How NL Teams Have Addressed Their Weakest Positions Of 2023
Let's take a look at how National League teams have addressed their weakest positions from the previous season.
Braves (Pinch-hitting, 0.3 bWAR)
The Braves had one of the best offensive lineups in baseball history, which resulted in their success in the previous season. The bench didn't get much playing time due to the durability and performance of the everyday players. However, they expect Vaughn Grissom to have a larger role, and they acquired David Fletcher as a backup infield upgrade.
These additions should improve the bench depth of the team.
David Fletcher, in particular, was acquired from the Angels as a backup infield upgrade.
Brewers (First base, 0.4 bWAR)
The Brewers have some uncertainty at the first base position as Carlos Santana is a free agent, Rowdy Tellez was non-tendered, and Mark Canha was traded to the Tigers. The general manager of the Brewers, Matt Arnold, hinted that Santana could return and prospect Tyler Black could also factor into the mix.
Currently, Jake Bauers and Owen Miller are projected to platoon at first base.
Cardinals (Pinch-hitting, 0.2 bWAR)
While the Cardinals have well-documented rotation problems, pinch-hitting was technically their weakest point. The Cardinals have plenty of versatile position-player depth, but they need to figure out who will be regulars in the lineup or possibly off the team.
Improvement in this area might come from better results from their in-house options.
Cubs (First base, 0.4 bWAR)
The Cubs had Cody Bellinger as their first baseman, but he didn't perform as well as expected. The Cubs are actively exploring trade and free agent targets to improve the first base position and have been linked to Pete Alonso, Josh Naylor, Rhys Hoskins, and a reunion with Bellinger.
The Cubs are likely to make a move to upgrade the position.
