For the past several years, the New York Red Bulls have been among the class of MLS. Relying on a strong core of consistent pieces and the additions of several up-and-coming local products, the Red Bulls have proven consistent contenders year-in, year-out.

However, the club’s first MLS Cup remains elusive. Each and every year, the Red Bulls seemingly enter the playoffs with a head of steam and, like clockwork, fall short. Expectations remain as the club heads into 2017, a season that the team hopes will be a bit different than all of those that came before.

To date, the Red Bulls have been relatively quiet as teams around them have continued to add pieces. The team’s core remains intact, as it appears there will be no significant shakeups heading towards next season. Still, though, the club has plenty of room for improvement and one or two weak spots that could be the difference between contending and actually winning silverware in 2017.

Here’s a look at the Red Bulls ahead of the 2017 season:

WHO’S IN

N/A

WHO’S OUT

Chris Duvall, Omer Damari, Karl Ouimette, Ronald Zubar, Shaun Wright-Phillips

DRAFT PICKS

Round 1: 17th overall

Round 2: 39th overall

Round 3: 61st overall

REMAINING NEEDS

The Red Bulls return a bulk of their major contributors, but there are still some major holes left in the defense. The issues mainly lie at centerback, a position that should be the club’s No. 1 point of emphasis this offseason. Following a stellar year, Aurelien Collin is back in the fold after recently signing a new deal, while Gideon Baah will hope to bounce back from a brutal leg injury. After that, the roster is a bit bare.

The good news is the club stated in December that re-signing Ronald Zubar remains a priority, and bringing back the French defender would certainly be a positive step. Damien Perrinelle is also out of contract, although he never quite looked the same following his ACL tear. With that in mind, the club should be in the market for at least one or two more central defenders to at least provide cover for a group that has been prone to missing games throughout their MLS careers.

Aside from that, there’s a need at fullback following the departure of Chris Duvall. Kemar Lawrence and Sal Zizzo remain after solid years in 2016, while utility man Connor Lade had what was likely his best pro season last time out. Still, following Duvall’s departure, it wouldn’t hurt to add another capable fullback unless the club has faith in someone like Justin Bilyeu to step in if needed. There’s even 17-year-old Tyler Adams, a player that has proven capable of playing fullback or in the midfield during his time with the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team.

OUTLOOK

Once again, the Red Bulls look poised to compete. The club’s attacking four is as potent as any in the league. Wingers like Alex Muyl, Mike Grella and Gonzalo Veron give the club considerable depth. Veterans like Dax McCarty and Luis Robles serve as anchors down the spine while giving the club continuity heading into another season of high expectations.

Still, there’s plenty of room for improvement, especially after another playoff disappointment. With Bradley Wright-Phillips and Sacha Kljestan, and their chemistry, returning, the Red Bulls should have no problem scoring goals. McCarty should serve as a capable shield for whoever lines up behind him, while Robles remains one of the league’s iron men in goal. However, to keep up in the increasingly competitive East, the Red Bulls can’t afford to stand pat.

The club has yet to make any significant moves in recent weeks, but one would expect at least a few new faces before the start of CONCACF Champions League play. Even if those new faces fail to acclimate, the Red Bulls should be a top contender once again. But if they do, the Red Bulls have the potential to truly chase that elusive MLS Cup in 2017.