2013 MLB Free Agency: 8 Teams One Marquee Free Agent Away from a Playoff Run

There's enough talent atop the 2013 MLB free-agent class for contenders to make a single acquisition and ride it deep into next year's playoffs. This list identifies potential World Series-caliber unions between marquee players and winning teams.

The following individuals are among the best available at their respective positions. Most proved it in 2012 by dominating major league competition, though two injured exceptions excelled the prior season to justify the "marquee" label.

Michael Bourn, Zack Greinke, Josh Hamilton and others possess specific skills that could elevate ballclubs from adequacy to greatness.

Washington Nationals

Marquee Free Agent: Michael Bourn.

It's no secret that the Washington Nationals want a center fielder. They previously contemplated trading for Peter Bourjos and Denard Span.

Having made little progress with those team-controlled players, why not explore the free-agent market?

Bryce Harper is an impressive defender at the position, but not quite on Bourn's level. This running grab and diving catch—both courtesy of MLB.com—are typical of the two-time NL Gold Glove winner.

He steals bases efficiently and, thanks to a robust on-base percentage, has plenty of opportunities. The left-handed batter nearly slugged .400 in 2012 and compiled career-best home run and RBI totals.

Bidding for his services could get very expensive. Recall that Jayson Werth—another Scott Boras client—signed with the Nationals for $126 million two years ago.

Coughing up the big bucks would allow Harper to slide over to left. As Adam LaRoche's contract talks progress (via Adam Kilgore, The Washington Post), the team can begin shopping Michael Morse for pitching depth and salary relief.

Milwaukee Brewers

Marquee Free Agent: Jake Peavy.

Peavy has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Chicago White Sox, but baseball business is rarely so simple. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes that his 2012 team intends to buyout his contract option and grant him free agency.

The Milwaukee Brewers have a pressing need for veteran starting pitching. Shaun Marcum will depart from a rotation that enjoyed considerable success toward the end of this past season.

Peavy is superior, though, because he misses bats. That's an invaluable skill in hitter-friendly Miller Park. When last in the National League as a member of the San Diego Padres, the All-Star averaged better than one strikeout per inning.

Many of the Brew Crew's key contributors remain under contract through 2013. There shouldn't be any drop-off in the club's offensive output.

With a second reputable arm to take some pressure off Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee will contend.

Tampa Bay Rays

Marquee Free Agent: Mike Napoli.

Regardless of their offseason activity, the Tampa Bay Rays will be relevant next season. An extraordinary pitching staff blessed with premier talent and depth assures that.

However, the lineup needs bolstering after scoring just 697 runs all summer, fewer than the 96-loss Minnesota Twins!

Napoli provides legitimate power as a catcher or designated hitter. Though he regressed in 2012 (.227/.343/.469), he can be counted on to slug 25-plus homers in a full campaign.

The Rays could also evaluate him as a first baseman, where he has 133 games of experience. As Robbie Knopf of Rays Colored Glasses points out, there isn't anybody on their 40-man roster who plays there.

Past injuries to Napoli's ankle, hamstring and quad will hurt his stock, so don't dismiss the possibility of him landing in a small market. It depends on how many years he's seeking.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Marquee Free Agent: Kyle Lohse.

It's too soon to tell, but the Arizona Diamondbacks came out of this offseason's first major trade looking like winners. They unloaded pricey surplus outfielder Chris Young. In turn, the D-Backs received middle infield and relief help in the form of Cliff Pennington and Heath Bell.

The sole weakness left to address is the starting rotation, which will be missing Daniel Hudson for several months (underwent Tommy John surgery on July 9).  Former top prospects Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs had trouble adjusting to MLB as rookies. Arizona cannot guarantee spots to either of them.

Lohse's pitch-to-contact game plan won't be a concern with an athletic defense behind him. Also, his veteran presence would be invaluable on such a young team.

Los Angeles Angels

Marquee Free Agent: Rafael Soriano.

The Los Angeles Angels bullpen finished tied for the American League lead in 2012 with 22 blown saves.

Scott Downs tried serving as closer, though he's best utilized as a left-handed specialist. Ernesto Frieri appeared unhittable during his first couple months with the team. But eventually his erratic control proved to be ill-suited for the ninth inning.

Rafael Soriano, meanwhile, boasts a career 2.49 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in save situations. He is expected to decline his $14 million player option and enter free agency following an excellent season.

Past character concerns won't cause trouble in a clubhouse with strong leadership. Albert Pujols and Mike Scioscia preserve the peace.

New York Yankees

Marquee Free Agent: Mariano Rivera.

The future Hall of Famer is giving his longtime team a scare by remaining non-committal about pitching in 2013 (via Andrew Marchand, ESPNNewYork.com).

Mo's torn ACL and subsequent absence went unnoticed over time with Rafael Soriano effectively replacing him. Of course, assuming that Soriano chases the money elsewhere, the New York Yankees must restore depth.

This franchise will find veteran starting pitching. That could mean another year of Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte, or comparable guys like Ryan Dempster and Jeremy Guthrie. Specifics aside, the rotation will be adequate.

The offense isn't nearly as anemic as this past postseason suggested. There's plenty of power and—if Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki stay in pinstripes—considerable speed.

With "The Sandman" healthy again, the Yankees could halt their brief championship drought.

Atlanta Braves

Marquee Free Agent: Josh Hamilton.

The heart of the Atlanta Braves batting order and those of its fans ache in the aftermath of Chipper Jones' retirement.

Hamilton is their savior.

The outfielder's production at the plate is enough to compensate for the loss of an icon. Minor injuries and a half-season at Turner Field might limit him to only 30 home runs, but that's still more than any Braves hitter totaled in 2012.

His signing would also allow Martin Prado to take over at third base and improve an already reputable defense.

Atlanta's starting rotation features break-out star Kris Medlen and steady graybeard Tim Hudson. Brandon Beachy should be ready by midseason. And let's not overlook Craig Kimbrel, who preserves leads better than anybody.

Talent abounds on the roster. With Hamilton, the Braves could clinch the National League pennant.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Marquee Free Agent: Zack Greinke.

The Los Angeles Dodgers splurged in July and August to acquire high-priced help. Expect that to be their standard operating procedure under the ownership of Stan Kasten and Magic Johnson.

Currently, Josh Beckett ranks as the club's second-most competent starting pitcher. An upgrade is obviously necessary.

L.A. yearns for Greinke now that everybody has seen him thrive across town. That stint with the Halos confirmed that he isn't opposed to playing in a large market. The right-hander just celebrated his 29th birthday and continues racking up strikeouts galore.

The Dodgers insist on solving all of their problems with money. This one shouldn't be any different.

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