5 teams that should improve in 2017

The offseason has been electric, with a number of trades and free-agent signings that shook up rosters ahead of spring training.

While some clubs made moves to bolster their farm systems for the future, others went all-in with sights set on dethroning the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.

Here are five of those latter teams that should be better in 2017, based on significant offseason acquisitions:

Houston Astros

Notable additions: Nori Aoki, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, Charlie Morton, Josh Reddick

After nearly reaching the American League Championship Series in 2015, the Astros fell far short of early projections last season - winning 84 games and missing the postseason - which had them as legitimate World Series contenders. In response, general manager Jeff Luhnow dished out more than $100 million this offseason to add Nori Aoki, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, Charlie Morton, and Josh Reddick to an already impressive roster built around Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, and George Springer.

St. Louis Cardinals

Notable additions: Brett Cecil, Dexter Fowler

For the first time since 2010, St. Louis didn't make the playoffs last season after finishing 17 1/2 games behind the NL Central-winning Cubs. In an effort to improve, the Cardinals' front office nabbed free-agent outfielder and leadoff man Dexter Fowler from the rival Cubs with a five-year, $82.5-million contract, while bolstering their bullpen with the addition of left-hander Brett Cecil via a four-year deal. The Cardinals did lose long-serving veteran Matt Holliday to the New York Yankees in free agency, but Fowler should be an upgrade.

Cleveland Indians

Notable additions: Chris Colabello, Edwin Encarnacion, Nick Goody

The Indians were so close to winning their first World Series title since 1948, they could practically taste it. So, when they signed slugger Edwin Encarnacion - one of the top free agents available - it came as a shocking surprise. The normally frugal Indians didn't need to add much heading into next season, but dishing out $20 million annually to Encarnacion - who hit 42 home runs and drove in 127 runs last year - should keep them as the favorite to repeat as AL champion.

Colorado Rockies

Notable additions: Ian Desmond, Mike Dunn

The Rockies don't appear scared of the deep-pocketed Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in the NL West. Colorado spent heavily to add free agent Ian Desmond - inking him to a five-year, $70-million deal - and reliever Mike Dunn, with the idea of making the division more than a two-pony race. Adding Desmond to a lineup already consisting of Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon et al. should give the Rockies one of the most formidable offensive teams in the NL, whether they're hitting at Coors Field or not.

Boston Red Sox

Notable additions: Mitch Moreland, Chris Sale, Tyler Thornburg

What a day Dec. 6 was for Dave Dombrowski and Boston's front office. After the Red Sox acquired one of the best strikeout relievers in baseball, Tyler Thornburg, from the Milwaukee Brewers, the baseball world was hit with a tidal wave when they landed ace starter Chris Sale from the Chicago White Sox. While the Red Sox dealt the farm to acquire the southpaw, they immediately became favorites to repeat as AL East champion, putting their name in contention as arguably the best team in baseball. Losing David Ortiz won't help, but Dombrowski is hoping a turnaround from Pablo Sandoval combined with the acquisition of Mitch Moreland can help make up for Big Papi's retirement.