Now that the 2026 MLB season has reached the quarter level, contenders are starting to separate themselves from the remainder of the pack. Nevertheless, as groups look to solidify themselves as contenders, they nonetheless have holes on the roster. Let’s check out the most important holes on every division chief.
Largest wants for every division chief to date
The Rays took a low-risk gamble that outfielder Cedric Mullins might rebound after a disappointing 2025 season. He has been even worse this season, getting into Friday with a .150/.204/.228 batting line in his 141 plate appearances. Whereas the Rays are usually not going to be procuring on the high of the market, discovering a greater possibility must be atop their procuring record.
Outfielder Steven Kwan has been the Guardians leadoff hitter for 571 of his 624 profession video games, together with all 40 of his begins this season. He has struggled in each side with the bat to date, posting a career-worst .206/.311/.265 batting line over 182 plate appearances. The Guardians shouldn’t have many choices to take over — third baseman Jose Ramirez could be an attention-grabbing match — making a viable high of the lineup presence a possible want.
AL West: Athletics — nearer
The A’s appeared to have settled on a more in-depth in Jack Perkins; nevertheless, he has struggled for the reason that calendar turned to Might. Perkins has allowed seven runs, 5 earned, on seven hits and two walks over 3.2 innings, blowing two saves and taking the loss every time. The A’s will go so far as their lineup can take them, however having a confirmed possibility for the ninth inning improves their margin for error.
The Braves misplaced a key a part of their lineup when outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the 2026 season after a second violation of the league’s substance abuse coverage. Outfielders Mike Yastrzemski and Eli White have shaped a platoon in left within the interim however have struggled offensively. Braves left fielders have posted a mixed .601 OPS, twenty seventh within the majors. The Braves have the farm system to make a major addition forward of the commerce deadline, with their outfield a transparent want.
NL Central: Chicago Cubs — beginning pitching
Accidents have taken their toll on the Cubs pitching employees, with starters Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton and Justin Steele on the injured record. Whereas Boyd and Steele ought to return sooner or later this season, including one other beginning pitcher would bolster the Cubs’ probabilities down the stretch. Steele could also be restricted in regard to a pitch depend, making an addition to the rotation all of the extra mandatory.
The Dodgers appeared to have solved their downside within the ninth inning by signing nearer Edwin Diaz to a three-year, $60 million contract. Nevertheless, Diaz is on the injured record after present process a process to take away unfastened our bodies in his proper elbow and isn’t anticipated again till someday after the All-Star break. Diaz may very well be in authorized hassle as he has been linked to an unlawful cockfighting ring in Puerto Rico. Even when Diaz can return and be the All-Star nearer he has been up to now, the Dodgers might nonetheless use assist bridging the center innings to their nearer.
