The domestic cricket contracts were announced earlier this week and Otago has offered 13 players contracts, leaving two places available.
Those spots are likely to be filled by pacemen with coach Rob Walter saying that is where there is the most attrition.
''My estimations of last season are I think we fell short in the fast bowling department, both in terms of resources and we had a run of a few injuries,'' Walter said.
''I think every major association probably feels the same, barring CD who have a wealth of bowling options.
''Strengthening the bowling is probably our first port of call.''
That is not great news for batsmen Ryan Duffy or Sean Eathorne, who were contracted last season but will likely miss out. Nor does it bode well for opener Gregor Croudis and top-order player Josh Tasman-Jones.
Both players made their debut for the province last year. Tasman-Jones impressed in his only outing with a double of 35 and 59 not out.
Legspinner Rhys Phillips shapes as surplus to requirements as well, with Black Caps off-spinner Mark Craig essentially absorbing his contract and qualifying player Michael Rippon providing Otago another quality spin option.
Volts seamer Jack Hunter did not get many opportunities last summer and will compete for a contract with the pool of available talent.
Central Districts seamers Navin Patel and Bevan Small missed out on contract offers in the first round and may be open to a move south, while former Otago A bowler Ollie Newton might be another option.
''We are looking as far and as wide as we need to to get he best option,'' Walter said.
''At this stage there would not be one person who fits that bill but CD have two guys who didn't get contracted and we've obviously got Jack.
''There are probably five options for those two spots.''
There are already new faces in the Otago camp this season. The departure of Michael Bracewell has been offset by the eventual arrival of Rob Nicol.
Nicol is an experienced campaigner, having played two tests, 22 one-day internationals and 21 twenty20 internationals, and will captain the side in all three formats. He may miss a few early games while he recuperates from his Achilles injury, though.
''He had an operation about two weeks ago now. But I don't think we can get caught up looking at the short term if he has to miss a game or two at the start.
''The three or four years he will spend here in our team will be more important.''
Shawn Hicks replaces retired all-rounder Sam Wells.
He has had limited opportunities with Auckland and it will be interesting to see if he can make the move to Otago as successful as someone such as Jimmy Neesham, who arrived in the province from Auckland with a very similar record.
