What each MLB team would like under their Christmas Tree
Picking just one thing for each is a difficult choice
Every MLB team’s Christmas list includes a wish for good team health. Trying to boil down one team’s best ‘gift’ for Christmas is mostly, if not entirely, silly. Undeterred, I gave it a try. The teams are listed in alphabetical order by city in their division. This looks strange since everything seems out of order when you consider all recent season performances. The White Sox on top is something their fans can only dream about right now! Just take the win. The same is true for the Colorado Rockies. Take any win for that matter!
The Baltimore Orioles have a legitimate shot at doing what the Toronto Blue Jays did in 2025. The O’s have a shot to go from worst in the division to first!
One thing that might be wished for by each of the 30 MLB teams
Baltimore Orioles – A number #1 pitcher. Can that pitcher emerge from within?
Boston Red Sox – We know Garrett Crochet is the clear #1, how about a real #2 starting pitcher?
New York Yankees – A solid season on both sides of the ball for shortstop Anthony Volpe.
Tampa Bay Rays – That fans remember how to get to Tropicana Field
Toronto Blue Jays – A lock-down closer who is not on the roster right now. Apologies to Louis Varland.
Chicago White Sox – Three reasons White Sox fans should pay to watch the team. Munetaka Murakami is hopefully one.
Cleveland Guardians – Someone in the lineup good enough to make it tougher to pitch around Jose Ramirez. And Ramirez will still mash anyway.
Detroit Tigers – Alex Bregman, because he’s exactly what they need.
Kansas City Royals – Kyle Tucker, because he’s exactly what they need.
Minnesota Twins – A clear sign from new ownership that they will spend money on players. Good ones, not placeholders.
Houston Astros – Framber Valdez. Bring him back!
Los Angeles Angels – Gift certificate to shop more upscale than at Wal-Mart.
Not Sacramento As – Being able to hold tight to the improving young core and not trade them.
Seattle Mariners – Trade for Ketel Marte, because he’s exactly what they need.
Texas Rangers – Starting pitchers.
Atlanta Braves – Austin Riley going back to being the good Austin Riley.
Florida Marlins – Resisting the temptation to trade the star pitchers – Alancantra, Cabrera, and Perez.
New York Mets – Now that Pete Alonso has departed, a first baseman who can both hit and field.
Philadelphia Phillies – Re-sign J.T. Realmulto. Even at a lower productivity level he’s the glue.
Washington Nationals – Show the ability to transition from being a young increasingly talented team to a young, smart, talented team.
Chicago Cubs – A replacement for Kyle Tucker.
Cincinnati Reds – A running mate for Elly de la Cruz.
Milwaukee Brewers – More Brewer magic dust.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Finding a slugger from the scrap heap or from within the organization.
St. Louis Cardinals – A commitment to truly rebuild.
Arizona Diamondbacks – A replacement for Ketel Marte if they are crazy enough to trade him.
Colorado Rockies – See White Sox.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Winning every single game because that’s all that’s left.
San Diego Padres – Finishing with a better record than the Dodgers.
San Francisco Giants – Discovering that Tony Vitello really is a genius.
Merry Christmas to all!
About the Author: Mark Kolier along with his son Gordon co-hosts a baseball podcast called ‘Almost Cooperstown’. He also has written baseball-related articles that can be accessed on Medium.com and now Substack.com.