As the Winter Meetings ended I will discuss what National League teams need to be competitive next year..
National League West
Arizona Diamondbacks:
The Diamondbacks will not be competitive this coming year, so they need to figure out a way to deal some of their high paid players to make room for young talent to join Goldschmidt, Tomás, and Corbin for the future. Trade: Miller, and Greinke
Los Angeles Dodgers :
Making it to the NLCS was a great accomplishment for a team who I think is not a top 3 team in their own league. The Dodgers are trying to win now, and what they are missing is a right handed pitcher and a right handed bat to add to their formidable team. Trade: for Chris Archer or Sonny Gray. Resign Justin Turner and sign Jose Bautista.
San Fransisco Giants:
I still think this is the only team that stands a chance in preventing the Cubs from being in the World Series every year. I love their pitching staff of Bumgardner, Cueto, Samardizja, and Moore. What they are missing is a superstar in their lineup with a struggling Span all year and less productive Angel Pagan. What the Giants need to do his the trade market with a big splash. Trade: Andrew Mccuthen. I have not forgot about the Giants abysmal bullpen, but right now with Champan and Jensen signed their arent really any big arms catching my eye.
San Diego Padres :
This team has no direction, and need to stockpile on young talent. Best way is to Trade away Tyson Ross and Will Myers, and bring back a haul to be competitive in 2020.
Colorado Rockies:
Arguably one of the best offenses in baseball with no pitching. That is why if the Rockies formulate packages to get Archer or Gray, and a Jose Quintana from the White Sox their team looks totally different, and could be competitive next season
National League Central
Chicago Cubs:
Best team in baseball. Yet, I would either like to see an upgrade in their outfield with the loss of Fowler. That is why a blockbuster trade with the Angels for Mike Trout would make the Cubs the Warriors of baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers :
This team needs to desperately rebuild, and that is why trading Ryan Braun would put them in the right direction to rebuild.
St. Louis Cardinals:
This team will not compete for the next couple years with the Cubs great young talent. That is why letting players like Garcia and Holliday go will help them move in the right direction, but this team should focus on trading players that are getting older like Adams and Carpenter that have value for their future.
Pittsburg Pirates:
Trade Mccuthen. Nothing else. Trade him get young talent, and let your talent come to the big leagues.
Reds :
This team needs to desperately trade Votto, Phillips, and Bailey (if he has any trade value anymore). This team will be at the bottom of the cellar for a while so they need to figure out a way to be relevant in the future.
National League East
Braves:
Keep doing what they have been for the past year stockpiling talent the trade for Kemp proved fruitful with his productive season. They won't be relevant soon, but acquisitions like Swanson last year proves that their front office knows what direction they are headed in.
Phillies :
They were a fun team to watch at the beginning of last season, and how they kept being relevant. Sadly, they wont be able to keep up with the rest of the division. That is why trading pieces that over preform such as a man like Ryan Howard should be a primary focus because their young players are good, and have a lot of promise.
Marlins :
This team with the loss of Jose Fernandez will not be the same team, and probably will finish closer to fourth in the division than second. That is why steadily acquiring young talent while keeping guys like Yellich, Ozuna, Hechavarria on long term deals will be the key for this team to be relevant. However with an acquisition of a front line starter like Sonny Gray or Chris Archer this team could be vying for on the wild card spots.
Mets:
Stay Healthy. That is not really an offseason acquisition, but maybe dealing one of their four young pitchers for some more offensive protection so when Cespedes gets hurt their team's offense does not implode. I am a big believer in the trade between Mets and Rockies of swapping All-Stars. Harvey and Wheeler for Nolan Arenado.
Nationals :
They need to win now. Harper is leaving in two years. Trading for Mccuthen fell through, so this team should go and try to acquire MIKE TROUT. I believe a package involving Joe Ross, Adam Eaton, Erick Fredde and Victor Robles. The Angels would get a proven young pitcher in Ross a top outfield prospect in Robles and top pitching prospect in Fredde while getting a controllable above average center fielder to replace Mike Trout. This deal needs to happen tomorrow.
