2013 MLB Free Agency: A Player Each Team Will Need to Replace After 2012

While the 2012 MLB season isn't even a week old, it's never too early to look ahead to 2013.

A number of teams face some difficult roster decisions following this season. With the luxury tax threshold of $189 million in 2014 inching closer and closer, some teams will be forced to make decisions on some big-name players based more on financial reasons than baseball reasons.

There is always a chance that: these players re-sign with their respective clubs; their respective clubs decide to exercise some lucrative team options for the upcoming season; or that they are dealt away for younger, cheaper options who are under team control.

But make no mistake about it—how some teams look in 2013 will be drastically different than they look in 2012.

Let's see who could be changing addresses after this season.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Stephen Drew and Miguel Montero

The Diamondbacks tried to sign Montero to a long-term deal this past offseason to no avail. According to Jack McGruder of FOX Sports Arizona, Montero is looking for a Victor Martinez-type deal: five years at $12-13 million a season.

You have to think that Yadier Molina's five-year, $75 million extension with the Cardinals will come into play as well. While it's conceivable that Kevin Towers could point to Martinez's season-ending injury during negotiations, ESPN's Jim Bowden reports that the Diamondbacks have targeted 10 to 12 catchers as possible replacements.

Another player who could come into play here is shortstop Stephen Drew.

Drew, currently working his way back from a fractured ankle he suffered halfway through last season, has a $10 mutual option (or a $1.35 million buyout).

Should Drew either not return to action at all or struggle this season when he does return, that $10 million salary may prove to be more than the team is willing to spend.

Other Free Agents in Arizona: Henry Blanco ($1.24 million mutual option), Geoff Blum, Lyle Overbay, J.J. Putz ($6.5 million team option or $1.5 million buyout), Takashi Saito, Joe Saunders

Arbitration Eligible: Craig Breslow, Ryan Roberts, Brad Ziegler

Atlanta Braves: Michael Bourn

Acquired by the Braves at last year's trade deadline, Michael Bourn is set to hit the open market following the 2012 season.

In an interview with Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Bourn acknowledged that the team had not reached out to him about an extension:

"

No, I haven’t heard anything. I just take it one day at a time, take it in stride. When there business aspect comes up, me and the person that represents me will handle that accordingly.

"

On staying in Atlanta:

"

It’s always a possibility. I like playing where I’m wanted. That’s one thing that I always say. That side will come. Right now, I’m going to worry about spring training, getting ready for the season and take it from there.

"

The person that represents Bourn is none other than Scott Boras.

Braves GM Frank Wren has said all the right things about his long-term plans:

"

He is a guy that we like on our team. We think he fits really well. We like everything about him. We think his makeup is great. Good teammate. He works hard. He plays the game well. So, he is the perfect fit for us so our desire is that he stays with us beyond this year.

"

Adding Boras into the equation only complicates things. While Bourn will be 30 years old when he hits free agency—not an ideal age for someone whose entire game is predicated on his speed—Boras will undoubtedly start the bidding on Bourn at a price that exceeds what the Braves would be willing to pay.

Other Free Agents in Atlanta: Matt Diaz, Chad Durbin, Livan Hernandez, Eric Hinske, Tim Hudson ($9 million team option or $1 million buyout), Chipper Jones (intends to retire), Brian McCann ($12 million team option or $500,000 buyout), David Ross, Jack Wilson

Arbitration Eligible: Jason Heyward, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Cristhian Martinez, Kris Medlen, Eric O'Flaherty, Martin Prado, Jonny Venters

Baltimore Orioles: Mark Reynolds

More often than not, you don't find a third baseman under the age of 30 who averages 32 home runs and 86 RBI per season hitting the free-agent market.

But that's exactly what will happen following this season when the Orioles pay a $500,000 buyout rather than a $11 million salary for the soon-to-be 29-year-old Mark Reynolds.

The Orioles have been shopping Reynolds and former closer Kevin Gregg for weeks, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. They are unlikely to find takers for either considering their lackluster performances on the field and their hefty price tags off of it—Reynolds is due $7.5 million this season, while Gregg will make $5.5 million.

Other Free Agents in Baltimore: Luis Ayala ($1 million team option or $100,000 buyout), Endy Chavez, Kevin Gregg

Arbitration Eligible: Robert Andino, Brad Bergesen, Dana Eveland, Jason Hammel, Jim Johnson, Adam Jones, Darren O'Day

Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis

After avoiding what could have been a contentious arbitration hearing by agreeing on a one-year, $14.575 million contract for 2012, David Ortiz and the Red Sox will find themselves back at the negotiating table again following this season.

Ortiz, who has been a mainstay in the middle of Boston's lineup for the past 10 years, will be 37 years old next season. The Red Sox could opt to let him walk should he show signs of breaking down this season.

That's because they have other players to consider as well, none more notable than Kevin Youkilis, who is due either a $13 million salary or a $1 million buyout for 2013.

Youkilis, the Red Sox do-it-all corner infielder and outfielder, has struggled to stay healthy over the past few seasons and enters 2012 coming off of his worst offensive season to date. Should he struggle at the plate or with health, Boston could be faced with a difficult decision heading into 2013.

Other Free Agents in Boston: Bobby Jenks, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Vicente Padilla, Cody Ross, Kelly Shoppach

Arbitration Eligible: Alfredo Aceves, Matt Albers, Scott Atchison, Mike Aviles, Andrew Bailey, Daniel Bard, Jacoby Ellsbury, Rich Hill, Darnell McDonald, Andrew Miller, Franklin Morales, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Ryan Sweeney, Junichi Tazawa

Chicago Cubs: Ryan Dempster

Unquestionably the most reliable starting pitcher that the Cubs have had over the past four seasons, Ryan Dempster, who turns 35 next month, enters 2012 with an uncertain future in Chicago.

Pitching this season on a $12 million player option that he exercised, Dempster told SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio in March that he would like to stay with the Cubs until he retires: "I’m looking forward to, hopefully, staying in Chicago the rest of my career and being a Cub and (helping bring) a World Series to (a) city that deserves it so much now on the North Side.”

While Dempster would likely be flexible in negotiations due to that sentiment, it remains to be seen whether Cubs GM Jed Hoyer or team president Theo Epstein would get sentimental as well.

Neither Hoyer nor Epstein have deep ties to Dempster, and with the duo having an eye towards building around young players who are under team control, Dempster could find himself on the outside looking in following the 2012 season.

Other Free Agents in Chicago: Jeff Baker, Marlon Byrd, Shawn Camp, Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm ($6.5 million team option), Kerry Wood ($3 million team option)

Arbitration Eligible Players: Starlin Castro, Blake DeWitt, Matt Garza, James Russell, Jeff Samardzija, Geovany Soto, Ian Stewart, Luis Valbuena, Chris Volstad, Randy Wells

Chicago White Sox: A.J. Pierzynski

Kenny Williams may already have his replacement for A.J. Pierzynski in 26-year-old Tyler Flowers, but Flowers will have to show in 2012 that he can hit against major league pitching.

Pierzynski, who turns 36 before the 2013 season, would like to finish his career in the Windy City, as he told Scott Merkin of MLB.com earlier this year:

"

There are no physical limitations on anything, and I'm happy to be able to go out and play. I'm fortunate that I've done the things I've done. I haven't been beat up. I would love to finish my career with the White Sox.

"

Whether he fits into the future plans for the White Sox, who are in the process of rebuilding their team, remains to be seen. The 15-year veteran would likely have to agree to a short-term contract for less than the $6 million he is set to earn in 2012 for there to be any chance of that happening.

Other Free Agents in Chicago: Gavin Floyd ($9.5 million team option), Will Ohman, Jake Peavy ($22 million team option, $4 million buyout)

Arbitration Eligible Players: Alejandro De Aza, Gordon Beckham, Kosuke Fukudome (team can buy out arbitration with $3.5 million salary in 2013), Phil Humber, Brent Lillibridge

Cincinnati Reds: Scott Rolen

The pick here would have been second baseman Brandon Phillips, but the Reds just signed him to a six-year, $72.5 million contract as reported by ESPN.

The Reds now have to figure out what to do with veteran third baseman Scott Rolen.

Rolen, who celebrated his 37th birthday last week, is set to hit the open market after earning $6.5 million this season. Rolen says that he has yet to decide on whether he'll keep playing past this season, in comments he made to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

"

“I’m not spending much time on that,” Rolen said. “Right now I have one year left on my contract. If this is my last year, I want to make sure I get out there and I play and contribute and I want to be accountable for this year."

"

Rolen, who hit .242 in only 65 games last year while missing most of the second half of the season with shoulder surgery, could be replaced at the hot corner by Todd Frazier, currently in Triple-A.

Other Free Agents in Cincinnati: Miguel Cairo, Willie Harris, Ryan Ludwick ($5 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Ryan Madson ($11 million team option, $2.5 million buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: Homer Bailey, Bill Bray, Chris Heisey, Paul Janish, Mat Latos, Mike Leake, Sam LeCure, Logan Ondrusek, Alfredo Simon, Jordan Smith, Drew Stubbs, Wilson Valdez

Cleveland Indians: Derek Lowe

Derek Lowe does not have a long-term future in Cleveland, due to both his age and his desire to play elsewhere. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Lowe would like to return to the Boston Red Sox as either a starter or reliever in 2013.

Internal options include Zach McAllister and Scott Barnes, but neither projects as anything more than a back-of-the-rotation arm.

Other Free Agents in Cleveland: Roberto Hernandez (formerly Fausto Carmona, $9 million team option), Casey Kotchman, Grady Sizemore

Arbitration Eligible: Shin-Soo Choo, Jack Hannahan, Justin Masterson, Chris Perez, Rafael Perez,  Kevin Slowey, Joe Smith

Colorado Rockies: Marco Scutaro

The Rockies traded for Marco Scutaro in the hopes that he would bring stability to a position that has seen a veritable merry-go-round of players occupying it for more than 10 years.

Since Mike Lansing made his third consecutive Opening Day start at second base in 2000, the Rockies have used 11 different players in the role, with only Luis Gonzalez appearing on that list more than once.

Scutaro, who is in the last year of a three-year contract he signed with the Boston Red Sox, turns 37 at the end of the season and surely does not figure into the Rockies' long-term plans.

With infield prospect Trevor Story years away from possibly contributing on the major league level, the Rockies may find themselves looking for yet another Opening Day starter in 2013.

Other Free Agents in Colorado: Jorge De La Rosa ($11 million player option, $1 million buyout), Jason Giambi, Jeremy Guthrie

Arbitration Eligible: Dexter Fowler

Detroit Tigers: Jose Valverde

After a remarkable 2011 campaign that saw him go a perfect 48-of-48 in save opportunities, the Tigers wasted little time in picking up their $9 million team option on their closer for 2012.

Valverde, who turns 35 before Opening Day in 2013, is likely going to test the market, looking for his last multi-year contract. He would be amongst the best closers available, in a market that could potentially include Mariano Rivera, Ryan Madson, Brandon League and J.J. Putz.

Other Free Agents in Detroit: Octavio Dotel ($3.5 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Brandon Inge ($6 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Gerald Laird, Jhonny Peralta ($6 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Delmon Young

Arbitration Eligible: Alex Avila, Brennan Boesch, Phil Coke, Doug Fister, Austin Jackson, Rick Porcello, Ryan Rayburn

Houston Astros: Carlos Lee

While the Astros have tried to unload his contract for more than a year, the scary truth is that for as much as the Astros have struggled to win games in recent years, they would have struggled even more without Carlos Lee.

Lee, 35, has been with the Astros since the 2007 season, and produced a .286/.338/.486 line with 26 home runs and 101 RBI on average.

Whether any of the Astros' young prospects, namely J.D. Martinez or Brett Wallace, can develop into that type of hitter remains to be seen.

Other Free Agents in Houston: Brandon Lyon, Brett Myers ($10 million vesting option, $3 million buyout), Chris Snyder ($4 million mutual option, $500,000 buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: J.A. Happ, Jed Lowrie

Kansas City Royals: Joakim Soria

With options including Jonathan Broxton, Aaron Crow and Greg Holland, the Royals are unlikely to exercise their $8 million team option on Joakim Soria for 2013. They'll buy out their $8 million team option for 2013 and their $8.75 million team option in 2014 for $700,000.

Soria, who underwent Tommy John surgery last week for the second time in his career, would likely still be a candidate to return to Kansas City, but at a significantly reduced salary. Soria could also choose to wait until he was completely healthy, hold a workout for whatever clubs wanted to see him pitch and sign a one-year contract with the highest bidder.

Other Free Agents in Kansas City: Yuniesky Betancourt, Jonathan Broxton, Humberto Quintero, Jonathan Sanchez

Arbitration Eligible: Chris Getz, Luke Hochevar, Mitch Maier, Jose Mijares, Felipe Paulino, Brayan Pena

Los Angeles Angels: Erick Aybar

Erick Aybar's agent, Fern Cuza, told Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that while some progress was made on working out an extension with the Angels for Aybar was made, the sides were "not close" to an agreement.

Should Aybar hit the open market, he could be the best shortstop available in a group that could include Stephen Drew and Jhonny Peralta. With a multitude of players that need to be paid, Aybar could prove to be a bit too expensive for the Angels' taste.

Other Free Agents in Los Angeles: Bobby Abreu, Dan Haren ($15.5 million team option, $3.5 million buyout), LaTroy Hawkins, Torii Hunter, Chris Ianetta ($5 million team option, $250,000 buyout), Jason Isringhausen, Maicer Izturis, Ervin Santana ($13 million team option, $1 million buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: Alberto Callaspo, Kevin Jepsen, Kendrys Morales, Rich Thompson, Jerome Williams, Bobby Wilson

Los Angeles Dodgers: Andre Ethier

While Dodgers GM Ned Coletti tells the LA Times' Steve Dilbeck that he'd like to get a contract extension worked out with Andre Ethier, the 30-year-old rightfielder says that he won't let his uncertain future become a distraction in 2012, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:

"

I can't control things in the past or in the future, I can only prepare for the future by focusing on today. Every day I'll come in here to get better, to help my teammates do better. That's my main goal going forward. I'm not looking ahead. Head down and focus on today.

"

Now that the Dodgers' ownership issues have been cleared up, there should be a better chance of Ethier and the team reaching a long-term deal.

That being said, nothing is guaranteed. The new owners may decide to spend their money to improve other areas of the team via free agency,

Other Free Agents in Los Angeles: Adam Kennedy, James Loney, Mike MacDougal ($2.375 million team option, $350,000 buyout), Juan Rivera ($4 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Matt Treanor ($950,000 team option, $150,000 option), Jamey Wright

Arbitration Eligible: Ronald Belisario, A.J. Ellis, Blake Hawksworth

Miami Marlins: Anibal Sanchez

Sure to be one of the hottest pitching commodities available if he hits the open market, 28-year-old Anibal Sanchez figures to receive a lucrative multi-year extension from the Miami Marlins.

But then again, maybe not. We are dealing with a team owned by Jeffrey Loria, a man with a reputation for dumping salary on a whim, regardless of how it impacts the on-field product.

After spending big to bring in Heath Bell, Mark Buehrle and Jose Reyes, Sanchez's price could prove too rich for Loria's liking.

Other Free Agents in Miami: Randy Choate, Chad Gaudin, Austin Kearns, Juan Oviedo, Carlos Zambrano ($19.5 million vesting option)

Arbitration Eligible: Chris Coghlan, Brett Hayes, Donnie Murphy, Gaby Sanchez, Donnie Webb

Milwaukee Brewers: Zack Greinke

While Zack Greinke is open to an extension with the Milwaukee Brewers, the 28-year-old righty is likely going to be too expensive for Milwaukee to keep.

Greinke wouldn't comment one way or another on the potential impact of Matt Cain's record five-year, $112.5 million extension with the San Francisco Giants to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com. It would be foolish to expect that won't be used as a comparison by Team Greinke when negotiations begin.

Other Free Agents in Milwaukee: Alex Gonzalez ($4 million vesting option), Cesar Izturis, Shawn Marcum, Francisco Rodriguez, Randy Wolf ($10 million team option, $1.5 million buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: John Axford, Marco Estrada, Carlos Gomez, Travis Ishikawa, George Kottaras, Kameron Loe, Nyjer Morgan, Chris Narveson, Manny Parra, Jose Veras

Minnesota Twins: Carl Pavano

Pavano has been remarkably durable since joining the Minnesota Twins in August of 2009, logging over 220 innings in each of the past two seasons.

Making $8 million this season, another solid season from Pavano could push his asking price into the $10-12 million range, which could prove to be too expensive for the Twins.

With no other starter on the roster having thrown more than 161 innings in 2011, whether or not the Twins would have an in-house option to take over as the workhorse of the rotation is questionable.

Other Free Agents in Minnesota: Scott Baker ($9.25 million team option), Matt Capps ($6 million team option, $250,000 buyout), Ryan Doumit, Francisco Liriano, Jason Marquis

Arbitration Eligible: Sean Burroughs, Jared Burton, Alexi Casilla, Brian Duensing

New York Mets: David Wright

Conventional wisdom would dictate that the New York Mets had no choice but to pick up the $16 million team option on third baseman David Wright for the 2013 season. Even with the Bernie Madoff scandal behind them, there is no guarantee that the Mets will be willing to invest the money required to lock up Wright to an extension.

Should Wright hit the open market, he'd command offers in the range of $18-20 million a season, a price tag that the Mets certainly would not be comfortable with.

Other Free Agents in New York: Miguel Batista, Tim Byrdak, D.J. Carrasco, Ronny Cedeno, R.A. Dickey ($5 million team option, $300,000 buyout), Scott Hairston, Ramon Ramirez, Jon Rauch

Arbitration Eligible: Manny Acosta, Ike Davis, Daniel Murphy, Bobby Parnell, Mike Pelfrey, Andres Torres

New York Yankees: Nick Swisher

With the Yankees' stated goal of being under the $189 luxury tax threshold in 2014, Nick Swisher is likely the odd man out in the Bronx unless he is willing to give the team a substantial hometown discount.

Swisher, who turns 32 in November, is unlikely to do so. All signs point to the affable right fielder becoming a free agent following the season.

With none of their minor league outfielders nearly ready for prime time, the Yankees could find themselves shopping in the proverbial bargain bin to fill the position.

Other Free Agents in New York: David Aardsma, Robinson Cano ($15 million team option, $2 million buyout), Eric Chavez, Pedro Feliciano ($2.5 million team option), Freddy Garcia, Curtis Granderson ($13 million team option, $2 million buyout), Raul Ibanez, Andruw Jones, Russell Martin, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera

Arbitration Eligible: Joba Chamberlain, Brett Gardner, Phil Hughes, Hiroki Kuroda, Boone Logan, David Robertson, Cory Wade

Oakland A's: Brandon McCarthy

After acquiring a number of young arms that are under team control in exchange for starting pitchers Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez, the Oakland A's could easily choose to allow 28-year-old Brandon McCarthy to walk as a free agent following the season.

The current ace of the staff, McCarthy has battled injuries throughout his career. He has only thrown more than 160 innings in a season once, in 2011, when he logged 170.1 for the A's.

With questions about his durability remaining, McCarthy would fall into the second tier of starting pitchers available should he hit the open market.

Other Free Agents in Oakland: Grant Balfour ($4.5 million team option, $350,000 buyout), Bartolo Colon, Brian Fuentes ($6.5 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Jonny Gomes

Arbitration Eligible: Daric Barton, Dallas Braden, Joey Devine, Adam Rosales, Seth Smith

Philadelphia Phillies: Cole Hamels

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, it's been a month the Phillies and Cole Hamels have discussed a contract extension for the Philadelphia left-hander.

John Boggs represents Hamel, and he spoke with Jim Salsbury of ComcastSportsNet Philadelphia in January to announce his expectations for his client: 

"

At the appropriate time, Cole is looking to be compensated as one of the premier left-handed pitchers in baseball...Without putting a number on it, we’ll leave it at the fact that he’s an elite pitcher. Look and see what elite pitchers are compensated with. Hopefully at the end of the day we’ll be able to get something done with the Phillies that will reflect that.

"

The Phillies had attempted to sign Hamels to a team-friendly deal, much like the one that Jered Weaver signed with the Los Angeles Angels towards the end of last season. As far as Boggs is concerned, Weaver's deal is irrelevant:

"

I don’t think it’s a parallel...That contract is great for Jered. I understand it. But he took a different path and left a lot of money on the table. He came up through the Angels system and grew up in their backyard. He’s pitching where he grew up. That situation appeals to him. It’s a similar situation to when I had Tony Gwynn.

"

If Weaver hits the open market, it's likely that he'll receive lucrative offers that could simply be too much for Philadelphia to handle.

Other Free Agents in Philadelphia: Joe Blanton, Jose Contreras ($2.5 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Juan Pierre, Placido Polanco ($5.5 million mutual option, $1 million buyout), Chad Qualls, Carlos Ruiz ($5 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Brian Schneider, Jim Thome, Shane Victorino, Ty Wigginton ($4 million team option, $500,000 buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: Antonio Bastardo, David Herndon, Hunter Pence, Pete Orr

Pittsburgh Pirates: Pedro Alvarez

Since being made the second overall pick in the 2008 draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pedro Alvarez has struggled mightily through two major league seasons. With a batting line of .229/.303/.693, Alvarez has been more of a liability in the Pirates lineup than anything else.

Still only 25 years old, Alvarez is too young to label a total bust at this point. But should he struggle through another season, the Pirates would be justified in electing to not pick up their team option on him for 2013. They could cut ties and move forward with Casey McGehee at the hot corner until a more permanent replacement can be acquired.

Other Free Agents in Pittsburgh: Rod Barajas ($3.5 million team option), Erik Bedard, Kevin Correia, Jason Grilli, Nate McLouth

Arbitration Eligible: Jason Grilli, Joel Hanrahan, Garrett Jones, Jeff Karstens, Casey McGehee, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton, Chris Resop

San Diego Padres: Huston Street

With the Padres' ownership situation now back in limbo after Jeff Moorad dropped his bid to purchase the team, the Padres' financial situation is once again in flux.

Though they traded for Huston Street this past offseason, the cost was negligible, with Colorado only receiving low-level pitching prospect Nick Schmidt in return.

Street, who turns 29 before the end of the season, has a $9 million mutual option with the team. While the pitcher may exercise his end, the Padres could decide that the price is too expensive and allow Street to hit the open market.

Other Free Agents in San Diego: Jason Bartlett ($5.5 million team option, $1.5 million buyout), Orlando Hudson ($8 million team option, $2 million buyout), Mark Kotsay, Carlos Quentin

Arbitration Eligible: John Baker, Chris Denorfia, Luke Gregerson, Chase Headley, Dustin Moseley, Clayton Richard, Tim Stauffer, Joe Thatcher, Will Venable, Edinson Volquez

San Francisco Giants: Aubrey Huff

After locking up Matt Cain with a five-year extension, the Giants will enter this coming offseason with nothing in the way of irreplaceable players hitting the open market.

Aubrey Huff is the best of those who could become free agents, and with youngsters Brandon Belt and Brett Pill on the roster, Huff is expendable.

The Giants hold a $10 million team option on Huff for 2013, but unless Belt and Pill show that they cannot play at the major league level, there's no reason for the Giants to bring Huff back at such a high price.

Other Free Agents in San Francisco: Jeremy Affeldt, Melky Cabrera, Guillermo Mota, Angel Pagan, Freddy Sanchez, Ryan Theriot

Arbitration Eligible: Emmanuel Burriss, Santiago Casilla, Clay Hensley, Buster Posey, Sergio Romo, Nate Schierholtz, Eli Whiteside, Brian Wilson

Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Suzuki

So talented that he only needs one name, it's hard to envision the 38-year-old Ichiro in a uniform other than that of the Seattle Mariners, with whom he has spent each of his 12 major league seasons.

But with trade talks tabled until after the season, according to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, the desire to have a chance at winning a World Series ring coupled with where an aging outfielder fits in Seattle's rebuilding plans could move Ichiro out of Seattle for 2013.

Regardless of where he ends up, Ichiro is unlikely to command the $17 million salary that he is set to receive in 2012. A number of contending teams, including the Dodgers and Yankees, could have openings in right field entering 2013.

Other Free Agents in Seattle: Brandon League, Kevin Millwood, Miguel Olivo ($3 million team option, $750,000 buyout), George Sherrill

Arbitration Eligible: John Jaso, Shawn Kelley, Adam Moore, Brendan Ryan, Jason Vargas

St. Louis Cardinals: Kyle Lohse

Scott Boras may be a lot of things, but there's no denying that he puts his clients in the best position possible to get paid.

With Kyle Lohse's contract set to expire after the 2012 season, you can be sure that Boras will see to it that Lohse hits the open market.

Lohse, who turns 34 before the 2013 season gets underway, would be near the top of the second tier of available starting pitchers when he becomes a free agent. The offers he receives could be too rich for the Cardinals' liking.

Other Free Agents in St. Louis: Lance Berkman, Scott Linebrink, J.C. Romero, Jake Westbrook ($8.5 million option, $1 million buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: Mitchell Boggs, David Freese, Kyle McClellan, Jason Motte, Marc Rzepczynski

Tampa Bay Rays: B.J. Upton

Just as Carl Crawford did following the 2010 season, B.J. Upton will be the next talented Rays outfielder to take his talents to the highest bidder.

Upton has been a solid player who has never quite lived up to the lofty expectations surrounding him. He is in line for a raise over the $7 million salary he will earn in 2012.

With Desmond Jennings as the future in center, Upton will receive offers that far exceed levels that the Rays are comfortable with.

Other Free Agents in Tampa: Kyle Farnsworth, J.P. Howell, Jeff Keppinger, Jose Molina ($1.5 million team option, $300,000 buyout), Carlos Pena, Joel Peralta, Fernando Rodney ($2.5 million team option, $250,000 buyout), Luke Scott ($6 million team option, $1 million buyout), James Shields ($9 million team option, $1.5 million buyout)

Arbitration Eligible: Burke Badenhop, Jeff Niemann, David Price

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton

The Rangers already have a boatload of money tied up entering 2013. Between his injury issues and off-field concerns, Josh Hamilton will hit the open market as one of the best players available.

Hamilton turns 31 next month and will earn $13.75 million this season in the last year of a two-year deal he signed with the Rangers prior to the 2011 season.

With Leonys Martin waiting in the minors, the Rangers are likely to let Hamilton receive offers from other clubs before making a decision on whether they want to make a large investment in the talented outfielder or not.

Other Free Agents in Texas: Mike Adams, Scott Feldman ($9.25 team option, $600,000 buyout), Ian Kinsler ($10 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Colby Lewis, Mark Lowe, Mike Napoli, Yorvit Torrealba

Arbitration Eligible: Neftali Feliz, Alberto Gonzalez, Matt Harrison, David Murphy, Koji Uehara

Toronto Blue Jays: Kelly Johnson

Since acquiring him from the Atlanta Braves in 2010, Yunel Escobar has been a solid contributor to the Blue Jays both in the field and at bat.

With Cuban phenom Adeiny Hechavarria expected to be ready to take over at shortstop in 2013, Escobar is likely facing a move to second base.

Whether or not Escobar will take to a new position remains to be seen, but incumbent second baseman Kelly Johnson will be the odd man out in Toronto.

Other Free Agents in Toronto: Francisco Cordero, Rajai Davis ($3 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Edwin Encarnacion, Jason Frasor, Jeff Mathis, Darren Oliver ($3 million team option, $500,000 buyout), Carlos Villanueva

Arbitration Eligible: Ben Francisco, Jesse Litsch, Colby Rasmus

Washington Nationals: Edwin Jackson

After not receiving a multi-year offer to his liking, Edwin Jackson signed a one-year deal with the Washington Nationals so that he could hit the open market again heading into 2013.

With Matt Cain already off the board as possible competition, Jackson could receive offers more to his liking than he did heading into the 2012 season.

Other Free Agents in Washington: Sean Burnett ($3.5 million mutual option, $250,000 buyout), Adam LaRoche ($10 million team option, $1 million buyout), Brad Lidge, Chien-Ming Wang

Arbitration Eligible: Tyler Clippard, Jesus Flores, Tom Gorzelanny, John Lannan, Jordan Zimmerman