AL West must-watch topics to end 2020
The all-virtual Winter Meetings are underway, which could serve as a jump start to what's been an otherwise stagnant offseason. That might be particularly true for each of the five clubs in the American League West, with all still possessing significant roster needs regardless of their status as rebuilding or
The all-virtual Winter Meetings are underway, which could serve as a jump start to what's been an otherwise stagnant offseason. That might be particularly true for each of the five clubs in the American League West, with all still possessing significant roster needs regardless of their status as rebuilding or contending.
As the calendar chugs along to 2021, we look at where things stand across the division. Below is one topic to watch as well as what moves might get made and/or possible reasons they might not happen until the new year.
• MLB rumors, trades, signings
Angels: Can they land impact starting pitchers?
The Angels have already addressed a few of their needs by acquiring shortstop José Iglesias and closer Raisel Iglesias via trades, but they have yet to acquire any starting pitching. Improving the rotation remains the primary goal this offseason, and they are in the market for the top starting pitchers available, including free agent Trevor Bauer. The Angels are likely to acquire at least two starting pitchers this offseason, and they could accomplish that before the new year. But new general manager Perry Minasian isn’t in a rush, and he’s looking to make the kind of moves that make the Angels a contender in both the short term and long term after missing the postseason the past six years.
Astros: Can they re-sign Springer?
The direction of the Astros’ offseason probably hinges on three-time All-Star and All-MLB finalist
Athletics: How will they address the middle infield?
Oakland’s middle infield remains vacant with
Mariners: Can they add veteran depth to the bullpen?
General manager Jerry Dipoto has made it very clear that the top priority this offseason will be to add experienced arms to a young relief crew that had the highest bullpen ERA in the AL last year (5.92). While there is a surplus of relievers available in free agency, that market has been slow to develop -- like pretty much everything else -- so far this offseason. But Dipoto typically strikes quickly when he knows what he wants, and it will be no surprise if he’s among the first GMs to sign a reliever or two in the coming days. The Mariners have some promising young prospects and re-signed
Rangers: With Lynn gone, how do they allocate innings?
Texas needs to reassess its starting pitching after trading Lance Lynn to the White Sox for prospects Dane Dunning and Avery Weems. Dunning -- rated as the Rangers’ No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline -- will be a candidate for Texas’ rotation, but he pitched just 34 innings this past season after missing all of 2019 recovering from Tommy John surgery. The Rangers are facing a similar situation with
Daniel Kramer is a reporter for MLB.com based in Seattle. Follow him on Twitter at @DKramer_.