MLB Free Agency 2013: Every Team's Soon-to-Be FA They Must Keep

At this point, the current free-agency pool has become a trashy reality show called "Where Will Prince Fielder Sign?"  To be honest with you all, it's getting kind of tired just reading rumor after rumor as to where the portly first baseman will end up—thus, I have chosen to look forward to next offseason.

Next offseason's free-agency pool may seem shallow, but there are actually a great number of players who could fetch big contracts.  For example, there's current Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (pictured), who has not yet signed an extension with the team despite helping lead them to two consecutive World Series appearances.  With his power bat, leadership and defense, the Rangers simply cannot afford to let him go and must utilize all resources to keep him.

That being said, in the spirit of looking towards the future, here is each team's soon-to-be free agent who must remain in his current uniform.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Miguel Montero

Much like a girlfriend who'll let you watch the World Series even though Real Housewives may be on at the same time, a good catcher is hard to find.  That being said, it is absolutely essential that the Arizona Diamondbacks re-sign or extend catcher Miguel Montero.  The catching market is thin next offseason and the Diamondbacks don't have any MLB-ready prospects at the position, so keeping him could be their only hope.

He may come at a much higher price, but Montero is worth it.  He'll be 29 years old next offseason, and while his defense may be hit or miss, he's still a powerful lefty bat who provides good protection for Justin Upton in the lineup.  Last year, he hit .282 while setting career highs with 18 home runs and 86 RBI.

Thus, unless he has an absolutely horrific year, the Diamondbacks absolutely must bring Montero back.

Atlanta Braves: Michael Bourn

Michael Bourn may not seem like much, but he is exactly what the Braves need.  He won't provide much in terms of driving in runs or getting major offensive hits, but the man is a master at getting on base and has led the NL in steals each of the past three seasons (61 in 2011).

The fact is that Bourn is a great stage-setter.  All he has to do is draw a walk, get a single or even get hit by a pitch, and chances are he'll be on second base shortly thereafter.  The Braves need a spark plug, and while the offensive production will be minimal, retaining Bourn is essential to future playoff hopes.

Baltimore Orioles: None

The Baltimore Orioles are one of the worst teams in baseball and are in yet another rebuilding mode.  Looking at their list of upcoming free agents, there isn't one name that absolutely screams "must return."

The only player on the list who might even come close is pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, but he has led the majors in losses for two of the past three seasons.  That being said, I don't anticipate new GM Dan Duquette offering him a new deal.  Instead, he'll stick to rebuilding from within and look to go out with the old and in with the new.

Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz

The Red Sox dodged a major bullet this offseason when DH, fan favorite and offensive catalyst David Ortiz accepted their offer of arbitration.  Still, a couple of problems remain.  An actual contract has not yet been agreed upon as of yet, and both sides have yet to agree on a multi-year deal.

That being said, in the event that a one-year contract is signed for 2012, the Red Sox MUST find a way to bring Ortiz back for 2013.  Sure, he's not getting any younger at 36, and last year was the first truly dominant one he had since 2007, but he's still a powerful lefty bat whose home stadium is the freakishly small Fenway Park.

More importantly, Ortiz is a fine clubhouse presence who is easily one of the best leaders in all of baseball.  To lose him would be equivalent to losing an arm.  New GM Ben Cherington needs to start listening to what Ortiz wants, and quickly, if he wants to keep him around past 2012.

Chicago Cubs: Ryan Dempster

I know that most Cubs fans would rather see Dempster play somewhere other than Wrigleyville in 2013, but hear me out.  Yes, the 10-14 record in 2011 was groan-inducing, but let's not forget that the offense didn't provide him much support and he had a young and inexperienced team to work with.

Like the Red Sox and Ortiz, the Cubs need to keep Dempster around because he is such a great clubhouse presence.  He is easily the funniest player in baseball, and with a team as bad as the Cubs, humor could be the best pick-me-up there is.

Watch the video here of Dempster doing his Harry Caray impression.  Wouldn't that pep you up after a tough loss?

Chicago White Sox: A.J. Pierzynski

Ozzie Guillen said it best about catcher A.J. Pierzynski when he said the following: "If you play against him, you hate him.  If you play with him, you hate him a little less."

Sure, Pierzynski can be kind of a jerk, but that doesn't take away from the fact that his intensity is a good thing.  His desire to win is unquestionable, and with the White Sox entering rebuilding mode along with the fact that prospect Josh Phegley needs at least one more year, GM Kenny Williams needs to keep Pierzynski around.

His personality may be volatile and he may not be the most likeable of people, but players who exhibit determination and desire to win in the way he does are rare.  To lose him could prove to be a fatal mistake.

Cincinnati Reds: Brandon Phillips

Read my lips: If the Cincinnati Reds don't re-sign or extend Brandon Phillips, then their chances of contending will go flying out the window.  The 30-year-old hit .300 with 18 home runs and 82 RBI last season and his tenacity both on the field and in the clubhouse is a valuable asset.

He'll command a high salary, but Phillips is worth a pretty penny.  His consistency is admirable, and while his home-run power may not be what it once was, his bat is still a good one to have in a young lineup like that of the Reds.  GM Walt Jocketty could be in for some tough negotiating sessions, but they will be worth it in the end so long as Phillips stays in Cincy.

Cleveland Indians: Travis Hafner

Travis Hafner is not technically a free agent after next season, as his current contract has an option for 2013.  Still, with his health a constant issue and his $11 million salary, chances are it will be declined.

However, that doesn't mean the Indians should rule out bringing him back even though they are looking to get younger.  They should just bring Hafner, who will be 35 next offseason, back at a discount.

The fact is that if this current Cleveland Indians team is the one from the movie Major League, then Hafner is Jake Taylor.  For those who haven't seen the movie, Taylor is the aging veteran who plays through chronic pain just to be a leader for the young squad.

Given how Hafner is the elder statesmen of the Indians and has great leadership qualities, he should be brought back on a one-year deal laden with incentives just to give the youngsters that extra push.

Colorado Rockies: Matt Belisle

He may just be a righty arm out of the bullpen, but Matt Belisle is going to be a free agent who the Rockies absolutely must retain in 2013.  He's only been with the team two years, but has been phenomenal.  Over that stretch, Belisle has gone 17-9 (out of the bullpen!) with a 3.07 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.

Those kinds of relief numbers are hard to come by in Rockies-land, also known as the ridiculously hitter-friendly Coors Field, so Belisle simply needs to stay with the team.  Given how GM Dan O'Dowd tends to reward hard workers for good production, something tells me this potential new deal will go down just fine next year.

Detroit Tigers: Jose Valverde

Had it not been for Jose Valverde and his MLB-leading 49 saves (in 49 chances, no less) in 2011, I'm willing to bet that the Detroit Tigers would not have done so well in the playoffs.  Team management already rewarded him by picking up his option for the 2012 season, but they might need to do a little more next offseason.

The fact is that while Valverde will have turned 34 by the time next winter rolls around, he's still a great arm out of the bullpen.  The Tigers are a team that could consistently contend, and given how the offense is fairly anemic, save for Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez, a top closer is an absolute necessity.

Thus, GM Dave Dombrowski should be prepared to write a big check for Valverde.

Houston Astros: None

Seeing as how they lost 106 games last season, holding on to certain free agents is probably the last thing on the mind of the Houston Astros' front office.  This team needs to rebuild with prospects, so that means letting veteran outfielder/first baseman Carlos Lee go as well as pitcher Brett Myers.

That being said, taking a look at the potential free agents coming off the books next year, there aren't any the Astros MUST retain.  If anything, losing next year's free agents will turn out to be a blessing.

Kansas City Royals: Joakim Soria

Forget the rumors of him being sent to another team via trade.  The Royals need to retain Joakim Soria by any means necessary if they want to get back to the playoffs.

He isn't a traditional free agent in that he has options for 2013 and 2014, but the small-market Royals may look to part with him as his price gets higher.  In just five big-league seasons, Soria has registered 160 saves.

Thus, given how a dominant closer is hard to find, or even develop, the Royals would be much better suited hanging on to Soria if they're serious about contending soon.

Los Angeles Angels: Howie Kendrick

In manager Mike Scioscia's small-ball system, Howie Kendrick has been a consistency god.  He hits well for average, has some decent home-run power and can even steal a base or two.  Thus, once he hits free agency for the first time next offseason, Angels management needs to make sure that his dangerous bat stays in SoCal.

Not only is Kendrick an all-around good player, but it seems that whenever I watch him he's getting some sort of clutch hit.  Here's a guy who has hit .292 in six MLB seasons and has a minor-league career average of .360.  If you look at his stats from the minors, the numbers are softball-like.

That being said, it would just be an injustice for the Angels to let Kendrick walk.  Forget the fact that he's a good player, but he has been a key member of their recent playoff teams.  Losing him could prove to be a mistake, even with Albert Pujols in the lineup.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Andre Ethier

The Dodgers just signed star outfielder Matt Kemp to a lucrative extension, and now it's time to do the same with his teammate Andre Ethier.  The lefty-swinging right fielder is nowhere near as versatile or dangerous as Kemp, but is still worthy of a better contract.

Seeing as how the Dodgers went 82-80 last year, with Ethier only playing in 135 games due to injury, just imagine how well the team could have done had he remained in the lineup.  So long as he stays healthy this year, I'm anticipating the Dodgers to make a good run at the NL West title.

That being said, the team just has to pay Ethier either during the season or the moment free agency starts next season.  I understand that it'll be hard to make major moves in the middle of an ownership change, but Ethier has become all the more important in Dodgertown now that outfield prospect Trayvon Robinson has been traded.  Losing Ethier could potentially cripple the franchise, so the time to start negotiating with him is now.

Miami Marlins: None

The Marlins have just spent $189 million on top free agents this offseason and don't have anybody crucial coming off the books next year.  Thus, there is no must-retain player on the radar in Miami.

Milwaukee Brewers: Zack Greinke

Zack Greinke's contract expires after next season, and given how he has proven to be a reliable arm in the Brewers rotation, he could be due a raise from the $13.5 million he'll make in 2012.  The Brewers need to decide between him and Shaun Marcum, and given how Greinke has a Cy Young Award under his belt and is more of a proven ace, he has the greater priority.

Greinke turned in a solid first year with the Brew Crew in 2011, going 16-6 with a 3.83 ERA while striking out 201 hitters in 171.2 innings.  Keep in mind, he also missed the first month-and-a-half of the season with a broken rib.

His 1-1 record and 6.48 ERA in the playoffs is a mark against him, but the Brewers have a lot of money off the books now that Prince Fielder is more than likely gone.  Said cash should be used to bring Greinke back on a long-term deal as he is essential to the team's future.

Minnesota Twins: Too Soon to Tell

The Minnesota Twins are looking to come back with a bang following one of the most disappointing seasons in team history.  Looking ahead to free agency next offseason, the only two essential names that jump off the page are those of pitchers Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano.  I want to say that both will walk, but it's just too soon to tell.

For all we know, both pitchers could have Cy Young-caliber years (by some sort of miracle) and the team could surprise us again by all of a sudden having a lot of money to offer them as they did with catcher Joe Mauer.

Yet, until the season actually gets underway, there is simply no way of knowing which free agents the Twins would be better off keeping.

New York Mets: None

The Mets are not only in rebuilding mode, but their finances are such a mess that all impending big-name free agents are almost definitely going to be traded before their contract runs out.  The only name that stands out is that of third baseman David Wright, and he has a team option for next season.  My best guess is that the option will be picked up and he'll be dealt for prospects.

Thus, until the Bernie Madoff mess is sorted out and the team's finances are cleaned up a bit, no major moves will be happening for the Mets.

New York Yankees: Nick Swisher

I can give a few reasons as to why the Yankees shouldn't re-sign Swisher.  He's already making $10.25 million this coming season, and all he does is hit home runs, strike out and walk.  On top of that, Andre Ethier could be available next offseason and he's a better all-around player.

However, the Yankees need to hang on to Swisher by any means necessary.  Sure, he has his flaws, but the fans love him so much and he is such a positive presence in the locker room that the team just can't let him leave.

I'm still kind of mad at Yankees GM Brian Cashman for letting Johnny Damon go after 2009, and if he does the same to Swisher, I don't think I or the rest of the fans would ever forgive him.

Oakland A's: Brian Fuentes

Picking a player for the A's was tough, as they have a habit of trading away players about to enter free agency or heavy arbitration years.  Thus, there really wasn't any other choice besides relief man Brian Fuentes.  Yet, hear me out on this one.

Now that Andrew Bailey has been traded to the Red Sox, Fuentes will have more opportunities to close.  Sure, he went 2-8 last year and had a 3.70 ERA, but he also registered 12 saves in 15 opportunities.  He can still get the job done even though he may be getting old at 36 (37 next offseason).

Chances are the option on his contract won't be picked up for 2013, but that doesn't mean the A's won't bring him back at a discount.  If he can get more closing opportunities and make the most of them in 2012, he could be worth a one-year deal.

Philadelphia Phillies: Cole Hamels

I seriously don't know why the Phillies have yet to even offer an extension to Cole Hamels.  The man has great stuff and was the ace of the staff before Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay came along, so the fact that he's being pushed aside for two more experienced arms just seems unfair.

Keep in mind, Hamels was the World Series MVP in 2008, and over the past three years he has gone 36-31 with a 3.36 ERA and 1.14 WHIP.  If GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. loses him, Phillies fans might just storm Citizens Bank Park, since losing Hamels could sink the franchise.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Kevin Correia

He had a bit of a rough first season in the Steel City as the second half of the season wasn't kind to him, but the Pirates really should consider bringing back Kevin Correia for at least one or two more years after his current contract runs out after this season. 

While he'll almost certainly improve upon his 12-11 record and 4.79 ERA, he should be retained simply because the Pirates rotation is so young and needs a leader—plus, it would be good to keep him around as a mentor to stud pitching prospect Gerrit Cole. 

More importantly, the pitching staff actually looked solid with Correia in it.  If he can be a consistent producer for a full season, then the team could actually be in the playoff hunt.

San Diego Padres: Carlos Quentin

OK, so he hasn't played one game for the Padres yet.  Still, assuming that Carlos Quentin puts up numbers equal or greater than those he posted with the White Sox, Padres GM Josh Byrnes needs to pay him accordingly.

The team needs a consistent power bat now that Adrian Gonzalez is in Boston, and Quentin could be the man to fill that void.  He won't hit for a particularly good average and he may strike out a lot, but he should be able to do fine in Petco Park despite the fact that it heavily favors pitchers.

If he adjusts to it well and the Padres contend, then Byrnes needs to make sure that he keeps the outfielder's services in San Diego as losing him to another team could prove to set the tone for future Padres teams.

San Francisco Giants: Matt Cain

Signing ace Tim Lincecum to a long-term extension may be first priority now, but it would be in the best interests of Giants GM Brian Sabean to look to do the same with his No. 2 starter, Matt Cain.  This young right-hander has proven to be one of the most reliable arms in the game the past three seasons, going 39-30 with a 2.97 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. 

In the 2010 postseason that ended with the Giants winning the World Series, Cain went 2-0 and pitched 21.1 innings without giving up a run.  Simply put, he has ace material and if the Giants don't pay him, he'll easily find another team that will.  Given how the Giants have relied heavily on pitching the past few years, it is in their best interest to bring back Cain by any means necessary.

Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki

Next offseason, Ichiro Suzuki will be 39 years old.  He had the worst season of his MLB career in 2011 and there's no telling what he'll do in 2012.  He'll either continue declining or have a major bounce-back year.

Still, if he wants to play in 2013, the Mariners need to bring him back out of sheer loyalty.  Without him, the franchise wouldn't have experienced so much success in the early 2000s. 

On top of that, while his skills with the bat may or may not be on the decline, Ichiro still knows how to get on base and use his blazing speed.  Last year, despite hitting a career low .272, he managed to post a .310 OBP and steal 40 bases.  Thus, GM Jack Zduriencik needs to bring him back, even if it's just on a one-year deal.

St. Louis Cardinals: Kyle Lohse

Even though he won a World Series ring with the Cardinals last year, Kyle Lohse was anything but a solid contributor in the playoffs.  Over the course of all three rounds, he went 0-2 with a 7.82 ERA and pushed his overall postseason record to 0-4 with a 5.54 ERA.

Still, it's hard to deny that Lohse was instrumental in helping the Cardinals on their run to the NL Wild Card during the regular season.  In 2011, he went 14-8 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

More importantly, assuming he puts up equal numbers in 2012, Cardinals GM John Mozeliak should look to bring back Lohse and his consistency on the mound.  He isn't an ace by any means, but is a solid middle-of-the-rotation guy and deserves to stay on with the team.

Tampa Bay Rays: B.J. Upton

The Rays will almost definitely let B.J. Upton walk after his contract expires following the 2012 season, but doing so could be one of the stupidest moves in the history of the franchise.  Sure, he has a bit of an attitude and isn't the best when it comes to hitting for average, but Upton's home-run swing keeps getting better and better each season.

Besides his power, Upton is a stolen-base machine.  Ever since becoming a full-time player in 2007, he has 186 career steals.

Given how Rays manager Joe Maddon employs a small-ball-type system that relies heavily on speed and getting on base, Rays GM Andrew Friedman might be smart to re-sign Upton and his .342 career OBP.

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton

There are so many reasons as to why the Texas Rangers should re-sign Josh Hamilton, but I'll just stick to the main ones.  First, the fans absolutely adore him and seem to have a genuine love for the guy.

Second, he has been instrumental in getting his team to the World Series for the past two seasons.  In 2010, even though injuries limited him to 133 games, he won the AL batting title with a .359 average and had 32 home runs with 100 RBI while also taking home the MVP award.  Since becoming a Ranger, he has hit .311 with 99 home runs and 378 RBI.

I can understand why management may be treading softly when it comes to extending him, as his DL stints the past few seasons would scare anyone off, but his production when healthy speaks for itself.  Plus, if the Rangers are willing to spend $51.7 million just to talk to an untested international phenom in Yu Darvish, then they should be willing to spend that much or more to extend or re-sign one of their most clutch hitters, not to mention more popular players.

Toronto Blue Jays: None

The Toronto Blue Jays have no crucial members of their roster hitting free agency next season, so there is no pressing need to re-sign anyone.  The only real big name coming off the books is pitcher Dustin McGowan (pictured), but he appeared in just five games last year and went 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA.

Unless he has a major turnaround season, there isn't any key player who'll need to be a top priority during the next offseason.

Washington Nationals: Sean Burnett

Here we have another random relief pitcher who is more valuable than he seems.  Sean Burnett has been a solid lefty out of the bullpen for the Nationals since being traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates in the summer of 2009.  Wearing a Nationals uniform, he has gone 7-13 out of the bullpen.

Yet, Burnett has also posted a respectable 3.66 ERA since coming to DC.  He does fairly well against right-handed hitters too, which is rare among lefty relievers.  Also, he could easily close some games if Drew Storen were to be unavailable.

He isn't the best relief pitcher out there, but his reliability out of the 'pen and the Nationals' impending-improvement make him a key piece to the puzzle down the road.  In the end, when push comes to shove, GM Mike Rizzo really needs to make sure that Burnett comes back.