency. No, they don't have to go and sign Skubal (although they could). Signing a reliable veteran needs to be their goal. Someone like Peralta, Kevin Gausman or Nick Martinez could appeal to them.
Move Red Sox must make: Sign at least one veteran starting pitcher
10. Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians reached the 2026 American League Championship Series despite their especially low payroll. Cleveland isn't known for adding a whole lot during the offseason.
I'd like to see the Guards bring in a couple of bats for their overall underwhelming offense. A veteran slugger such as Eugenio Suarez makes too much sense for this team. He would give them a true power bat in the middle of the lineup. Suarez can DH and could probably fill in at first or third base when necessary.
Of course, he'd only play third when Jose Ramirez needs a day off. He's far more experienced at third base than first, but working with him on the position during spring training may present itself as an option. Ideally, Suarez would spend most of his time at DH.
The real win by signing Suarez would be his veteran prowess and impressive home run power coming to Cleveland.
Move Guardians must make: Add a power hitter (ideally Eugenio Suarez)
11. Chicago White Sox
Chicago fell just short of winning the AL Central, losing the division by one game to Cleveland. The White Sox were then defeated by the Guardians in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.
If the Sox want to take the next step, then it's time for them to go all in on pitching. Signing Peralta would be the dream. Bringing in two starting pitchers would also be ideal.
Either way, upgrading the rotation should be the goal. Adding a relief arm or two wouldn't hurt either.
Move White Sox must make: Add two pitchers
12. Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks had a good 2026 campaign despite missing the postseason. Still, one could argue that they need to improve most areas of their roster. Specifically, the bullpen should be addressed.
Signing a star reliever who pitched for one of their NL West rivals in 2026 could be a route they take. Adrian Morejon impressed with the Padres this past season, and he'd give the D'Backs a crucial boost. If not Morejon, other relievers they could consider include Sean Newcomb and Tyler Alexander.
Move Diamondbacks must make: Add a reliever or two
13. Houston Astros
The Astros reached the postseason despite winning just 81 games this past season. Houston has to ask themselves if now is the time to go all in or rebuild.
On one hand, the ball club plays in an extremely winnable AL West. Once you reach the postseason, anything can happen. On the other hand, they don't have as much overall talent as they did only a few years ago. Trading a star such as Jeremy Pena would allow them to retool for the future.
Of course, their realistic biggest need is a manager. The Astros are reportedly set to meet with Albert Pujols. Aside from bringing in a new skipper, Houston needs to give its lineup a boost. Yordan Alvarez cannot do it all on his own.
Move Astros must make: Add at least two reliable hitters
14. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates quietly won 82 games despite Paul Skenes' up and down season. If Skenes bounces back in 2027, there's reason to believe that Pittsburgh could earn a postseason spot.
The problem is that one of their best hitters in 2026, Brandon Lowe, is a free agent. The chances of him returning seem to be slim, but perhaps Pittsburgh will finally spend some real money in free agency and make it happen. The Pirates signed Ryan O'Hearn last year, so the idea of the team bringing Lowe back isn't out of the question.
Move Pirates must make: Re-sign Brandon Lowe (or find a steady replacement if they cannot re-sign him)
15. Miami Marlins
The Marlins are in a challenging position. They kept things interesting in 2026, but they fell short of a postseason spot in the crowded National League. Realistically, their chances of competing in the NL East are slim.
It's always difficult to recommend that a team enters a rebuild, but that may be the best option for Miami. The Marlins have no shortage of young pitching, so trading Sandy Alcantara could benefit them within a few years. Alcantara would draw a strong trade return. In fact, he may be the only star Miami needs to trade before potentially competing within a few seasons.
He will enter free agency in 2028, so now is the time to move the star pitcher.
Move Marlins must make: Trade Sandy Alcantara
16. Texas Rangers
The Rangers remind me of the Marlins to an extent when it comes to their current situation. They'd like to win, but they realistically aren't all that close to competing for a World Series championship. Texas' situation is different in the sense that it plays in a much more winnable American League, but the Rangers need to choose a direction soon. They have been far too mediocre in recent years.
That's why trading Corey Seager would be their best move this offseason. Seager is one of the better hitters in the game when he's on the field. However, the veteran shortstop has been hit hard by the injury bug over the years. Trading him would allow Texas to receive future stars.
Move Rangers must make: Trade Corey Seager
17. Baltimore Orioles
Reports have suggested that the Orioles are open to trading many of their players aside from Pete Alonso. Baltimore is close to competing, but the ball club happens to play in the best division in the American League.
Going all in on a full rebuild may be too much to expect, as Alonso signed with Baltimore for five years. He won't want to spend the final four years of his deal playing for a rebuilding squad.
However, trading a couple of players to address other areas of need on the roster could be a path for Baltimore. For example, the Orioles could look to trade someone such as Jackson Holliday for a couple of young pitchers who are either big league ready or close to MLB ready.
Move Orioles must make: Trade one or two MLB players to upgrade areas of need on roster
18. Toronto Blue Jays
The Orioles may be ahead of the Blue Jays in our MLB Power Rankings, but I actually like Toronto's chances of competing next year better. The Blue Jays have a true ace in their rotation in Dylan Cease. I wouldn't be surprised to see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. bounce back next season.
If I'm the Blue Jays this year, I'd consider going all in on free agency. Perhaps they won't sign Skubal, but bringing in Peralta or even Gausman (who they traded this past season) may be possibilities.
Move Blue Jays must make: Sign a star free agent, likely a pitcher
19. St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals outperformed expectations in 2026. They are still rebuilding, however. They shouldn't change their franchise direction yet. Rebuilding should still be the goal for now.
Now, that doesn't mean they need to trade any of their star players. In fact, there aren't many players who would make sense to trade this offseason. The one player who could be moved is Alec Burleson.
He performed well in 2026 and will be a free agent after the 2028 campaign. If St. Louis wants to move him this offseason and acquire a few quality prospects, that wouldn't be a bad move. But Burleson certainly doesn't need to be traded.
For the Cardinals, they just need to keep developing their current core of players and then become more aggressive in free agency next offseason.
Move Cardinals must make: None, but can consider Alec Burleson trade
20. Washington Nationals
The Nationals had an up and down season. Trading CJ Abrams may appeal to them.
Abrams is a star. He's one of the best offensive middle infielders in the game. Washington seemingly has questions about his shortstop defense, as he was moved off the position late in 2026. Still, this is a player who hit 33 home runs and stole 34 bases this past year.
Washington isn't especially close to emerging as a true contender. Moving Abrams now — as he still has multiple years of team control remaining on his contract — would allow the Nationals to receive elite trade value. Sure, fans may not love the rebuilding element of the deal, but it could lead to the team seriously competing in a few years.
They don't need to force a trade. If they don't receive the value they want, then they can hold onto Abrams. At the very least, the Nationals must consider the idea of moving the star infielder.
Move Nationals must make: Consider trading CJ Abrams for massive return
21. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are another ball club that's stuck in the middle. They aren't terrible, but they are not all that close to contending.
Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan have often been discussed as trade candidates over the years. Buxton seemingly wants to stay in Minnesota and he's under contract through 2029. The Twins don't need to move him this offseason unless they receive an offer that is too good to refuse.
For Ryan, though, he's a guy who will enter free agency next offseason. Moving him before the 2027 campaign should be a priority for Minnesota.
Move Twins must make: Trade Joe Ryan
22. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners were among the biggest disappointments in all of MLB last year. There weren't many people who would expect they would be 22nd in an MLB Power Rankings after the 2026 season — but that's where they are nonetheless.
For Seattle, trading one or two of their starting pitchers for MLB level hitters simply makes too much sense. The Mariners' offense was questionable at best last season, while they happen to feature a plethora of starting pitchers.
So, which pitcher should they trade? Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller could make sense. It really depends on which pitchers Seattle believes it can potentially extend. The pitchers who seem destined to enter free agency at some point in the near future — such as Gilbert — should be trade candidates.
Move Mariners must make: Trade a starting pitcher or two for offensive help
23. Detroit Tigers
Article Continues BelowThe Tigers were expected to compete this past season. Instead, they fell well short of their expectations and ultimately moved Skubal ahead of the trade deadline.
One has to wonder what's next for Detroit. The Tigers probably want to avoid a complete rebuild. They have young stars on the roster such as Kevin McGonigle and Riley Greene. If Detroit is going to compete soon, their pitching will need a boost.
Move Tigers must make: Add multiple pitchers
24. Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have the starting pitching to make things interesting next year. Their offense is a question mark. Elly De La Cruz has emerged as a trade candidate, but he's under team control for years to come. They don't have to trade him this offseason.
They aren't a team that can solve all of their issues through free agency and trades. Cincinnati needs to find a way to develop a few more reliable hitters. If they want to sign one or two veteran sluggers, though, that wouldn't be a bad idea.
If the Reds struggle again then those players could be traded at the 2027 deadline. If Cincinnati competes, those sluggers could help them make a postseason push. They would be potential win-win moves as long as the players perform well.
Move Reds must make: Sign two veteran hitters
25. New York Mets
The Mets, similarly to the Mariners, were a massive disappointment this past season. The good news for New York is that the roster has talent. It wouldn't be shocking to see them compete next season.
Would signing Skubal solve all of their problems? No, but the Mets are rumored to have serious interest in Skubal. Unlike some other underperforming teams, New York has no shortage of money to spend in free agency. Upgrading the pitching staff should be a priority.
Move Mets must make: Sign multiple reliable pitchers
26. Kansas City Royals
Kansas City seemed like a team that could compete in the AL Central in 2026. Instead, the Royals finished in last place.
However, they still feature a young core of stars led by Bobby Witt Jr. If the Royals can continue to develop a few more reliable big league players, they could make some noise next season.
Trading for another bat or two wouldn't hurt. Perhaps a player such as Jarren Duran on the Red Sox could make sense.
Move Royals must make: Acquire a hitter or two
27. San Francisco Giants
It's difficult to tell what direction the Giants are going in right now. Are they set to rebuild? Are they going to pursue Skubal and try to win next season?
From the outside looking in, the answer seems obvious. It's time for this team to rebuild. The current core of players simply isn't getting the job done.
Will Buster Posey want to go in that direction? Probably not, but anything is possible. Since I'm the one writing these MLB Power Rankings, I'll stick with my advice for the Giants.
Move Giants must make: Enter complete rebuild
28. Athletics
The Athletics have quietly built one of the most intriguing position player cores in the game. Unfortunately, many of their young stars dealt with injury this past season.
If they can return and stay healthy in 2027, the Athletics could enjoy a bounce back season. Nick Kurtz and Jacob Wilson are among the young stars on the roster.
For the A's, the goal needs to be developing pitching now. That's been the struggle in recent years.
Move Athletics must make: Find way to upgrade pitching
29. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels finally made front office changes in 2026. Will those changes help the team itself perform well in 2027? Possibly, but the Halos are probably still a couple of years away from truly competing.
The Angels, as has been the case for years, need to improve their starting pitching. If they can sign two reliable starters this offseason, it wouldn't be surprising to see them take a big step toward competing next year.
Move Angels must make: Sign at least two starting pitchers
30. Colorado Rockies
Finally, we have reached the worst team in baseball: The Rockies.
I can honestly say that building a plan for this Rockies team is difficult. Sure, I could sit here and say it's time to trade All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman, but would that really solve all of their problems?
What the Rockies need to do is develop players at a better rate. They've endured a challenging time consistently helping guys reach their full potential.
Whether it's scouting, coaching or something else, the Rockies need to change something they are doing.
Move Rockies must make: Focus on developing their current players