Chicago White Sox
Offense, I guess? But, really, everything. They started their offseason action by acquiring Mike Tauchman and Austin Slater. Barring trades, the White Sox are pretty much locked in at first base (Andrew Vaughn), left field (Andrew Benintendi) and center field (Luis Robert Jr.), but every other position feels … negotiable. Jonathan Cannon is returning to the rotation after a not-completely-terrible debut season, but he might have to do a lot of heavy lifting if the team trades its most valuable asset. – Chad Jennings
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians have built a reputation for pitching, especially in their rotation, but the team’s rotation was shaky last year and it’s grown thinner this offseason. The returning group is Tanner Bibee, Ben Lively and a whole lot of unpredictability, which is why re-signing Shane Bieber was a big, early step. Bieber is coming back from Tommy John surgery, which brings some uncertainty, but he’s otherwise a known quantity who addresses the team’s greatest need. In a series of trades on Tuesday, Cleveland lost second baseman Andrés Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin to Toronto but added another starter, Luis Ortiz, and two pitching prospects in a trade with Pittsburgh. The Guardians could use some offensive help in the outfield, where Steven Kwan is the only lock for everyday at-bats. – Chad Jennings
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers came into the Winter Meetings in the market for at least one veteran starter on a short-term contract — looking for a pitcher they can optimize like they did with Michael Lorenzen and Jack Flaherty — and they reached a one-year deal with Alex Cobb. Walker Buehler, Michael Soroka and Andrew Heaney are among the names that could also be appealing. The Tigers also are seeking a right-handed bat, and any of the corner positions seem like natural fits. What’s murky is whether they have any interest in bidding atop the market for a player like Alex Bregman. If not, playing the trade market could be Detroit’s more likely path. The Tigers had a team on-base percentage of only .300 last season. Good as they were at mixing and matching out of the bullpen last year, Detroit needs to strengthen its pen. The Tigers will likely seek at least one proven addition and could benefit from a pitcher with an ability to generate swing and miss. Detroit’s bullpen ranked 24th in strikeout rate last season. – Cody Stavenhagen
Kansas City Royals
Adding Jonathan India addressed the team’s glaring need at the top of the order, but the Royals could still use another run producer in the middle, and their outfield is fairly weak (all three returning outfielders are coming off below-average offensive seasons). The Athletic reported last week that a big bat is the Royals’ priority, though it might be more likely through trade than free agency. Adding India also cost the Royals one of their starters, Brady Singer. They had started the offseason by bringing back starter Michael Wacha. Adding some rotation depth and another late-inning reliever would make a lot of sense. – Chad Jennings
Minnesota Twins
A right-handed, middle-of-the-order bat would be ideal, but it’s hard to see that happening with the Twins already looking to reduce payroll from where it currently stands. The main needs are a first baseman or possibly a right-handed bat who could play there and in a corner outfield spot. A lefty reliever also is needed. – Dan Hayes
