When setting a date for hip replacement surgery, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy made sure to schedule it after the World Series.

What he didn’t consider was when the NL Manager of the Year would be announced.

That’s why Murphy was in a hospital bed Tuesday night recovering from an operation on his right hip when he became the first skipper from either league to win the award three years in a row.

“I’ve got nothing to do. I’m just sitting here,” Murphy quipped at the end of a call with reporters.

The award came less than two weeks after the Brewers won their first World Series title, and a day after the manager’s surgery in Milwaukee.

“The doctor gave me some dates and I just picked a date one day, and I had no idea that it was going to coincide. I wasn’t thinking in those terms,” said Murphy, who turns 68 on Nov. 28. “I was just thinking about what we had, task at hand. I mean, I probably picked it a month ago and obviously I picked it after the World Series was done, but I didn’t know we were going to be in the World Series at that time. But I thought it was a safe date to do it.”

Will Venable won AL Manager of the Year after his Chicago White Sox became the first major league team to reach the playoffs following consecutive 100-loss seasons. Only the third of three straight came under Venable, who took over in 2025. Chicago went 84-78 this year.

Balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America was conducted before the postseason, and results were announced Tuesday night.

Milwaukee has won the NL Central in all three years with Murphy as manager after he spent eight seasons on Craig Counsell’s coaching staff. The Brewers led the majors this year with a franchise-record 103 wins during the regular season, then in the playoffs swept the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series and beat Tampa Bay in a five-game World Series.

Murphy survived a heart attack in August 2020 that happened on the day of a Milwaukee workout.

The Brewers play in Major League Baseball’s smallest market and have a payroll in the bottom half of the sport, but have had the best record in the big leagues each of the past two seasons.

After sweeping the NLCS for their first World Series berth since their only other one in 1982, Murphy celebrated by saying the Dodgers had Hall of Famers but his team had gamers.

“I think it’s just a reflection of what our team has done,” Murphy said Tuesday night. “First and foremost is players, hungry players that are willing to live up to certain standards and have a focus and awareness about winning.”

Only three other managers have won the award three times in the same organization. Bobby Cox, one of three four-time winners along with Buck Showalter and Tony La Russa, earned three with the Atlanta Braves (1991, 2004 and 2005). Cox is also the only other back-to-back NL winner.

Terry Francona was a three-time winner with Cleveland (2013, 2016 and 2022), while Dusty Baker won three times with the San Francisco Giants (1993, 1997 and 2000).

White Sox Went From 102 Losses In Venable’s Debut To The Playoffs

Venable, a former big league outfielder, got his first managerial job when the White Sox were coming off 121 losses in 2024, a record for the most since 1900, after 101 losses the previous season. They went 60-102 in Venable’s debut and followed that this season when 19 rookies played and they made the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

“I’m really proud about the playoff appearance because it’s what the players believed from day one, you know, at a time when nobody, certainly nobody outside of our walls, believed that we were a playoff team,” Venable said. “There was real belief internally with our player group that they were a playoff team and beyond that, they were also willing to do the things necessary to turn that into a reality.”

After sweeping Houston in two road games in their AL Wild Card Series, the White Sox had a 2-0 series lead before losing a five-game AL Division Series to Cleveland.

Before he was hired by Chicago, Venable was on manager Bruce Bochy’s staff in Texas and was part of the Rangers’ only World Series title in 2023.

Venable, who played briefly for Murphy with the San Diego Padres in 2015, is the first White Sox manager to win the award since Ozzie Guillen in 2005.

Vote Totals For Both Awards

Murphy got 20 of 30 first-place votes and finished with 124 points. Atlanta’s Walt Weiss came in second with seven first-place votes and 86 points, while Philadelphia’s Don Mattingly was the other NL finalist and came in third. Mattingly got one first-place vote, and San Diego’s Craig Stammen got the remaining two.

Venable received 15 of 30 first-place votes and 111 points in the BBWAA balloting. The other AL finalists were two-time winner Kevin Cash of the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays, and Chad Tracy, who took over the Boston Red Sox in April and led them to the playoffs.

Cash was runner-up with 12 first-place votes and 98 points. Tracy got three first-place votes and 47 points.

The AL and NL Cy Young Award winners and Relievers of the Year will be announced Wednesday. MVP winners will be revealed Thursday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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LAS VEGAS — All the big free-agent moves and trades are still ahead as Major League Baseball executives, players and agents meet in person this week at the general manager meetings at the Aria hotel and resort in Las Vegas. 

Here are five takeaways from Day 1 of the meetings.

1.

‘Business As Usual’ Amid Lockout Talk

Ask nearly any executive about the looming lockout and the answers are strikingly uniform. 

“We’re here preparing for a business-as-usual offseason, a business-as-usual season,” Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “It seems like a normal offseason. That is the feeling, for me, when I talk to agents, when I talk to other executives, that’s the feedback I’m getting from them as well. The pacing of all of this feels very representative of what we’ve experienced in the past.”

Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1. Until then, agents and executives are expecting a frenzy of activity on the free agent market and trade front. As of Tuesday, when the GM meetings officially kicked off, no major moves had been executed.

“In terms of our process of evaluating players, valuing players, talking to agents and individual players, we’ve been doing kind of what we do every offseason, putting ourselves in position to make decisions,” said Padres GM A.J. Preller. “You factor in everything. The possibility of having a different economic system, you take that into consideration. But it’s really hard to predict what’s going to happen, what the exact system is going to be. Ultimately, if we see something we think makes sense for us both in the short and long term, we’re going to be prepared to act on it, but we’ll factor everything in, and it’ll all be part of our decision-making process.”

All of this talk is doing the heavy lifting of a potentially compressed calendar. The lockout will freeze all transactions once the CBA expires and the Winter Meetings will also be canceled, so these GM meetings are likely the only time top executives are in the same building.

At least one executive is looking forward to the unfamiliar nature of this offseason. 

“I think that’s what makes it fun,” new Astros GM Randy Flores said. “There is a lot of unknown. We’ll see how the pace of this — I think I remember last time we had an impending lockout there were some pretty major, major deals that happened. What I don’t recall is the pace on the trade front, so I’m asking our guys to kind of take a look just to use historical comps as a proxy for how active teams were in adjusting some of their roster decisions via trades.”

Added Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen: ‘”It seems like there’s been a lot of activity leading up to the GM Meetings. Like I said, it feels like some of the conversations we’ve had have been more robust conversations. But that may not mean anything. We may not get anything done. It’s hard to know what’s going to happen.”

Business as usual seems to be the collective message, even if the reality is more akin to a one-month sprint. — Deesha Thosar 

2.   Skubal Sweepstakes Heating Up

At least within the industry, the New York Mets appear to be the favorites to land this year’s belle of the ball, left-hander Tarik Skubal. The left-hander and two-time Cy Young award winner leads this year’s free-agent class by a long shot as the best player available on the market. 

The Mets have the financial might to meet Skubal’s demands, and they have the desperation to get a deal done. This year, they were the most disappointing team in baseball after failing to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season despite flashing one of the richest payrolls in the majors. Part of the reason for their demise was their lack of dependable pitching. Stearns thought he had an ace on the staff when he traded for right-hander Freddy Peralta, but that didn’t work out when Peralta recorded his worst career season in New York. Once again, the Mets need an ace to lead a rotation that currently consists of green arms, including Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Zac Thornton and Jonah Tong. 

Tarik Skubal is the top free agent on the board this winter. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)

“Having a complete rotation is really important and that includes pitchers who can successfully get through a playoff series,” Stearns said on Tuesday. “We’ve seen over and over again in the playoffs that that could be constructed in a variety of ways. And so we’re open to doing it any way possible.

Stearns declined to talk about any specific free agent, but a New York Post report indicated the Mets have a meeting set up with Skubal for next week. The Mets, of course, are not the only interested party. 

The Dodgers have been in touch with Skubal’s camp, which is led by agent Scott Boras, and their expectation is they will meet with the southpaw at some point. Skubal finished the year with the Dodgers after the Tigers traded him to Los Angeles at the summer deadline. In the regular season, he recorded a 2.61 ERA in 10 starts and 62 innings pitched for the Dodgers. In the postseason, he registered a 2.45 ERA in two starts and 11 innings pitched before the Dodgers were eliminated by the Brewers. 

“I think a lot of it is continuing to see what this all looks like,” Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes said regarding how aggressive the team will be in pursuit of Skubal. “He was awesome getting to know. He fit in great into the clubhouse. Obviously, we know what kind of pitcher he is. So for us, it’s understanding what this all looks like, as far as what does our team need? What does the contract look like? Where does he end up? I don’t know. We know we love the player, we love the human, and you kind of have to let things play out to understand what that looks like, and if it’s something that we’re gonna ultimately execute.” — Thosar 

3.

Nolan Arenado Open To First Base Switch?

Nolan Arenado has never played a position in the field other than third base over his 14-year career, but that could change in 2027. 

The Diamondbacks know they need to make pitching additions this winter, but general manager Mike Hazen also hopes to upgrade a lineup that ranked 26th in OPS against right-handed pitching. Depending on where those changes happen, it’s possible that Arenado  moves to first base — either full-time or on a part-time basis — to accommodate those upgrades. 

“He told us he’ll do whatever we ask,” Hazen said. “But we’ve talked through the scenario of what first base will look like full-time, too.” 

Could Nolan Arenado be in line for a position switch? (Photo by Casey Paul/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Hazen expressed regret that he didn’t do enough at the deadline to help a Diamondbacks team that missed the playoffs for a third straight season following their 2023 run to the World Series. He’ll have an opportunity to remedy that mistake this winter. 

The positions at which those offensive upgrades are made is still to be determined, but they’re more likely to happen in the infield than the outfield. Last year, Arizona first basemen ranked last in MLB in OPS. 

“DH, first base, third base, depending where Nolan ends up, are open areas for us right now,” Hazen told me. “Those are the most natural ways that we can fit that in.” 

Whether Arizona trades second baseman Ketel Marte — a rumored possibility last season — also remains to be seen. But the D-backs appear open to change as they try to get back to being playoff contenders. 

“I just think I have to be open to adjustments to what the roster looks like,” Hazen said. — RowanKavner

4.

Astros Finalizing Manager Search

The Astros filled their general manager opening two weeks ago by hiring former Cardinals assistant GM Randy Flores. Soon, Flores hopes to have the team’s manager opening filled as well. 

That decision could happen by the end of this week. 

“I’m hopeful,” Flores told me. “Now, hope and fact are two different things. But I’m hopeful.” 

Albert Pujols is among the names in the Astros manager search. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Flores assumed the rule previously held by Dana Brown, who was let go in August. The Astros ultimately won a weak AL West despite winning just 81 games before losing both games of the wild-card series. They did not renew the contract of manager Joe Espada last month. 

Among the candidates for the manager vacancy are a trio of former players in three-time MVP Albert Pujols and former Astros Brad Ausmus and Morgan Ensberg, though Flores said playing experience is not necessarily a prerequisite to getting the job. Owner Jim Crane and senior adviser Jeff Bagwell have also been involved in the interview process. 

“I want to be open-minded to whatever personality and profile that person is,” Flores said. “That’s what I want to do. Just look at our track record in the draft, with the Cardinals. There wasn’t a certain type of profile. It’s being open to whatever the board presents to you.” — Kavner 

5.

Yankees Hitting Group Still In Limbo

On Tuesday, Yankees GM Brian Cashman did not commit to what his coaching staff will look like next season, and that includes the fluid situation among his hitting group. As of now, the club is still deciding how to handle hitting-coach duties. James Rawson has served as the Yankees’ hitting coach since the 2024 season, but his contract expired after this season.

“James Rawson is a free agent,” Cashman said on Tuesday. “He’s talking to other clubs at the same time. We’re also engaged in the marketplace, and also internally determining what’s next and best for us. So it’s not resolved yet.”

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner pointed his finger at the Yankees offense as the reason for their early playoff exit following their 93-win season this year. Late last month, Steinbrenner expressed deep disappointment with the hitters, stating the unit was “inconsistent for long periods of time” and “detrimental to accomplishing numerous things, including the ultimate goal of winning a championship.” 

It’s not the first time Steinbrenner has blamed the Yankees offense for falling short of their championship goals, but nonetheless, his criticism brought a spotlight onto Rawson and the rest of the Yankees’ hitting-coach staff. With Giancarlo Stanton missing almost the entire season with calf strains and Aaron Judge playing in just 66 games due to a rib fracture and a calf strain, the Yankees offense recorded a 101 wRC+ this season, which indicates they were just one percent better than the league average. 

“I know one thing we’ll do is we’ll be instantly better if we have a healthy Aaron Judge,” Cashman said, stating the obvious. “That’s a clear statement. That’ll lengthen and deepen our lineup. But it’s my job to improve all aspects of it and not just count on him coming back to fix everything.” — Thosar

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United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino appears to be Manchester bound.

Manchester United are finalizing a deal to hire Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, if the club decides to sack club legend Michael Carrick following his 1W-5D-4L start to the Premier League season as manager, according to a report from The Athletic on Wednesday.

The move comes less than three months after Pochettino signed a four-year contract extension with U.S. Soccer in August, following the USA’s run to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

To get him out of that deal, United is expected to trigger Pochettino’s buyout clause, which is reportedly worth around $10 million. United and U.S. Soccer have yet to make official contact, according to The Athletic’s reporting.

Pochettino inherits a club in crisis. United sit in the Premier League’s relegation zone after a dismal start to the season under Carrick. United has not been relegated since the 1973-74 season. 

Carrick, a former United midfielder, was named permanent manager this past offseason after impressing as interim boss following Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January. His permanent tenure lasted less than six months.

Pochettino’s first match in charge could be one of the toughest on the calendar. United return from the international break against Liverpool on Nov. 22.

The 54-year-old Argentine is no stranger to the Premier League. He led Tottenham Hotspur to the 2019 Champions League final and later managed Chelsea for the 2023-24 season. He also won a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain. 

Pochettino took over the national team in September 2024. His departure leaves U.S. Soccer searching for a new coach ahead of the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals, with matches against Haiti on Nov. 14 and 17 in the United States.

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Jonathan Taylor may be the most talked-about name ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but the market is already shifting. With rumors swirling around the Colts star running back, one team has officially pulled its offer out of the running. 

FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer appeared on FOX NFL Kickoff’s pre-game show and gave the latest update on trade deadline rumors. He revealed that the Giants have officially withdrawn the offer they made weeks ago for Taylor.

“The Giants had offered a second-round pick and fifth-round pick for Jonathan Taylor,” Glazer said. “That was a couple weeks ago. Now that offer is off the table. So, unless the Colts come down for it, I don’t see that happening.”

The Giants were viewed as one of the front-runners for Taylor over the past few weeks. It’s unclear if the Colts have overplayed their hand, but other teams reported to be in the mix include the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, and Denver Broncos.

With the trade deadline set for Tuesday, the Colts could end up keeping Taylor after all if they don’t receive the “Christian McCaffrey trade package” they were initially seeking. His final game with Indianapolis might be on Sunday in Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Through eight games this season, Taylor has remained productive. He has carried the ball for 610 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry, adding 21 receptions for 202 yards through the air.

Whether Taylor is moved by the deadline remains to be seen, but with a full fire sale seemingly underway, a deal is well within the realm of possibility. The main focus now is identifying which suitors are genuinely in the mix and whether any team will meet the Colts’ steep asking price.

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Now that the Milwaukee Brewers proved to be MLB’s best team behind flame-throwing ace Jacob Misiorowski and bazooka-blasting World Series MVP William Contreras, we can turn our attention to what should be a pivotal offseason. 

All 30 teams will have things to address this winter, some more than others. Whether you’re the mighty Brewers, the revenge-seeking Los Angeles Dodgers, or a slew of AL contenders like the Tampa Bay Rays or New York Yankees, each team has one glaring issue to tackle before Opening Day. 

Let’s break it all down:

Click on a team below to navigate this post.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

NATIONAL LEAGUE

AL EAST

Baltimore Orioles

Biggest Need: Starting Pitching

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Starting pitcher Trevor Rogers. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

The lineup was a disappointment last year, but it’s easier to envision that group being better in 2026 (a bounceback from shortstop Gunnar Henderson, a healthier year for third baseman Jordan Westburg, etc.) than it is to see their rotation being good enough to contend in the AL East as currently constructed.

Shane Baz, Kyle Bradish and Brandon Young are fine pieces to fill out a rotation, and top pitching prospect Anthony Eyanson provides plenty of intrigue, but they need another top dog if Trevor Rogers doesn’t accept his qualifying offer. 

Boston Red Sox

Biggest Need: Power

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Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

For long stretches, this lineup was first baseman Willson Contreras, outfielder Wilyer Abreu Jr. or bust. The Red Sox were far too reliant on Contreras to be their power threat last season. Obviously, the injury to Roman Anthony played a part, and the midseason additions of catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder Curtis Mead could help them going forward. But the Red Sox could still use offensive upgrades at a number of spots after ranking 26th in home runs and 20th in slugging percentage last season.

New York Yankees

Biggest Need: Infield Bat

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Infielder/Outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

The Yankees probably should have done more at the deadline to address their bullpen, but their relievers in October combined to allow just one earned run in 15.2 innings. Their problem was an offense that looked anemic in the ALDS (.431 OPS) without star outfielder Aaron Judge, and now that group is losing dynamic infielder/outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. to free agency.

Outside of first base, there are a lot of questions about the offensive production of this infield. They need another reliable bat. 

Tampa Bay Rays

Biggest Need: Impact Bat

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Catcher Liam Hicks. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The addition of catcher Liam Hicks at the deadline was an important one. But even with the offensive upgrade at the backstop, the difference in lineup depth between the Rays and Brewers in the World Series was glaring.

The Nos. 7-9 hitters in Tampa Bay’s lineup went 6-for-49 with one RBI in the series. Overall, in the postseason, the Rays’ lineup produced a .584 OPS — a staggeringly low number for a World Series team. Tampa Bay needs more offensive depth if it wants to finally end its title drought. 

Toronto Blue Jays

Biggest Need: Impact Bat

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First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Blue Jays’ offense regressed in astonishing fashion, going from fourth in runs scored in 2025 to last in 2026. Their on-base percentage dropped from the highest in MLB in 2025 to 26th in 2026, and they produced the lowest hard-hit rate in MLB.

There’s a lot of work to be done to get this lineup back on track (starting with fixing first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.), but at least one more big bat feels like a necessity. 

AL CENTRAL

Chicago White Sox

Biggest Need: Starting Pitching

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Starting pitcher Luis Castillo. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)

How does this group take the next step after a resurgent 2026 season? Start with upgrading the rotation.

The White Sox, who were forced to get creative in the playoffs to account for their starting pitching concerns, now have an offseason to remedy their biggest issue. They can feel good about Sean Burke after a breakout 2026 season, but the questions start immediately after that.

Starter Davis Martin had a strong argument to be an All-Star but regressed significantly in the second half. The deadline move with Seattle for Luis Castillo was a mess, but maybe an offseason can get him right again. Rookie Hagen Smith starred in relief and could take a leap forward as a starter next year. Still, they need another proven starter (or two). 

Cleveland Guardians

Biggest Need: Power

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The Guardians were two wins away from the World Series this past season. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

New year, same story.

The Guardians, largely, were relying on their young hitters to fix their powerless lineup in 2026, and while there are obvious reasons to get excited about rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter and fellow rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana, the emergence of those two wasn’t enough — especially with franchise cornerstone Jose Ramirez not having a typical Ramirez season at third.

Cleveland recognized its need to improve offensively at the trade deadline by adding outfielder Jo Adell and first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, and while Adell is still under team control in 2027, more needs to be done to upgrade an offense that finished 26th in OPS and 27th in home runs and slugging percentage.

Detroit Tigers

Biggest Need: High-Leverage Relief (Pitching In General)

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Reliever Kenley Jansen. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

The Tigers had the same number of saves (32) as blown saves (32), and they declined their option on Kenley Jansen, who has now become a free agent. They should be active in free agency to add at least another bat and a starter after trading former Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and former first overall pick Casey Mize (who struggled with San Diego after the deal) at the deadline, but they also need someone they can rely upon to miss bats late in games.

Pitchers David Bednar, Adrian Morejon, Raisel Iglesias and Bryan Abreu would be among the many reasonable fits.

Kansas City Royals

Biggest Need: Bullpen/Outfield

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Reliever Steven Cruz. (Photo by Edward Monigan IV/Getty Images)

Their bullpen ranked 29th in ERA and 30th in strikeouts and WHIP, so that’s a clear area of need. But how much longer can the Royals continue going without making more of a concerted effort to improve their outfield?

Their moves on the margins last offseason didn’t work. In the 11 years since they won a World Series, the best their outfielders have ranked in OPS is 21st (and 22nd in wRC+). 

Minnesota Twins

Biggest Need: Bullpen

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Catcher Ryan Jeffers. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images)

The Twins will either need to bring catcher Ryan Jeffers back or find a way to replace his offensive production with another impact bat. But their biggest problem area, even after adding relievers at the trade deadline, is the bullpen.

They haven’t backfilled the losses from their 2025 deadline selloff and will need to do more work to patch up a bullpen that ranked 26th in ERA and 24th in strikeout-to-walk ratio.

AL WEST

Athletics

Biggest Need: Pitching

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Starting pitcher J.T. Ginn. (Photo by Scott Marshall/Getty Images)

No mystery here. Their offense underperformed last year, but their starters had a 5.61 ERA and their relievers had an MLB-worst 5.43 ERA.

It’s not going to be easy to convince difference-making arms to go to Sacramento, but the A’s have to open up the checkbook and try.

Houston Astros

Biggest Need: Outfield (Also, Manager And Starting Pitching)

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New Astros general manager Randy Flores. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images)

They have their new general manager in Randy Flores. They still need a manager, too. But, perhaps even more importantly, they need to fix their roster.

There’s still a logjam in the infield, there’s still not much help on the farm to supplement the aging core, and the needs in the outfield and rotation are still glaring. Their outfielders had the lowest OPS in the American League, and if they want to keep superstar slugger Yordan Alvarez off his feet, that position group needs to be addressed. 

Los Angeles Angels

Biggest Need: Make A Statement, Starting At The Top

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New Angels owner Stan Kroenke. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

There’s a new ownership group coming in, but until the other 29 owners give final approval, a roster overhaul might have to wait a bit.

Whenever that ownership approval happens, Stan Kroenke has a chance to make a splash — be it at general manager, manager, in free agency or all three — and announce with authority that there’s a new direction in Anaheim. Hiring the right person to lead them into the future will be vital.

There’s a lot to fix here, particularly with a lineup that had the highest strikeout rate and lowest OPS in MLB, but there is finally hope. Time to show why. 

Seattle Mariners

Biggest Need: Right-Handed Bat

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Outfielder Randy Arozarena. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/Getty Images)

After hiring Jason Kanzler as their new manager, their first order of business is done. Now, they need to figure out how to ensure last season’s embarrassing 76-win season was only a blip.

For starters, they need to improve an offense that ranked last in the majors against left-handed pitching. Their best hitter against lefties, outfielder Randy Arozarena, is now a free agent. A right-handed corner outfielder feels like a must for this lefty-heavy lineup — whether it’s Arozarena or someone else.

Texas Rangers

Biggest Need: Bullpen

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Rangers closer Jacob Latz. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

All-Star Jacob Latz was a revelation at closer, but that was one of the only positives for the Rangers’ bullpen, which ranked 23rd in ERA and 26th in strikeout rate and will once again need to be rebuilt with a number of key contributors no longer under contract.

NL EAST

Atlanta Braves

Biggest Need: Starting Pitching

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Braves ace Chris Sale (center). (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Veteran southpaw Chris Sale and right-handers Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder represent the only three arms the Braves can say, with certainty, will be a part of their Opening Day rotation.

Other, far less dependable internal options include right-handers Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Didier Fuentes and AJ Smith-Shawver. They all have concerns ranging from effectiveness, workload, health and innings.

Atlanta needs to externally add a starting pitcher with high upside, either through free agency or trade. Free-agent right-handers Freddy Peralta or Michael King could be good fits.

Miami Marlins

Biggest Need: Power

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(Photo by Brendon Baranov/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Miami, after finishing third in the division, has more going for it than people might assume. Right-handers Sandy Alcántara and Eury Perez anchor a strong rotation when healthy, and All-Star shortstop Otto Lopez and second baseman Xavier Edwards give the infield some life.

What’s missing is a true middle-of-the-order slugger. Left fielder Heriberto Hernandez hit 25 homers and first baseman/outfielder Kyle Stowers has power, but neither is a premier masher.

Landing a big bat would likely require more spending than the Marlins usually do, though it’s possible president of baseball operations Peter Bendix could get creative on the trade market.

New York Mets

Biggest Need: An Ace

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Mets starter Nolan McLean. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

You can argue that the Mets already have an ace on their starting-pitching staff with right-hander Nolan McLean, but president of baseball operations David Stearns already made that mistake heading into their disastrous 2026 season, and he’s extremely unlikely to put all his faith there again.

That being said, their young trio of arms is promising. McLean, Zac Thornton, Christian Scott (and even Jonah Tong) have shown flashes of potential and brilliance. But that established ace escapes them.

Except the Mets to be heavily in the mix for elite left-hander Tarik Skubal this winter.

Philadelphia Phillies

Biggest Need: Run-Producing Bats

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Bryce Harper (left) and Kyle Schwarber. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Phillies ranked 23rd in the majors with a .312 on-base percentage in 2026. Their team power was slightly worse, ranked 24th with a .395 slugging percentage that was anchored mostly by sluggers Kyle Schwarber (45 HR) and Bryce Harper (29 HR), but for now Philly just need to focus on drawing more walks and getting on base.

In 2026, the Phillies left much to be desired offensively from their catcher, left fielder, third baseman and shortstop. The hot corner is wide open for an upgrade, and whoever they go with must also be a sharp defender. The Phillies ranked 30th in Defensive Runs Saved with -51 this past season.

Washington Nationals

Biggest Need: Bullpen

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Nationals reliever Clayton Beeter. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Nationals are coming off a brutal season in which their relievers blew an MLB-record 42 saves, 11 more than the next-worst club, and five more than the previous league record. Washington’s bullpen ranked 28th in the majors with a 4.99 ERA.

Paired with the offense’s strong season, led by breakout years from their emerging young core, an effective bullpen could have changed their 2026 outlook and plunged the Nats into a playoff race. Major reinforcements are needed in the bullpen, but it’s hard to imagine they’ll be super aggressive via free agency, where closer David Bednar (35 saves with the Yankees) leads this year’s relief class.

NL CENTRAL

Cincinnati Reds

Biggest Need: Multiple Big Bats

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Third baseman Eugenio Suarez. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

It’s almost hard to believe, after catcher Sal Stewart crushed 32 home runs with 112 RBI and shortstop Elly De La Cruz enjoyed his first career 30-30 season, that the Reds scored the fewest runs 666) in the National League this year.

With third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who produced 25 home runs in 2026, and catcher Tyler Stephenson hitting free agency, Cincinnati will need to add multiple big bats to support Stewart and De La Cruz in the lineup.

Chicago Cubs

Biggest Need: Starting Pitching

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Right-hander Kevin Gausman. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Right-handers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes and southpaw Shota Imanaga are all exploring free agency. On top of that rotation dearth, the Cubs bullpen was inconsistent all year, which only adds to Chicago’s precarious pitching situation.

Left-hander Justin Steele and, eventually, right-hander Cade Horton are returning from injury, but no one profiles as the ace the Cubs would want in October. The lineup has enough depth to absorb losing outfielders Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, so president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer can focus on pitching, in particular paying for a top arm in a thin class.

Milwaukee Brewers

Biggest Need: Power

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First baseman Jake Bauers. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

I know, I know. The reigning champions don’t need power to inflict pain on their opponents thanks to their dynamic lineup depth and MLB-leading on-base skills.

But their 2026 leader in home runs just hit the open market, and unless first baseman Jake Bauers accepts Milwaukee’s qualifying offer to remain a Brewer for one more season, the club will have to find a way to replace his pop, which featured 26 home runs and an .874 OPS.

The Brewers are looking to repeat in 2027, and improving their power should be a top priority.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Biggest Need: Retain Brandon Lowe Or Pivot

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Second baseman Brandon Lowe. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Second baseman Brandon Lowe may have been the best trade of the 2025 offseason, hitting 35 homers with 96 RBI while playing strong defense. And he led a lineup that ranked sixth in MLB in runs (767) and OPS (.734). Lowe is now a free agent at 32, and keeping him figures to be expensive.

But Pittsburgh hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2015, and the club finally has a core that could put them over the hump. Re-signing Lowe could make the Bucs a legitimate threat, but it would be stunning if ownership committed to that kind of major investment.

If not, they’ll need to pivot to an offensive second or third baseman.

St. Louis Cardinals

Biggest Need: Bullpen

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Cardinals closer Riley O’Brien. (Photo by Colten Strauss/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

The Cardinals are still rebuilding in 2027 while focusing on next steps forward from their emerging young players. Understanding that president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is not going to be aggressive on the open market, practical upgrades, likely through trades or the waiver wire during the season, is the team’s likeliest approach to improving the bullpen.

Expect another Ryne Stanek-type pickup to address their relief needs – the 34-year-old had a 4.02 ERA in 70 appearances – as well as giving their prospects some decent runway to find out where they fit into their future.

NL WEST

Arizona Diamondbacks

Biggest Need: First Base

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First baseman Ildemaro Vargas. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Arizona’s lineup is loaded with talent between second baseman Ketel Marte, catcher Gabriel Moreno, center fielder Corbin Carroll and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, but first base left much to be desired this year.

D-backs first basemen ranked last in the majors with a .636 OPS in 2026. Give credit to Arizona for trying to fix the problem: the club saw 15 first basemen occupying the corner infield spot throughout the course of the season.

Arizona must focus on adding a legitimate power bat at first base, and free agent Jake Bauers (26 HR, .864 OPS) could be their best fit, although he’ll have multiple suitors.

Colorado Rockies

Biggest Need: Get A Haul For Hunter Goodman

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Catcher Hunter Goodman. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

It would be a disappointment if the Rockies didn’t find a trade partner for catcher Hunter Goodman, who’s coming off a 41-homer season and is under team control through 2029, which is exactly why now is the time to trade him. His batting average and on-base percentage declined this year, and his defense behind the plate is subpar, but power-hitting catchers are unicorns, and it’s hard to imagine a contender would struggle that much to strike a deal for the 27-year-old.

With a limited number of power bats in free agency, Goodman’s market should be strong.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Biggest Need: Get Younger

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Outfielder Josue De Paula. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The Dodgers had the oldest position-player group in the majors this year, and their collective age showed throughout the regular season, leading up to getting swept in the NLCS by the Brewers. How can the Dodgers get younger?

They can start by making room for 21-year-old outfielder Josue De Paula. With Shohei Ohtani occupying designated-hitter duties and Kyle Tucker cemented in right field, Los Angeles will have to trade or platoon Teoscar Hernandez to free up space for De Paula, and injecting that youth into an aging lineup should create a necessary spark.

San Diego Padres

Biggest Need: Starting Pitching

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Right-hander Michael King. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

San Diego’s rotation is depleted.

Trade-deadline pickups Robbie Ray and Casey Mize struggled and have since hit free agency. Right-hander Michael King declined his player option, and the Padres declined Nick Pivetta’s club option, so both are now free agents. And Walker Buehler is also exploring the market. Veteran starters Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove carry major health concerns, and the depth beyond them is practically non-existent.

The new owners’ willingness to spend will determine just how aggressively general manager A.J. Preller can rebuild the starting-pitching staff.

San Francisco Giants

Biggest Need: Starting Pitching

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Starting pitcher Logan Webb. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Three thrashings away from a 100-loss season, the Giants have plenty of needs to pick from, but the rotation tops the list.

Right-hander Logan Webb, entering his age-30 season, is still the ace of the staff. Right-hander Landen Roupp had a solid enough year, but there’s little reliability beyond those two rotation arms. Right-hander Adrian Houser pitched his way out of the rotation, and southpaw Matt Wilkinson completed five innings just twice in six starts.

The Giants realistically need to add at least two starters to stabilize the rotation, and they have the prospect capital to be aggressive with trades.

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Philip Rivers is going back to school, and he’s returning to a place where he became a college legend.

The former NFL star quarterback has agreed to a deal to become NC State’s next head coach, The Athletic and On3 reported Sunday. 

Rivers, who played 17 seasons in the NFL, is an NC State legend. The program retired his jersey number (17) in 2013, 10 years after he completed his four-year tenure as the Wolfpack’s starting quarterback. He threw for 13,484 yards with 95 touchdowns and 34 interceptions, finishing seventh in Heisman Trophy voting as a senior.

While Rivers has never coached at the college level, he has coaching experience. He’s coached at St. Michael Catholic High School in Alabama since his first NFL retirement in 2021. He resumed coaching at St. Michael Catholic University after his unretirement last year to briefly join the Indianapolis Colts. 

Rivers replaces longtime NC State head coach Dave Doeren, who was fired in late October in the midst of his 14th season. At the time of his firing, Doeren was the fourth-longest-tenured coach in the FBS and leaves as the winningest coach in program history with a 95-70 record.

Rivers wasn’t the only former NFL quarterback who was a candidate for the job. Russell Willson, who also played at NC State, interviewed for the job earlier in November.

NC State’s decision to bring back Rivers also comes as his son, Gunner Rivers, is set to join the program. Gunner Rivers, a four-star quarterback, is part of the Wolfpack’s 2027 recruiting class, committing to join the program last year. 

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NFL Week 9 features a loaded Sunday slate with plenty of intriguing matchups, including the New York Giants visiting the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys heading to Indianapolis to face the Colts. New Polymarket users can get a $25 bonus when they sign up using promo code FOX.

The Eagles look to take care of business at home against their NFC East rivals, while the Giants will be aiming to make a statement on the road. 

Elsewhere, the Cowboys and Colts meet in Indianapolis in another compelling matchup, giving NFL fans plenty of games to follow and markets to explore throughout the day.

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How to Watch Cowboys vs. Colts

• When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

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NFL Week 9 brings another exciting Sunday slate, highlighted by a pair of intriguing matchups as the Dallas Cowboys visit the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants take on the Philadelphia Eagles. New Underdog users can play $10 and get $50 when they sign up with promo code FOXSPORTS.

The Cowboys and Colts meet in Indianapolis with both teams looking to make a statement as the playoff race heats up. Meanwhile, the Eagles look to protect their home field against a division rival, with the Giants hoping to pull off an upset in a crucial NFC East matchup. 

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How to Watch Cowboys vs. Colts

• When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
• TV: FOX
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One

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With plenty of teams in contention this season, the NFL trade deadline might be busier than usual.

“FOX NFL Sunday” is on site ahead of Veterans Day with Army (West Point, N.Y.) and Navy (Annapolis, Md.). Jay Glazer is in Annapolis, and he asked cadets which teams they were interested in hearing about. Here are the answers he gave for every team:

Derrick Henry Not Getting Traded

The Baltimore Ravens were a team to watch ahead of the deadline regarding the status of running back Derrick Henry.

Per Glazer, the Ravens are making it clear that Henry is set to stay in Baltimore ahead of the deadline.

“Derrick Henry’s not getting traded,” Glazer said. “Actually, Lamar Jackson told teammates he thinks he’s going to be able to come back at some point later this year, so he’s not getting traded.”

Bills Have Eyes On Pass-Rusher

The Buffalo Bills entered Week 9 sitting pretty at 6-1 and atop most NFL power rankings. They lead the NFL with 233 points scored this season, and that’s with one fewer game played than most other teams.

So, the key for Buffalo? Defense.

The Bills’ focus at the trade deadline is defense, but more specifically the secondary. After releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Buffalo is in search for someone to fill his role in the backfield.

According to Glazer, that’s what general manager Brandon Beane is focused on ahead of Tuesday.

Jaguars Looking For Pass-Rusher

The No. 2 scoring defense in the NFL still has room to improve. That’s especially the case with the news of defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton being sidelined for the rest of the season with a torn quad. Now, Jacksonville is looking to the deadline to fill Hamilton’s role.

“The Jaguars … they are looking for a defensive tackle,” Glazer said. “They’re trying to get richer before the trade deadline.”

Nothing Imminent For Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys defense is something that can always be improved, especially after placing rookie Malachi Lawrence on injured reserve earlier this season. But what’s in store for Dallas at this trade deadline?

While the Cowboys usually make moves come the trade deadline, it appears Dallas is staying put this year. 

Per Glazer, general manager and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has no plans for any splashy trades.

“Cowboys, man, they’re always in at the trade deadline, but I’m told nothing’s imminent there,” Glazer said. “Not like a normal splash for the Cowboys.”

Updates On Steelers, Chiefs, 49ers

While teams like the Cowboys and the Jaguars are looking to bolster their defense at the trade deadline, a few others are looking to strengthen their offense, specifically the passing game.

The San Francisco 49ers are without receiver Ricky Pearsall due to injury; the Steelers are looking for another pass-catcher to join DK Metcalf. The Chiefs are in the same boat, looking to give Patrick Mahomes another target.

Per Glazer, all three teams are seeking wide receivers at the deadline.

“The Steelers are still looking for a receiver,” Glazer said. “The 49ers, last week I told you that they tried to trade for a receiver; they’re in it. And the Chiefs are in it for a receiver too.”

The Patriots Aiming For Pass-Rusher

The Patriots made a blockbuster trade of their own in June, trading a 2028 first-round and 2027 fifth-round pick for wide receiver A.J. Brown. Now, the Patriots are looking at the other side of the ball ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

New England’s defense ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing defense, and that’s exactly what owner Robert Kraft is looking to add.

Per Glazer, despite injuries across the team, the Patriots have their sights set on a pass rusher ahead of the deadline.

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It has been a difficult opening stretch for both teams, with Houston trying to steady itself in the AFC South and Los Angeles still searching for its first win.

The Los Angeles Chargers host the Houston Texans in NFL Week 9 on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 4:05 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.

Los Angeles enters at 0-7 and in fourth place in the AFC West, carrying a seven-game losing streak into this matchup. The Chargers have scored 15.0 points per game, and that is the lowest mark in the league. Their offense has also posted 168 passing yards per game and a 34.1 percent third-down rate, both bottom 10 figures, which helps explain the early hole.

Houston comes in at 2-5 and second place in the AFC South. The Texans have been more productive through the air, averaging 253 passing yards per game, a top 10 mark, while scoring 23.6 points per game. Ball security has also helped them stay competitive, with a plus-3 turnover margin and only 2 fumbles lost through seven games.

Below are the details on how to watch.

How to Watch Texans vs. Chargers

• When: Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 4:05 p.m. ET
• Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
• TV: CBS
• Stream: Paramount+
• Follow Live: FOX Sports

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