MLB Power Rankings: Biggest free agent need for every non-playoff team
By Tim Boyle
12) MLB Power Rankings: Chicago Cubs need a first baseman under one condition
First base is a weak position for the Chicago Cubs. Since Anthony Rizzo left, there hasn’t been a solution fans could completely trust in. It’s not a spot you want to ignore. Under one condition, this should be a major need for the Cubs.
In a very roundabout way, the Cubs’ greatest free agent need comes by way of adding at other positions, too. As great as it would be for them to sign a top shortstop, Nico Hoerner was pretty awesome in 2022. A deal with Jose Abreu or Josh Bell would make a lot of sense for the Cubs this offseason as long as they do a few other big moves, too.
11) MLB Power Rankings: Miami Marlins need an outfielder with power
The Miami Marlins had the second-lowest WAR from their outfielders in 2022. Despite signing World Series hero Jorge Soler and Avisail Garcia in the offseason, the team hardly got anything offensively from anyone they put at those three positions.
For the Marlins to make any significant splash in the outfield or elsewhere, it would go drastically against what they’ve tended to do. Maybe the departure of Don Mattingly triggers a new era of Marlins baseball. They have a young crop of pitchers that are going to go to waste if they can’t find batters to score for them.
10) MLB Power Rankings: Boston Red Sox need to keep Xander Bogaerts
How badly do the Boston Red Sox need to bring back Xander Bogaerts? It’s not life or death from a baseball perspective. For optics, it’s pretty important. Moving Trevor Story to shortstop is one easy way to fill the hole he’d leave. There is a bigger picture purpose to re-signing their longtime infielder.
Letting Bogaerts leave now would signal the Red Sox are going through more of a rebuild or retool phase of the organization’s history. They can try to replace him at some spot. They might even be able to do it well. The team is at a bit of a crossroads with Rafael Devers’ free agency status also approaching quickly. Retaining one of their biggest starts, however, is the most important free agent move Boston can make if only to keep the fans from getting too concerned.