One Holiday Wish for Every MLB Fanbase
6 min readAs the holiday season approaches, fans of Major League Baseball (MLB) teams are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season. Each team has its own unique needs and aspirations, and every fanbase has a special wish for their favorite team. In this article, we explore one holiday gift that each MLB team could use to make their dreams come true.
American League East:
1. Toronto Blue Jays: Lineup Pop – The Blue Jays could use a power boost in their lineup, as they aim to improve on their 2023 performance. While Shohei Ohtani may not be joining the team, there are other options available to strengthen their batting order.
2. Baltimore Orioles: Continued Forward Momentum – Despite their ALDS sweep by the Texas Rangers and a relatively quiet offseason, the Orioles had an impressive season, winning 101 games. Fans hope that they can build on this success and achieve even greater heights in the future.
3. Tampa Bay Rays: Young Arms to Emerge – The Rays’ rotation is known for its ability to replenish itself, but it is crucial for new talent to step up and fill the gaps left by players like Tyler Glasnow. Fans are eager to see the emergence of young pitchers like Zach Eflin, Ryan Pepiot, and others.
4. Boston Red Sox: A Believable Star – The Red Sox have undergone some front-office changes, which may lead to a perception that the team is worse than it actually is. However, there is still a lot of talent within the roster. Fans hope that a standout player can emerge and give the team a much-needed identity.
5. New York Yankees: Healthy Aaron Judge and Juan Soto – The Yankees have a formidable 1-2 combination in Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Fans are eager to see these two stars play together as often as possible, and their health will be crucial in determining the team’s success.
American League Central:
1. Cleveland Guardians: A Power-Hitting Bat – The Guardians desperately need a big hitter to support José Ramírez and help boost their lineup. Fans hope that the team can make strategic signings or trades to address this issue.
2. Kansas City Royals: Prospects to Pay Off – The Royals have made some tactical signings in the offseason, such as right-handers Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha. Fans are optimistic that these moves will help the team become a 2024 sleeper contender.
3. Detroit Tigers: Steady Progress from Young Hitters – Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson showed promising performances in 2023, despite facing injuries. Fans are eager to see these young talents continue to improve and become key contributors to the team’s success.
4. Chicago White Sox: A Prospect Haul – With the potential window for success closing, the White Sox may consider trading away some of their stars to rebuild. Fans hope that any trades made will yield a significant return to help the team in the long run.
5. Minnesota Twins: Carlos Correa’s Return to Form – The Twins have a transitional phase ahead, and they need Carlos Correa to regain his status as a generational star. Fans are eager to see Correa’s performance improve and contribute to the team’s success.
American League West:
1. Los Angeles Angels: Manager Mike Scioscia’s Successor – The departure of Shohei Ohtani may be softened by the presence of Mike Trout, who has not played enough games in recent years due to injuries. Fans hope that the transition to a new manager will be smooth and that the team can continue to thrive.
2. Houston Astros: A Seamless Transition – The Astros have made the AL Championship Series for seven consecutive seasons, but changes are on the horizon. Fans hope that the transition to a new manager, Joe Espada, will be successful and that the team can maintain its winning streak.
3. Oakland Athletics: More Zack Gelofs – The Athletics need to identify and develop young talent consistently. Zack Gelof’s emergence in 2023 serves as an example of the type of player they should be looking for in the future.
4. Seattle Mariners: Another Big Bat – The Mariners have been exploring the possibility of trading from their pitching depth to support Julio Rodríguez and the rest of the lineup. Fans hope that the team can make the necessary moves to acquire a powerful hitter and boost their chances of success.
5. Texas Rangers: Another World Series Title – Winning one World Series title is never enough. Fans of the Rangers are eager to see their team claim another championship and solidify their place among the league’s elite.
National League East:
1. Atlanta Braves: Postseason Fortune – The Braves have had fantastic teams in 2021 and 2023, but they have fallen short in the postseason. Fans hope that the team can break this pattern and enjoy a deep playoff run.
2. Miami Marlins: A Healthy Jazz Chisholm Jr. – Jazz Chisholm Jr. was expected to be one of the game’s most exciting young stars in 2023, but injuries limited his playing time. Fans are eager to see him return to form and showcase his talent.
3. New York Mets: A Long-Term Vision – The Mets have a solid plan in place, led by new head of baseball operations David Stearns. Fans hope that this plan will help the team maintain success beyond the 2023 season.
4. Washington Nationals: CJ Abrams’ Emergence – The Nationals have not had a clear future star since the trade of Juan Soto. Fans are eager to see CJ Abrams continue to develop and become a key player for the team.
5. Philadelphia Phillies: Postseason Vibes – The Phillies had a strong 2023 season and were expected to make a deep playoff run. Fans hope that the team can maintain the excitement and momentum from that season and carry it into the future.
National League Central:
1. St. Louis Cardinals: No More Years Like Last Year – The Cardinals had a disappointing 2023 season, and fans hope that they can put that year behind them and focus on building a stronger team for the future.
2. Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes Fever – The Pirates have a highly-touted prospect in Paul Skenes, who could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s energy and performance. Fans are excited to see what he can bring to the table.
3. Milwaukee Brewers: Jackson Chourio’s Readiness – The Brewers are in a transitional phase, and the emergence of Jackson Chourio as a future star is crucial for their success. Fans hope that he will be ready to make an impact on Opening Day.
4. Cincinnati Reds: Elly de la Cruz’s Breakout Season – Elly de la Cruz showed promise in 2023, but his overall numbers were not quite where they needed to be. Fans are eager to see him take the next step and become a standout player for the Reds.
National League West:
1. Arizona Diamondbacks: Another World Series Title – The Diamondbacks had a remarkable run in the 2023 World Series, and fans are eager to see them repeat that success and claim another championship.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani’s Continued Impact – The addition of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow has strengthened the Dodgers’ roster. Fans hope that these players will continue to make a significant impact and help the team achieve success.
3. San Francisco Giants: Jung Hoo Lee’s Identity – Jung Hoo Lee is a Korean star who could provide the Giants with a clear identity and a much-needed boost to their lineup. Fans are excited to see what he can bring to the team.
4. Colorado Rockies: Kris Bryant’s Health – The Rockies signed Kris Bryant as a free agent, but his tenure with the team was limited due to injuries. Fans hope that he can stay healthy and contribute to the team’s success in the future.
5. San Diego Padres: Stars Shining Bright – The Padres have a talented roster, including stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts. Fans hope that these players will live up to their potential and lead the team to success.