National League offseason report cards
We're less than two months into the offseason, but with most of the top free agents off the board and the winter meetings behind us, it's a good opportunity to reflect on what teams have done so far.
Think of this as a progress report - there's still plenty of time for clubs to address needs and improve their rosters.
Below are offseason grades for all 15 National League teams. Click here for the American League.
NL East
Miami Marlins: A
The Marlins locked up slugger Giancarlo Stanton to a record-breaking 13-year, $325-million contract extension early in the offseason, and then made a splash at the winter meetings by acquiring right-hander Mat Latos and second baseman Dee Gordon.
Atlanta Braves: B
Jason Heyward never lived up to high expectations in Atlanta, which resulted in him being dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a package for right-hander Shelby Miller. John Hart promptly replaced the outfielder by signing Nick Markakis to a four-year contract and adding infielder Alberto Callaspo for depth. The big question in Atlanta, though, is whether Evan Gattis and/or Justin Upton will be dealt at some point this winter.
New York Mets: B-
The Mets added a former batting champion when they signed outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year, $21-million contract. Now they have to address a hole at the shortstop position, probably by dealing one of their starting pitchers (Dillon Gee, Jon Niese, Bartolo Colon).
Philadelphia Phillies: D
Ruben Amaro Jr. is finally accepting it's time to rebuild as evidenced by his decision to trade the franchise's all-time hits leader, Jimmy Rollins, to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Marlon Byrd and Cole Hamels could be next to pack their bags.
Washington Nationals: D-
All smoke and no fire at this point in Washington. Rumors Jordan Zimmermann and/or Doug Fister would be traded at the winter meetings were rampant, but nothing came to fruition. The good news: Mike Rizzo's team is already a World Series contender with its current roster.
NL Central
Chicago Cubs: A+
The Cubs made a splash by inking left-hander Jon Lester to a six-year, $155-million contract, and added Jason Hammel and Miguel Montero to the mix. Now it's up to new manager Joe Maddon to build chemistry between the young up-and-coming players and veterans to make this team a contender.
St. Louis Cardinals: B
The tragic loss of Oscar Taveras threw this team for a loop, but John Mozeliak responded with some subtle signings. Matt Belisle and Mark Reynolds should help the club and the addition of Heyward to play right field could pay huge dividends if he finally plays up to his potential.
Pittsburgh Pirates: B-
Kudos to the Pirates for retaining the services of Francisco Liriano by signing him to a three-year, $39-million deal. They also lured A.J. Burnett back to town on a one-year pact to help solidify the rotation. Newcomers Sean Rodriguez, Francisco Cervelli and Antonio Bastardo marginally improve a club which lost catcher Russell Martin to the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency.
Milwaukee Brewers: C
The Brewers have made only one major move this offseason, sending right-hander Marco Estrada to the Blue Jays for first baseman Adam Lind. The team desperately needed a power left-handed bat and Estrada shouldn't be missed.
Cincinnati Reds: D
Walt Jocketty is in a pickle with so many expiring contracts beyond next season. The result: Alfredo Simon and Latos have been shipped out of town without Jocketty getting anything in return that can immediately help the team.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers: A
The Dodgers exploded at the winter meetings with a flurry of signings and trades, including sending outfielder Matt Kemp and his huge contract to the San Diego Padres. This team's pockets are deep, and Andrew Friedman and Co. may not be done overhauling the roster just yet (i.e. Max Scherzer).
Arizona Diamondbacks: B+
The D-backs won the Yasmany Tomas sweepstakes, and made a few trades that should help the team both now and in the future. Jeremy Hellickson is a nice addition and Arizona has acquired a stable of young pitchers by dealing Miguel Montero and Wade Miley.
San Diego Padres: B
Padres fans finally have a superstar-caliber player to cheer for in Kemp. This team desperately needed offense, and if Kemp stays healthy, he will surely become the new face of the franchise.
Colorado Rockies: D
The Rockies have made a few minor trades, but have done nothing to improve the club. The Troy Tulowitzki trade rumors continue to hang over the club like the Rocky Mountain mist, and this franchise won't be able to move on until it's addressed one way or another.
San Francisco Giants: F
The Giants have won three World Series titles in five years, but Brian Sabean's failure to land an impact player by trade or through free agency is worrying the fan base about the 2015 campaign. Sabean struck out on Jon Lester, and has to fill the void at third base after Pablo Sandoval bolted for Boston.