Biggest needs heading into Christmas for each National League team

12/24/2024 09:06 AM

The Mets and Cubs have made big moves, but several other contenders still need to strike.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! December is a time full of giving and receiving gifts to celebrate the holidays.

Now that the winter meetings have passed, only a few days remain before Christmas and turning the page to 2025. Each team has question marks worth answering, some with presents under the tree for you and me.

Without further ado, here are some of the most pressing topics surrounding each National League team.

NL EAST

Atlanta Braves - Starting Rotation

The Braves watched 2022 Cy Young runner-up Max Fried signed an eight-year deal with the Yankees and leave a hole at the top of the rotation. Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Schwellenbach anchor the rotation. Spencer Strider won't return until mid-summer with Tommy John surgery. Masters of acquiring star talent and locking them up on team-friendly deals, the Braves should look to strike and hedge a similar bet as Lopez last year.

Miami Marlins - Establish a Culture

Significant change took effect in Miami as manager Skip Schumaker and the Marlins parted ways after two seasons. Miami lost 100 games and traded star lefty Jesus Luzardo to the rival Phillies. The move came a week after dealing Jake Burger to the Texas Rangers. The Marlins received the 7th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft despite some of the best odds to land the top choice. The organization needs a break to go their way and luck on their side. Former Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough joins the franchise and needs to establish an identity as the Marlins embark on their rebuild.

New York Mets - Cherry on Top

What do you get someone that already has everything and can afford to buy it if not? The New York Mets under Steve Cohen are arguably the most aggressive franchise in sports. They signed superstar Juan Soto to a mega $765 million deal in hopes to "grow a dynasty" in New York. The Mets also signed righty Frankie Montas and Yankees closer Clay Holmes, with the intention of him moving back to the rotation. They also brought Sean Manaea back on a three-year, $75 million deal. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mets are interested in trading for right-hander Luis Castillo (Mariners). New York has well exceeded the luxury tax, but Cohen doesn't seem affected by it and baseball's current economic climate won't do anything severe to stop it, so the Mets can keep adding pieces. They should look to the bullpen to compliment Edwin Diaz and compete to win 95+ games.

Philadelphia Phillies - Timely Playoff Moments

The Phillies have been busy and signed outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year contract days ago to improve their offense. Ohilly's offense shined in the regular season, averaging 8.8 hits (tied for 4th in baseball), 4.8 runs (T5th), a .257 average (5th) .325 on base (5th), and a .425 slugging percentage (5th). However, the Phillies offense cooled off in the playoffs, scoring a combined five runs in three of the four games.

A lineup loaded with stars and a rotation adding Jesus Luzardo will solve a lot of problems. The Phillies need to get themselves an internal present to lock away for next October to strike when the iron's hot and make a pennant run.

Washington Nationals - Pitching and Defense, Let the Kids Play

One of the oldest ways to win in baseball is by pitching well and playing good defense. The rest will fall into place. The Nationals finished 2024 with the 23rd ranked ERA (4.30), tied for 24th in runs allowed (4.7), and tied for 28th in fielding percentage (.981). Washington did steal 223 bases, the most in baseball, and landed their first baseman Sunday in Nathaniel Lowe. The Nats need to add to their rotation and bullpen, but their biggest ask on the Christmas list should be that James Wood and Dylan Crews become stars in the making during their first full season. CJ Abrams needs to become a better bat-to-ball hitter and fielder to compliment his elite speed.

NL CENTRAL

Chicago Cubs - Lock Up Kyle Tucker

The Cubs stunned the baseball establishment by trading for Astros star outfielder Kyle Tucker. According to Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune, Tucker is open to a long-term deal in Chicago. The Cubs dealt Cody Bellinger to the Yankees and Tucker adds equal production to what Bellinger produced, maybe better. Tucker hit .289 with 23 home runs and 49 RBIs in 78 games. Chicago should prioritize signing Tucker and trading for a startling pitcher, like Luis Castillo, to take over the NL Central.

Cincinnati Reds - Rally Behind Tito, First Base

The Reds made the managerial move of the offseason by bringing in former World Series champion Terry Francona to manage the team. Francona managed the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) to a thrilling 2016 World Series before losing to the Cubs in Game 7. Francona is a culture builder and has won everywhere he manages. He's going to be a great addition to the Reds and guide the ship, led by Elly De La Cruz and TJ Friedl, to a winning culture with a good young core.

Cincinnati needs to find answers at first base and DH. Both positions ranked last in baseball in WAR as the DH spot accounted for -3.0 WAR. The Reds could move Spencer Steer or Christian Encarnacion-Strand to first, but signing 37-year-old JD Martinez to bolster the lineup should be an underrated solution to explore.

Milwaukee Brewers - Healthy Christian Yelich, Sign Roki Sasaki

Milwaukee won the NL Central despite Christian Yelich missing half the season with a back injury. Yelich's health is a must for the Brewers to repeat as champs, especially after losing Willy Adames in free agency and needing to add offense. Star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki is currently in his posting window to sign with an MLB team and his agent Joel Wolfe said there's an argument that signing with a "small or mid-market team might be more beneficial" than a large market club. The Brewers should jump on the opportunity and sell Sasaki on their model of consistency, especially beating out their former manager who left to manage in the division.

Pittsburgh Pirates - Bats and Bullpen Help

Pittsburgh needs to do everything it can to take advantage of the Paul Skenes era for the next five years. The Pirates finished 76-86 for the second consecutive season despite Skenes, Oneil Cruz, and Jared Jones playing large portions of the year. Various reports from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette indicate the Bucs are, or at least were, interested in trading Mitch Keller or Jared Jones to create flexibility and acquire bats. The Pirates need help at first base, third base, shortstop, right field, and the bullpen. Jose Iglesias and Paul DeJong make some sense in the infield and Harrison Bader, Randal Grichuk, or Jurickson Profar would instantly improve the Bucs offense and defense. The Pirates brought back Andrew McCutchen to DH for potentially one final season, but need to lengthen the lineup to help protect top hitters Bryan Reynolds and Cruz.

St. Louis Cardinals - Where Do We Go From Here?

The St. Louis Cardinals are in an unfamiliar spot that is becoming too familiar to them. What does that mean? The Cardinals won 83 games but missed the playoffs again. Paul Goldschmidt signed with the Yankees and teams are calling on closer Ryan Helsley. Nolan Arenado reportedly blocked a deal to the Astros but shows the Cardinals willingness to trade one of the best defenders of all time. Gone are the days of Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina to right the ship. St. Louis needs to add offense at the corners, infield and outfield, to a team that finished tied for 22nd in runs scored and home runs, very un-Cardinal like.

NL WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks - Replacements for Stars

Arizona acquired Josh Naylor from Cleveland a year after hitting 31 home runs and 108 RBIs. Naylor replaces star first baseman Christian Walker. Joc Peterson is reportedly signing with the Rangers and Randal Grichuk is a free agent, leaving holes in the outfield and DH. It's not easy to replace dependable veteran hitters but the Diamondbacks have found ways to remain competitive under Torey Lovullo. JD Martinez, Ramon Laureano, and Harrison Bader could make sense.

Colorado Rockies - Pitching

Colorado needs pitching. It might be the overstatement of the year. The Rockies finished last in runs allowed (5.7), hits allowed (9.9), batting average against (.285), ERA (5.47), WHIP (1.51), home runs (221), and strikeouts per 9 (7.06). A big splash in the pitching market could turn some heads, but the Rockies need to develop their internal options and add veteran bounce-back candidates to form their rebuild in a positive direction.

LA Dodgers - Replace Walker Buehler, Home Runs

Like the Mets, what do you get someone that already has everything? The defending World Series champs have stars everywhere and minimal holes. The Dodgers staff allowed the 5th-most home runs a year ago and needs to keep the ball inside the park. Starter Walker Buehler signed a one-year, $20 million deal months after closing out the final game against New York and repeated history of success in the World Series. Finding an arm to replace Buehler and Clayton Kershaw making a decision on pitching or retiring are the most pressing questions. Outside of that, the Dodgers can put their feet up and enjoy the offseason knowing they'll be the favorites to repeat.

San Diego Padres - The Missing Piece

Every year I think the Padres are going to break through and reach the World Series. It's a never-ending cycle I go through with the Padres and Buffalo Bills in the NFL. San Diego is loaded with talent all over the field and diamond. What is holding them back? Injuries have hurt them down the stretch, especially missing Joe Musgrove and Dylan Cease struggling in the playoffs. The Padres need slight improvements to their bullpen and depend on experience to push over the top. I wish I had the solution clear as day, but the Padres need to put together timely plays in the postseason to reach the promised land.

San Francisco Giants - Buster Posey Era

The Buster Posey era started with a bang by signing Willy Adames to a record $182 million contract. Ace Logan Webb believes San Francisco is the perfect fit for Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes. If Posey lands Burnes, the Giants are officially back as big players in the NL free agent world. The Giants have pieces to take a step forward, but ranked in the bottom third of the league in hits per game, average, and on-base percentage. A few more bats and Burnes make the Giants threats for the top wild card spot.