Remaining team needs: AL, NL Central
Nearly a month after the St. Louis Cardinals signed outfielder Dexter Fowler to a five-year deal, the Cleveland Indians officially inked slugger Edwin Encarnacion to a three-year contract Thursday, giving both Central division squads notable upgrades.
While the Indians made themselves a favorite in the American League Central by adding the power-hitting Encarnacion, the Cardinals' addition of Fowler in the National League Central certainly gives them more of a chance to dethrone the favored Chicago Cubs.
Along with the Indians and Cardinals, here are the remaining needs of every team in the AL and NL Central divisions.
AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
Chicago White Sox
Team needs: Outfielder, reliever
Potential targets: Desmond Jennings, Peter Bourjos, Vance Worley, Trevor Cahill
After trading left-hander Chris Sale and outfielder Adam Eaton, and with David Robertson, Jose Abreu, and Todd Frazier reportedly drawing trade interest, the Chicago White Sox appear to be moving in the direction of a rebuild, so it's unlikely they'll make any splashy major-league additions ahead of next season. They could add a low-cost outfielder such as Jennings or Bourjos with the idea of flipping them at the deadline if they can produce during the first half.
Cleveland Indians
Team needs: Utility player
Potential targets: Chris Coghlan, Dustin Ackley
After adding Encarnacion to the heart of their lineup alongside a returning Michael Brantley, the Indians don't need to do much else. Signing a super-utility player wouldn't hurt if it was a low-cost addition, however. Both Coghlan and Ackley could fit the bill, as they have experience playing in both the infield and outfield.
Detroit Tigers
Team needs: Reliever, center fielder
Potential targets: Santiago Casilla, David Hernandez, Michael Bourn
The Detroit Tigers narrowly missed the postseason, finishing 2 1/2 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the final wild-card spot. Their bullpen didn't help them any, as it finished 13th in the AL in ERA, allowing opposing hitters to bat .260. Francisco Rodriguez is still a capable closer at the Tigers backend, but adding seasoned veteran Casilla - who's reportedly receiving no interest in free agency even with 127 career saves on his resume - could be a suitable fit for the suddenly thrifty Tigers.
Kansas City Royals
Team needs: Starting pitcher
Potential targets: Jason Hammel, Jered Weaver, Colby Lewis, Doug Fister
The 2015 World Series champions are going to have quite a task ahead of them trying to dethrone the Indians atop the Central division, but their lineup is still a good one, with the likes of Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, and Salvador Perez leading the way. If the Royals plan to capitalize on having Cain and Mike Moustakas in their lineup before they become free agents at the end of 2017, they'll need to act now. Adding a starting pitcher to the mix will help their chances, and the experienced Hammel seems like a logical fit.
Minnesota Twins
Team needs: Starting pitcher, reliever, corner outfielder
Potential targets: Bud Norris, Carlos Villanueva, Gregor Blanco, Drew Stubbs
After finishing the 2016 campaign with the worst record in the big leagues, the Minnesota Twins seem poised for a turnaround, although they haven't added much - aside from catcher Jason Castro - to their lineup during the offseason. Adding a long-relief type, who could also start, would be beneficial to the Twins, with Norris and Villanueva coming to mind, while Blanco and Stubbs seem like reasonably affordable fits in Minnesota's outfield.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs
Team needs: Starting pitcher, reliever
Potential targets: Cahill, Tyson Ross, Travis Wood
The defending World Series champions look strong yet again entering the 2017 campaign, but even they could add a few pieces to their already formidable squad. Chicago has reportedly been named a favorite to land free-agent right-hander Tyson Ross to fill out their rotation, while re-signing the durable Wood and sneaky good Cahill could be great moves for Theo Epstein and Co.
Cincinnati Reds
Team needs: Starting pitcher, corner outfielder, reliever
Potential targets: Edwin Jackson, C.J. Wilson, Colby Rasmus, Ackley, Coghlan, Tommy Hunter
The Cincinnati Reds finished 2016 tied with the worst record in the NL despite having one of the game's best hitters, Joey Votto, in their lineup. It appears the Reds are going to continue to roll with a similar lineup to last season, although Jose Peraza could see more playing time. Adding veterans such as Ackley or Rasmus (if the price is right) to the mix could help with the development of the Reds up-and-coming players, and possibly provide their rebuilding franchise with players to flip in exchange for prospects at the deadline.
Milwaukee Brewers
Team needs: Starter, reliever, catcher
Potential targets: Ross Detwiler, Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Luke Hochevar, Tom Wilhelmsen, Nick Hundley
The Milwaukee Brewers made small strides through the offseason, adding Eric Thames, Travis Shaw, Tommy Milone, and Jett Bandy to their club, but they don't appear ready to make a serious move in the division just yet. It's likely that if the Brewers make more additions they'll be of the smaller, more affordable variety. Pitchers such as Detwiler, Hochevar, and Niese seem like good fits, while Hundley could slot in behind the plate on a cheap deal to give them a better option at catcher.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Team needs: Fourth outfielder, starting pitcher
Potential targets: Angel Pagan, Nolan Reimold, Jake Peavy, Mat Latos
Most of the offseason attention surrounding the Pittsburgh Pirates revolved around if 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen would still be with the club to begin next season. It appears he's going to enter spring training a Pirate, which means Pittsburgh can turn its attention elsewhere. Adding a veteran to their outfield and/or rotation would be fine moves by general manager Neal Huntington. Pagan and Peavy come to mind as possible targets.
St. Louis Cardinals
Team needs: Backup catcher
Potential targets: Dioner Navarro, Jarrod Saltalamacchia
After adding Fowler to the mix, the Cardinals found the leadoff hitter they were missing atop their lineup, and they really don't need much else if they can stay healthy. One area where they could improve is behind the dish. Eight-time Gold Glover Yadier Molina is a rock behind the plate, but giving the 34-year-old veteran some more days off would be beneficial for the Cardinals, who have him under contract for at least one more season. Upgrading over Eric Fryer - who would be the backup if the season started today - with the likes of the switch-hitting Navarro or Saltalamacchia wouldn't break the bank.