While there is still much to be determined about the hot stove season, the calendar will soon turn to a new year, and with it, Spring Training.
What questions does each team have before flying to Arizona or Florida for training camp as rosters take shape and the MLB picture becomes clearer?
Before Spring Training, here’s a look at the biggest question for each club:
Blue Jays of the American League East: Will they pivot… again?
Will the Blue Jays go all-in on Cody Bellinger, look for a surprise name on the trade market, or settle for a collection of mid-level signings? Before we get into specifics, we must first choose which broad, philosophical direction the Blue Jays wish to take their franchise.
That trend was obvious a year ago. They traded Teoscar Hernández for Erik Swanson and later traded Gabriel Moreno and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for Daulton Varsho to acquire bats for pitching and defence. They travelled a different route to the same location, however, and must try again. Is this front office certain that another substantial move is required? We’ll find out soon enough.
How will the Orioles improve their rotation?
General manager Mike Elias has stated frequently that he wants to add a big-league-caliber starting pitcher to Baltimore’s rotation for the 2024 season. However, nothing has materialised thus far this offseason, as free-agent pitchers continue to be available.
The market for starters has been rather pricey, with many teams offering lucrative deals. As a result, it appears more possible that the Orioles will acquire a new rotation piece in a trade. They have a plethora of great position-player prospects in their packed farm system to deploy as trade pieces, while starters like White Sox right-hander Dylan Cease and Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes remain embroiled in trade rumours.
