Major League Baseball never really stands still, does it? Even the top teams have something to tweak as we look ahead to 2025.
One decisive change could flip the script for any of the 30 teams. With a little help from MLB.com’s beat writers, here’s a rundown of one quick fix for each club that might just lift them up a notch.
American League East
Blue Jays: Anthony Santander’s Turnaround
The Blue Jays are hoping Anthony Santander can rediscover his power. He’s battling shoulder and hip issues, and that slow start has really hurt Toronto.
If Santander can just add a few extra home runs in the middle of the order, those close losses might start turning into wins. That could be the difference in a tight AL Wild Card chase.
Orioles: Get Some Hitters Healthier
Baltimore’s been hammered by injuries, with 11 guys on the injured list. Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, Tyler O’Neill, and Ramón Laureano are all close to returning.
Even if it doesn’t make the Orioles a playoff team, getting those bats back should at least keep them in the mix and make things more interesting.
Rays: Ride Out the Rehab Work
The Rays are in a solid spot, but Ha-Seong Kim’s return from rehab could give them a boost. Kim’s defense at short and his ability to lengthen the lineup could ripple through the roster.
If Kim settles in, Tampa might see a noticeable uptick across the board. Sometimes it’s just about getting that one guy back.
Red Sox: Get Better Starting Pitching
Boston needs more from its starters. Garrett Crochet has been good, but injuries and underperformance elsewhere have stretched the bullpen thin.
If the rotation can steady itself, it’ll take the heat off the relievers and maybe help the Red Sox find some consistency.
Yankees: Play Jazz Chisholm Jr. at the Hot Corner
The Yankees are trying Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base. Aaron Boone likes his range and arm there, and honestly, it makes sense.
This way, DJ LeMahieu can stay at second, where his glove has been reliable even if his bat’s lagged. It just feels like the right move for now.
American League Central
Guardians: David Fry’s Return
Cleveland can’t wait to get David Fry back. His bat, especially against lefties, is something they’ve missed.
Fry’s .996 OPS versus southpaws could really help a lineup that’s struggled in those matchups all year.
Royals: Power Surge Needed
Kansas City needs to find some pop. They’re dead last in home runs, with just 34 as a team.
Maybe top prospect Jac Caglianone, who’s been mashing in the minors, can inject some much-needed power and energy into their offense.
Tigers: Health is Key
The Tigers have hung in there despite a lot of injuries. Getting guys like Parker Meadows and Sawyer Gipson-Long back will finally show what this team looks like at full strength.
It’s tough to judge Detroit until everyone’s on the field. Let’s see what happens when they’re healthy.
Twins: Get Healthy
The Twins’ pitching has carried them, but the lineup needs to catch up. Byron Buxton and Matt Wallner just came off the injured list.
Their power and ability to get on base could help Minnesota’s offense finally turn the corner.
White Sox: Luis Robert Jr. Hits
The White Sox are rebuilding, but Luis Robert Jr. heating up could speed things along. His health and speed already make him valuable.
If he starts hitting, other teams will notice, and Chicago might get a big return if they decide to move him.
American League West
Angels: Get Trout Healthy and Productive
The Angels need Mike Trout to be, well, Mike Trout again. He played every game before getting hurt, but his average was way below what you’d expect.
If Trout can get back to his old self, it changes everything for Los Angeles. It’s as simple as that.
Astros: Get Healthy
Houston’s been hammered by injuries, especially in the rotation. Getting Spencer Arrighetti and Yordan Alvarez back will be huge.
Staying healthy might be the Astros’ biggest challenge if they want to stay on top of the AL West.
Athletics: Stabilize the Bullpen
The A’s bullpen has been a mess. Highest ERA in the league, and it’s cost them late leads and close games.
They’ve got to find some way to hold things together out there. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long season in Oakland.
Mariners: Get Their Rotation Healthy
The Mariners are almost through their rotation issues. Bryce Miller and George Kirby are coming back.
If Logan Gilbert returns too, Seattle can stick with a five-man rotation and keep their edge. They just need to get everyone back on the mound.
Rangers: Get Marcus Semien on Track
Texas needs Marcus Semien to keep swinging a hot bat. His recent surge has been a bright spot for a struggling offense.
If Semien stays hot, maybe the Rangers’ lineup can finally get rolling again.
National League East
Braves: Ozuna Becomes Less Selective
The Braves want Marcell Ozuna to be more aggressive. He’s leading MLB in walks, but his swing rate in the zone has dropped, maybe because of a sore hip.
Atlanta needs Ozuna’s power. If he starts letting it fly again, the offense could really take off.
Marlins: Get Sandy Alcantara on Track
The Marlins need Sandy Alcantara to find himself. Since coming back from Tommy John, his ERA has ballooned to 10.09 over eight starts.
He has to get his command back if Miami wants to have any shot at turning things around.
Mets: Help Juan Soto Break Out
The Mets are waiting for Juan Soto to bust out of his slump. He’s flashed that superstar talent, but it’s been inconsistent so far.
If Soto gets going, the whole lineup could shift, and maybe the Mets finally get some momentum.
Nationals: Young ‘Pen Continues Developing
The Nationals are all about their young bullpen right now. May was better, ERA-wise, and guys like Cole Henry and Jackson Rutledge are showing promise.
If the young arms keep improving, Washington might surprise a few people down the stretch.
Phillies: One More Reliever Steps into High-Leverage Role
The Phillies need another reliever to step up, especially with José Alvarado suspended. Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Jordan Romano are already in the mix.
Someone like Tanner Banks or Taijuan Walker has to take on a bigger role. That’s how Philly keeps games close late.
National League Central
Brewers: Rest the Hardest-Worked Relievers
The Brewers have worked their relievers hard—Nick Mears, Jared Koenig, and Abner Uribe lead MLB in appearances. Getting Aaron Ashby and DL Hall back from the IL will help.
They’ve got to ease the pressure on the bullpen or risk burning out before the season’s over.
Cardinals: Convert Steven Matz Back to a Starter
The Cardinals should move Steven Matz back to the rotation. With 29 games in 30 days coming up, a six-man rotation could keep guys like Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas fresh.
Matz has pitched well this year, so why not give him the ball every fifth day?
Cubs: Rotation Reinforcements
The Cubs need help in the rotation. Shota Imanaga and Justin Steele are on the IL, and while Colin Rea’s stepped up, it’s not enough.
Chicago should look to add another starter at the Trade Deadline. Depth matters, especially in the second half.
Pirates: Henry Davis Stays Hot
The Pirates need Henry Davis to keep hitting. Injuries to Joey Bart and Endy RodrÃguez have given Davis another shot.
If he stays hot at the plate, Pittsburgh’s offense might finally have some life.
Reds: Get McLain Going
The Reds are hoping Matt McLain can find his groove. He missed last year with a shoulder injury and hasn’t looked right since returning.
If McLain can get his bat going, Cincinnati’s offense could finally become more consistent.
National League West
D-backs: Get the Bullpen on Track
The Diamondbacks need to fix their bullpen. They’ve got talent out there, but too many high-scoring games have slipped away late.
Getting their key relievers back on track is absolutely essential. Otherwise, those close losses will keep piling up.
Dodgers: Get More Innings Out of the Rotation
The Dodgers need their starters to go deeper. The bullpen is already third in the Majors in relief innings, and that’s not sustainable.
If the rotation can set the tone and save the bullpen some work, LA’s chances look a lot better.
Giants: Unlock Adames’ Bat
The Giants really need Willy Adames to snap out of his slump. As a middle-of-the-order guy, he has to produce.
If Adames gets going, maybe San Francisco can finally start putting runs on the board again.
Padres: A Healthy Darvish and King
The San Diego Padres really need Yu Darvish and Michael King back on the mound. With 14 of their next 17 games against division rivals, this stretch feels huge.
The Padres count on their starting pitchers to step up now more than ever. If they want to get through this, those arms have to be ready.
For more detailed insights and the full list of quick fixes for each MLB team, visit MLB.com.
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