MLB’s major-market teams not addressing their missing pieces

Star players are arriving in camp and noticing something’s missing. What’s missing: a legitimate chance to win.

At least a couple major-market teams seem to be getting comfortable as consistent losers.

Angels legend Mike Trout said upon his arrival that he’d like to see improvements in the wake of the team’s loss of its best hitter and best pitcher (yes, the same guy, Shohei Ohtani). And Red Sox star Rafael Devers was more pointed, saying upon his arrival in Fort Myers, Fla., “Everybody knows what we need.”

Devers also said of Red Sox ownership, which seems to have transitioned its focus from soccer to golf: “[They] need to make an adjustment to help us players be in a better position to win.”

Here are big teams still needing huge help:

1. Cubs

They are trying to drive a bargain with star center fielder Cody Bellinger and possibly third baseman Matt Chapman. The Bellinger talks have been in a virtual stare-down since November.

2. Red Sox

They’ve had zoom calls with top free agents, just no deals. Jordan Montgomery should be a good fit, with his wife training to be a doctor in Boston (and everyone knowing what they need).

3. Rangers

They’ve suggested they may be done, but word is their baseball people don’t want to be done. Montgomery was an October hero, and J.D. Martinez would fit. Ownership did a great job supporting terrific baseball decisions leading to their first World Series title but seems somewhat satisfied now.

4. Angels

Their baseball people like Blake Snell and Bellinger. But one hesitation seems to be this: one player may not be enough to push them into contention.

5. Giants

They’ve made improvements, they just pale compared to those of the rival Dodgers. They could afford more but suggest they may be done. There seems to be a lot of that.