This past week was MLB’s annual GM meetings. While no major transactions take place during this time, it’s where teams lay the foundation of their offseason. Let’s take a look at some of the major points and quotes from most teams over the past week.
Early Takeaways from MLB GM Meetings
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs will be in the pitching market more than the position player market. “We’re gonna have an active offseason … largest focus will be on pitching, I think that’s obvious.” President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer said. The Cubs are still expected to continue holding conversations with free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, but a reunion is unlikely.
Pittsburgh Pirates
This is a pivotal offseason for the Pirates. GM Ben Cherington has doubled down on Paul Skenes being a Pirate in 2026, amidst trade rumors. Cherington also said that he will have more payroll flexibility than normal this offseason and will look to add talent. Pittsburgh has not added a multi-year free agent since the 2016-2017 offseason, when they added starter Ivan Nova. If the Pirates play their cards right, they could contend for a Wild Card spot.
Cincinnati Reds
Building off their surprising Wild Card berth, the Reds will look to improve in multiple spots. “We’ll have to rebuild our bullpen. We’re going to have to fill some spots there.” PBO Nick Krall said. “We’d like to get ourselves better both offensively and defensively. … We lost (Austin Hays). We’re going to have to figure out how to replace his production.” Cincinnati will be looking to bolster its bullpen and add depth around the field.
St. Louis Cardinals
This will be Chaim Bloom’s first offseason as PBO of the Cards, and it looks to be a trade-off. St. Louis is expected to listen to trade offers on veterans like Nolan Arenado, Sonny Gray, Brendan Donovan, and Lars Nootbaar.
Milwaukee Brewers
Coming off the best record in baseball, the Brewers enter the offseason determined to build on their momentum and push toward a World Series run, focusing on adding complementary pieces rather than overhauling their core. One of the biggest topics around their front office at the MLB GM Meetings was the status of ace Freddy Peralta—an elite, cost-controlled arm who would instantly become one of the most coveted pitchers on the trade market. While Milwaukee is willing to listen to offers on Peralta, executives made it clear that any deal would require a massive, franchise-altering return, as they have no interest in weakening a championship-caliber rotation unless the offer overwhelmingly improves their long-term outlook.
NL East
New York Mets
The Mets will be active this offseason, but just how active they will be remains to be seen.“We came out of that [the season] with some very distinct and notable lessons,” PBO David Stearns said. “I do think that’s going to help us all be better going forward and likely influence how we go through every stage of the player acquisition process.” Stearns noted that they will be using a lot of their MLB-ready prospects on the roster in 2026, including outfield prospect Carson Benge. “We’ve got some really good young players coming,” Stearns added. “And we’re very optimistic about what our team is going to look like going forward. We need to give young players a chance to play.” Stearns noted that the team would like to bring Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso back this offseason, but it takes two to tango.
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta will be buyers this offseason: “shortstop, starting pitchers and a lot of relievers,” GM Alex Anthopoulos said. Anthopoulos also noted that ownership wants to be top five in payroll in 2026, which would mean some big additions this offseason. With a new manager and coaching staff, Atlanta will look to get back to the top of the National League.
Philadelphia Phillies
As always, the Phillies are expected to be aggressive. They will look to retain Kyle Schwarber in free agency, though he might seek other options. Kyle Tucker seems like a good fit for them in the outfield as they look to move on from Nick Castellanos.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins are looking to spend. They have a lot of young talent, and with the expanded Wild Card, could do enough to sneak into a spot like they did in 2023. While they will listen to offers, the expectation is that the Marlins will retain Sandy Alcántara and Edward Cabrera.
NL West
San Diego Padres
The Padres are in a confounding position, given their restricted payroll. GM AJ Preller said Wednesday that he “wants to keep” free-agent infielder Luis Arráez. Arráez is a perfect leadoff hitter, and hit over .300 for the Padres in his season plus with the team.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers will be “focused on making sure our team is as good as possible,” per GM Brandon Gomes. The Dodgers will aim to maintain and enhance their championship contending roster. Even though they have won two championships in a row, the Dodgers are expected to continue their high spending. Los Angeles will be in the market for an outfielder, perhaps Kyle Tucker, and bullpen depth. Names like Devin Williams and Edwin Díaz are under consideration from the Dodgers front office.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The DBacks will almost certainly look to add starting pitching this offseason, with Zac Gallen being a free agent. Teams have already checked in on second baseman Ketel Marte, but an offer would have to be outlandish for the team to move him.
AL East
New York Yankees
Cody Bellinger is a top priority for the Yankees. “We’d be better served if we could retain him,” GM Brian Cashman said. Cashman also noted that the team will be looking to add to their bullpen and add a starting pitcher. Reports indicated that the Yankees were looking to lower payroll, but Cashman nixed that, saying the situation is “fluid.”
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox want to add a number two starter behind Garrett Crochet. “Starting pitching is something we’re absolutely focused on.” PBO Craig Breslow said. “It’s been the consistent theme.” Boston will be shopping on the position player market with Alex Bregman on the free agent market. Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber will get looks from the team, but Bregman seemed like a perfect fit. After all, nobody wants to see a “Breg-xit,” as Scott Boras called it this week.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays have been quiet to start the offseason and may be entering a rebuild with their new front office. The Rays will be listening in on most players on their roster in trade conversations. With the new ownership, it seems that until a new stadium is built, they will lower payroll, but they can never be counted out with their farm system.
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles are among the teams that are expected to be most active this offseason. In a season full of massive disappointments, the Orioles will be looking to add, but some could be in trade due to their infield logjam. “We’ll be exploring starting pitching — that’s our No. 1 focus.” PBO Mike Elias said. Baltimore will also look to add a high-end reliever with closer Félix Bautista out for a majority, if not all, of 2026.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays will be going big this offseason and are expected to be in on everyone. “Honestly, you’re not going to love my answer… But [the objective] is just to get better. … pitching is important.” GM Ross Atkins said. The Blue Jays would also like to retain infielder Bo Bichette and are among the favorites to land Kyle Tucker. Toronto will also be in the market for a closer, for obvious reasons.
The Blue Jays are drawing early attention at MLB’s GM Meetings.
“They’re in every market,” one agent told @shidavidi and @bnicholsonsmith. https://t.co/JwKU6k6wat
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 11, 2025
AL Central
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers want to keep Tarik Skubal. They will listen, but unless they are completely blown away, the back-to-back Cy Young winner will remain in Detroit. Other offseason decisions hinge on Gleyber Torres accepting or declining his qualifying offer. Detroit should also take a look at the relief market. They are interested in bringing back Kyle Finnegan, whom they acquired at the deadline.
“The fans in Detroit want the Tigers to build a Tarik barrack.
“The Little Caesars are running around town saying, ‘Cy! Cy!”
“It should be Scooby-done, right?”
Scott Boras has gone full Dr. Suess at the GM Meetings pic.twitter.com/sMZlPjIOOU
— Calico Joe (@CalicoJoeMLB) November 12, 2025
Cleveland Guardians
It’s simple: the Guardians need relievers. With Emmanuel Clase likely out of baseball and no longer anchoring the back end of the bullpen, Cleveland enters the offseason with a clear and urgent need to rebuild its late-inning structure. The front office knows that relying on internal depth alone won’t be enough, so they’re expected to explore multiple avenues—free agency, trades, and waiver claims—to restore stability and shorten games again. Strengthening the bullpen isn’t just a priority for Cleveland; it’s the foundation of how they’ve traditionally won, making relief pitching the centerpiece of their winter agenda.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals are looking to contend in 2026 and capitalize on the window with Bobby Witt Jr. “Our goal is to extend that window beyond 2030, but we’re in a window where we have one of the best players in the game,” said GM J.J. Picollo. The Royals are not looking to add a lot to their payroll, but will be in the outfield market. Kansas City could look to acquire talent in trade if the free agent market does not fit its budget.
AL West
Houston Astros
The Astros took a step back in 2025 and will be looking to be back atop the AL West next season. “We’re going to be focused on starting pitching, backup catcher if we can improve in that area, and some bullpen help.” GM Dana Brown said. With the pending loss of Framber Valdez, the Astros will need to add starting pitching and some of the bullpen. Brown added that closer Josh Hader has been throwing this offseason and should be ready for spring training.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners would like to retain both Josh Naylor and Jorge Polanco. Seattle will also look to improve their bullpen this offseason, adding someone to bridge to Andres Muñoz.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers will take a step back in terms of payroll. While a trade is unlikely, the team will listen in on offers for shortstop Marcus Semien, though he might be unappealing due to the injury concerns. Texas will also look to add to its bullpen.
Texas #Rangers have some areas they need to focus on ahead of GM meetings next week. Latest at Rangers Roundtable. @RTB_io https://t.co/IHj6qzrDZz
— Joe Rutland 🇺🇸 (@JosephRutland5) November 8, 2025
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels will be interesting to watch this offseason. Owner Arte Moreno made it clear to GM Perry Minasian that he wants to win and will spend money to do so. The AL West looks like it will be wide open in 2025. The Angels are also talking about moving reliever Reid Detmers to the starting rotation, so they should be in the market for relievers.
Main Photo Credit: G Fiume/Getty Images
