5 Teams Melky Cabrera Could Sign With This Offseason

What team is willing to take a chance on Melky Cabrera?
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Melky Cabrera's impending free agency should be an interesting one with many teams looking to pick up the outfielder.

Starting out the season with a bang, Cabrera led the National League in hits and had a batting average of .346 in 113 games with the San Francisco Giants.

Then things took a turn for the worse.

The MLB suspended Cabrera for 50 games for PED use and trying to fool MLB authorities by funding the construction of a fake supplement website.

Whoever decides to pick up the embattled outfielder will be taking a risk with their fanbase and possibly even their players.

But nonetheless, even with his  negative image, Cabrera will bring in power numbers that many MLB teams strive to obtain. A one-year deal will also be likely as Cabrera will have to prove that he still can play like he did for the Giants.

These are the five teams that Cabrera could sign with come free agency.

New York Mets

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The New York Mets are in need of a power slugger for their outfield.

The Mets had a season to forget as they lost 88 games and finished fourth in the NL East. Most of it was due to lack of offense, particularly in the middle of the lineup.

R.A. Dickey was a surprise that led the Mets' rotation, while David Wright put up his usual great numbers. But the stellar play by both players wasn't enough. Cabrera will add a much needed presence in their lineup.

The fact is, Cabrera will come at a discounted rate and will sign for only a year. It's worth the risk for a Mets team lacking offense.

Philadelphia Phillies

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The Philadelphia Phillies uncharacteristically missed the playoffs this season.

Many things went bad for a team that is built to contend each year. Cliff Lee had his share of bad starts while the Phillies were without Chase Utley and Ryan Howard for most of the season.

A little surge in the outfield can help a sputtering offense return to dominance in the highly competitive NL East.

Cabrera will help improve the Phillies' chances in 2013 after the injury-plagued 2012 season led them to a third-place division finish.

Boston Red Sox

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Bringing in Melky Cabrera to the already troubled Boston Red Sox looks to be a bad move on the outside.

But public relations aside, Cabrera would fill a weak spot out in right field for the Red Sox while also coming at a discounted price. Both appealing aspects for a team looking to shed salary and bad play from the 2012 season.

Boston is looking to rebuild their backfield a little bit; adding Cabrera would be a good first step.

Giving him a shot at redemption in a city like Boston could also be a good thing.

With public disgrace on Cabrera's shoulders, he can redeem himself in a big-market MLB city. Fans will grow to love Cabrera if he can put up good numbers and prove to be a reliable teammate.

Toronto Blue Jays

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Melky Cabrera may need to think outside the box as well come free agency.

A big city redemption may not be ideal if he struggles early on, while a city in a different country might provide a refreshing atmosphere. 

The Blue Jays could be a quiet, small-market team that will help Cabrera shake off his tainted image of PED use. It will also benefit Toronto in more ways than one.

The Blue Jays do have struggling outfielder Jose Bautista, Colby Rasmus and Rajai Davis. Rasmus and Davis provide good power at the plate and consistent defensive play.

Bautista could be replaced by Cabrera if Toronto so chooses; both will have to prove themselves in the 2013 season.

If so, the Blue Jays may be contenders for the AL East.

Baltimore Orioles

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The Baltimore Orioles are looking for a left fielder, why not give Cabrera a chance?

Baltimore came in second in the AL East; one more solid bat in their lineup and they may have walked away with a division crown.

Current left fielder Nate McLouth will only be good as a short-term replacement. He batted .268 this season with seven home runs and 18 RBI. Cabrera, if he plays like he did for the Giants, would be a major upgrade.

Nick Markakis and Adam Jones already give the Orioles some solid play in the outfield. Adding Cabrera to that mix will only bolster their lineup.

 

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