Christmas marks a special time in the MLB season. By now, the free-agent hot stove is red hot, and many clubs have made a big move. It's a season of superstar signings, big trades, and tons of movement in the World Series odds.With the Holiday spirit in mind, here is what fans of all 30 MLB teams should be wishing for this Christmas.
AL East
Baltimore Orioles: The Clutch Gene
Propped up by a stockpile of young talent and a Cy Young caliber season from Corbin Burnes, the Dirty Birds fell flat in 2024, losing back-to-back postseason games to the Royals and heading home.
The pressure is growing, as Baltimore has now lost 10 consecutive playoff games. This roster is talented to squeak into the postseason again, but they need to wish for some clutch hitting when the time comes.
Boston Red Sox: Rafael Devers to move Across the Diamond
Red Sox fans are already in a joyful mood now that their club's front office has traded for Garret Crochet and signed Walker Buehler. Those are two big-boy moves from a franchise that's been shockingly idle in previous offseasons.
The last step? Get Rafael Devers away from third base. The man can hit, but he's safer a first baseman or designated hitter. A move across the diamond could open space for a stronger defensive third baseman like, say, Nolan Arenado.
New York Yankees: Juan Soto's Demise
New Yorkers: famously understanding people. The fanbase very quickly turned on superstar Juan Soto after he spurned the Yankees for the crosstown rival Mets this winter.
Yankees fans are now certainly praying on the Dominican's downfall. Just wait until he makes his first appearance at Yankee Stadium in May next year; Vinnie and Louie will be ready to wrestle the ball from him down the right field line.
Toronto Blue Jays: Vladdy or The Sweet release of death
It's your classic either or. Blue Jays fans endured a dreadfully disappointing season in which every Blue Jays player except Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took a big step backward. Guerrero turned in arguably the best year of his career in 2024 (if you consider the ballpark factors in 2021) and is a free agent at the end of 2025.
Vladdy already publicly turned down a contract offer from Toronto in the $340 million range. After seeing Soto's deal, Vladdy likely wants something starting at $400 or $500 million. The Jays front office would be wise to give it to him or risk icing out an already jaded fanbase.
Tampa Bay Rays: A Hug
There, there. Not only did the Rays endure a poor 2024 season like Toronto, a damn hurricane went and shredded their home stadium, leaving Tropicana Field unplayable until 2026. On the bright side, the county finally secured the funding for a new stadium down the road, but in the meantime, the Rays are relegated to a spring training complex in Tampa.
AL West
Houston Astros: A Full Changing of the guard
It's freakin' time to mix it up. The Astros traded Kyle Tucker away and replaced him with the likes of Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker, marking another veteran out the door from the Astros glory days. Good riddance, too, for the rest of the American League that has watched the Astros dominate for the better part of a decade.
Now, the latest rumors suggest Alex Bregman will not return to Space City. Good. Do Jose Altuve next.
Los Angeles Angels: A Shred of respect
At least the Halos are trying now. Their farm system is scorched, their fanbase rotted away, and Mike Trout's knees are still made of cast iron. The club signed Yusei Kikuchi and Jorge Soler this offseason, which at least indicates some willingness to compete. This franchise is still doomed, but L.A. will be watchable in 2025.
Oakland A's: An Offseason Trophy
The notoriously tightfisted Oakland A's shocked everyone by breaking open their piggy bank, signing Luis Severino for a franchise-record $67 million and adding Gio Urshela for infield stability. To top it off, they traded for Jeffrey Springs, hoping his elbow holds up better than their old stadium’s plumbing.
I'm very proud of the A's for finally spending. It's just a shame they're playing at a t-ball diamond in Sacramento.
Seattle Mariners: Rule Changes to make hitting Illegal
Mariners fans should ask Santa to turn every game into a pitching and defense derby; this way, Seattle would go back-to-back-to-back. The M's regularly have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, yet one of the worst offenses in the game.
Easy fix: reward teams for grounding into double plays. The Mariners could rock with that.
Texas Rangers: Positive Regression
The Rangers went from the best team in baseball to getting eliminated in, like, early September. It's hard to say why this club faltered — perhaps because their clubhouse has the atmosphere of a doctor's office — but offense was very hard to come by. The club made a big move to sign Joc Pederson, so I bet the Rangers get one of the best yearly gifts baseball has to offer: some positive regression.
AL Central
Cleveland Guardians: A Blessed Recovery from Shane Bieber
Poor Shane Bieber. The guy was off to a great start and then his elbow exploded. That put a damper on things but the Guardians rallied around him and turned in another respectable playoff run.
Bieber, ever the hometown man, turned down larger offers elsewhere to re-sign with the Guards and continue his rehab. He's on track for a mid-2025 return, and the city of Cleveland should be grateful for his service.
Chicago White Sox: A gas Leak At The Stadium
It's a mess in Chicago right now. The clubhouse is depressed, and even a new general manager can't salvage the situation by trading the club's best players.
Time to start over. Anyways, can I bum a cigarette?
Minnesota Twins: A Full Season of Royce Lewis Or Byron Buxton
After watching their top prospect tear his knee ligaments in back-to-back seasons, Twins fans have learned to watch Lewis thrive in 50-80-game samples each year. Now they're praying for a combined 162 games between Lewis and Byron Buxton.
Kansas City Royals: Another Magic Year For Bobby
Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an exceptional performance for the Kansas City Royals, solidifying his status as a premier shortstop. He posted a .332 batting average, accumulating 211 hits, 32 home runs, 109 RBIs, and 125 runs scored over 161 games.
His outstanding contributions earned him a second-place finish in the American League MVP voting, narrowly missing the top spot to Aaron Judge. Royals fans would be wise to wish for another year of Bobby's brilliance.
Detroit Tigers: An Investment in Offense
The Tigers have something very special with Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and some other auxiliary pitchers, but they need much, much more offense to consider themselves repeat playoff contenders. A big power bet would go a long way.
NL East
Atlanta Braves: An Ice Pack
The only thing holding the Braves back from being a modern dynasty is the Injured List. Last year, Atlanta had massive seasons from Chris Sale, Marcell Ozuna, and Reynaldo Lopez.
But, the breakouts were largely derailed by crushing injuries to Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuna Jr., Austin Riley, Ozzie Albies, and others. So, if sturdier tendons aren’t an option for Braves fans this holiday season, at least we can give them an ice pack to heal those many injuries ahead of 2025.
Miami Marlins: Money
On paper, Miami should be a desirable MLB destination. Look at the Heat in the NBA, Dolphins in the NFL, and now even the Panthers in the NHL — all three south-Florida teams are top destinations in their sport. But, the lowly Marlins are irrelevant.
The Marlins haven't run a payroll over $100 million since 2017 and have broken that mark just twice in franchise history. If Miami started to spend, there’s no reason they couldn’t be a marquee MLB franchise. My gift to Marlins fans this winter is Bruce Sherman’s wallet finally opening up.
New York Mets: Humility
You have it all Mets fans. The bagillionaire owner, the 26-year-old stud free agent signing, the great GM, the farm system, bragging rights over the Yankees. What more could Mets fans want? Instead of another gift, you’re getting a slice of humble pie for Christmas. Enjoy your signings and success, but don’t forget where you started.
Philadelphia Phillies: One Last Ride
The Phillies have been so close. They've made the playoffs each of the last three years and have been one of the best franchises in baseball in the 2020s. Despite a core of Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, JT Realmuto, Kyle Schwarber, and some dogs in the rotation, the Phillies have nothing to show for it.
With most of this team now on the wrong side of 30, the chances Philadelphia can get over the hump are dwindling. In 2025, I gift the Phillies one last shot at a title.
Washington Nationals: A Big Signing
The Nationals' lengthy rebuild is finally starting to show promise. James Wood, Cade Cavalli, and Dylan Crews are in the big leagues, plus the farm system is pushing more guys up to join them. With Patrick Corbin off the books, the Nats now have just $80 million in payroll commitments for 2025, so now is the time to add a big piece to help this rebuild along. Washington's gift this holiday season is that big addition — my choice would be Pete Alonso.
NL West
Arizona Diamondbacks: A New Division
If the D-Backs were in the AL or NL Central, they’d have rattled off multiple 90-win seasons and been a constant threat to make the playoffs the last few years. Instead, they’re not even second-fiddle in a loaded NL West, fighting for the Giants for the third-most relevant team. If Arizona fans got their wish, they’d be relocating to a softer division this offseason.
Colorado Rockies: Normal Air
The Rockies had a team ERA of 5.47 last year, allowing nearly 0.75 more runs per game than any other team in baseball. With the thin air and crazy conditions of Denver, pitching development is nearly impossible in Colorado. So, if Santa was a Rockies fan, he’d be gifting Colorado some normal conditions to play in. Until that happens, though, it’ll take a miracle for the Rockies to figure out that rotation going forward.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A Kershaw Milestone
The Dodgers are like that rich friend that's impossible to buy a gift for — what do you get someone who already has everything? But, aside from another ring, the Dodgers have something else they want in 2025. Clayton Kershaw sits just 32 strikeouts away from 3,000, able to become the 20th pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone. So, my gift to Dodgers fans is a 2025 Kershaw that's healthy enough to break that mark.
San Diego Padres: Another Breakout
The San Diego Padres got back on track last year, winning 93 games and almost toppling the Dodgers in the NLDS. But, it wasn’t on the back of high-paid stars like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., or Xander Bogaerts. By WAR and OPS, San Diego’s two best players last season were Jackson Merrill and Jurickson Profar, who both broke out in a big way.
If the Padres are going to get better again in 2025, they’ll need another good story or two. My gift to the ’25 San Diego Padres is the next breakout: OF Tirso Ornelas.
San Francisco Giants: More Posey Magic
As a player, Buster Posey was a Giants legend. He won three World Series, took home an MVP, and is one of the best catchers of all time. But, can Poesy bring that same magic to San Francisco's front office? We've already seen Posey able to land a big fish, signing SS Willy Adames. But, my gift to Giants fans is some more Posey magic — he’ll need a lot to push his executive legacy anywhere close to his playing career.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs: Tucker to win MVP
Christ, Kyle Tucker has all the talent in the world to win an MVP; health will be the x-factor for him in 2025. The Cubs didn't give up too much for a single season of their new left-handed slugger, so it's okay if he doesn't produce to an MVP level. But with the Bears, Bulls, White Sox, and Blackhawks all in the crapper, Tucker and the Cubs are the best candidates to elevate the Windy City from mediocrity.
Cincinnati Reds: Tito to fix all
"I just can't quit you, man," - Terry Francona, to the sport of baseball. The legendary manager came out of retirement this offseason to manage the Reds. Some dudes just can't stay away from the game.
David Bell was a highly regarded manager but didn't have much of a winning track record. "Tito" enters his debut Reds season with 1,950 MLB wins and two World Series rings.
Milwaukee Brewers: Strong Liquor to survive the winter
Buckle up Brewers fans, this will be a long winter, as the club looks to continue shedding payroll and trade its stars. Devin Williams was first. We don't know who will be next. Take a swig and wait it out.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Skenes To Win Cy Young
The Pirates gonna Pirate. Despite a respectable core and an all-time rookie talent like Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh botched another season and missed the playoffs. Perhaps if Skenes shoves for 180+ innings this time and glides to an easy NL Cy Young, that might just be enough motivation for the Pirates to play harder.
St. Louis Cardinals: A Time Machine
Now it's finally crumbling. After another dysmal year, the Cards are accepting a rebuild. Paul Goldschmidt left. The club is also trying to trade Nolan Arenado and Ryan Helsley.
If only there was a way to revisit the glory days. Game 6 of the World Series, 2011. It's the 11th inning. David Freese at the dish...
