{"id":109449,"date":"2025-11-13T22:27:31","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T03:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=109449"},"modified":"2025-11-13T22:27:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T03:27:31","slug":"mlb-offseason-begins-storylines-emerging-gm-meetings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/11\/13\/mlb-offseason-begins-storylines-emerging-gm-meetings\/","title":{"rendered":"MLB\u2019s Offseason Begins: The Storylines Emerging from This Week’s GM Meetings"},"content":{"rendered":"

This past week was MLB’s annual GM meetings. While no major transactions take place during this time, it\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Nov 9, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos answers questions from the media during the MLB GM Meetings at The Conrad Las Vegas. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early Takeaways from MLB GM Meetings<\/h2>\n

NL Central<\/h3>\n

Chicago Cubs<\/b><\/p>\n

The Cubs will be in the pitching market more than the position player market. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna have an active offseason \u2026 largest focus will be on pitching, I think that\u2019s obvious.\u201d President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer said. The Cubs are still expected to continue holding conversations with free agent<\/a> outfielder Kyle Tucker<\/a>, but a reunion is unlikely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Pirates<\/b><\/h4>\n

This is a pivotal offseason for the Pirates. GM Ben Cherington has doubled down on Paul Skenes<\/a> 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<\/a>. If the Pirates play their cards right, they could contend for a Wild Card spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cincinnati Reds<\/b><\/h4>\n

Building off their surprising Wild Card berth, the Reds will look to improve in multiple spots. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to rebuild our bullpen. We\u2019re going to have to fill some spots there.\u201d PBO Nick Krall said. \u201cWe\u2019d like to get ourselves better both offensively and defensively. \u2026 We lost (Austin Hays<\/a>). We\u2019re going to have to figure out how to replace his production.\u201d Cincinnati will be looking to bolster its bullpen and add depth around the field.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

St. Louis Cardinals<\/b><\/h4>\n

This will be Chaim Bloom\u2019s 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<\/a>, Sonny Gray<\/a>, Brendan Donovan<\/a>, and Lars Nootbaar<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Milwaukee Brewers<\/b><\/h4>\n

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<\/a>\u2014an 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

NL East<\/h3>\n

New York Mets<\/b><\/h4>\n

The Mets will be active this offseason, but just how active they will be remains to be seen.\u201cWe came out of that [the season] with some very distinct and notable lessons,\u201d PBO David Stearns said. \u201cI do think that\u2019s going to help us all be better going forward and likely influence how we go through every stage of the player acquisition process.\u201d Stearns noted that they will be using a lot of their MLB-ready prospects on the roster in 2026, including outfield prospect Carson Benge<\/a>. “We’ve got some really good young players coming,\u201d Stearns added. \u201cAnd 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 D\u00edaz<\/a> and Pete Alonso<\/a> back this offseason, but it takes two to tango.<\/span><\/p>\n

Atlanta Braves<\/b><\/h4>\n

Atlanta will be buyers this offseason: \u201cshortstop, starting pitchers and a lot of relievers,\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Philadelphia Phillies<\/b><\/h4>\n

As always, the Phillies are expected to be aggressive. They will look to retain Kyle Schwarber<\/a> in free agency<\/a>, 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<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miami Marlins<\/b><\/h4>\n

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 Alc\u00e1ntara<\/a> and Edward Cabrera<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

NL West<\/h3>\n

San Diego Padres<\/b><\/h4>\n

The Padres are in a confounding position, given their restricted payroll. GM AJ Preller said Wednesday that he \u201cwants to keep\u201d free-agent infielder Luis Arr\u00e1ez<\/a>. Arr\u00e1ez is a perfect leadoff hitter, and hit over .300 for the Padres in his season plus with the team.<\/span><\/p>\n

Los Angeles Dodgers<\/b><\/p>\n

The Dodgers will be \u201cfocused on making sure our team is as good as possible,\u201d per GM Brandon Gomes<\/a>. The Dodgers will aim to maintain and enhance their championship\u00ad 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<\/a> and Edwin D\u00edaz are under consideration from the Dodgers front office.<\/span><\/p>\n

Arizona Diamondbacks<\/b><\/h4>\n

The DBacks will almost certainly look to add starting pitching this offseason, with Zac Gallen<\/a> being a free agent. Teams have already checked in on second baseman Ketel Marte<\/a>, but an offer would have to be outlandish for the team to move him.<\/span><\/p>\n

AL East<\/h3>\n

New York Yankees<\/b><\/h4>\n

Cody Bellinger<\/a> 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 \u201cfluid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Boston Red Sox<\/b><\/h4>\n

The Red Sox want to add a number two starter behind Garrett Crochet<\/a>. \u201cStarting pitching is something we\u2019re absolutely focused on.\u201d PBO Craig Breslow said. \u201cIt\u2019s been the consistent theme.\u201d Boston will be shopping on the position player market with Alex Bregman<\/a> 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 \u201cBreg-xit,\u201d as Scott Boras called it this week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Rays<\/b><\/h4>\n

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<\/a>, it seems that until a new stadium is built, they will lower payroll, but they can never be counted out with their farm system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Baltimore Orioles<\/b><\/h4>\n

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. \u201cWe\u2019ll be exploring starting pitching \u2014 that\u2019s our No. 1 focus.\u201d PBO Mike Elias said. Baltimore will also look to add a high-end reliever with closer F\u00e9lix Bautista<\/a> out for a majority, if not all, of 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toronto Blue Jays<\/b><\/h4>\n

The Blue Jays will be going big this offseason and are expected to be in on everyone. \u201cHonestly, you\u2019re not going to love my answer\u2026 But [the objective] is just to get better. \u2026 pitching is important.\u201d GM Ross Atkins said. The Blue Jays would also like to retain infielder Bo Bichette<\/a> and are among the favorites to land Kyle Tucker. Toronto will also be in the market for a closer, for obvious reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Blue Jays are drawing early attention at MLB’s GM Meetings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re in every market,\u201d one agent told @shidavidi<\/a> and @bnicholsonsmith<\/a>. https:\/\/t.co\/JwKU6k6wat<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 11, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n