Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, And Angels: Post-Ohtani Offseason Moves To Watch

3 min read Post on May 12, 2025

Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels: Post-Ohtani Offseason Moves to Watch

The 2023 MLB offseason ended with a bang, as Shohei Ohtani signed a record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Angels. But while the Angels secured their superstar, the ripple effects of Ohtani's decision, and the earlier departures of other key players, leave several teams—including the Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, and even the Angels themselves—with crucial offseason moves still to make. This impacts their chances for a playoff run in 2024 and beyond. Let's delve into the key areas to watch for each team.

The Toronto Blue Jays: Addressing Rotation Depth and Bullpen Needs

The Blue Jays had a strong 2023 season, but their pitching depth proved to be a significant weakness down the stretch. While their starting rotation boasts aces like Alek Manoah and Kevin Gausman, injuries and inconsistency exposed a lack of reliable options behind them. This offseason, Toronto needs to focus on acquiring at least one more reliable starting pitcher and bolstering their bullpen. Potential free agent targets, or trade acquisitions, could significantly impact their playoff potential. Expect General Manager Ross Atkins to be active in the trade market, particularly targeting pitchers.

The San Francisco Giants: A Rebuild or a Contention Push?

The Giants had a disappointing 2023 season, finishing far below expectations. Their decision-making this offseason will be pivotal in shaping their future. They could opt for a full-scale rebuild, focusing on young talent and long-term development. Alternatively, a strategic spending spree on established veterans could signal a commitment to contending in 2024. Their approach will significantly influence their roster makeup and define the trajectory of the franchise. Key questions revolve around their approach to free agency and potential trades involving existing players.

The Chicago Cubs: Building on a Successful Season

The Cubs exceeded expectations in 2023, showcasing a young, exciting core. Their offseason strategy should involve solidifying their pitching staff and adding depth to their lineup. While they've made some impactful moves already, further additions are crucial to maintain their momentum and compete for a division title. Focusing on addressing defensive deficiencies and adding reliable veteran leadership could be key areas for improvement. They need to strategically balance adding experienced players with nurturing their young talent.

The Los Angeles Angels: Capitalizing on the Ohtani Acquisition

The Angels' biggest move was securing Ohtani. Now, they need to build a supporting cast worthy of his talent. This means significant investments in pitching and potentially upgrading the lineup to provide more consistent run support. The Angels need to avoid another disappointing season and finally break their long playoff drought. Adding reliable bullpen arms and a power bat could be crucial steps in maximizing Ohtani's impact. This will require shrewd moves in both free agency and the trade market.

Key Offseason Trends to Watch Across MLB

Beyond these four teams, several overarching trends will define the 2023-2024 MLB offseason:

Pitching remains king: Teams are continuing to prioritize securing high-quality starting pitching and reliable bullpen arms.
Strategic spending: Teams are employing a more strategic approach to spending, focusing on targeted acquisitions rather than indiscriminate free agent signings.
The trade market's impact: Trades will likely play a significant role, with teams looking to acquire both established stars and promising young talent.

This offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for many MLB teams. The moves made by the Blue Jays, Giants, Cubs, and Angels, in particular, will significantly impact the competitive landscape in 2024. Stay tuned for further developments as the offseason progresses!