2012 MLB Free Agency: Every Team's New Addition Carrying the Most Pressure

Since the advent of MLB free agency in the mid-1970s, baseball has been irrevocably changed. With players free to join a new team of their choosing, owners and general managers were forced to become speculators, so to speak.

It literally became somewhat like the stock market—researching a player and deciding on whether that player is worth the investment. Will that investment return equal or greater value? That became the question that needed to be answered for every executive as they decided on the fate of free agents.

For the available players themselves, the investments made by their new teams meant that they would be expected to perform at a level that brought value back to their new owners, brining a new pressure to the MLB landscape.

Over the past 35 years, players have responded to that pressure in many different ways. Some relished their new roles and thrived with their new teams, while others completely wilted under the pressure.

This past offseason, many players found new homes through free agency, and still more through trades.  We will examine each team's new player acquisitions and determine which player will be under the most pressure for each team to perform at the levels expected.

For the sake of argument, we will widen the player pool to include players acquired via trades and through free agency.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jason Kubel

Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers was certainly a busy bee this offseason, attempting to add more pieces to a team that surprisingly won the NL West Division title in 2011.

Adding Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow were certainly terrific additions to the pitching, and re-signing John McDonald and Willie Bloomquist ensures quality depth in the infield.

However, the signing of free-agent outfielder Jason Kubel raised more than a few eyebrows. With outfielders Gerardo Parra, Chris Young and Justin Upton in place, adding Kubel seemed like a strange move, especially with Parra winning a Gold Glove Award last year.

However, with the move, Towers made it clear that he was going for it in 2012, and adding Kubel's bat gives manager Kirk Gibson the flexibility to use Parra all over the outfield. As for Parra himself, he welcomes the challenge.

“I feel good because Kubel is a good player and I know he’s a good guy,” Parra said. “I’m happy because the team looks strong and the point is to go to the World Series.”

Kubel will certainly face adjustments in switching leagues and playing left field full-time. While not a stellar defender, Kubel's production is of far more value, and the chance to add a potential 20 HR, 100 RBI bat was worth the gamble for Towers.

It will be up to Kubel to make sure that gamble pays off.

Atlanta Braves: None

The Atlanta Braves have always been somewhat conservative with regard to free-agent signings in the past, preferring instead to count on their terrific farm system to produce a stream of great talent for the big club.

That's not to say they won't dive into the free-agency market when necessary, and apparently this offseason, they felt it unnecessary.

No additions were made to the Braves' roster by GM Frank Wren, save for minor-league pitcher Chris Jones, received in the deal that sent Derek Lowe to the Cleveland Indians.

Coming off the heels of a collapse in September that saw the Braves lose an eight-and-a-half game lead in the Wild Card chase to the St. Louis Cardinals, Wren saw no need to blow up his team.

Wren told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that while last year's collapse stung, the players in place are more than sufficient.

"We came away with the realization: We had a good team that had a really bad September," Wren said. "We've got to put it behind us, build off it and do everything we can to make sure it doesn't happen again. The pieces are here and the players are here to have a really good team."

Wren's inactivity could be seen as a bold move. Only time will tell.

Baltimore Orioles: Wei-Yin Chen

When Dan Duquette took over as GM of the Baltimore Orioles, he dove into the international market, securing Asian pitchers Tsuyoshi Wada and Wei-Yin Chen.

While Wada is expected to provide support as a swingman, Chen will be counted on to add support to a rotation that was the worst in baseball last season (5.39 ERA).

Chen posted a career 2.59 ERA during his time with the Chunichi Dragons in NPB, and thus far in spring training, manager Buck Showalter likes what he's seen from his new pitcher.

"He has a good look in his eyes," Showalter said of Chen. "You can see why he's had success. It was fun watching him throw with a hitter in there. He looks pretty comfortable."

With a three-year, $11 million contract, Chen certainly didn't break the bank for the O's.

But considering the flops that have occurred in Baltimore with free agents in the past, his signing will either make Duquette look like a genius or make Chen look like so many others who have come to town and failed miserably.

Boston Red Sox: Cody Ross/Andrew Bailey

Cody Ross: When the Boston Red Sox said goodbye to right fielder J.D. Drew, it put to end a five-year era in which fans widely criticized the merits of the five-year, $70 million contract given to Drew and whether equal value was given back in return.

Now that Drew is gone, sights are now set on the new candidates looking to fill the position—Ryan Sweeney and Cody Ross.

Sweeney, brought into Boston in the trade that sent Josh Reddick to the Oakland A's for Andrew Bailey is considered an excellent defender but has little pop, hitting just 14 homers in parts of six seasons.

Ross, signed to a one-year, $3 million deal, was the darling of San Francisco in helping lead the Giants to the 2010 World Series title. However, Ross suffered through a tough 2011, hitting just .240 with 14 HR and 52 RBI.

Ross should be benefited by the move from cavernous AT&T Park. According to ESPN, 42 of Ross' last 52 home runs in the past three years have been hit to left field, making him a perfect fit for Fenway Park.

If there was ever an optimum swing for the Green Monster, Ross has it.

If Ross can rebound from last season and use Fenway to his advantage, fans will forget about Drew that much quicker.

Andrew Bailey: While Ross will have pressure to perform in right field, Andrew Bailey will be called upon to replace Jonathan Papelbon, who produced six straight seasons of 30 or more saves with four All-Star selections.

Bailey has faced criticism regarding his durability. Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in college, Bailey has taken several trips to the DL in the past two seasons because of that same elbow.

The righty reliever claims to be 100 percent healthy and has been throwing regularly since December, but he will need to prove that he can stay on the field.

The one plus Bailey has going for him? He is 21-for-21 in save opportunities against the other teams in the AL East during his career.

Chicago Cubs: Paul Maholm

Not since his rookie year in 2005 has starter Paul Maholm experienced a winning record. Last year, Maholm suffered through a 6-14 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, albeit with a more-than-respectable 3.66 ERA before a shoulder strain cut his season short. 

Now, armed with a $4.75 million contract and a team option for 2013, Maholm is hoping to end that losing trend with the Chicago Cubs.

Manager Dale Sveum has already named Maholm as one of his starting pitchers, joining Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster in the rotation. However, Maholm isn't taking anything for granted with the announcement.

"I'm glad, and it's a confidence builder for me for him (Sveum) to publicly say it," he said. "I'm still going to come in here and bust it and get ready for the season and earn it. It's not going to be given."

Fans in Chicago have seen their share of free-agent busts over the years with contracts much larger than Maholm, and while he won't be looked upon to be a savior for the Cubs, expectations are that Maholm can be an effective No. 3 starter.

Chicago White Sox: None

How crazy was the offseason for the Chicago White Sox? The only addition to the team worth noting was the signing of right fielder Kosuke Fukudome to a one-year, $1 million contract, which was a steal considering he just ended a four-year, $48 million contract.

Otherwise, the offseason represented a myriad of surprises and confusion. The one player obtained who could impact the roster is...well, no one!

Gone are Mark Buehrle, Juan Pierre, Carlos Quentin, Jason Frasor, Sergio Santos and Omar Vizquel. The trades involving Quentin, Frasor and Santos brought no one who will contribute anything of significance until 2013 at the earliest.

As for Fukudome, well, just ask fans on the other side of town what they thought, and you might have an idea of the type of impact he'll have with the White Sox.

At least he won't be under any pressure, as his contract is only 92 percent lower than it was on the North Side.

However, if anyone is under pressure on the South Side, it absolutely has to be GM Kenny Williams.

Cincinnati Reds: Mat Latos

Ever since the announcement of the trade that saw San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mat Latos moving to the Cincinnati Reds for Yonder Alonso and Edinson Volquez, expectations were immediately raised concerning the Reds' chances in 2012.

Latos is largely expected to join Johnny Cueto at the top of the rotation to provide a solid 1-2 punch. It's certainly a tremendous amount of pressure to put on the shoulders of a pitcher who's only 24 and has just over two years of major-league experience.

Critics point to the fact that Latos will be out of the confines of cavernous Petco Park. However, his road numbers tell a different story. Away from Petco Park, Latos' ERA was only less than a half-run higher (3.11 home, 3.57 away) and his peripheral numbers are all similar.

Still, the pressure on Latos to perform will be huge, as the Reds look to shake off a disappointing season and return to the form that led them to the NL Central Division title in 2010.

Cleveland Indians: Casey Kotchman

One of the biggest areas of concern headed into the offseason for the Cleveland Indians was its situation at first base.

It became apparent that the Tribe were not enamored with Matt LaPorta, who was largely inconsistent in 2011 with a .247 batting average, .299 on-base percentage and just 11 HR and 53 RBI.

The Indians made a play for Carlos Pena, but Pena opted to return to the Tampa Bay Rays, his previous home for four seasons. Instead, the Indians traded for International League MVP Russ Canzler, and then signed former Tampa Bay first baseman Casey Kotchman.

Kotchman was excellent in his only year with the Rays, posting career highs in batting average (.306) and on-base percentage (.378). However, his production was actually inferior to LaPorta's, with just 10 HR and 48 RBI.

It's expected that Kotchman will sit against left-handed pitching, with Carlos Santana moving to first and Lou Marson catching with southpaws on the mound. Still, Kotchman will need to add as much production as possible when opportunities present themselves.

Colorado Rockies: Michael Cuddyer

After 11 seasons in Minnesota in which he transformed from an all-around utility guy to an emerging All-Star, Michael Cuddyer now brings his talents to the Colorado Rockies.

After a massively disappointing season in the Mile High City, GM Dan O'Dowd sought to make sweeping changes in his roster, and signing Cuddyer to a three-year, $31.5 million contract was just one of those changes.

However, Cuddyer will be called upon to add production to a lineup that saw down years from both of its superstars, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, and practically no production from second and third base.

Cuddyer, Marco Scutaro, Casey Blake and Ramon Hernandez have all been added as experienced veterans who have made significant contributions in the past.

With Cuddyer however, the contract he signed adds pressure for that significant contribution to continue. 

Detroit Tigers: Prince Fielder

Rarely has a star ever arrived in the city of Detroit with as much fanfare as free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder, and the expectations that come with his arrival are massive. 

Signed for nine years and $214 million, the fourth-largest contract in MLB history, Fielder will be expected to deliver, and deliver immediately.

Teamed with Miguel Cabrera, the Tigers now have the most potent 3-4 hitting combination in the majors. While Fielder will be hitting in a less hitter-friendly park, the expectations will be nothing less than a World Series title.

Houston Astros: Jed Lowrie

When new Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow took over, one of the first big transactions he made was acquiring shortstop Jed Lowrie from the Boston Red Sox for reliever Mark Melancon.

Lowrie, a former first-round pick for the Sox back in 2005, turned from an everyday shortstop into an expendable trade piece, born out of his many trips to the DL and durability questions.

When healthy, Lowrie can clearly rake—returning from a long stint on the disabled list in 2010, Lowrie hit .287 with nine HR and 24 RBI in 55 games with a .907 OPS.

The question isn't with Lowrie's bat. If that were the case, he'd still be a prized commodity in Boston.

Lowrie will get a chance to show that he can stay on the field, and will have a chance to do it away from the bright lights and the big city.

He'll have a bit more leeway in Houston, but multiple trips to the disabled list will wear on any team regardless of success. 

Kansas City Royals: Jonathan Sanchez

When Kansas City Royals GM Dayton Moore made the decision to trade center fielder Melky Cabrera to the San Francisco Giants for starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez, he knew he was taking a bit of a chance.

In Cabrera, he was giving up a man who was his most potent offensive weapon in 2011, with 201 hits, 44 doubles, 18 home runs, 87 RBI, 20 stolen bases and a .305 batting average. In fact, Cabrera's overall numbers led him to the top-20 in fantasy baseball rankings. 

However, Sanchez also brings an impressive resume to the table. The No. 4 starter on a team with the best pitching staff in all of baseball, a no-hitter and a career 9.4 K/9 rate was just too good for Moore to pass up. Plus, Cabrera was likely to command a lot more than the $1.25 million he made last year.

Sanchez will now be asked to be the leader of a decidedly thin rotation featuring Bruce Chen, Luke Hochevar, Danny Duffy and Aaron Crow. Felipe Paulino will get a look as well. However, Sanchez will be the man expected to deliver at the top.

Los Angeles Angels: Albert Pujols

Is there really any question that Albert Pujols will be the man from whom the most will be expected of this season?

A ten-year, $240 million contract sums up that the Los Angeles Angels believe Pujols can indeed deliver, and deliver quickly.

Pujols will likely go down as one of the most feared hitters in the history of Major League Baseball, and the pressure on him to continue producing in Anaheim will be huge.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Mark Ellis

In Los Angeles, much of the media hype currently revolves around the auction process for ownership of the team. Seven potential buyers will be screened by MLB to help in the process, and for now, it remains the top story in Dodgertown.

However, on the field, manager Don Mattingly will be charged with putting a product out there that can be competitive, and one of the players hoping to make an impact is new second baseman Mark Ellis.

Ellis is essentially replacing Jamey Carroll, who signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Twins. Carroll was one of the most popular players in the clubhouse and a fan favorite as well, hitting .290 during two years in Los Angeles. 

While Ellis won't be called upon to be a key offensive weapon, he will be called upon to provide enough support that can be of use and providing sound defense. Ellis is a career .266 hitter, so while he won't light the world on fire with his bat, anything less than that would be a disappointment.

Miami Marlins: Jose Reyes

With a six-year, $106 million contract in hand, shortstop Jose Reyes isn't just expected to be good for the Miami Marlins—he's expected to help deliver postseason success.

Obviously, the main concern for Reyes is the health of his hamstrings, which led to two more stints on the disabled list last year for the New York Mets and have hampered him since 2009.

The defending National League batting champion will be expected to deliver at the top of the lineup and will be a major factor in determining the Marlins' fate in 2012 and beyond.

Milwaukee Brewers: Aramis Ramirez

The Milwaukee Brewers are sporting an infield that only returns one starter from the 2011 season.

A 75 percent turnover, highlighted by the departure of Prince Fielder, is an awful lot for any team to overcome. However, GM Doug Melvin was busy with the transformation during the offseason, signing shortstop Alex Gonzalez and third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

Ramirez, 33, signed a three-year, $33 million contract with an option for a fourth year, and will absolutely be counted on to supply the offense left behind by the departed Fielder.

If Ramirez can supply a 30 HR/100 RBI season, as has been the norm for much of his career, and first baseman Mat Gamel can at least provide serviceable numbers, the Brewers will likely be back contending for the NL Central title.

Minnesota Twins: Josh Willingham

In 2011, outfielder Josh Willingham put together the best power numbers of his career, with 29 HR and 98 RBI, and he did it in the cavernous confines of the Oakland Coliseum. 

In 2012, Willingham will be asked to do the same in Minnesota, which also features a not-so hitter-friendly stadium in Target Field.

With the ongoing health concerns of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, Willingham will absolutely be expected to produce in his new home, regardless of how tough the park is.

He handled the change of scenery very well in Oakland, so Minnesota may not be a huge challenge, either.

New York Mets: Frank Francisco

Considering the money issues the New York Mets have been facing, they were forced to very prudent with their free-agent signings this past offseason.

As a result, the signing of Frank Francisco to a two-year, $12 million contract seemed a bit curious at face value. 

GM Sandy Alderson sought to remake a bullpen that lost Francisco Rodriguez and suffered through a tough second half in 2011. By signing Jon Rauch, Francisco and trading for Ramon Ramirez, Alderson feels he has a bullpen that will be an upgrade.

For a man who brings a career 3.72 ERA and 49 total saves, $12 million was a rather large investment, and Mets fans will no doubt be expecting Francisco make his money in save situations. 

New York Yankees: Michael Pineda

The New York Yankees took a big risk in late January when they traded prospect Jesus Montero along with pitcher Hector Noesi to the Seattle Mariners for starting pitcher Michael Pineda.

Pineda finished fifth in Rookie of the Year balloting in the American League, and his 9.1 K/9 rate and 1.099 WHIP are huge pluses.

Pineda's command is impeccable and his array of pitches are outstanding, confusing hitters enough to post a 7.0 hits-per-nine inning rate, sixth-best in all of baseball.

Still, giving up Montero for Pineda was a major deal in New York City, so Pineda will have pressure on him to convince Yankees fans that the deal was indeed worth the asking price.

Oakland Athletics: Manny Ramirez

When it was announced that the Oakland A's had signed oft-troubled slugger Manny Ramirez, the reaction throughout baseball was a mixture of good and bad.

Scott Miller of CBSSports.com called the signing "reprehensible." He later wrote a column after talking with Manny, and his mind wasn't sufficiently changed.

"Right is right, and wrong is wrong," Miller wrote. "And this is wrong from every angle."

Others believe that Manny's signing represents a win-win for the Athletics. With his 50-game suspension in place, the A's will only have to fork over $380,000, so if Manny doesn't work out, it's no huge loss financially.

Whatever the reaction, there will be tremendous pressure on Manny when he does make his return to baseball in late May, whether or not he's a changed man. 

Philadelphia Phillies: Jonathan Papelbon

There have been times in the career of closer Jonathan Papelbon when he was without a doubt the most dominant closer in all of baseball. There were also times when he was just ordinary.

However, the Philadelphia Phillies thought enough of him to offer the largest contract for a closer in baseball history—four years for $50 million.

Papelbon, who has accumulated six straight seasons of 30 or more saves, will have tremendous pressure on him to deliver in the City of Brotherly Love. Replacing Ryan Madson won't be an issue, but winning over the hearts of Philly fans will be.

Pittsburgh Pirates: A.J. Burnett

I have no idea who coined the praise "with great power comes great responsibility," but for some reason, when I think of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett, it comes to mind.

Burnett was given a five-year, $82.5 million contract by the New York Yankees on the heels of an 18-win season in Toronto in 2008. What the Yankees got for that money was the third-worst ERA in history by any Yankee pitcher with over 500 innings pitched.

Expectedly, the Yankees shipped Burnett off to Pittsburgh, along with an extra $19 million or so to cover the cost of shipping and handling. The key word there may be handling.

Burnett was unable to perform under the bright lights in the big city, so Pittsburgh may be more suited for his, um, talents. Still, $13 million is a lot to invest in a pitcher who couldn't cut it in a major market.

San Diego Padres: Yonder Alonso

When new San Diego Padres GM Josh Byrnes okayed the trade that sent ace pitcher Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Edinson Volquez and first-base prospect Yonder Alonso, he was operating on a calculated hunch.

The hunch for Byrnes is that Alonso can thrive in Petco Park, a place where good hitters go to have their swings die.

However, Alonso just might have the right swing. Good power to all fields and the ability to spray the ball certainly can't hurt at cavernous Petco, and while giving up Latos certainly hurts the pitching staff, Alonso will be expected to ease those concerns with his bat.

San Francisco Giants: Angel Pagan

One of the biggest problems the San Francisco Giants had last season—well, other than the fact that they scored only 570 runs—was their inability to get runners on base from the top of the batting order.

In purchasing outfielder Angel Pagan, the Giants believe they went a long way towards resolving that issue.

The outfielder definitely has the speed and ability to hit leadoff, and together with a healthy Freddy Sanchez, the San Francisco should have a capable one-two punch to spark its stagnant offense.  

Pagan was given up on by the Mets, and the Giants are hoping the change of scenery will invigorate his career.

Seattle Mariners: Jesus Montero

For the Seattle Mariners, you can pretty much insert the same arguments for newcomer Jesus Montero than the argument given for Michael Pineda for the New York Yankees.

The expectations for Montero will indeed be high as he embarks on his first full major-league season. The pressure to prove GM Jack Zduriencik did the right thing in dealing future ace Pineda will be enormous.

St. Louis Cardinals: Carlos Beltran

It is completely unfair to expect that new St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Carlos Beltran will be able to replace the offense of the departed Albert Pujols.

Pujols will go down in history as one of the most feared hitters in the history of the game, and that's something Beltran can never replace.

However, the pressure will still be there for Beltran to deliver. It will also be on Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday and David Freese, but the new guy always has the most pressure to step up.

Tampa Bay Rays: Carlos Pena

First baseman Carlos Pena had a very productive four years with the Tampa Bay Rays from 2007 to 2010. They are hoping that production returns with his return, so to speak.

Much like a prodigal son, Pena returns home after a short time away, and the Rays will need him to bring his offense along with him.

The Rays have decent power with Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton, but Pena will be expected to provide pop like he did in his glory years. 

Texas Rangers: Joe Nathan

With a two-year, $14.25 million contract in hand, Joe Nathan will take over the closer duties for the Rangers. With Nathan on hand, Texas is hoping it can pull off another miraculous reliever transformation.

Two years ago, Neftali Feliz took over the closer's role as C.J. Wilson transitioned to the starting rotation. Wilson's transformation was so successful that he bolted for the Los Angeles Angels this offseason for $77.5 million.

If Nathan can return to his form of the late 2000s, before his Tommy John surgery, it will certainly take a lot of pressure off the bullpen, and by extension, Feliz. 

Toronto Blue Jays: Sergio Santos

Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos pulled off what amounted to be the steal of the offseason, grabbing closer Sergio Santos from the Chicago White Sox for prospect pitcher Nestor Molina.

Santos signed a very team-friendly three-year, $8.25 million contract, with escalating options for the following three seasons.

Santos stepped up as the White Sox closer last year after Matt Thornton spit the bit, and delivered with 30 saves and 92 strikeouts in 63.2 innings.

Toronto's bullpen blew 25 saves last year, so Santos will be expected to stabilize the back end for the Jays in 2012 and beyond.

Washington Nationals: Gio Gonzalez

Gio Gonzalez signed a five-year, $42 million contract with the Washington Nationals shortly after his trade from the Oakland A's, with two more options that have him potentially locked up in the nation's capital until 2018.

It certainly seemed like a terrific deal for both Gonzalez and the Nats. Gio's last two seasons in Oakland were special—a 131-21 record, 3.17 ERA, 7.75 H/9 rate and xFIP of 3.73 are solid numbers to say the least.

Gonzalez's acquisition, along with the signing of Edward Jackson, clearly puts the Nats in the "we can win now" mode, and Gio will be called upon to help deliver that message.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

Follow @Sports_A_Holic