One move each MLB Team should make this offseason

Arizona Diamondbacks – Sign a front-line starter in the mold of Johnny Cueto

The Diamondbacks quietly have assembled a strong core of position players, headlined by Paul Goldschmidt and A.J. Pollock. Arizona hasn’t exactly been a major player in the NL West this season, but it hasn’t been the fault of the offense, and given that the D-Backs return absolutely everyone from the lineup at reasonable cost (well, except you, Aaron Hill), the future is bright in run production.

The run prevention side, however, has been an adventure, but that’s what you get when you roll out a rotation that features Rubby De La Rosa and Robbie Ray as the top two starters. Arizona’s front office is, to be kind, a question mark, but the D-Backs must improve their rotation for the 2016 season and beyond, and investing in a major starting pitcher via free agency is the best way to do that.

Getting rid of Bronson Arroyo (and saving $10 million) should free up the money necessary to at least foray into the pitching market, and while David Price and Zack Greinke are probably out of the question, Johnny Cueto or Jordan Zimmermann could be reasonable targets. Arizona can’t contend in the NL West without a pitcher (or two) that isn’t currently on the roster, and they have the money to make that happen.

Atlanta Braves – Hire a new manager

The Braves are suffering through their worst season in recent memory, and their paltry record has much more to do with a flawed roster than it does with manager Fredi Gonzalez. Still, there have been various reports suggesting that Gonzalez has “lost the locker room” in Atlanta, and given that the club is angling toward improvement in 2016 and a ready-made product in 2017 (in conjunction with their new ballpark), a new voice is needed.

Gonzalez is a Bobby Cox disciple in that he is considered a “players manager,” but managers with that distinction don’t often alienate the locker room, even in times of turmoil. Throw in the fact that he has always been considered a sub-standard tactical manager, and there appears to be no reason to keep him on board.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Braves allowed him to begin the 2016 season, especially given the mid-year extension he signed in 2015, but he isn’t the long-term answer and Atlanta would be wise to move on sooner rather than later.

Next: Orioles and Red Sox