MLB general managers outline offseason priorities amid looming lockout

Baseball executives gathered in Las Vegas for the annual general-managers meetings, using the forum to outline priorities for the upcoming offseason amid uncertainty over a potential lockout.

The Baltimore Orioles said they must improve a young core that fell short of the postseason for a second straight year. General manager Jared Banner emphasized turning existing talent into wins and adding a mid-rotation starter, noting free-agent Trevor Rogers will be on the market.

Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Craig Breslow highlighted the need for more power after the team ranked near the bottom in runs and home runs in 2026. He said the club will explore options to boost the lineup once key players are healthy.

The New York Yankees are evaluating their coaching staff after several departures and will decide on closer David Bednar’s qualifying offer before pursuing left-hander Adrian Morejon. General manager Brian Cashman said the club is ready to spend on relievers if the opportunity arises and is also looking to upgrade catcher depth and third base.

Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander confirmed the team will retain ace Drew Rasmussen on a $20 million option and is not planning to trade him, while free-agent decisions for Nick Martinez, Freddy Peralta and Shane McClanahan remain pending.

Toronto Blue Jays, with ample payroll, are targeting free-agent pitcher Tarik Skubal, who could command a contract near double the recent deal for Dylan Cease, and are also scouting second-base and outfield options.

Chicago White Sox plan to move reliever Grant Taylor to the rotation, according to GM Chris Getz, while Cleveland Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said the club will focus on deepening its pitching staff after a strong playoff run.

Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris signed reliever Emilio Pagan and stressed creative ways to add innings to protect young starters.

Kansas City Royals GM J.J. Picollo noted the need for a right-handed-hitting outfielder to balance a lineup heavy with left-handed batters.

Minnesota Twins GM Jeremy Zoll said the club remains engaged with catcher Ryan Jeffers and will seek a complementary catcher if he departs.

In the AL West, Oakland Athletics president of baseball operations Taylor Smith indicated a focus on developing pitchers rather than aggressive free-agency moves, while Houston Astros GM Randy Flores highlighted the need to resolve an in-field logjam involving Yordan Alvarez and other position players.

Los Angeles Angels GM John Mozeliak, whose contract expires at year-end, described his role at the meetings as gathering market intelligence while the franchise awaits new ownership decisions.

Seattle Mariners plan to add right-handed hitting depth and late-inning bullpen help, with potential moves involving starting pitchers Bryce Miller, Emerson Hancock or George Kirby.

Texas Rangers are open to trading third-base star Corey Seager despite his large contract and ten-and-five trade rights, though a suitable partner has not emerged.

In the NL, Atlanta Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos said the club will react to opportunities for pitching, shortstop and bullpen upgrades as they arise.

Miami Marlins will retain Sandy Alcántara on a club option and are looking for a left-handed reliever and additional right-handed hitting.

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns stressed the importance of completing a rotation and adding bullpen depth, including left-handed options.

Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski outlined plans to add an outfielder, utility infielder, rotation depth and a left-handed reliever, with interest in Japanese players Seiya Suzuki and Teruaki Sato.

Washington Nationals president of baseball operations Paul Toboni indicated potential bullpen upgrades through free agency or trades.

Chicago Cubs GM Carter Hawkins confirmed a focus on pitching acquisitions, while Cincinnati Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall emphasized rebuilding the bullpen from the back end forward.

Milwaukee Brewers GM Matt Arnold said the club will maintain its processes after winning the World Series to sustain success.

Pittsburgh Pirates GM Ben Cherington expressed confidence in the existing pitching staff and a willingness to upgrade wherever opportunities arise.

St. Louis Cardinals GM Chaim Bloom said the organization will continue developing young talent while remaining open to trades and adding veteran bullpen help.

Arizona Diamondbacks are weighing a potential trade of second-base star Ketel Marte, who holds ten-and-five rights, as they consider roster adjustments.

Colorado Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta said the team will target multi-inning pitchers to address depth concerns.

Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Tarik Skubal but anticipate challenges meeting his contract expectations; the club also plans to retool the bullpen and add a versatile hitter.

San Diego Padres, under new ownership, aim to be aggressive in free agency, targeting starters like Skubal and relievers while managing a payroll burden from large contracts.

San Francisco Giants will pursue at least one starting pitcher and multiple relievers, acknowledging the difficulty of signing players with qualifying offers.