With the new year comes new resolutions. Though the statute of limitations to give or receive a “Happy New Year” greeting may have passed, that doesn’t mean the opportunity for self-improvement has expired. Every team has some strides to make before Opening Day, even as the sport itself faces an existential crisis amid an inactive collective bargaining negotiation between the league and the players association.
But that won’t stop us from speculating on what kinds of big-ticket moves could be in store for the league’s best teams. Last week, Will Laws ran through the biggest need facing the five National League playoff teams from 2021. Now, it’s time for the American League playoff clubs to come under the microscope and see how they can most effectively position themselves for October glory once the hot stove flame flickers back to life.
All projected payroll figures and record payroll figures are from MLB Trade Rumors.
