MLB Free Agency: 7 Free Agents Who Could Win You a Championship

Despite some of the big names like Pujols, Wilson and Bell coming off the market, there is still a plethora of talent available that could be the difference in teams winning a championship or missing out on the postseason. 

With the exception of Prince Fielder, a majority of the remaining talent has seen their best years pass them, but still have serviceable time left in their careers. The once big names that would strike fear in opponents' eyes may have lost some of their talent, but their wisdom and cost effectiveness make them ideal for playoff contenders.

Beyond salary, these veterans have seen almost every situation imaginable and know how to work with younger players, handle a locker room and win a World Series.  With their time as players running out, their desire to be a champion is at its peak.

Yoennis Cespedes

Nobody knows for sure how Cespedes will perform in the MLB, but if his World Baseball Classic showing or highlight reel are any indication, he has the makings of a perennial All-Star. His potential is seemingly unlimited.  According to scouts, he is the rare ‘five-tool’ find, with great athleticism, power and speed.

The one concern with Cespedes is that while his video is impressive, he's facing batting practice pitching and not in a pressure situation. There's a huge difference between hitting off of a coach and Justin Verlander.  But if he lives up to the hype his agents have created for him, he’ll definitely help his team win a title.

Prince Fielder

Cecil’s 27-year-old son has made quite the name for himself in his short career.  Since his first full season in 2006, Prince has averaged an astonishing 38 home runs and 108 RBI a year, including a career high 50 dingers in 2007.

Although the price tag for him will be steep, many teams are pursuing Fielder because of his tremendous power as a left-handed hitter.  He is a top-10 player in Major League Baseball and has shown ability to hit in the clutch during Milwaukee’s playoff runs over the past few years.  His consistency and fearlessness make him a must-have for any playoff contender. 

Edwin Jackson

Jackson, the 28-year-old starting pitcher, already has a World Series title under his belt with last year’s St. Louis Cardinals and is looking for another playoff-bound team.  While he doesn’t strike out many batters, he has thrown 200-plus innings each of the past three seasons, and has played for enough teams that he knows how to deal with a new city and fanbase.

His career record of 60-60 is not particularly impressive, but he has pitched in two separate World Series, making his maturity an unmatched commodity on this year’s free-agent market for starting pitchers.

Miguel Tejada

Tejada is no longer the elite shortstop he was in his prime, but that’s not to say he still does not have worth.  The six-time All-Star played third base, second base and shortstop for the Giants in 2011, meaning he could be a valuable asset that could fill in for an extended period of time off the bench.

Another great characteristic of Tejada is his willingness to work with younger players.  As a fifteen year veteran, he could definitely serve as a valuable mentor at a low price for any team in need of depth up the middle.

Brad Lidge

Lidge’s career has been quite the rollercoaster ride, but when he is performing at his best, there are few better relievers in the game.  After Albert Pujols seemingly ended Lidge’s career with a monster home run in the 2005 playoffs, Lidge bounced back with one of the best seasons by a closer ever, converting a perfect 41 saves in 41 attempts.

Although out of his familiar closing role last season, Lidge had an impressive 1.40 ERA in 19.2 innings pitched coming off an injury.  Due to his minimal work load, he should be available at a reasonable price.  At a low cost, a reliever with 39 career playoff appearances significantly helps a contender make a title run.

Vladimir Guerrero

Vladdy, the former MVP and nine-time All-Star, is one of the most underrated players of the past 25 years.  Over his 16 year career, Guerrero has maintained an astonishing .318 batting average and slugged 449 career home runs, not to mention one of the most electric outfield arms in baseball history.

Although he is slowing down and can’t play the field every day, Vlad is still a prominent force in any lineup.  Whether it’s down the middle or a foot out of the strike zone, Guerrero makes sure that pitchers feel helpless trying to get him out.  His postseason track record does not live up to his career standards, but it is still valuable to have his 44 playoff game experience in the lineup come October.

Manny Ramirez

You might be thinking Manny Ramirez? The same guy that tested positive for PEDs and only appeared in five games for the Rays, hitting a lowly .059 before a sudden retirement in 2011?

Yes. That Manny Ramirez.

In typical Manny being Manny fashion, Ramirez is looking to make a comeback in 2012 despite the 50 game suspension he will face at the beginning of the season.  As a franchise, it would be hard not to consider Manny, seeing he will probably make the league minimum and was one of the best hitters of the 90s and 2000s. 

He's a .312 hitter with 555 career home runs and appeared in 11 straight All-Star games.  Despite his troubled past, he's a proven winner that's worth taking a chance on.