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With the baseball world’s eyes trained on Orlando, Fla., over the next few days for the Winter Meetings, it’s a great time to have a look at each team’s biggest need heading into the annual event, one which often serves as a catalyst for Hot Stove action.

We asked each of the 30 MLB.com beat writers for some insight as to what their club’s biggest need is as the Winter Meetings get set to kick off:

Blue Jays: One big bat
The obvious candidates here are Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, given that Kyle Schwarber isnâ€t as clean a fit on this roster. While Bichetteâ€s price will likely be high and Tuckerâ€s even higher, the Blue Jays have shown a willingness to spend and their ownership group seems to be emboldened by the World Series run that sparked incredible national interest in the team. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the engine of this lineup and the Blue Jays are hoping for one more great season from George Springer, but they need some help in the middle of the order, especially given the uncertainty around Anthony Santander following a rough debut season cut short by a shoulder injury. The Blue Jays are never hesitant to go off the board, either, just as they did last offseason by adding Andrés Giménez at the Winter Meetings. — Keegan Matheson

Orioles: A frontline starting pitcher
Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers could form a strong 1-2 punch atop Baltimoreâ€s staff in 2026. But the Oâ€s need another frontline starter — somebody to group with Bradish and Rogers in the upper half of the rotation, or even to serve as an ace above that duo. The Orioles†trade for Corbin Burnes ahead of the 2024 season worked out quite well before he left for Arizona last offseason. Maybe Baltimore will again explore the trade market for a top-tier starter, though the Oâ€s have expressed a willingness to expand their payroll and could be in the mix for marquee free agents such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, Michael King and others. — Jake Rill

Rays: Catcher
The Rays like their current defensive-minded duo, Hunter Feduccia and Nick Fortes, and they expect both to be more comfortable next season after coming over at the Trade Deadline. Plus, offensive-oriented prospect Dominic Keegan isnâ€t far behind in Triple-A. But itâ€s hard to ignore that their catchers hit just .185 with an MLB-worst .592 OPS last season, and theyâ€re always looking for a long-term, everyday solution behind the plate, someone who can meet their defensive standard and lengthen their lineup. Is that player available this offseason? — Adam Berry

Red Sox: A big bat
The Red Sox need a slugger who can sit in the third or fourth spot in the lineup and stay there all season. The Red Sox had that guy for years, and his name was Rafael Devers. The star left-handed hitter was dealt to the Giants for a multitude of reasons back on June 15, and Boston knows it is vital to replace his production to go deep into October. Keep an eye on Pete Alonso and Kyle Schwarber, the two biggest bats on the free-agent market. Only Aaron Judge has hit more homers than those two sluggers over the last seven seasons. In a perfect world, Alonso would be the best fit because of his right-handed bat in a lineup that needs more balance. But nobody in Boston would complain about winding up with Schwarber. — Ian Browne

Yankees: Bullpen help
New York’s bullpen pitched to a 4.37 ERA this past season, which ranked 11th in the 15-team American League — hardly what they envisioned after importing Devin Williams and his celebrated “Airbender” in a trade. Williams was in and out of the closer’s role, while Luke Weaver (also now a free agent) posted inconsistent results. The Yanks attempted to patch their ‘pen at the Trade Deadline, acquiring David Bednar and Camilo Doval, among others. Bednar was solid, posting a 2.19 ERA and 10 saves in 22 appearances, while Doval is a high-upside project. They’ve already re-signed Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough, which is a start, but the Yanks are looking for more lockdown help in the late innings. — Bryan Hoch

Guardians: Offense
Clevelandâ€s top need is bolstering an offense that struggled for extended stretches last season. Adding a proven veteran to the outfield mix is one avenue that would make a ton of sense, and a right-handed hitter could be an ideal fit. Cleveland center fielders had a .574 OPS last season, and its right fielders had a .605 OPS. The outfield picture is heavy on lefties, from youngsters Chase DeLauter, George Valera and C.J. Kayfus to All-Star and four-time Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan. — Tim Stebbins

Royals: Offense
The Royals are keen on upgrading their offense for 2026, either with an impact bat for the middle of their order or with reliable and proven depth down at the bottom. The outfield is the likely path for an addition, as the Royals†outfield has been among the least productive in the Majors for several years. But Kansas City could also find some help with a versatile player who can bounce between the infield and outfield. Itâ€s time for the Royals to find the pieces that can help their core group of hitters take the next step as an offense. — Anne Rogers

Tigers: Bullpen
The pitching chaos strategy that marked Detroitâ€s postseason charge in 2024 had some issues last season due in part to a thinner group of trustworthy relievers by seasonâ€s end. President of baseball operations Scott Harris, manager A.J. Hinch and pitching coach Chris Fetter built a deep bullpen of homegrown prospects, waiver claims and low-key free-agent adds, but that group showed the effects of all those innings last season. Detroitâ€s dabbling into the free-agent closer market suggests a potential change in approach, though re-signing Kyle Finnegan would retain a critically versatile arm. — Jason Beck

Twins: Bullpen
Itâ€s bullpen by a mile, and itâ€s not entirely clear whatâ€s second. Minnesota traded away its top five relievers at the Deadline last year, leaving only Cole Sands, Justin Topa and Kody Funderburk from what had previously been a strong relief corps. And to this point, the Twins have only added one new arm to the mix (right-hander Eric Orze) this winter. It is likely that one or two of the clubâ€s starting candidates or starting prospects will be moved to relief work, but even so, thereâ€s a need for probably at least two established relievers. — Matthew Leach

White Sox: Late-inning leverage
The real White Sox answer in this category is: a little bit of everything. The team will be looking for a left-handed bat, either in the corner outfield spots or corner infield, with Miguel Vargas able to play first or third, and another veteran arm for the rotation even with the addition of free agent Anthony Kay (not yet officially announced). They also have talented young hurlers such as Jordan Leasure, Grant Taylor and Mike Vasil in place to use throughout the bullpenâ€s later innings, but for a team with a 15-36 ledger in games decided by one run in 2025, and a 23-58 total record in games decided by one or two runs, adding a veteran force to the eighth or ninth makes sense. Actually, adding a set closer makes even more sense. — Scott Merkin

Angels: Pitching
The Angels traded for Grayson Rodriguez and signed Alek Manoah to a one-year deal but neither pitched in the Majors in 2025, so theyâ€re still in need of more starting pitching and bullpen help. The Angels remain likely to add at least one starter to the mix and also need to find a closer with veteran Kenley Jansen a free agent. They saved roughly $13-14 million by trading Taylor Ward for Rodriguez and could use some of that money to spend on pitching. But they are also still looking for a third baseman and possibly a center fielder. — Rhett Bollinger

Astros: Starting pitching
The Astros†desire to add another controllable starting pitcher is likely to be fulfilled through trades from their Major League roster, with center fielder Jake Meyers front and center in those talks. The club doesnâ€t have the financial resources to sign any of the big-name free agents on the market, though they did make a move on Dec. 2 by agreeing to a deal with right-hander Ryan Weiss, who had pitched the previous two years in Korea. Heâ€ll join the mix of depth pieces behind Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti — a list that includes Lance McCullers Jr., Colton Gordon, Jason Alexander, AJ Blubaugh and J.P. France. — Brian McTaggart

Athletics: Pitching
The Athletics’ main focus is to improve on the pitching side, both in the rotation and in the bullpen. As the roster currently stands, Luis Severino and Jeffrey Springs are the only two established starters. Following them are some exciting but inexperienced young arms such as Luis Morales, Jacob Lopez and Jack Perkins. MLB Top 100 prospects Gage Jump (No. 60) and Jamie Arnold (No. 38) could also factor in soon. The Aâ€s also remain without a set closer and should also be in the market for a reliever with some closing experience. — Martín Gallegos

Mariners: Proven bullpen help
Seattle was in the market for multiple relievers — and got a jump on the Meetings by trading for lefty Jose A. Ferrer to pair with Gabe Speier. Now the club would like a higher-leverage arm that the club clearly couldâ€ve used in the playoffs to go with Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo. Each of the Mariners†three non-tendered players — Gregory Santos, Tayler Saucedo and Trent Thornton — were relievers, though only Thornton had a meaningful role in 2025 before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury. Itâ€s possible that the club looks to another unheralded arm in Spring Training, much like they did with Paul Sewald, Justin Topa and Speier in this era. But the club is also a few years removed from those success stories, and a more proven option might be the more palatable route. — Daniel Kramer

Rangers: Catcher
The Rangers already added a bit by subtraction with the moves over the first few weeks of the offseason, when they non-tendered a trio of World Series heroes in Adolis García, Jonah Heim and Josh Sborz. They traded another when they flipped Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo. But the job is far from finished. There are a number of other needs on the checklist, but the biggest is likely another catcher to pair with Kyle Higashioka behind the plate. With Heim non-tendered and minimal depth at the top of the farm system, Texas is desperately in need of an impact bat behind the plate that is capable of handling a veteran pitching staff, much like Heim in 2023. — Kennedi Landry

Braves: Bolster the starting rotation
Coming off a season during which six of their starting pitchers were on the injured list for at least six weeks, the Braves need to fortify their rotation with a proven arm. Adding a frontline option would also satisfy the long-term need that would arise if this proves to be Chris Saleâ€s final season with the club. There is a need to add a bat and possibly at least one more high-leverage reliever. But health-related concerns facing Grant Holmes, Reynaldo López and to some extent Spencer Schwellenbach create an even greater need for the Braves to do whatever necessary to avoid the rotation issues that arose this past season. — Mark Bowman

Marlins: First base
The Marlins†2025 group produced the fourth-lowest OPS (.663) in the Majors. Internal candidates include Eric Wagaman (86 OPS+), followed by teammates who primarily played elsewhere. Liam Hicks (94 OPS+) often moved from catcher to first to keep his bat in the lineup. Miami used pregame to work with outfielder Heriberto Hernández (116 OPS+) at first for the same reason. Graham Pauley (88 OPS+) and Connor Norby (90 OPS+) could slide over from third. External options include those on the free-agent market (from Ryan Oâ€Hearn to Rhys Hoskins) and possible trade matches. — Christina De Nicola

Mets: A frontline starting pitcher
The Mets still need to figure out whether Pete Alonso and/or Edwin Díaz will return. Theyâ€re looking into a big bat for the outfield. All of those are major concerns. But the move that would most move the needle for these Mets would be the acquisition of a frontline starter to pair with Nolan McLean at the top of the rotation. Starting pitching issues were the most obvious reason why the Mets didnâ€t make the playoffs in 2025. While the current rotation features plenty of depth, itâ€s lacking in upside. The Mets need to fix that, with the trade market their most likely avenue for doing so. — Anthony DiComo

Nationals: First base
The Nationals’ most glaring need is at first base. MLB.comâ€s Mark Feinsand highlighted 1B/DH/OF free agent Ryan Oâ€Hearn as a potential fit. The lefty-batting Oâ€Hearn hit 17 home runs with a .803 OPS last season. Switch-hitting veteran Josh Bell, who finished out last season starting at the position, is a free agent. There is a possibility Bell and the Nats could reunite for a third time given his established relationships with young players in the clubhouse. Washington tendered a contract to second baseman Luis García Jr., who got looks at first base last season. Could the lefty-hitter make the defensive shift in 2026? — Jessica Camerato

Phillies: A big bat
The Phillies want to re-sign Kyle Schwarber, who led the NL in home runs and RBIs and finished second for NL MVP behind Shohei Ohtani. He not only contributes at the plate, but he is a tremendous leader in the clubhouse, and a valued supporter of the community. But if the Phillies somehow fall short in their pursuit, they absolutely must respond with a strong Plan B. It could be Kyle Tucker. It could be Pete Alonso. It could be somebody in a trade. But the Phillies absolutely must find an All-Star-caliber talent to hit ahead of or just behind Bryce Harper. — Todd Zolecki

Brewers: Power in the lineup
Last yearâ€s Brewers didnâ€t have much of it, ranking 22nd of the 30 teams in home runs and 29th in barrels per plate appearance, winning instead with elite plate discipline, contact and speed. It carried them through the regular season, when Milwaukee won an MLB-best 97 games and ranked third in runs scored, but ran out right around Game 3 of the NLDS, as the Brewers just got past the Cubs before being unable to sustain any sort of rally against the Dodgers and their elite starting pitching in the NLCS. The Brewers did see a power bump from developing hitters like Brice Turang and Sal Frelick and will count on more next season, along with another step forward for 21-year-old budding star Jackson Chourio. But if they can find a way to squeeze it onto a roster with few holes at the moment, a big bat could help. — Adam McCalvy

Cardinals: A veteran starting pitcher
This is going to depend largely on who is traded in the coming months, but the easy answer is a veteran who can anchor the staff. The club traded Sonny Gray and isnâ€t expected to pursue Miles Mikolas — two proven starters who combined for 22 wins, 63 starts and 337 innings in 2025. The Cards need a veteran to pair with Matthew Liberatore, Michael McGreevy, Andre Pallante, Kyle Leahy and the newly acquired Richard Fitts. Fitts, who pitched for the Red Sox the past two seasons, is fully recovered from a major nerve injury that sidelined him with numbness in his throwing arm for two weeks. Tyler Mahle, who was 6-4 with a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts with the Rangers, might fit on a one-year deal. Or would they dare splurge in free agency to bring former Cards prospect Zac Gallen back into the organization? — John Denton

Cubs: Pitching
The top priority for the Cubs heading into this offseason was to add to the front end of the rotation and bring in multiple arms for the bullpen. Shota Imanagaâ€s decision to accept a one-year qualifying offer helped on the rotation front, as did Chicagoâ€s signing of reliever Phil Maton (two years, $14.5 million), but there is still work to be done. Adding one more bona fide starting pitcher would really help strengthen the depth for that group. And with nearly the entirety of the Cubs†late-inning arms hitting free agency (notably: Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar and Drew Pomeranz), the ballclub is going to target a variety of options via trade, free agency or other smaller transactions. Manager Craig Counsell has called the hunt for arms a “365-day†process, but there is urgency to stockpile now. — Jordan Bastian

Pirates: Bats
Emphasis on plural. Last yearâ€s Pirates team finished last in baseball in runs, home runs and OPS. They are going to need bounce-back seasons from players like Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, but they also need to add to the lineup. Their most pressing needs are a corner outfielder and an infielder on the left side. They could use a true No. 1 catcher, another infielder or even just a big bat to be a DH. They also gave themselves a need for a third baseman when they traded Keâ€Bryan Hayes to the Reds in July, while the outfield has needed help for years. Itâ€s hard to see this being a successful offseason without upgrading at least one of those two positions. — Alex Stumpf

Reds: A big bat to boost the offense
Despite playing in the smaller confines of Great American Ball Park, the Reds’ offense was ranked 21st in homers and 19th in OPS during the 2025 season. Their No. 3 hitter in the lineup, All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz, led the team with only 22 homers, including four after the All-Star break while he was getting a steady diet of offspeed pitches. De La Cruz lacked a consistent power bat in the cleanup spot to protect him and lengthen the Cincinnati lineup. While someone like Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso might seem financially out of the question, the Reds need someone who can add power and punch to their order. — Mark Sheldon

D-backs: Pitching, pitching and more pitching
Did we mention that the D-backs need pitching? With Merrill Kelly traded at the Deadline and Zac Gallen declining the teamâ€s qualifying offer, Arizona has two huge holes to fill at the top of its rotation. While the D-backs do have talented young pitchers in their farm system, they are planning on competing for the postseason in 2026, so they want to acquire pitchers who have already had some success at the big league level. In addition, the teamâ€s bullpen was awful last year and they will be without co-closers A.J. Puk and Justin Martinez at the start of the year as both recover from Tommy John surgery, so they will need to acquire backend bullpen help as well. — Steve Gilbert

Dodgers: Stability in the bullpen
After experiencing peak bullpen volatility this past season, the Dodgers could upgrade the relief corps for 2026. Their relievers threw more innings (657 2/3) than any other team, but they combined for a 4.27 ERA and 27 blown saves, tied with the Phillies for the seventh-most in the Majors. L.A. spent big on Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates in the previous offseason, and neither panned out as hoped — so how will the team proceed this winter? — Sonja Chen

Giants: Starting pitching
The Giants†most pressing need remains starting pitching depth, which they didnâ€t have enough of while going 81-81 in 2025 and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. San Francisco has a pair of All-Stars — Logan Webb and Robbie Ray — at the top of its rotation and a solid third option in Landen Roupp, but the outlook for the rest of the group is unclear. Justin Verlander is a free agent and Hayden Birdsong couldnâ€t solve his control issues after being demoted to Triple-A Sacramento, so the Giants will likely need to add at least two starters to ensure they have enough quality arms to get through the season next year. — Maria Guardado

Padres: Multiple starters
Stop me if youâ€ve heard this before: The Padres need starting pitching. And while this is true of every team every offseason, itâ€s especially true of these Padres. Theyâ€re squarely in their contention window with a mostly complete offense and an elite bullpen. But they have three reliable starters on their 40-man roster.

So … A.J. Preller has work to do. Heâ€ll need to find his next Nick Pivetta — an especially shrewd signing from last offseason — as Pivetta quickly ascended into an ace. And then heâ€ll probably need to add two more starters beyond that. — AJ Cassavell

Rockies: Veteran experience
Expect the Rockies to remain young. But by the end of last season, at least four rookie position players and two to three first-time regulars were in the daily lineup, plus rookies made up three-fifths of the starting rotation. Thatâ€s too much youth for a team to be competitive. Big spending on free agents is not warranted, but arguments could be made for increasing the experience level at first base, second base and third base, as well as adding experience to the rotation. For now, players who made Major League debuts in 2025 top the depth chart at first base (Blaine Crim), second base (Ryan Ritter) and third base (Kyle Karros). — Thomas Harding

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As we gear up for the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Fla., there are certain teams that will be particularly intriguing to keep tabs on.

With the Winter Meetings often being a catalyst for Hot Stove action, the spotlight will shine brightly on each of the 30 clubs, but perhaps even brighter on a handful of teams that for various reasons are seen as major players in the free-agent and trade markets.

From clubs with championship aspirations to those holding big trade chips, we asked seven MLB.com writers to each draft an intriguing team heading into the big week ahead:

What theyâ€ve done so far: Not much at all. Itâ€s been a quiet offseason in Philadelphia to this point, but that figures to change soon — either because the Phillies start making moves or they start seeing some of their key targets sign elsewhere.

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: This is a pivotal offseason for the Phillies. Not only have they come up short in their World Series-or-bust aspirations for the past few years, but they are now tasked with handling the free agency of a trio of key contributors in Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and Ranger Suárez. The priority is to bring back both Schwarber and Realmuto, while retaining Suárez may be a bit tougher. That said, even if the Phillies somehow brought back all three players, the belief is they still need to do something different entering 2026 after back-to-back NLDS exits. That likely includes a makeover in the outfield that could include moving veteran Nick Castellanos. One way or another, the Phils need to add some firepower — and they want it to be more than just Schwarber.

One move they could make next week: Re-sign Schwarber. It feels as if the Phillies could be at a bit of a standstill until this situation gets worked out. If the club is able to lock in Schwarber, then the front office can pivot to filling out the rest of the roster knowing it at least has Schwarber, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper back in the fold for next yearâ€s lineup. Of course, as weâ€ve seen the past few years, the Phillies know that alone isnâ€t enough — but itâ€s certainly a good place to start in what figures to become a very busy offseason

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: After winning their first pennant in 32 years and pushing the World Series to extra innings in Game 7, the Blue Jays have made one thing very clear: They are not satisfied. It has already been an extremely active winter for the American League champions. All indications are that they have no plans of slowing down — and their next move could be the biggest one that any team makes between now and Opening Day.

One move they could make next week: Sign Kyle Tucker. Yes, Toronto still wants to reunite with Bo Bichette, but after landing possibly the best pitcher on the open market, the club is now in hot pursuit of this yearâ€s No. 1 overall free agent. Tucker visited with the Blue Jays at their player development complex in Dunedin, Fla., on Wednesday, a source told MLB.com. After striking out on premier free agents in previous offseasons (Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, Juan Soto), the Blue Jays are aiming at the top of the market once more, and considering how aggressive they were with Cease, it would be foolish to doubt their chances of getting a deal done with Tucker. If they do, it would be the centerpiece of an offseason that would likely put the Blue Jays on this list.

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: The Mets are always in the spotlight given the sky-high expectations in Queens under owner Steve Cohen, who has shown heâ€s willing to spend big to win the franchiseâ€s first World Series championship in 40 years. But the spotlight is even hotter this offseason after New York fell far short of expectations in 2025, missing the postseason after signing superstar Juan Soto to the largest contract in sports history.

One move they could make next week: Sign Kyle Schwarber. It would be a tremendous coup for the Mets to not only add a massive left-handed bat to the lineup but also to poach him, so to speak, from the division-rival Phillies. Schwarber will be going into his age-33 campaign in 2026, and heâ€s coming off a career year in which he smashed an NL-leading 56 home runs (including four in a single game) and drove in a Major League-best 132 runs. If stalwart first baseman Pete Alonso leaves in free agency, Schwarber — who, like Alonso, played in 162 games last season — would be a worthy replacement in the Mets†lineup.

What theyâ€ve done so far: The Braves have been one of the few teams to make multiple notable moves so far this offseason, including re-signing closer Raisel Iglesias to a one-year deal and trading for utilityman and Gold Glove winner Mauricio Dubón, who could end up being the starting shortstop.

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: Atlanta still has major holes to fill, with designated hitter and a solid starting pitcher being the most prominent (assuming shortstop has become less of a priority with the signing of Dubón). The departure of free agent Marcell Ozuna leaves the DH role wide open, while last season’s injury-depleted starting rotation has created a need to significantly bolster that group. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that caused the Braves to miss the postseason for the first time since 2017 — not to mention a stated desire to have a top-five payroll — big moves could be in the offing.

One move they could make next week: The Braves could add a big bat to fill the DH slot and help boost an offense that has struggled for significant portions of the past two seasons (the team’s .717 OPS since May 2024 ranks 15th in MLB). Perhaps they swing a trade for a productive outfielder who can be part of a DH rotation that includes fellow outfielders Ronald Acuña Jr. and Jurickson Profar to help keep everyone healthy and fresh. A deal for Atlanta-area native Byron Buxton would do the trick, but any trade involving Buxton is likely a longshot.

What theyâ€ve done so far: The Padres haven’t done much yet, just a couple of minor bullpen moves. With A.J. Preller at the helm, that should make you think that something’s coming. Especially when you consider that the biggest thing to happen to the Padres so far is that they lost Dylan Cease to the Blue Jays in free agency.

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: This is a playoff team that has to contend with the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers in its division — and also has some pressure to do better after a disappointing Wild Card Series loss to the Cubs in 2025. But to make it back to the postseason for a third straight year in 2026, San Diego probably has to bring in some new players. It isn’t just losing Cease — other key players like Luis Arraez, Michael King and Robert Suarez are free agents. Luckily, Preller and the Padres love making big moves … and lots of them.

One move they could make next week: The Padres’ big needs entering the Winter Meetings are starting pitching (to help replace Cease and potentially King) and a first base/DH-type bat (the Arraez role). Here’s one move that would address the pitching side: signing Tatsuya Imai. Imai’s market is heating up, and some executives expect the NPB star to sign by the end of the Winter Meetings. Preller watched Imai pitch in Japan, and earlier this offseason said the Padres would be “fully prepared” for when the right-hander was posted. And Imai wants to take down the Dodgers. Where better to do that than with their division rivals?

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: After wallowing in mediocrity from 2022-24, the Red Sox returned to relevance in â€25, buoyed by the additions of Crochet, third baseman Alex Bregman and closer Aroldis Chapman, not to mention the successful debut of top prospect Roman Anthony. Bregman opted out of his deal in November, but with the other three pieces in place, they have a chance to make another significant leap if they push the right buttons this winter. The Gray deal is a start, but with Bregman a free agent and Rafael Devers in San Francisco, the Red Sox have a major void in their lineup to address.

One move they could make next week: Sign Pete Alonso. The Red Sox havenâ€t ruled out a reunion with Bregman, and theyâ€ve also been linked to Kyle Schwarber, Bo Bichette and J.T. Realmuto in free agency. But for a team that needs home run pop, is looking for a right-handed hitter and hasnâ€t been able to figure out first base for a while, Alonso appears to be the perfect fit.

What theyâ€ve done so far: As noted above, they sent Gray to Boston. In return, St. Louis landed 26-year-old righty Richard Fitts, who could earn a spot in the back of the teamâ€s 2026 rotation, and high-upside, 22-year-old lefty Brandon Clarke, who slotted in as their No. 7 prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

Why theyâ€re in the spotlight: Because that could be just the beginning. With the Gray trade, new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom signaled that St. Louis is truly open for business after a third straight season without a playoff berth. The fact that the Cardinals were willing to send significant cash to Boston bodes well for their ability to figure out a way to move Nolan Arenado, who is still owed $42 million over the next two years. But the Cardinals are not short on potential trade chips. First baseman Willson Contreras has a reasonable contract and a right-handed bat with considerable thump. Brendan Donovan is an OBP machine with defensive versatility. Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman and Alec Burleson all might intrigue teams in search of left-handed power that canâ€t check that box via the free-agent market. Thereâ€s less on the pitching side, post-Gray, although lefty reliever JoJo Romero has reportedly been drawing interest as well.

One move they could make next week: While an Arenado deal might have to wait for top free-agent third basemen to come off the board, one could imagine a Donovan deal coming to fruition more quickly if Bloom gets an offer he likes for one of the hottest names on the trade market. St. Louis is under no obligation to move a player under club control for two more seasons, but there is reason to be opportunistic here, especially with a top prospect, infielder JJ Wetherholt, knocking on the door.

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The winter meetings are just days away, and the tentpole event of the MLB offseason usually provides plenty of movement via trades and free-agent signings.

Going into next weekâ€s events in Orlando, Florida, some teams are under more pressure than others to make a significant move or risk being left on the outside looking in at the offseason action.

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Here are the four teams under the most pressure at this yearâ€s winter meetings.

Chicago Cubs

No one seems to know what the Cubs want to be, including the Cubs themselves. Around this time last year, they were preparing to put a package together to acquire this yearâ€s biggest free agent, Kyle Tucker. Now, after a successful season with Tucker that included winning the NLâ€s top wild-card before being bounced by the Brewers in the NLDS, the expectation is that the outfielderâ€s time in Chicago is over.

If thatâ€s the case, the Cubs are back to where they were last year, with more questions in their lineup than answers. And itâ€s not just their lineup that needs some reinforcements; their rotation needs help as well.

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But beyond the need to add, the pressure on Chicago comes from the fact that the organizationâ€s desire to spend has come into question in recent years, as the ownership group has pulled back from being near the top of the league in payroll. This fall, Cubs fans finally saw their team get back to the NLDS for the first time since 2018, and theyâ€re tired of hearing about the players the team almost signed.

Next week, GM Jed Hoyer and Co. will have all eyes on them, waiting for a big move at the winter meetings.

Bryce Harper’s Phillies and Aaron Judge’s Yankees are among the teams under the most pressure this winter.

(Jonathan Castro/Yahoo Sports)

New York Yankees

Last winter, after losing Juan Soto to the crosstown rival New York Mets, the Yankees pivoted to Cody Bellinger, who filled the void admirably with a strong 2025 campaign. The former MVPâ€s impact on New Yorkâ€s season was significant, as he was not only strong defensively but also provided lineup protection for AL MVP Aaron Judge. This winter, the Yankees could once again lose a pivotal part of their lineup, as Bellinger is one of the best position players available in free agency.

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Beyond the question of bringing back Bellinger, the Yankees need to add a first baseman and reinforcements in the back end of their bullpen. Right-hander Devin Williams signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Mets earlier this week, and mainstay Luke Weaver is currently a free agent.

The Yankees havenâ€t made any significant moves yet this offseason. GM Brian Cashman was extremely active at the winter meetings in 2024, and it wouldnâ€t be shocking to see his team making moves again this year.

Detroit Tigers

The clock is ticking on the Tigers and their time with two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal. It seems impossible to think Detroit would trade the best pitcher in the world, but reports have indicated that could happen, as theyâ€ve at the very least entertained calls on their ace, who will be a free agent after next season. In that case, the biggest question is how do you get enough value in return for a player of Skubalâ€s caliber, even with just one year of club control remaining?

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After a long rebuild, the Tigers reached the postseason in back-to-back seasons and seem to have a promising future ahead of them. So after all it took to get here, why not extend Skubal? There has been no better pitcher in baseball over the past two years than the Tigers†ace, and no matter the return, you will not be able to replace the type of pitcher Skubal is and the impact he can have on a playoff series. The problem, of course, is money, as the two sides are reportedly more than $100 million apart in extension talks.

If the Tigers know theyâ€re not going to find common ground with Skubal, it would be good business to shop him around and see what other teams might offer. Still, that doesnâ€t feel like the ending either side was hoping for in this situation.

Philadelphia Phillies

On the surface, the Phillies might not seem like a team under a lot of pressure. Over the past five years, theyâ€ve been one of the most aggressive and successful teams in baseball, building a core of talented players on long-term deals and reaching the postseason the past four Octobers. But the Phillies havenâ€t been able to get to the mountaintop, despite advancing to the World Series in 2022 and the NLCS in ‘23.

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Now Philadelphia has real decisions to make regarding the future of its roster, as three major contributors to the teamâ€s recent success are free agents: NL MVP runner-up Kyle Schwarber, left-hander Ranger Suárez and catcher J.T. Realmuto.

The priority for the Phillies this offseason is undoubtedly Schwarber, who is coming off the best season of his career and has been a leader in the Philadelphia clubhouse since he arrived in 2022. It would be devastating for the franchise to lose a guy like that, one of the most respected players in baseball and a fan favorite.

Outside of Schwarber, what moves does president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have up his sleeve? Even if the Phillies re-sign Schwarber, their roster has some other needs in the lineup and bullpen. The front office has the resources to address them, but theyâ€ll need to work quickly. With the roster getting older and the National League only getting better, Phillyâ€s window could be closing.

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Holiday shopping season is in full swing… just maybe not in the NHL quite yet, where wish lists are growing long, but actual deals have yet to come to fruition.Â

With so little separation between the contenders and the sellers, the messy middle extending to much of the league while injuries hamper plans, itâ€s hard to figure out which teams are in position to buy and whoâ€s going to start selling.

Weâ€ll start there.

Stars, Islanders among teams to watch as big injuries hit

The Florida Panthers have been an obvious target of trade chatter as theyâ€ve been decimated by injuries to major stars early on, but theyâ€re far from alone when it comes to questions about how health setbacks might fuel a big move on the trade market.

The Dallas Stars join that conversation following Tuesdayâ€s ACL injury to Tyler Seguin. Itâ€s clear heâ€ll be out for a while, but it remains to be seen whether his recovery timeline will extend beyond the regular season. That has a big impact not only on the obvious loss of his talents in the Stars†lineup, but also when it comes to what kind of LTIR cap relief Dallas might see. If he is in fact ruled out for the rest of 2025-26, which means the remainder of the regular season and playoffs, he can be placed on season-ending LTIR and the Stars will have a sudden influx of cap flexibility (Seguinâ€s full cap hit, which is $9.85 million). If thereâ€s any possibility he could return at any point, though, the cap relief would be less than half of that.

While the Islanders arenâ€t as obvious a contender at this point in the season, they are in a similar position with Kyle Palmieri, who suffered an ACL tear last weekend and has been placed on injured reserve with a recovery timeline of six to eight months. With so many teams in the messy middle of the standings, itâ€ll be interesting to see how they proceed with any cap space they have.

Adam Foxâ€s injury has Rangers looking for help

While the New York Rangers donâ€t face the same long-term questions when it comes to defenceman Adam Fox, whoâ€s dealing with a shoulder injury, his absence does leave New York in a tough spot. Sportsnetâ€s Elliotte Friedman believes theyâ€re looking for a little help, particularly when it comes to trying to fill the void left on the power play.Â

“I do think they are looking for somebody out there, and one of the names Iâ€ve kind of heard thrown around was Erik Gustafsson, which would make some sense,†Friedman said on Fridayâ€s Edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast. Thereâ€s some familiarity there. Gustafsson, who is currently with the Detroit Red Wings†AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids, played for the Rangers in 2023-24 and registered 25 assists with the club.Â

“I donâ€t think thereâ€s anything done there by any stretch of the imagination, but I know theyâ€re looking around to see if thereâ€s someone they can find while Fox is out,†Friedman said.

Flyers trying to calm the chatter around Tippett

Thereâ€s been chatter around the status of Philadelphia Flyers forward Owen Tippett and whether or not he might be available via trade. As Friedman explained on Fridayâ€s podcast, there may be too much chatter.

“I think the Flyers are trying to do everything they can to calm the noise around him,†Friedman said. “I think itâ€s bothered him a little bit. I think heâ€s definitely heard it. I think the Flyers are trying to say, ‘Look, this is not our doing.â€â€

Friedman said he believes the Vancouver Canucks have been among the teams inquiring, but said, “I donâ€t think thatâ€s gonna be happening.â€

Said Friedman: “I think (the Flyers are) trying to calm down the noise, simply because this is not created by them. Sometimes names are out there because teams are looking to move guys — this is not the case with Tippett. So, weâ€ll see where that goes.â€

Are the Sabres shopping Luukkonen?

All eyes will be on the goalie market as the season goes on, considering how many teams currently have questions at the position due to both health and performance. That could make the Buffalo Sabres an interesting team to watch when it comes to Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes “there’s an appetite to seriously look at moving him.” Whether that means an in-season trade or if it’s something that heats up closer to the draft in June, is unclear.

Luukkonen is 4-3-1 on the season so far and has a 2.51 goals-against average and .899 save percentage. The 26-year-oldâ€s contract is interesting — his $4.75-millin cap hit, with three more years of team control beyond this season, would appeal to plenty of clubs, and the fact that he has a modified no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1 puts a bit of a timeline on any potential deals, too.

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One of the biggest questions in the air with the MLB Winter Meetings set to begin in a few days is what the Tigers will do with potential Mets target Tarik Skubal.

Skubal, one of the best pitchers in baseball, is set for free agency after the 2026 season. And it seems like a foregone conclusion that Detroit will not be able to retain him.

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When the Tigers attempted to extend Skubal, it was reportedly not just a non-competitive offer, but one that was relatively insulting. And owner Christopher Ilitchgave a bit of a weird answer a few months ago when asked about a possible Skubal extension.

With that as a backdrop, Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the Tigers “continue to be engaged” with teams that are interested in trading for Skubal.

Olney notes that the asking price for the left-hander is “enormous.”

Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, but the Mets would have the wherewithal to re-sign him in the event they trade for him — something that would make the haul they’d have to part with more palatable.

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For the Mets, it would likely take at least one or two of their best prospects along with much more to get a conversation going for Skubal.

Sep 19, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Brandon Sproat (40) follows through on a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citi Field. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported earlier this offseason that the Tigers have expressed interest in Brett Baty in the past.

Skubal, 29, has led the American League in ERA and FIP the last two seasons. And in 2025, he also led the AL in WHIP (0.89), walks per nine (1.5), and strikeout to walk rate (7.30). He carried that into the postseason, when he fired 7.2 one-run innings while striking out 14 in his Wild Card Series start and posted a 2.08 ERA and 0.61 WHIP while fanning 22 batters in 13.0 innings spanning his two starts in the ALDS.

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He has also been a workhorse over the last two years, tossing 192.0 innings in 2024 and 195.1 innings in 2025.

Meanwhile, a look at Skubal’s advanced stats via Baseball Savant illustrates his eye-popping dominance. In 2025, Skubal was in the 92nd percentile or better when it came to xERA, average exit velocity, chase percentage, whiff percentage, strikeout percentage, walk percentage, and hard hit percentage.

Skubal’s stuff — he relies heavily on his 4-seam and sinking fastballs and his changeup — grades out in the 100th percentile.

He’s also relatively inexpensive (for now), expected to make roughly $18 million in 2026 in what is his final season of arbitration.

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Key events

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Alex Abnos is still out in the cold.

Journalists queue in the cold at the Kennedy Center. Photograph: AlexanderAbnos/The GuardianShare

Of course, the event we are all waiting for is to see who the mystery winner of the inaugural peace prize will be? The planet is on tenterhooks. Further details from Daniel Boffey here.

The background of the chair of the committee tasked with coming up with a proposal on the process may not convince everyone that he will speak truth to power either.

He is Zaw Zaw, the 59-year-old president of the Myanmar football federation for the past two decades who, along with his company, Max Myanmar, was the subject of EU and US economic sanctions at various points between 2009 and 2016.

The US state department described him in a press release in 2009 as one of the “cronies†of Myanmarâ€s brutal ruling military junta as it suppressed democracy and violated human rights.

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Whereâ€s the oddest place youâ€ve watched a World Cup draw? Iâ€ll start, for 2010â€s draw, in December 2009, I watched it on BBC World in a Palestinian bar in Jerusalem, Beckham, Charlize Theron and all on a very grainy TV screen.

David Beckham and Charlize Theron at the World Cup draw ceremony in Cape Town, December 2009. Photograph: Víctor R Caivano/APShare

Updated at 10.32 EST

This being 2025, weâ€re expecting a slick, high concept draw, with perhaps a bit of tack lobbed in, though can it live up to previous oddities?

President of the United States Donald Trump or the late actor Lloyd Bridges? You decide. Photograph: Brian Snyder/ReutersShare

Updated at 10.34 EST

What of Mother England? Thomas Tuchel has been impressive so far but can he counter the Englishmanâ€s fear of playing in hot weather?

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As the globe turns its attentions to Washington DC, perhaps perspective can be regained by Football Dailyâ€s considerations of Saturdayâ€s East Midlands derby?

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Rio Ferdinand will be joined by Sam Johnson and a host of sporting greats, including Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille Oâ€Neal, as the draw conductor.

“He had this to say on the ticket prices: “‘I am a man of the people in terms of Iâ€m from a place where we were always hoping for things to be accessible. I know that the people behind the scenes at FIFA are aiming and working to something like that now, whether they get there for that remains to be seen.â€

Last month, talking to LBCâ€s Tom Swarbrick, the man of the people said this about his move to Dubai: “If things like the health service, for example, was absolutely flying and working perfectly well then I think people wouldnâ€t mind paying tax.â€

Rio Ferdinand arrives for the pre-draw reception. Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 10.22 EST

House-keeping: the draw itself will go at 5.55pm UK time/12.55pm ET. It will be groups ONLY. Cities and kick-off times will be announced on Saturday at 5pm UK time/Midday ET.

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Update from Kennedy Center

Alexander Abnos

“The security line is insanely backed up. A huge huddle of journalists, host city officials, basically anyone with a credential are huddle together in the wind and snow waiting to get through security. I am not having fun.â€

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What entertainment awaits us? The question of how the Village People became the house band of the Trumpist is a complicated one.

Memories of 1994â€s draw, held in Las Vegas, where this draw was purported to be, via ESPN and Roger Bennett, from 2014.

“The star-studded event took place at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip. A cast of thousands including Barry Manilow, Julio Iglesias, Faye Dunaway and Dick Clark were involved in a fantastical affair that the great Bob Ley described being as if “Salvador Dali could produce a state lottery.â€

“Fittingly for such a surreal occasion, it was Robin Williams who stole the spotlight. First, the comedian described the draw bracket as “the worldâ€s biggest keno game†and then proceeded to refer repeatedly to Sepp Blatter as “Sepp Bladder,†even after the then-FIFA general secretary corrected him, insisting, “This is not a comedy!â€â€

Via Wiki:

The Navy contacted group manager Henri Belolo to use the song In The Navy in a recruiting advertising campaign for television and radio. Belolo gave the rights free on condition that the Navy help them shoot the music video. Less than a month later, the Village group arrived at Naval Base San Diego where the Navy provided them with access to film on the deck of the berthed frigate USS Reasoner; in the end, the Navy did not use the video, choosing to remain with the traditional “Anchors Aweigh“.[

Victor Willis is the sole remaining original member of the Village People.

Some of the smooth moves we can look forward to. Photograph: Tasos Katopodis/Getty ImagesShare

Updated at 10.06 EST

John in New York gets in touch: “I bought tickets for a group game in Philadelphia so Iâ€m excited to find out which teams I will be going to see. There is part of me worried that it will be Jordan v Panama or something like that. But on the other hand, a game like that might the occasion these teams first World Cup win, itâ€s a second group game so it might be a team qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time.

“A game with a team like Ecuador or Colombia would be great to see as their fans would bring a lot color & support. I have worked with guys from these countries who were massive soccer fans and would love to see their country at a World Cup game but with the climate in the United States I donâ€t know if they will want to attend and deal with the likely hassle. Iâ€m a naturalized American citizen from Ireland with an American wife and two children born here. I will be able to travel to a game without any problems. A Naturalized Ecuadorean or Colombian in the same position as me may have to deal with ICE asking them to prove that their allowed to be in the country. Will they want to deal with that hassle in order to go to a game?â€

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Justin Kavanagh gets in touch: “An armed man, a sniffer dog, and a portaloo. That photo doesnâ€t bode well for the World Cup ahead of us next summer. I suspect that the average fan (i.e. those not in the corporate seats) will be treated with the same contempt as those journalists are feeling right now, standing waiting to do their job in the snow. I loved the last World Cup held in America, when it proved a weird but welcoming country. But this time round the tournament feels like yet another money grab for the millionaire class… I think Iâ€d rather take a boating holiday off the coast of Venezuela than fork thousands into the coffers of Infantino & his buddy with the blond bouffant.â€

Those scenes remind of security at JFK airport, an almost deliberately hostile environment.

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Updated at 09.58 EST

Krishna gets in touch: “Is there any plans to have the match balls in a particular shade of orange? Then a Procol Harum tribute band can compose a WC anthem “a proper shade of peach†or “a tighter coat of tangerineâ€.â€

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The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts will host the show. Whatâ€s on at the venue otherwise? Events include:

The Improvised Shakespeare Company:Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a brand new, fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes!

And:

Monty Pythonâ€s Spamalot: “Everything that makes a great knight in the theater is here, from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery—and of course, the Lady of the Lake. Spamalotfeatures well-known songs such as “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,†“The Song That Goes Like This,†“Find Your Grail,†and more that have become beloved classics in the musical theater canon.â€

America really loves Monty Python, rather a fading force in the UK these days. Thereâ€s a Norwegian blue gag in Erling Haaland somewhere or other.

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Updated at 09.32 EST

Looks like the journalists will have the Secret Service run the rule over them.

The queue outside the World Cup draw in Washington DC. Photograph: The Guardian/Alexander Abnos

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Updated at 09.43 EST

Benjamin gets in touch: “I am webmaster of www.national-football-teams.com !

“As you can imagine, draw day is quite something when international football is one of your things. I want to chip in on possible groups of death. These are the two of the hardest groups I could come up with:

• Argentina

• Morocco

• Norway

• Italy (If they qualify)

“And what about groups that sound really easy? Well, how about these:

• Canada

• Austria

• Qatar

• Cape Verde

• Belgium

• Iran

• South Africa

• Curacao

All of these groups would be possible in the same draw, and I guess those might feel a little unfair. On the other hand, I am exactly the sort of person who would love to see all these juicy matches!

Member of the media are seen queuing outside the John F Kennedy Center. Photograph: Jeenah Moon/ReutersShare

Updated at 09.23 EST

Rogorn gets in touch: “One thing about the World Cup draw: I see that the hosts have chosen to give themselves (or Fifa has chosen for them) the advantage of having more days to complete the tournament (by being among the first teams to start playing) over the advantage to play last in the group stages, therefore knowing what results they need (and the third-place thing will be key). If you were in their places, which of these two advantages would you choose?

“One other thing: are the venues going to be drawn too, or will this be decided by the organising committee between today and tomorrow? And if so, which teams will be sent where (i.e., which teams will play in the USA as opposed to… not?)“

The venues come out as part of the draw, with fixtures confirmed on the Saturday.

ShareJamie Jackson

Pep Guardiola has been reflecting on next summerâ€s World Cup in America, pointing to his experience with Spain in the heat of America at the 1994 edition.

“United States in ‘94 we played in Dallas [a 2-2 draw with South Korea] and wow. We were out [as substitutes or squad members] and maybe it would have been better to be inside like Thomas [Tuchel] has decided [for England]. In some states and in Mexico in summer, itâ€s hot. A lot of drinks are needed.â€

There has been talk Tuchel will keep his subs in the cooler/in the dressing-room until itâ€s time to call on them.

Pep Guardiola in more hairy times at USA ‘94. Photograph: Dpa Picture Alliance/AlamyShare

Updated at 10.10 EST

We will soon know who landed a “group of deathâ€, though third place qualification from groups does rather reduce the deadliness. Will Unwin has been pruning his permutations.

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David Hytner hopes the draw can be about the football. Letâ€s hope so, too.

It can sound corny when players and managers talk about fulfilling childhood dreams at the World Cup. But the emotion during qualification has been real. The scenes, for example, when Scotland secured their first spot at a finals since France 98 with the epic Hampden Park victory over Denmark will live for ever. And how about when Cape Verde got there with the home win over Eswatini? Africa had five places for Qatar 22. They now have a guaranteed nine. It will be 10 if the Democratic Republic of the Congo win their playoff final against New Caledonia or Jamaica.

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Here are the pots.

FIFA World Cup 2026 finals draw pots Photograph: FIFAShare

Via the Fifa media release, hereâ€s what we can expect on the razzmatazz front.

• Global icons Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart to co-host final draw show at Kennedy Center in Washington DC

• Actor and producer Danny Ramirez to engage football greats in attendance, bringing Hollywood flair

• Live performances to be delivered by legendary maestro Andrea Bocelli, Village People and global music superstar Robbie Williams, who will be joined by award-winning multi-hyphenate Nicole Scherzinger

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Lunchtime listening: Jonathan Liew on the political hue of next summer.

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The technicalities are here, as picked through by Tom Lutz.

And how does the actual draw work?

The 48 teams have been divided into four pots containing 12 teams each. Pot 1 consists of the three co-hosts – USA, Mexico and Canada – along with the nine top teams in the current Fifa rankings. The next three pots were decided by the Fifa rankings, with the lowest-ranked qualified teams in Pot 4. The 12 groups for the World Cup will then be formed by one team from each pot (full pots listed later).

Sounds simple!

Well, not quite. There are still six qualification places to be decided via playoffs in late March, and teams involved in those matches have been placed in Pot 4. That means a team such as Italy will be ostensibly the weakest opponents in a group, even though they have won the World Cup four times and are ranked No 12 in the world, should they come through the European qualifying playoffs. Teams from the same qualifying conference should, in theory, not be in the same group. But that is impossible for European teams as Uefa will have 16 teams in the draw. There will, though, be a maximum of two European teams in any group. In addition, the top four teams in the Fifa rankings – Spain, Argentina, France and England – cannot face each other until the semi-finals (of course, they have to make it there first),provided they win their groups.

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Preamble

Welcome to our live coverage of the draw for the World Cup 2026 finals. The USA, Canada and Mexico beckon, as perhaps do your travel plans. With 48 teams to be drawn, there will be plenty to get across, not least because not all of the finalists have yet been decided. Weâ€re expecting glitz and glamour, and thatâ€s just from Rio Ferdinand and Gianni Infantino, so join as we bring the latest from Washington DC. The townâ€s most famous semi-resident will make his usual splash, no doubt.

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Aside from a loss Thursday, the Colorado Avalanche keep rolling, and their spot atop the NHL standings is equaled by their position in the ESPN NHL Power Rankings.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Beyond the Avalanche, the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers rose up the rankings this week, while the Anaheim Ducks, New Jersey Devils and Utah Mammoth took a tumble.

The month of December includes many games on the schedule, and for this week’s edition of the Power Rankings, we’ve identified the most intriguing matchup on the docket for each club.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 28. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

ESPN Illustration

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 81.5%

Dec. 27 at the Golden Knights. Months remain before the Stanley Cup playoff picture crystallizes into its final form. It’s a decent bet, however, that the Avs and Knights will both be skating into late April and beyond, and this contest is as good of a Western Conference finals preview as we may get before the actual thing — or at least until their next game on the schedule on April 11.

Next seven days: @ NYR (Dec. 6), @ PHI (Dec. 7), @ NSH (Dec. 9), vs. FLA (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 73.2%

Dec. 13 vs. the Panthers. The Stars have won a great many of their games this season; they are second in the NHL standings behind the juggernaut Avs. But one of the games they didn’t win was against the defending Stanley Cup champs. Can they get a W here, in the last time they’ll see them this season until a possible Cup Final?

Next seven days: vs. SJ (Dec. 5), vs. PIT (Dec. 7), @ WPG (Dec. 9), @ MIN (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 65.4%

Dec. 20 at the Lightning. There’s a lot of season left. But it looks these two former Southeast Division rivals will be near the top of their respective divisions — and could square off in the Eastern Conference finals in May.

Next seven days: vs. NSH (Dec. 6), vs. SJ (Dec. 7), vs. CBJ (Dec. 9), @ WSH (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 63%

Dec. 9 at/Dec. 28 vs. the Canadiens. There were many strange events during the early 2020s. One of them was the 2020-21 NHL season where four new divisions were created, and the playoffs culminated in a Stanley Cup Final pitting one Atlantic Division team against another. Years have passed since then, and now both the Lightning and Canadiens are fighting for playoff position among their traditional division rivals.

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Dec. 6), @ TOR (Dec. 8), @ MTL (Dec. 9), @ NJ (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 62.5%

Dec. 27 at the Jets. Around 450 miles separate these two Central Division rivals, but both will be fighting for similar real estate in the playoff race if the Avs and Stars keep dominating as they have.

Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 6), @ SEA (Dec. 8), vs. DAL (Dec. 11)

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0:56

Jesper Wallstedt records 4th shutout in 6 games

Arda Öcal breaks down Jesper Wallstedt’s historic accomplishment following Minnesota’s 1-0 victory.

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 64.3%

Dec. 11 vs. the Hurricanes. Although the team matchup here is notable — both the Caps and Canes are near the top of the Metro — this comes down to a historical stat angle for Alex Ovechkin. The team against which Ovi has scored the most goals in his record-breaking career is the Winnipeg Jets (58); No. 2 on that list is Carolina (53). Does he close the gap with a tally (or two, or three) in this contest?

Next seven days: @ ANA (Dec. 5), vs. CBJ (Dec. 7), vs. CAR (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 61.1%

Dec. 27 at the Kings. With the Ducks back in the contenders’ mix this season, these Battle of SoCal games take on extra meaning. Anaheim won the most recent matchup, 5-4 in a shootout, on Nov. 28.

Next seven days: vs. WSH (Dec. 5), vs. CHI (Dec. 7), @ PIT (Dec. 9), @ NYI (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 61.5%

Dec. 23 vs. the Sharks. For the first few years of the Golden Knights’ existence, the Sharks were a bitter rival, including some epic, violent clashes in the postseason. San Jose dropped off a bit, but appears back on the upswing. Will this showdown match the intensity of seasons past?

Next seven days: @ NJ (Dec. 5), @ NYR (Dec. 7), @ NYI (Dec. 9), @ PHI (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 61.1%

Dec. 14 vs. the Canucks. With the trade rumor machine running on overdrive when it comes to Quinn Hughes joining his brothers in New Jersey at some point, this is another chance for the Devils faithful to see the eldest Hughes brother in action with his current team.

Next seven days: vs. VGK (Dec. 5), @ BOS (Dec. 6), @ OTT (Dec. 9), vs. TB (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 63.5%

Dec. 13 vs. the Sharks. Penguins fans have been blessed to see Sidney Crosby in 1,378 regular-season games (and 180 in the playoffs). On this night, they’ll see Macklin Celebrini on PPG Paints Arena ice, a player whose game has recently drawn Crosby comparisons.

Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 7), vs. ANA (Dec. 9), vs. MTL (Dec. 11)

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Sidney Crosby notches goal on the power play

Sidney Crosby notches goal on the power play

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 57.4%

Dec. 29 at the Avalanche. The true test for the 2025-26 Kings will be in how far they progress in the playoffs. But this late-December matchup against the current top team in the West will be a good litmus test.

Next seven days: vs. CHI (Dec. 6), @ UTA (Dec. 8), @ SEA (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 63.5%

Dec. 13 vs./Dec. 14 at the Hurricanes. The Flyers’ current standings position is a moderate surprise to those who did not peg them as a playoff team. This home-and-home series against the perennial playoff-contending Canes is a chance for Philly to make a statement.

Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 7), vs. SJ (Dec. 9), vs. VGK (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 58.9%

Dec. 27 vs. the Rangers. Neither of these teams has what could be called a firm grasp on a playoff spot at this point, but the geographic rivals always bring the heat to these games no matter the standings.

Next seven days: @ TB (Dec. 6), @ FLA (Dec. 7), vs. VGK (Dec. 9), vs. ANA (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 55.6%

Dec. 27 at the Maple Leafs. Have the Senators surpassed the Leafs? Ottawa didn’t have enough to knock Toronto off in the clubs’ first-round playoff series in the spring but sits ahead of its intraprovince rival currently.

Next seven days: vs. STL (Dec. 6), vs. NJ (Dec. 9), @ CBJ (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 59.6%

Dec. 6 at the Maple Leafs. Is there anything better than a Saturday night matchup between the Canadiens and Maple Leafs? The clubs have split their matchups thus far, and their next tilt after this one isn’t until March 10.

Next seven days: @ TOR (Dec. 6), vs. STL (Dec. 7), vs. TB (Dec. 9), @ PIT (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 55.4%

Dec. 13 at the Blackhawks. These two teams are no longer Norris Division rivals (or even in the same conference), but there’s always something special about a Blackhawks-Red Wings game!

Next seven days: @ SEA (Dec. 6), @ VAN (Dec. 8), @ CGY (Dec. 10), @ EDM (Dec. 11)

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Patrick Kane lights the lamp for Red Wings

Patrick Kane lights the lamp

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 55.2%

Dec. 23 vs. the Canadiens. These two of the Original Six clubs are both in playoff position in the first week of December, which adds some fuel to this rivalry compared to recent seasons when one team was clearly better than the other.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (Dec. 6), @ STL (Dec. 9), @ WPG (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 51.8%

Dec. 14 at the Penguins. While the Mammoth and Penguins are fighting for postseason positioning, this game is under more of a spotlight for one Utah skater in particular: Logan Cooley, who grew up in the Pittsburgh area and participated in Sidney Crosby’s “Little Penguin” youth hockey program.

Next seven days: @ VAN (Dec. 5), @ CGY (Dec. 6), vs. LA (Dec. 8), vs. FLA (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 56%

Dec. 12 at the Mammoth. Utah isn’t technically an expansion team, but this is still correctly described as the NHL’s two newest teams facing off in what also happens to be a superb uniform matchup — and a pivotal contest in the Western wild-card standings as well.

Next seven days: vs. DET (Dec. 6), vs. MIN (Dec. 8), vs. LA (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 55.2%

Dec. 23/Dec. 31 at the Capitals. If the Rangers are going to get back in the playoff mix, they’ll need to win head-to-head games against teams currently occupying those spots. This double shot of contests against the Caps is an even better opportunity because both games are on the road.

Next seven days: vs. COL (Dec. 6), vs. VGK (Dec. 7), @ CHI (Dec. 10)

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Artemi Panarin gets his 900th career point

Arda Öcal reports on the big nights from Artemi Panarin and Mika Zibanejad against the Ottawa Senators.

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 55.6%

Dec. 7 at the Ducks. Since it’s not possible for the Blackhawks to play the Sharks and Ducks at the same time, we’ll pick this matchup that will showcase Connor Bedard against fellow young dynamo Leo Carlsson. Bedard & Co. will next see Macklin Celebrini and San Jose on Feb. 2.

Next seven days: @ LA (Dec. 6), @ ANA (Dec. 7), vs. NYR (Dec. 10)

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 57.4%

Dec. 7 vs. the Capitals. The Caps and Blue Jackets have played some memorable games in recent seasons — including two Columbus victories down the stretch of 2024-25 when the club was fighting for the final wild-card spot. The Caps have won both contests this season — and both were a 5-1 final score — so the Blue Jackets are out for some vengeance in this one.

Next seven days: @ FLA (Dec. 6), @ WSH (Dec. 7), @ CAR (Dec. 9), vs. OTT (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 51.8%

Dec. 29 at the Ducks. When it comes to rising teams in the Pacific Division, the Ducks appear to be about a year ahead of the Sharks, so this will be a glimpse into the future for San Jose fans. But it’s also a showdown of two of the league’s most exciting young talents in San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini and Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson.

Next seven days: @ DAL (Dec. 5), @ CAR (Dec. 7), @ PHI (Dec. 9), @ TOR (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 51.9%

Dec. 9 vs. the Stars; Dec. 11 vs. the Bruins. At this point, we’d hope that fans in Winnipeg appreciate the fine art of goaltending, given that Connor Hellebuyck — arguably the best American goalie of all time — plays for the Jets. If so, this pair of home games will be a treat, as fellow elite American goalies Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman come to town in the same week.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Dec. 5), @ EDM (Dec. 6), vs. DAL (Dec. 9), vs. BOS (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 53.7%

Dec. 16 vs. the Blackhawks. Three days after Connor McDavid and the Oilers buzz through the Six, another Canadian-born superstar named Connor will grace Scotiabank Arena. So, in a season that hasn’t gone as well as planned for the Leafs, at least Toronto fans will get an extended look at one definite member of their Olympic team (and one possible addition).

Next seven days: vs. MTL (Dec. 6), vs. TB (Dec. 8), vs. SJ (Dec. 11), vs. EDM (Dec. 13)

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Matthew Knies falls to knees, gets up to score great goal for Leafs

Matthew Knies falls to knees, gets up to score great goal for Leafs

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 50%

Dec. 15 at/Dec. 27 vs. the Lightning. The NHL schedule makers provided us with a double shot of the Battle of Florida this month! The action will be electric, as usual — although the teams will probably finish with fewer than the 65 penalties for 312 minutes they amassed in their preseason matchup on Oct. 4.

Next seven days: vs. CBJ (Dec. 6), vs. NYI (Dec. 7), @ UTA (Dec. 10), @ COL (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 51.8%

Dec. 13 at the Maple Leafs. Last season, both of these clubs were firmly in playoff position but would see their seasons end at the hands of the Cup champion Panthers. This season hasn’t gone so well. Which of the two could use this mid-December matchup as a turning point?

Next seven days: vs. WPG (Dec. 6), vs. BUF (Dec. 9), vs. DET (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 48.2%

Dec. 31 at the Stars. The closest that Buffalo has come to a Stanley Cup was in the 1999 Final, which it lost in controversial fashion to the Stars, who just came out with a new uniform paying homage to that title. Will Dallas be sporting those unis on New Year’s Eve?

Next seven days: @ WPG (Dec. 5), @ CGY (Dec. 8), @ EDM (Dec. 9), @ VAN (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 44.6%

Dec. 12 vs. the Blackhawks. Not a ton has gone the Blues’ way this season, but maybe this old-school rivalry matchup against Chicago will serve to get them back on track for a big second half.

Next seven days: @ OTT (Dec. 6), @ MTL (Dec. 7), vs. BOS (Dec. 9), @ NSH (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 42.6%

Dec. 29 at the Kraken. When it comes to regional rivalries, the Canucks-Kraken matchup isn’t on the level of many others around the league … yet. Perhaps this game jump-starts a big run for the Nucks.

Next seven days: vs. UTA (Dec. 5), vs. MIN (Dec. 6), vs. DET (Dec. 8), vs. BUF (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 44.4%

Dec. 27 at the Blues. This hasn’t been the greatest season in franchise history. But this game could at least get a bit chippy — it’ll be Nashville’s third against St. Louis in December.

Next seven days: @ CAR (Dec. 6), vs. COL (Dec. 9), vs. STL (Dec. 11)

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 41.4%

Dec. 23 at/Dec. 27 vs. the Oilers. There isn’t quite as much juice for these Battle of Alberta contests as when these two met in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, but there’s every reason to expect fireworks in this bitter feud.

Next seven days: vs. UTA (Dec. 6), vs. BUF (Dec. 8), vs. DET (Dec. 10)

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Thursday evening’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena was nothing short of a roller coaster for the Detroit Red Wings, who gained a point in the standings but missed out on the second as part of their 6-5 shootout loss.

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The Blue Jackets, who twice had a lead evaporate, tied the game late in the third period with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on the bench for an extra attacker, and then picked up the win thanks to goals in the shootout from Kent Johnson and Kirill Marchenko.

Special teams were the name of the game for both clubs, who each scored multiple power-play goals.

With the setback, the Red Wings are now 14-11-3 in their centennial campaign, but are now tied for the second overall spot in the Atlantic Division with 32 points. They also won’t like the fact that they’ve now allowed at least four goals against in five of their last six games.

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The Blue Jackets struck first after a shot from defenseman Ivan Provorov beat Cam Talbot from distance, but the Red Wings knotted the score early in the second period thanks to a power-play tally from Dylan Larkin.

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Marchenko restored the Columbus lead with a power-play goal of his own, followed by an even-strength tally from Johnson. But after Dmitri Voronkov was whistled for a four-minute double minor after his high sticking infraction on Andrew Copp drew blood, Detroit twice converted courtesy of Lucas Raymond and James van Riemsdyk, tying the game.

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A power-play goal from former Michigan Wolverines forward Adam Fantilli put Columbus ahead late in the second period, only to see the Red Wings roar back in the final frame thanks to goals in quick succession from Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat. For Kane, it was the 496th goal of his career.

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Fantilli scored his second of the night to tie the game late in the third period after his shot deflected off defenseman Albert Johansson, setting up overtime.

“Would Be Really Cool”: Patrick Kane Would Love Mike Modano In Attendance For Milestone Achievement

“Would Be Really Cool”: Patrick Kane Would Love Mike Modano In Attendance For Milestone Achievement From one U.S.-born NHL legend to another, Patrick Kane says heâ€d welcome Mike Modanoâ€s presence when he breaks the record for most points by an American-born player.

While the Blue Jackets got shootout goals from both Johnson and Marchenko following a scoreless five-minute overtime session, Merzlikins stopped van Riemsdyk and Raymond, securing the extra point.

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This was Detroit’s first game of a six-game road trip which continues on Saturday night against the Seattle Kraken from Climate Pledge Arena.

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With the calendar flipping to December, the hockey season enters an exciting segment of the year with the world junior championship at the end of the month in Minnesota.

Itâ€s also a good time to check in with the progress previously drafted players are making as they continue to develop with their club teams around the world.

As part of my ongoing updates on prospects from Canadian NHL teams, hereâ€s a look at how the first players selected by each team last June in Los Angeles have been trending this fall:

Braeden Cootes: Six feet, 185 pounds, right-shot centre, first round (15th overall)

Cootes trained hard for his first pro camp this fall with the Canucks and impressed Vancouverâ€s brass enough to break camp with the team at the start of the season.

Cootes appeared in only three games at the NHL level before being returned to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, but the experience served him well. Heâ€s the captain again this year and being deployed in all situations for the T-Birds.

Cootes averages over 20 minutes per game and his scoring touch has gone to another level in his third season of major junior hockey. Heâ€s produced nine goals and 12 assists in 14 games and is on pace for a career-high 38 goals and 51 assists. Heâ€s a potential top-six NHL forward whoâ€s engaged in all three zones, pushes back in the trenches and wins well over 50 per cent of his faceoffs.

Here’s an example of Cootes executing a set-play off a faceoff in the offensive zone with his group on the power play.

Cole Reschny: five-foot-11, 183 pounds, right-shot centre, first round (18th overall)

Reschny is one of the CHL players who made the move to the NCAA this season. Heâ€s a freshman at North Dakota after playing two years for the Victoria Royals and is a potential top-six NHL forward.

Reschny put up huge offensive numbers in Victoria, putting up 47 goals and 104 assists over two seasons. Heâ€s adjusted well to the NCAA level offensively, contributing two goals and 13 assists in his first 14 games. Reschny continues to impress me the overall detail he provides. When he isnâ€t producing offence, the team can count on his commitment defensively.

Reschny is averaging well over 20 minutes ice time for a long stretch of games and being used in all situations at North Dakota. Heâ€s second in team scoring but, as described, his defensive effort and overall detail stand out for me.

Hereâ€s an example of Reschny working to win possession of a defensive-zone draw on the penalty kill. The draw is scrummed but Reschny is fully engaged, tracks the play, and ends up exploding up ice and distributing the play on the two-on-one rush.

Logan Hensler: six-foot-three, 198 pounds, right-shot defenceman, first round (23rd overall)

Hensler is a sophomore at Wisconsin and the potential second-pairing NHL defenceman is off to a solid start. His size and skating ability have always stood out and heâ€s starting to use those tools to impact the game more offensively. Last season, Hensler contributed two goals and 10 assists in 32 games. He has three goals and four assists in 13 games this season and averaging between 16-21 minutes per game of ice time. All of his shifts come at even strength and the power play. Iâ€ve also been impressed with his defensive-zone detail. After ending last season with a minus-13 rating, heâ€s plus-two so far this year and much more consistent with his routes to kill plays and contain opponents.

As Hensler continues to evolve offensively, and attempts to direct more pucks on net, Iâ€m monitoring his shot-attempt volume and how many of his shots end up on net. He has the agility to walk the blue line or change the angle of his shot, but several of his shot attempts have been blocked by opponents and can result in turnovers.

Hereâ€s a look at how many of his shots have connected on net, over his last 10-game segment, compared to how many have been blocked:

Note: the shots blocked are marked with an “X”

Sascha Boumedienne, six-foot-two, 190 pounds, left-shot defenceman, first round (28th overall)

Boumedienne is a sophomore at Boston University and, like most of his teammates, off to an uneven start this season. He has two goals and four assists and is minus-nine on the season. The Terriers are a streaky .500 team. Boston has three-game winning and losing streaks in its first 15 games and sits 7-7-1 overall.

Boumedienne is a potential middle-pairing NHL defenceman who logs a massive amount of ice time. Heâ€s deployed in all situations and averages between 22-26 minutes per game. Heâ€s one of the most elite skaters in the NCAA. Heâ€s quick to front opponents defensively, can lead the breakout with the puck on his stick or join the rush as an extra layer, and walks the blue line efficiently to open up shooting and passing lanes.

Considering Boumedienneâ€s skating ability, I was surprised to notice how he rarely pinches down in the offensive zone to direct pucks on net and equally as surprised to notice how many of his attempts are actually making it to the net. Itâ€s an area of his game that has room for improvement. Hereâ€s a look at how many of his attempted shots have reached the net in his last 10-game segment:

Alexander Zharovsky, six-foot-one, 163 pounds, left-shot winger, second round (34th overall)

Zharovsky was my favourite pick in the second round last June and Montreal could have another future top-line winger in its stable of prospects.

Zharovsky was drafted out of the Russian junior league (MHL). Heâ€s graduated to the KHL, playing for Ufa, and having a fantastic rookie campaign. Zharovsky has eight goals and 12 assists in 24 games. In his latest 10-game segment, he had three goals and three assists and averaged over 15 minutes ice time per game. All of his shifts come at even strength and the power play. He has a primary role on the top power-play unit. Zharovsky is a highly skilled winger who needs time to add more weight and strength to his frame, but his offensive hockey sense is elite.

Here’s an example of Zharovsky lurking high in the offensive zone, collapsing to extend the play behind his opponentâ€s net, and escaping a small-area check on his way to the net for a tuck:

Tinus Luc-Koblar, six-foot-three, 190 pounds, left-shot centre, second round (64th overall)

Luc-Koblar hails from Norway and plays for Leksands in the Swedenâ€s top pro league, the SHL. He has only three goals and two assists in 21 games, but I see potential with his approach and believe he has a chance to evolve into a third-line NHL player in time.

Despite his numbers, Koblar has a strong understanding of his responsibilities in all three zones and provides consistent compete from shift to shift. Heâ€s a very good skater and a threat to make plays off the rush in transition. He also digs in around the crease and uses his size and leverage to screen goaltenders and extend plays.

Itâ€s going to take some time for Koblar to maximize his potential but his combination of size, speed and hockey sense will provide him offensive opportunities. Iâ€m comfortable saying he can be deployed in a variety of roles.

Hereâ€s an example of what Iâ€m describing. Koblar enters the play via a line change. He tracks back into his zone and stops in the faceoff circle to scan how the play is developing. He eventually pounces on the puck and leads the rush up ice before scoring:

Tommy Lafreniere, six feet, 183 pounds, right-shot centre, third round (83rd overall)

Lafreniere plays for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL. Heâ€s an interesting prospect. He has a very quick release and a shoot-first mentality. Pucks are on and off his stick in a hurry and he works to make plays to the net from high-danger areas of the ice.

Lafreniere is deployed in all situations with the Blazers. Heâ€s generally engaged defensively and proficient at seeking out quick-strike opportunities offensively. Lafreniere had 24 goals and 32 assists in 68 games last season already is up to 19 goals and 16 assists in 26 games this year. I describe him as an average-plus skater who has decent quickness out of the blocks, but isnâ€t a pure burner in open ice. Hereâ€s a look at what areas of the offensive zone Lafreniere has scored his 19 goals this year:

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Shane Smith (Photo by Ben Hsu/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It used to be thought that picking a player in the MLB Rule 5 draft could best be described as buying a lottery ticket. Every once in a while you might win big, but more likely, you’re just spending a bit of money you’ll never see again.

Nowadays, that’s not really true. In the 2020s, teams have gotten wiser about how they make Rule 5 picks. And they are reaping the benefits.

Before we dive into the numbers, let’s start by remembering that the 2021 Rule 5 draft was canceled because of the owners’ lockout. So there have only been four Rule 5 drafts so far this decade. And among those four, we’ve yet to have a dud.

From the 2024 Rule 5 draft, the White Sox got excellent seasons from Shane Smith, who fronted their rotation, and Mike Vasil, who was a bullpen workhorse. Liam Hicks was a solid catcher for the Marlins, too. The first pick of the 2023 Rule 5 draft, Mitch Spence, proved to be a valuable member of the A’s rotation while Nasim Nunez, Ryan Fernandez, Justin Slaten and Stephen Kolek have all had their moments, as well.

From the 2022 draft, Ryan Noda and Kevin Kelly have stood out, while the 2020 draft saw Garrett Whitlock, Tyler Wells, Trevor Stephan and Akil Baddoo all contribute to their new teams.

In the 2020s, a full 50% of all Rule 5 draft picks have stuck with their new team. Angel Bastardo from the 2024 Rule 5 draft has yet to fulfill eligibility requirements because of injury, so that number could tick above or below 50% next year. From 2000-2019, there was only one year (2001) in which half of the picks stuck.

And it’s not just that players are making rosters. There have been 12 Rule 5 picks in the 2020s who produced 0.5 bWAR or better in their initial season, good for an average of three per draft. Only seven picks cleared that 0.5 WAR threshold in the 2010s. There were 19 in the 2000s, but it’s worth noting that from 2000-2005, players were Rule 5 eligible one year earlier than they are now, which added to the amount of available talent.

Taking it further, seven Rule 5 picks this decade have produced 1.0 or more bWAR in their Rule 5 season. Only four picks did so in the 2010s, and 11 did so in the 2000s. Five Rule 5 picks have produced 2-plus WAR in their Rule 5 season in the 2020s: Shane Smith, Mike Vasil, Ryan Noda, Akil Baddoo and Garrett Whitlock. Only two (Brad Keller and Odubel Herrera) did so in the 2010s, while only five (Darren O’Day, Joakim Soria, Josh Hamilton, Dan Uggla and Andy Sisco) did so in the 2000s.

Here’s a look at the success rates by year, as well as the best pick in each Rule 5 draft of the 2000s.

YearPicksStuckSTICK
PCTBest Pick(S)200010220.0%Jay Gibbons, OF200112650.0%Miguel Ascencio, RHP
Jorge Sosa, RHP2002281139.3%Javier Lopez, LHP
Aquilino Lopez, LHP200320420.0%Chris Shelton, 1B200412325.0%Andy Sisco, LHP200512325.0%Dan Uggla, 2B200619842.1%Josh Hamilton, OF
Joakim Soria, RHP200718316.7%Wesley Wright, LHP200821419.0%Darren O’Day, RHP
Everth Cabrera, SS200917423.5%Carlos Monasterios, RHP201018527.8%Nathan Adcock, RHP201113430.8%Marwin Gonzalez, SS201215533.3%Ryan Pressly, RHP
Hector Rondon, RHP20139333.3%Tommy Kahnle, RHP2014141071.4%Odubel Herrera, 2B
Mark Canha, 1B/OF201515533.3%Joey Rickard, OF201618738.9%Anthony Santander, OF201718633.3%Brad Keller, RHP201814321.4%Brandon Brennan, RHP201911436.4%Yohan Ramirez, RHP2020181055.6%Garrett Whitlock, RHP
Tyler Wells, RHP202215640.0%Ryan Noda, 1B
Kevin Kelly, RHP202310660.0%Mitch Spence, RHP
Stephen Kolek, RHP2024158*53.3%Shane Smith, RHP
Mike Vasil, RHP* Angel Bastardo has stuck for now, but he still has to spend 90 days on the Blue Jays’ active roster before he fulfills Rule 5 eligibility requirements.

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