MLB teams are eager to improve their rosters.
Some teams are virtually all set, while others need a few years to fix the franchise.
Others, however, are on the verge of contention, but need immediate help.
These three MLB teams are one major free agent away from fighting for a playoff spot.
3. Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds had a surprisingly good offense in 2021: they were ninth in runs scored, with 786, after being eliminated in the 2020 playoffs by not being able to produce anything at the plate.
Of course, the Reds enjoyed several breakouts in 2021, most notably Jesse Winker and Jonathan India.
Nick Castellanos had a great year, too, and Joey Votto had quite the resurgence season with 36 home runs.
Their pitching is not the best in the league, but they can compete, with Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Tejay Antone, Tyler Mahle, and several good relievers.
At shortstop, however, they can use a sizable improvement.
Kyle Farmer was far from a disaster, with good defense to go with a slightly below-average bat (.263/.316/.416, 16 home runs).
Jose Barrero is a good prospect that may receive an opportunity.
However, this offense could take a massive step forward with a star shortstop.
Maybe the Reds will actually sign a real shortstop this time.
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) October 2, 2021
There are plenty of very good shortstops available: Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Trevor Story, Javier Baez, and Marcus Semien are the best.
Any of them would instantly make the Reds serious contenders in the National League Central.
2. Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have been developing their young pitching staff for years.
Spencer Turnbull was brilliant, with a 2.88 ERA, but required Tommy John surgery and won’t be available in 2022.
But Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, and Matt Manning are ready to make the leap and contribute next year.
Michael Fulmer, Gregory Soto, and Jose Cisnero were useful relievers, and there is more help in the way.
The offense, however, was middling, at best.
Detroit ranked 23rd in MLB with 697 runs scored, and if they want to make the leap (they finished 77-85, third in the American League Central) into contender status, they will need bats.
Akil Baddoo developed nicely since being acquired in the Rule 5 draft, and Detroit has an extra year of Robbie Grossman.
After those names, and Eric Haase, there is not much going on.
They do have two excellent prospects coming up in Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene, and veteran Miguel Cabrera can still hit lefties.
But Detroit needs a power bat badly.
A slugger like Castellanos, who has already played in Detroit, would be huge.
Michael Conforto, one of the shortstops, Jorge Soler, Eddie Rosario, or Kyle Seager could be fits.
Day 2: hey @tigers, today would be a great day to sign Carlos Correa.
Have a great day.
— Josh (@jroddy66) November 5, 2021
1. Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals’ offensive core could explode in 2022.
Catcher is covered by the great Salvador Perez, and they have slugger Carlos Santana.
Whit Merrifield and Nicky Lopez don’t have a ton of power, but have great defense, speed, and versatility, while Adalberto Mondesi contributes wheels and some power.
Andrew Benintendi remains under contract, and Kansas City has three major prospects due to debut next year: Bobby Witt Jr., Nick Pratto, and MJ Melendez.
They definitely need an ace to make the leap.
Brady Singer, Jackson Kowar, Daniel Lynch, and Kris Bubic are all very talented, but young and inconsistent.
The Royals, if they want to contend, need to make sure to bring in someone with a moderate-to-high ceiling to their rotation.
Think of Eduardo Rodriguez, Marcus Stroman, Anthony DeSclafani, or Jon Gray.
That’s the kind of pitcher that can help the Royals return to relevancy in 2022.
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