Projecting 1 Impact Signing Every MLB Team Will Make This Winter

From Pablo Sandoval to Jon Lester, it's officially time for MLB free agents to start cashing in.

Teams from all around the league now have the chance to sift through the market to find that big bat or front-line arm. What follows are projections for which impact player each MLB team will sign this winter.

For teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers, it's not a matter of bringing in a new piece, but rather simply re-signing one of their own prominent free agents. There's also room on the list for a prediction about where Cuban star Yasmany Tomas will end up and which club could be a dark-horse contender for Hanley Ramirez. 

Houston Astros

The Signing: Kenta Maeda, SP

It remains to be seen whether Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda will be available this winter. Hajime Matsuda, the owner of the Hiroshima Carp, told The Japan Times that it would "difficult" to post Maeda after he produced an underwhelming season in 2014. 

Even if the numbers weren't up to his usual standards, the starter still went 11-8 with a 2.56 ERA. Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors predicts that Maeda will end up signing with the Houston Astros. He'd be an ideal fit with the AL West club whose future is looking increasingly bright. 

Los Angeles Angels

The Signing: Andrew Miller, RP

Adding Andrew Miller to the mix would give the Los Angeles Angels one of the most dominant bullpens in the AL. 

The club already has Huston Street and Joe Smith on board, and Miller was one of the most effective relievers in baseball last season. While splitting this year between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles, the left-hander posted a 2.02 ERA and a 14.9 K/9 ratio.

Oakland Athletics

The Signing: Hanley Ramirez, SS/3B

According to Bleacher Report's Scott Miller, the Oakland Athletics could be a "dark-horse" contender to land Hanley Ramirez. 

Last season, Ramirez hit just 13 home runs, but still posted a .817 OPS to lead all qualified shortstops. As Miller explains, Oakland is "the island of misfit toys" and the Dominican could be the newest addition. 

Seattle Mariners

The Signing: Nick Markakis, RF

With the worst OPS in the American League, the Seattle Mariners offense was dismal in 2014. 

Bringing in Nick Markakis would help solve that problem in the Pacific Northwest. The right fielder has been a remarkably consistent contributor for the Baltimore Orioles, playing at least 147 games in eight of his nine big league season. The 30-year-old is also a standout defender in right. 

Texas Rangers

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The Signing: Jake Peavy, SP

The Texas Rangers' front office has all sorts of work to do this winter after the club dropped 95 contests in 2014. 

At the top of the to-do list will be to revamp the team's starting rotation. One starter that the Rangers should check in on is Jake Peavy. After a forgettable first half of the 2014 season with the Boston Red Sox, Peavy took off once he joined the San Francisco Giants in a July trade. In 12 starts, Peavy went 6-4 with a 2.17 ERA. 

Chicago White Sox

The Signing: Ervin Santana, SP

Bringing in Ervin Santana would make a ton of sense for the Chicago White Sox. 

The club is in serious need of a right-handed starter who can eat quality innings, and that's exactly what the 31-year-old does.

There's also the draft-pick angle to consider. The Atlanta Braves gave Santana a qualifying offer, per ESPN.com. Since the White Sox have the No. 8 selection in the 2015 MLB draft, that pick will be protected. 

Cleveland Indians

Aaron Josefczyk/Associated Press

The Signing: Alex Rios

Alex Rios is a compelling buy-low candidate for the Cleveland Indians. 

The veteran outfielder has always had the ability to hit for a high average, but his power numbers have dropped considerably in the past two seasons. The Tribe could look to ink Rios on a one-year deal, as the right fielder attempts to rebuild his value. 

Detroit Tigers

The Re-Signing: Victor Martinez, DH

Victor Martinez torched the AL in 2014. 

The veteran DH led baseball in OBP (.409) and OPS (.974). The switch-hitter also racked up 32 home runs, while punching out just 42 times. The Detroit Tigers should do whatever it takes to bring back Martinez, even if that means handing the 35-year-old a four-year contract. 

Kansas City Royals

The Re-Signing: Billy Butler, 1B/DH

The Kansas City Royals have already declined Billy Butler's $12.5 million option for 2015, as Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star reports. 

That doesn't necessarily mean that Butler's time in Kansas City has reached its end. General manager Dayton Moore told McCullough that the Royals will look to bring back the right-handed hitter at a "more manageable" figure. Butler explained via McCullough that he's also interested in a return: "Hopefully the numbers work out."

A two-year deal in the $16 million to $18 million range would be a fair compromise for both sides.

Minnesota Twins

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

The Signing: Justin Masterson, SP

One of the top challenges for the Minnesota Twins this winter will be to rebuild a supremely underwhelming starting staff. Last season, the Twins group of starters posted a 5.06 ERA, which was the worst mark in baseball. 

One pitcher to target this offseason is Justin Masterson. The right-hander's numbers were ugly with the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals in 2014. Still, the starter is just a year removed from putting up a 3.45 ERA while pitching for the Tribe in the AL Central in 2013. Minnesota could sign Masterson to a one-year deal, and if he gets back on track he could become a trade chip in July. 

Baltimore Orioles

The Re-Signing: Nelson Cruz, DH/OF

After Nelson Cruz cracked 40 home runs while playing on a one-year deal in 2014, the Baltimore Orioles will have to pay up to keep the veteran around. 

Considering how difficult it is to find power hitters, Cruz is sure to draw all sorts of interest this winter. Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun writes that the O's likely won't be willing to give the 34-year-old more than a three-year deal. Letting Cruz get away would be a major mistake. 

Boston Red Sox

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The Signing: James Shields, SP

With the Boston Red Sox looking to bolster the rotation, James Shields would be an excellent fit at Fenway Park. 

The right-hander has been one of the most consistent starters in baseball in recent memory, topping the 200-innings mark in eight consecutive seasons. According to ESPN.com, the Kansas City Royals made Shields a qualifying offer. However, because the Red Sox have the No. 7 selection in the draft, that pick will be protected. 

New York Yankees

The Signing: Max Scherzer, SP

Max Scherzer is on the verge of cashing in. 

What better club to offer the right-hander an absurdly lucrative contract than the New York Yankees? While it's difficult to predict just what the price tag will be, keep in mind that Scherzer rejected a six-year, $144 million contract extension from the Detroit Tigers last spring, per Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports. 

A combination of Scherzer and Masahiro Tanaka would give the Yankees an absolutely dominant one-two punch atop the rotation. 

As for position players, it wouldn't be shocking if the Yankees made a run for October hero Pablo Sandoval. 

Tampa Bay Rays

The Signing: Torii Hunter, DH/OF

The Tampa Bay Rays won't be particularly busy on the free-agent front, as Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

However, the Rays will definitely have to find a way to add more power to the squad. One option would be to kick the tires on Torii Hunter. The 39-year-old collected 33 doubles and 17 home runs for the Detroit Tigers in 2014, and could spend his time DH-ing for Tampa Bay. 

Toronto Blue Jays

The Re-Signing: Melky Cabrera, OF

Melky Cabrera made himself a ton of cash in 2014. 

During his contract season, the 30-year-old swung at a clip of .301, connecting on 35 doubles and 16 home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays. The left fielder could now be on track for a four-year, $60 million deal, per Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. 

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Signing: Francisco Liriano

One of the biggest challenges confronting Chief Baseball Officer Tony La Russa and GM Dave Stewart this offseason will be to overhaul the Arizona Diamondbacks' starting staff. Last season, the D-Backs' rotation had the second-worst ERA in the National League.

Signing Francisco Liriano to a contract would be a big step in the process of drastically improving the staff. During the second half of the season, Liriano was lights-out, posting a 6-3 record and a 2.20 ERA in his final 14 starts. Those numbers convinced the Pittsburgh Pirates to give Liriano a qualifying offer, per ESPN.com. Since the D-backs have the No. 1 pick, that selection would be protected if the team were to sign Liriano. 

Colorado Rockies

The Signing: Luke Gregerson, RP

After a train wreck of a 2014 season, the Colorado Rockies have plenty to work on this winter. 

One area of the team that will absolutely need to be revamped is the bullpen. Last year, Colorado's relievers posted a 4.79 ERA, which was the second-worst mark in baseball.

Setup man Luke Gregerson is an arm that the Rockies should target. In 2014, Gregerson posted a 2.12 ERA in 72 games for the Oakland Athletics. His knack for inducing ground balls would also play well at Coors Field. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Signing: Russell Martin

Russell Martin is in a great spot. 

The veteran backstop isn't just the only impact catcher on the market, he's the only starting-caliber player. The lack of competition on the free-agent front means that Martin is on his way to a highly lucrative and well-deserved payday. 

After A.J. Ellis struggled to stay on the diamond in 2014, a return to the Los Angles Dodgers would be a logical fit for the 31-year-old Martin. Andy Martino of the New York Daily News predicts that Martin will land a four-year, $60 million deal. 

San Diego Padres

The Signing: Adam LaRoche

There's no team in baseball that needs more help on offense than the San Diego Padres. Last year, the club ranked last in MLB in runs scored. 

Inking Adam LaRoche to a deal would definitely help the Padres fix that problem. The first baseman provides plenty of production, as he totaled 26 home runs and posted a .817 OPS for the Washington Nationals in 2014. The Padres should look to sign LaRoche, who will be 35 years old on Opening Day, to a two-year deal. 

San Francisco Giants

The Re-Signing: Pablo Sandoval, 3B

The San Francisco Giants have quite the track record of holding on to the club's postseason stars. That won't be an easy task in the case of Pablo Sandoval, who could be on his way to a five-year, $100 million payout, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. 

For his part, Sandoval definitely wants to stick around in San Francisco, as he explained via Alex Pavlovic of the Bay Area News Group. 

"I love being here, I love being here. I love the way they keep all their guys together ... I want to be here for the rest of my career. I want to wear that jersey for the rest of my career."

Now, the third baseman and the team's brain trust will have to work out a deal that is satisfactory to both sides. That will take a while, but history suggests that it will eventually happen. 

Chicago Cubs

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

The Signing: Jon Lester

With Joe Maddon recently installed as the manager, it's already been an excellent offseason for the Chicago Cubs. Soon, it could be getting even better. 

There's already been lots of buzz about Lester ending up with the Chicago Cubs. As Andy Martino of the New York Daily News writes, the "early industry speculation" is that the lefty will reunite with "old boss" Theo Epstein in Chicago. Martino predicts that Lester could be set for a six-year, $150 million megadeal.

Cincinnati Reds

The Signing: Colby Rasmus, OF

After posting the fifth-worst slugging percentage in baseball in 2014, the Cincinnati Reds need to add some power. 

Bringing in Colby Rasmus would definitely help the Reds in that department. Over the past three seasons, the left-handed hitter clubbed 63 home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays. The 28-year-old has spent his career in center field, but Billy Hamilton patrols that spot at Great American Ball Park. As a result, the Reds could shift Rasmus to left. 

Milwaukee Brewers

DARREN HAUCK/Associated Press

The Re-Signing: Francisco Rodriguez, RP

After picking up 44 saves while pitching on a one-year, $3.25 million deal last season, Francisco Rodriguez proved to be a shrewd signing for the Milwaukee Brewers. 

The 32-year-old has likely pitched his way into landing a two-year deal. However, the Brewers do have options if the team prefers to move in a different direction. Sergio Romo, who spent nearly all of the 2014 season pitching the eighth inning for the San Francisco Giants, could also be an impact arm for the Brewers to target. 

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Signing: Brandon McCarthy, SP

Brandon McCarthy turned his season around following a July trade to the New York Yankees. After arriving in the Bronx, the starter posted a 7-5 mark with a 2.89 ERA in 14 starts. 

Following that strong performance in the AL East, McCarthy should have no trouble landing a two-year deal. Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com suggests that the Pittsburgh Pirates would be a fit for the 31-year-old. That would make a ton of sense for the Pirates because Francisco Liriano might not be the only free-agent starter who could be on his way out of town. 

St. Louis Cardinals

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The Re-Signing: Pat Neshek

Pat Neshek shattered all expectations in 2014. 

After joining the St. Louis Cardinals on a minor league deal, Neshek not only pitched his way on to the team but was one of the most effective setup men in baseball. Last season, the right-hander posted a 7-2 record and a 1.87 ERA in 71 outings, while limiting the opposition to a .183 average. Those outstanding numbers should earn Neshek a two-year deal this winter. 

Atlanta Braves

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The Signing: Jason Hammel, SP

A return to the NL could be exactly what Jason Hammel needs.

The right-hander's 2014 season went sideways after a July trade that sent him from the Chicago Cubs to the Oakland Athletics. However, the numbers that Hammel put up while pitching at Wrigley Field can't be ignored. In 17 starts for the Cubs, Hammel posted an 8-5 record with a 2.98 ERA. 

Miami Marlins

The Signing: Edinson Volquez, SP

One of the top priorities for the Miami Marlins this offseason will be to strengthen the club's rotation. Edinson Volquez is one lower-profile arm for the Fish to consider. 

The right-hander was particularly effective for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second half of the 2014 season. Following the All-Star break, Volquez went 5-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 13 starts. 

New York Mets

The Signing: Jed Lowrie, 2B/SS

Shortstop has been a problem spot for the New York Mets for a while. 

That's where Jed Lowrie enters the equation. The 30-year-old didn't have his best season in 2014, as he was sidelined by an array of injuries. However, when he was on the diamond he demonstrated plenty of pop, connecting on 29 doubles in 136 contests. Plus, the Mets could consider playing Lowrie at second base and shopping Daniel Murphy on the trade market. 

Philadelphia Phillies

The Signing: Yasmany Tomas

Yasmany Tomas has unreal power, as you can see in the video above. 

Now, the question is just which team will sign the Cuban outfielder this winter. Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly writes that Tomas would be an ideal free-agent target for the Philadelphia Phillies: "Tomas, who will turn 24 later this month, is young and would fit as a building block with the rebuilding Phillies."

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News speculates that the Phillies would have to dish out a six-year, $100 million deal to bring in Tomas. 

Washington Nationals

The Re-Signing: Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B/SS

With the free-agent market lacking in quality middle infielders, Asdrubal Cabrera will have plenty of options this winter. 

According to James Wagner of The Washington Post, Cabrera has a strong interest in returning to the nation's capital to play second base. As Cabrera explained via Wagner, he's looking for a chance to make it to the Fall Classic. The Washington Nationals give him one of the best shots to do that in 2015. 

Note: All stats courtesy of MLB.com. All videos courtesy of MLB.com and YouTube.com. All salary information courtesy of Cot's Baseball Contracts on BaseballProspectus.com. 

If you want to talk baseball, find me on Twitter @KarlBuscheck.