“Stopping the Bleeding Points: AL Teams’ Roadmap to Rebuilding and Refreshing for a Winning Streak in 2024”
**Addressing the 2024 Weaknesses: A Position-by-Position Review of the American League Teams**
As the 2025 season draws near, teams continue to work on shoring up their weak spots from the previous year. With various signings, trades, and roster moves, each of the 15 American League teams is looking to improve upon their performance from 2024. In this article, we’ll review the changes made to address the biggest weaknesses for each team.
**Angels**
The Los Angeles Angels’ second base position was a significant concern last season, with nine players struggling to produce. To address this issue, the Angels signed Gleyber Torres, who joined the team after being released by the Tigers. Additional infield depth was acquired with the signings of Kevin Newman and Scott Kingery, allowing the team to install super utility Louis Rengifo as the regular second baseman. Howevenger, Rifo may be used to fill other infield holes, while shortstop Zach Neto’s shoulder surgery could keep him out of the Opening Day lineup. To counterbalance this, Anthony Rendon’s poor performance led the team to seek help at third base.
**Astros**
The Houston Astros’ first base woes led them to release Jose Abreu mid-contract, and Jon Singleton’s replacement-level production left the team seeking a solution. In response, they signed Christian Walker to a three-year deal worth $60 million. Walker will likely form a new corner infield combination with Isaac Paredes, who will step up at third base when Alex Bregman signs elsewhere.
**Athletics**
The Oakland Athletics’ third base position narrowly exceeded first base as their biggest problem spot, with a -0.6 bWAR rating. While Finn Ott left via free agency, the team is counting on Tyler Soderstrom’s development to solidify the foundation. The Athletics have also signed Gio Urshela to a one-year deal, providing stability at the veteran third baseman position. Darrell Elnaez could also see action at third base if Soderstrom is needed against left-handed pitchers.
**Blue Jays**
Toronto’s bullpen was the lowest-rated position in the league last season, with a -3.9 bWAR. To address this weakness, the Blue Jays overhauled their bullpen from top to bottom, bidding farewell to Jordan Romano due to elbow issues. They re-signed Yimi Garcia to a two-year deal worth $15 million and acquired Nick Sandlin from the Guardians, who was hidden in the Andres Jimenez trade. The Blue Jays plan to add at least a couple more relievers before Opening Day.
**Guardians**
Cleveland’s catcher position was a bright spot, but with Bonnelli struggling at the plate, the team signed defensive specialist Austin Hedges to rejoin the team as backup. The Guardians will want Bonnelli to contribute more offensively, but they also lost Josh Naylor in a trade.
**Mariners**
The Seattle Mariners stabilized their first base position with Luke Raley’s deadline pickup and the signing of Justin Turner, who will retain at least a platoon role. Re-signing Turner is a possibility, and other first basemen, such as Carlos Santana, Paul Goldschmidt, and Christian Walker, have been linked to Seattle this winter. Triston Casas could join the team if the Mariners and Red Sox trade pitching, but for now, Raley appears to be the best option.
**Orioles**
Baltimore’s bullpen, which has been beleaguered by injuries and inefficiency, received a boost with the expected return of Felix Bautista from Tommy John’s rehab. However, the O’s signed a couple more free agents, including Matt Bowman and older Tomoyuki Sugano, who will join the rotation.
**Rangers**
Texas’s catcher position, which contributed -0.1 bWAR in 2024, was addressed by adding Higashioka Kyle, who will allow Jonah Heim more rest. Higashioka signed a two-year deal worth $13.5 million guaranteed, suggesting a timeshare may develop between the two catchers. The Rangers also signed former two-year-old Tucker Barnhart to provide depth behind the plate.
**Rays**
Tampa Bay, notorious for constantly seeking an every-day catcher, signed Danny Jansen to a one-year, $8.5 million deal. Jansen typically puts up strong numbers but was beset by injuries in 2024, including a broken wrist in spring training. Ben Rotwit remains on the roster as backup.
**Red Sox**
The Red Sox’s first base corps rose above replacement-level threshold, but Triston Casas only played 63 games due to a torn rib cage cartilage. While Casas logged over 236 plate appearances as a first baseman, Boston didn’t rebuild their first base corps, with chief baseball official Craig Breslow maintaining that Casas will remain in the lineup.
**FAQ**
**Q: What position is the biggest weakness for the Los Angeles Angels?**
A: Second base is the least productive position for the Angels, with a -0.9 bWAR.
**Q: How did the Astros address their first base woes?**
A: The Astros signed Christian Walker to a three-year deal worth $60 million to solidify their first base needs.
**Q: Which American League team has the best catching duo?**
A: The Guardians’ combination of Bonnelli and Austin Hedges is expected to be one of the best in the league.
**Q: Which player has joined the Rangers to provide depth behind the plate?**
A: Tucker Barnhart signed a minor league contract with the Rangers.
**Q: Was there any notable addition to the Seattle Mariners’ roster for the 2025 season?**
A: Yes, the Mariners signed Justin Turner to retain a platoon role at first base, and may re-sign Reilly.
**Q: What was the Red Sox’s biggest offseason move for 2024?**
A: Boston did not make any major moves in free agency, with Craig Breslow stating that no moves were needed.
**Q: Which reliever is expected to bolster the Baltimore bullpen?**
A: Felix Bautista returns from Tommy John’s rehab, expected to improve the beleaguered bullpen.
**Q: How did the Blue Jays address their struggling bullpen?**
A: The Blue Jays overhauled their bullpen from top to bottom, re-signing Yimi Garcia and acquiring Nick Sandlin in a trade.
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**Conclusion**
As teams continue to finalize their rosters and make necessary adjustments, it’s clear that each team has unique needs and challenges. From addressing struggling catchers to bolstering bullpens and revamping infield lineups, the 2025 American League is shaping up to be an exciting and competitive season.** MLB Teams’ Position Player Performance: Room for Improvement in 2025 **
The 2024 season has come to a close, and many MLB teams are looking to strengthen their position player lineups for the upcoming year. While some teams have shown improvement, others have struggled at certain positions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the teams that need to make significant changes to their position play.
**Rays (First Base, -0.7 bWAR)**
The Rays, for example, have struggled at first base, with no clear solution in sight. As they continue to rely on unconventional means to fill the position, it’s likely that they’ll move Michael Pineda to first base, having him make the transition from third base instead. With Pineda’s health and productivity in 2025, the Rays may have found a solid solution, but this could quickly change if a trade occurs.
**Royals (Left Field, -0.1 bWAR)**
Kansas City earned negative bWAR in left field, a position that could utilize a big hitter. Jonathan India and Michael Macy, two new acquisitions, are reportedly willing to move from second base to left field if it helps the team. As the Royals aim to improve their roster and make a deeper playoff run, expect them to be more aggressive in solidifying their lineup.
**Tigers (Shortstop, -0.3 bWAR)**
The Tigers have allowed fewer runs at shortstop due to Javier Baez’s struggles before undergoing hip surgery in August. Despite his contract having three more years with a value of $73 million, the Tigers will likely be looking for ways to reduce Baez’s contract. Trey Sweeney and Kim Ha Sung are possible shortstop candidates, but Baez’s health will be a concern.
**Twins (Second Base, -0.1 bWAR)**
The Twins have a fluid infield situation, with a lot of uncertainty surrounding the second base position. A healthy breakout from Royce Lewis or Brooks Lee at either position would be a significant help to a team with limited financial resources.
**White Sox (Catcher, -1.8 bWAR)**
The White Sox have struggled behind the plate, with Li Kerui, Martin Maldonado, and Chucky Robinson combining for minimal catching prowess. Matt Tice, acquired from the Cubs, will pair with current catching partner Yermín Mercedes. High-touted prospects Edgar Crow and Kyle Till will likely make their major league debuts in 2025.
**Yankees (First Base, -0.1 bWAR)**
The Yankees have signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5MM contract, forcing Cody Bellinger to assume outfield duties. The 37-year-old had a poor first half, but his stronger second half and impressive contact data suggest he has more to offer.
**Conclusion**
These teams can take several steps to improve their position player performance in 2025. For the Rays, finding a solution at first base is crucial. The Royals may prioritize adding a big hitter in left field, while the Tigers will look to bolster their lineup around Javier Baez. The Twins will focus on developing their infield prospects, and the White Sox will try to address their catching woes. Finally, the Yankees will rely on Goldschmidt to anchor their first base position.
**FAQ**
Q: Which teams have struggled the most at first base?
A: The Rays and Yankees have both struggled at first base, with the Rays earning a -0.7 bWAR and the Yankees earning -0.1 bWAR.
Q: What is the significance of the 2.1 bWAR earned by the Marlins’ non-pitchers in 2024?
A: This indicates that the Marlins have had a relatively better performance at their position player positions compared to other teams.
Q: What are the prospects for Javier Baez’s health in 2025?
A: Baez’s hip surgery will be a concern, and his health will play a significant role in determining his effectiveness at shortstop.
Q: Who are some potential shortstop candidates for the Tigers?
A: Trey Sweeney and Kim Ha Sung are possible shortstop candidates for the Tigers.
Q: What are the expectations for Paul Goldschmidt’s performance in 2025?
A: Despite his poor first half in 2024, Goldschmidt has shown improvement in the second half and has impressive contact data, suggesting he has more to offer in 2025.
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**Conclusion**
In conclusion, several MLB teams have struggled at specific positions, presenting opportunities for improvement in 2025. By identifying areas for development and addressing these issues, these teams can bolster their position player lineups and make the necessary adjustments to succeed in the upcoming season.
