Every MLB team has its challenges, and the 2026 season is no exception. Here's a deep dive into one area of improvement for each club, as identified by MLB.com's beat writers.
American League East
Blue Jays: Health. Injuries have plagued the Blue Jays, impacting their performance. With key players like Kazuma Okamoto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sidelined, the team's struggles are tied to their health. Adding depth and managing the roster to minimize injuries will be crucial for the Blue Jays' success.
Orioles: Defense. The Orioles' defense has been sloppy, with a high number of errors and poor fielding. Improving their defensive skills and reducing mistakes will be essential for a competitive season.
Rays: Power production. The Rays' lineup needs more power, as they are struggling with a low number of home runs and a low slugging percentage. Adding more power hitters will help balance their offense.
Red Sox: Performance at home. The Red Sox have faced challenges at Fenway Park, with a cold offense and a low number of home runs. Improving their performance at home, especially with the Green Monster factor, will be key to their success.
Yankees: Setting the table. The Yankees' leadoff hitters, particularly Trent Grisham, are struggling with a low batting average. Finding a consistent leadoff hitter will help set the tone for the rest of the lineup.
AL Central
Guardians: Lineup anchors getting going. The Guardians' lineup anchors, such as Steven Kwan and Kyle Manzardo, have had varying starts. Bringing them into a consistent rhythm will boost the team's offensive output.
Royals: Performance with runners in scoring position. The Royals' offense needs to improve in high-pressure situations, particularly with runners in scoring position. Finding consistency in these scenarios will be crucial for their success.
Tigers: Road performance. The Tigers have struggled on the road, losing many games and failing to find momentum away from home. Improving their road performance will be essential for a competitive season.
Twins: The bullpen. The Twins' bullpen lacks consistency, with a high number of pitchers and unsettled roles. Finding a stable group of relievers will be key to managing late-game situations.
White Sox: Outfield production. The White Sox's outfield needs improvement, with low extra-base hits and a poor overall performance. Adding depth and improving their outfield play will be beneficial.
AL West
Angels: The bullpen. The Angels' relievers have struggled, with a high number of walks and a lack of a set closer. Finding a stable bullpen and a reliable closer will be crucial for their success.
Astros: Throw strikes. The Astros' pitchers have a high number of walks and a high ERA. Improving their control and accuracy will be essential for a competitive season.
Athletics: Bullpen effectiveness. The A's bullpen has struggled with blown saves and a high number of walks. Finding a stable group of relievers will be key to managing late-game situations.
Mariners: Right-on-left production. The Mariners' right-handed hitters struggle against left-handed pitching, leading to a low average and a high number of strikeouts. Balancing their lineup and improving their performance against left-handed pitching will be beneficial.
Rangers: The little things. The Rangers need to play clean baseball, reducing errors and improving their overall performance. Attention to detail and a focus on fundamentals will be key to their success.
National League East
Braves: Steal wisely. The Braves have had trouble on the basepaths, with a low stolen-base success rate and a high number of catches. Finding better spots to run and improving their base-stealing strategy will be crucial.
Marlins: Get the lineup outside the Big 3 going. The Marlins' lineup needs more production from players outside the top three. Finding consistency and improving their overall performance will be essential.
Mets: Pretty much everything. The Mets have faced challenges across the board, with a need for better health, more power production, and a more consistent bullpen. Addressing these areas will be key to their success.
Nationals: Cut back on errors. The Nationals have committed a high number of errors, particularly in the field and with throwing. Reducing errors and improving their fielding will be crucial for their success.
Phillies: Hit left-handed pitching. The Phillies struggle against left-handed pitching, with a low OPS. Finding better ways to hit left-handed pitching will be essential for their success.
NL Central
Brewers: Power. The Brewers have lacked power production, with a low number of home runs and a low slugging percentage. Adding more power hitters will be beneficial for their offense.
Cardinals: Relievers, we have a problem. The Cardinals' bullpen has a high ERA and a high number of walks. Finding a stable group of relievers and managing their usage will be crucial.
Cubs: Begin inquiring about pitching help. The Cubs need to address their pitching staff, with injuries and a need for more depth. Finding impact arms and improving their bullpen will be key to their success.
Pirates: A new leading man? The Pirates' outfielder Oneil Cruz has slumped, and the team is considering changes to their lineup. Finding a consistent leadoff hitter will be essential for their success.
Reds: Too many walks for the bullpen. The Reds' bullpen has a high number of walks, leading to a high ERA. Finding a stable group of relievers and managing their walks will be crucial.
NL West
D-backs: Offensive consistency. The D-backs' offense has been inconsistent, with a high chase rate. Finding ways to improve their consistency and reduce their chase rate will be essential.
Dodgers: Set the tone from the top. The Dodgers' offense needs a consistent tone, particularly with Shohei Ohtani's performance. Finding ways to improve his performance and set a positive tone will be crucial.
Giants: Get the offense going. The Giants' offense has underperformed, with a low number of runs and walks. Finding ways to improve their performance and produce more runs will be essential.
Padres: Star production. The Padres' stars, such as Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, have struggled. Finding ways to improve their performance and bring out their full potential will be beneficial.
Rockies: Better right-handed hitting. The Rockies have struggled with right-handed hitting, leading to a low average and a high number of strikeouts. Finding ways to improve their performance against right-handed pitching will be crucial.
