What each NL East team needs this offseason

The Chicago Cubs' agony is over.

They are celebrating their first World Series championship since 1908 after beating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in 10 innings at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

And this might not be a one-time thing for the franchise of Ernie Banks, Ryne Sandberg and Ferguson Jenkins. The Cubs are built for the long haul.

The Cubs have two free agents - Aroldis Chapman and Dexter Fowler - and plenty of money to retain them. They also have their entire infield - Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo - signed through 2021.

The next major event for baseball starts Dec. 5 with the Winter Meetings in National Harbor, MD.

Here's a to-do list for teams in the National League East as the offseason starts:

WASHINGTON - After losing in the Division Series for the third time, the Nationals' biggest question is who will become the closer: Mark Melancon, 32, is a free agent who should be a hot commodity on the market, but there are also two other free agent closers on the market on lefty Aroldis Chapman and righty Kenley Jansen. The Nationals will also need a catcher given that Wilson Ramos, a free agent, will not be ready until early next season. He's coming back from a second knee injury and so his future might be in the American League where he can be a part-time designated hitter. Pedro Severino did well in a brief stint in the majors and playoffs. Is he ready for the full-time job?

Trea Turner solidified the leadoff spot, but does he play center field or shortstop next season? If he's the shortstop, can the Nationals trade light-hitting Danny Espinosa or use him as a utility player? And if Turner goes to short, can the Nationals rely on a bounceback year from Ben Revere as the center fielder, or do they move Bryce Harper to center and sign a power-hitting right-fielder, such as Mark Trumbo, who led the AL with 47 home runs for the Orioles? The Nationals offense could use the jolt of a power bat.

ATLANTA - After a 68-win season and last-place finish, the Braves say the team is expecting to be competitive when they move into their new ballpark in 2017. The Braves need a catcher, two starting pitchers and offensive help, either in the outfield, third or second base. The Braves have only $50 million on the books for next season, so their interest in potential free agent catcher Matt Wieters will be speculated. The Braves might also look at acquiring former Braves catcher Brian McCann, 32, from the Yankees. Or they could be happy with Tyler Flowers and Anthony Recker. Jace Pederson, at second base, and Adonis Garcia, at third base, played better after returning from minor league demotions, but the Braves will be looking for upgrades at those positions.

MIAMI - The Marlins are dealing with the tragic death of ace pitcher Jose Fernandez from a boating accident and say there's no way they can replace him in the rotation. The plan going into the offseason is to add at least two starters to a rotation that has Adam Conley, Tom Koehler and Wei-Yin Chen, the former Oriole who had injuries in 2016. With a thin free agent market, the Marlins could be targeting Doug Fister and Ivan Nova. The Marlins will also look for bullpen pitchers to help support closer A.J. Ramos.

NEW YORK - The Mets went from 60-62 in mid-August to finish 87-75 and make the postseason for the second consecutive year, this time as a wild card. The Mets' top priorities are to retain outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and hope that three starters - Matt Harvey, Jacob de Grom and Steven Matz - will be able to come back from various injuries. Also, will the Mets bring back 43-year-old free agent Bartolo Colon, who was supposed to bring depth in 2016, but ended up being a reliable starter with 15 wins and a 3.43 ERA? The Mets also got surprisingly steady performances from Seth Lugo (2.67 ERA in 17 appearances) and Robert Gsellman (2.42 in 18 appearances). The Mets also want to add another arm in the bullpen - maybe free agent Kenley Jansen - that would help Addison Reed and closer Jeurys Familia.

PHILADELPHIA - With one final $10 million payment, the Phillies are done with Ryan Howard's contract, the last player left from the team that won consecutive division titles from 2007 to 2011, two NL pennants and a World Series. The Phillies, who won 71 games in 2016, will be looking for a starter to replace the experience of Jeremy Hellickson and hoping that their young core - Jerad Eickhoff, Vince Velasquez and Aaron Nola - will continue to progress. Center fielder Odubel Herrera (15 home runs) is the only position set in the outfield. The infield from third to first has Maikel Franco, Freddy Galvis, Cesar Hernandez and Tommy Joseph with shortstop prospect J.P. Crawford ready for the bigs in mid-season. A couple of former Orioles executives - Andy MacPhail and Matt Klentak - are in charge or rebuilding the Phillies.