The 2024 playoffs have reached the final four teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets in the National League, and the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees in the American League. With the end of the season on September 29, many teams are now focused on player health, with reports of surgeries surfacing.

One notable case is Adam Frazier of the Kansas City Royals, who played through a thumb injury this season. Despite the pain, he managed to participate in 104 games, but will now undergo surgery. His future with the Royals remains uncertain as they evaluate their roster for the next season.

The Seattle Mariners are facing a critical offseason decision regarding their second base position, which has seen a variety of players since Robinson Cano's departure in 2018. With the likelihood of declining Jorge Polanco's $12 million option due to his poor performance and injury issues, the team is exploring alternatives.

In-house candidates include Ryan Bliss and Cole Young, while Josh Rojas could also be shifted to second base. An intriguing new option is Hyesong Kim from the Kiwoom Heroes, a promising infielder known for his solid hitting and defensive skills. As the Mariners prepare for the future, they aim to enhance their lineup and reduce strikeouts.

The Kansas City Royals quickly eliminated the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Wild Card Series, advancing to the ALDS. Bobby Witt Jr. has emerged as a key player, drawing attention in the MVP race.

As the Royals look to bolster their offense for 2025, they might target Paul Goldschmidt, who is expected to leave the St. Louis Cardinals as they begin a rebuild. Goldschmidt's veteran presence could complement the young Royals lineup, especially alongside Witt.

The Kansas City Royals are on the brink of advancing to the American League Division Series for the first time since 2015 after a narrow 1-0 victory against the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card Series opener.

As they eye a potential World Series run, the Royals face offseason challenges with several players becoming free agents, including Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier. They may consider trades to bolster their roster, with St. Louis Cardinals' Willson Contreras being a potential target.

Contreras, who has had a strong offensive season despite injuries, could bring valuable experience to the young Royals team. However, Kansas City would need to craft a significant trade package to acquire him from their I-70 rivals.

The Seattle Mariners concluded their season with an 85-77 record, narrowly missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. This marks the 22nd time in 23 seasons that they have failed to make the postseason.

Despite their absence from October baseball, several former Mariners are participating in the playoffs, highlighting connections to teams like the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees, and New York Mets.