Biggest Needs for Every MLB Team Heading into the Offseason

All MLB teams face significant decisions in the offseason regarding signed players and free agents.

My advice to each club is as follows: Identify your biggest needs, prioritize them and take care of your chief concern in spring training soon immediately. Or else the opportunity to improve will be gone.

I've done the legwork and determined which positions front offices should address from the get-go. 

*Note: Unless valid reports suggest that an agreement is inevitable, I did not assume any impending free agents would re-sign with their current teams.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Ryan Dempster, Kyle Lohse, Anibal Sanchez

Shipping away Chris Young in a three-team trade allowed the Arizona Diamondbacks to bolster their bullpen and middle infield.

However, there's still a need for veteran starting pitching in the desert.

Daniel Hudson will be lost for much of the 2013 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Promising talents Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs didn't have the sort of immediate success that the D-Backs envisioned they would.

Fortunately, experienced right-handers abound on the free-agent market.

Atlanta Braves: Center Fielder/Leadoff Hitter

Free agents to pursue: Michael Bourn, Shane Victorino

Trade targets: Dexter Fowler (COL)

Michael Bourn, a Scott Boras client, is positioned to field contract offers of five-plus years this offseason. Though the Atlanta Braves seldom commit so much to one player, they will fight to retain the invaluable free agent who serves as their center fielder and leadoff guy.

Only a select group of players man that position, understand its subtleties, reach the bases consistently and run them aggressively.

Candidates for this vacancy ought to have offensive skill to partially compensate for the loss of Chipper Jones to retirement.

Baltimore Orioles: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Edwin Jackson, Brandon McCarthy

The Baltimore Orioles are probably eyeing starters who have pitched in the American League before.

Counting on the rotation to fare equally well with its current members assumes that neither Wei-Yin Chen nor Miguel Gonzalez will experience sophomore challenges. And that's naive (e.g. Ivan Nova, Vance Worley, etc.).

Boston Red Sox: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Ryan Dempster, Anibal Sanchez

Trade targets: Josh Johnson (MIA)

There's zero hope for the 2013 Boston Red Sox unless Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester recover from weak campaigns. With no physical limitations to speak of, we can be cautiously optimistic that they will.

Options to fill out the rotation abound for GM Ben Cherington, who has a ton of available payroll. He can go with the positive clubhouse presence (Dempster), the red-hot arm (Sanchez), the highest ceiling (Johnson) or a combination of the three.

But he must address this somehow.

Chicago Cubs: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Dan Haren, Kyle Lohse, Ervin Santana

The supposedly strong wave of Chicago Cubs prospects won't make a splash for another few years. For the time being, external candidates should be considered to comprise the rotation.

The front office will look to hand out deals that span the rebuilding phase.

Chicago White Sox: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Shaun Marcum, Brett Myers, Joe Saunders

Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com notes that attendance at U.S. Cellular Field has dropped for the fourth consecutive season, this time below two million. Missing out on this revenue stream makes it unreasonable to expect the Chicago White Sox to bring back everyone who's on an expiring contract.

Jake Peavy had a terrific bounce-back campaign (3.37 ERA, 1.10 WHIP in 219.0 IP).  He's most doubtful to come to terms with the Sox on a new contract.

They could attempt to replace his production with finesse starters.

Cincinnati Reds: Left Fielder

Free agents to pursue: Melky Cabrera, Ryan Ludwick, Juan Pierre

Trade targets: Coco Crisp (OAK)

There's no doubt about it: The Cincinnati Reds want Ryan Ludwick back. But the veteran slugger is searching for multi-year security, probably at a value that the team cannot match, writes John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The Reds have fall-back options in case he ultimately leaves. Their preference will be to ink someone to for a single season, preferably a cheap free agent who swings left-handed to balance out the lineup.

In a wild scenario, they could promote über prospect Billy Hamilton to the big leagues straight out of spring training, shift Drew Stubbs to left and find a platoon partner for him.

Cleveland Indians: First Base/Designated Hitter

Free agents to pursue: Carlos Pena, A.J. Pierzynski

Trade targets: Adam Lind (TOR)

The Cleveland Indians—as currently comprised—have vacancies at two traditional power positions. That's largely why 12 American League teams outscored them in 2012.

Like always, top-tier free agents won't be attracted, but there's hope for the Tribe to find a fiscally responsible fix.

Carlos Santana is easily the most valuable bat on the Indians roster. Acquiring a catcher like Pierzynski would give Santana the option of transitioning to DH and lessen his risk of injury.

Pena has more remaining ability than he showed last season and serves as an excellent clubhouse presence.

Colorado Rockies: No. 1 Starting Pitcher

Trade targets: Lance Lynn (STL), Justin Masterson (CLE)

The Colorado Rockies went about their business all wrong last winter. They acquired a handful of pre-arbitration-eligible, low-ceiling starters and crossed their fingers that a few would step up.

It didn't work out that way, as the Rox suffered through the most pathetic season in franchise history.

Internal studies conducted by the team suggest the high altitude of Coors Field contributes to "fatigue, injury and loss of effectiveness" (via MLB.com's Thomas Harding). Understandably, there aren't many established free agents pleading to join the organization.

So Colorado must force a capable rotation leader onto the staff by trading for one.

Detroit Tigers: Closer

Free agents to pursue: Jonathan Broxton

Trade targets: Chris Perez (CLE), Rafael Betancourt (COL)

Phil Coke's postseason excellence is temporarily filling the void at the back end of the Detroit Tigers' bullpen. But over a larger sample size—his 302.0 IP in five MLB regular seasons—the southpaw pitches to a pedestrian 4.05 ERA and 1.37 WHIP.

Of course, impending free agent Jose Valverde isn't the answer. His splitter doesn't split like it used to, and his fastball velocity continues to trend downward.

It would be in the team's best interest to acquire a control artist for the ninth-inning role.

Houston Astros: Designated Hitter

Free agents to pursue: Bobby Abreu, Jim Thome

This transition to the American League comes at an inopportune time for the Houston Astros. Stripped of experienced players, they have never been more vulnerable.

Their run-scoring difficulties are well-documented. Opponents shut out Houston on 14 occasions in 2012.

The squad's first-ever season-long DH should be a veteran with plenty of plate discipline, somebody who can set an example with his play as much as his advice.

Kansas City Royals: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Jeremy Guthrie, Edwin Jackson, Hiroki Kuroda, Kyle Lohse, Anibal Sanchez

Kansas City Royals owner David Glass reiterated his willingness to spend for competent starting pitchers (via Bob Dutton, The Kansas City Star).

In 2012, the team leaned on Bruce Chen and Luke Hochevar to lead the rotation...and both underachieved (5.07 ERA and 5.73 ERA, respectively).

Signing a couple of the aforementioned names could push K.C. to a winning season.

Los Angeles Angels: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Zack Greinke, Jake Peavy

Trade targets: Josh Johnson (MIA)

Just two-fifths of the Los Angeles Angels starting rotation is certain to remain intact. That's because both Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson are amid long-term contracts.

As Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times explains, GM Jerry Dipoto will be stuck in a holding pattern until midseason rental Zack Greinke decides on his future. Given the team's need to revamp, the Halos should have no problem paying market value for the right-hander.

But even locking up Greinke doesn't fully resolve the problem.

L.A. will chase another reputable, potentially expensive starter before delegating the fifth rotation spot to whoever emerges as its top internal option.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Ryan Dempster, Zack Greinke

Despite nearly $200 million in 2013 contract commitments, the Los Angeles Dodgers have motivation to spend more this offseason. They need to bolster their starting rotation; its quality deteriorates sharply after ace Clayton Kershaw.

Dempster was eager to land in L.A. at last summer's non-waiver trade deadline.

Greinke, meanwhile, proved he could handle big-market pressure with solid pitching down the stretch for the crosstown Los Angeles Angels. One thing's for sure: It will be a bidding war.

Miami Marlins: Corner Infielders

Free agents to pursue: Mike Napoli, Ty Wigginton

Trade targets: Darin Ruf (PHI)

The Miami Marlins offense was the second-least productive in baseball (609 runs scored). That will change if Logan Morrison and Giancarlo Stanton are in better health.

However, to make it a team strength, the Fish need more from the corner infield positions too.

Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com expects the Philadelphia Phillies to buy out Ty Wigginton's contract for $500,000. If that occurs, the right-hander could form an affordable yet potent platoon with Greg Dobbs at third base. With the cooperation of its NL East rival, Miami might trade for Ruf, a natural first baseman whose MLB future is currently blocked by Ryan Howard.

Napoli's career-low .227 batting average is definitely a deterrent. But he's a lock to slug 20-plus home runs and versatile enough to split time with Rob Brantly behind the plate.

Milwaukee Brewers: Closer

Free agents to pursue: Jonathan Broxton, Rafael Soriano

Trade targets: Rafael Betancourt (COL)

With strike-throwers in the bullpen, the Milwaukee Brewers may have completed their late-season surge and finished 2012 as the second National League Wild Card.

John Axford was an enigma. Expect him to remain on the roster, but work his way up from a lesser role.

Then there's Francisco Rodriguez, who quietly got his act together after Sept. 1 (1.20 ERA, 0.53 WHIP, 15 SO in 15.0 IP). On the other hand, his struggles prior to that make him a risk to re-sign.

Soriano wants to explore free agency (via Joel Sherman, New York Post). How seriously Milwaukee pursues him will depend on the volume of league-wide competition.

Minnesota Twins: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Scott Baker, Joe Blanton, Dan Haren, Carl Pavano

Trade targets: Jair Jurrjens (ATL)

Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com confirms that the Minnesota Twins will make revamping the starting rotation their No. 1 priority. For the second straight season, it was their Achilles' heel. 

Mackey's takeaway from the organizational meetings was that—beyond Scott Diamond's—most rotation spots are up for grabs. Minnesota isn't pleased with its internal options and will aim to add quantity before quality, but ideally both.

Strikeout pitchers get expensive, so don't expect the Twins to bid for Zack Greinke or Edwin Jackson.

The more logical approach would be for them to court pitch-efficient veterans to spare their unremarkable bullpen.

New York Mets: Outfielders

Free agents to pursue: Melky Cabrera, Delmon Young

Trade targets: Peter Bourjos (LAA), Franklin Gutierrez (SEA), Nyjer Morgan (MIL)

MLB Trade Rumors reports that the New York Mets will listen to offers for first baseman Ike Davis. Such a transaction would allow Lucas Duda to play a less demanding defensive position.

Considering that Andres Torres is a non-tender candidate (via the Post's Mike Puma) and Scott Hairston won't be easy to re-sign, the Mets may be on the hunt for multiple everyday outfielders.

New York Yankees: Corner Outfielder

Free agents to pursue: Torii Hunter, Ichiro Suzuki

Trade targets: Shin-Soo Choo (CLE), Mike Morse (WSH), Justin Upton (ARI)

The New York Yankees have "no interest" in retaining Nick Swisher, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. This comes as exciting news to Bleacher Report Senior Analyst Anthony Rizzuti, who has despised the right fielder throughout his four-year tenure in the Bronx.

As soon as Swisher declines their qualifying offer, the search for a replacement can commence.

The Yanks desire a player of similar offensive ability, superior fielding skills and greater athleticism.

Oakland Athletics: Shortstop

Free agents to pursue: Stephen Drew, Marco Scutaro

Trade targets: Asdrubal Cabrera (CLE)

Solidifying the middle infield is surely the No. 1 priority for Billy Beane after he shipped away Cliff Pennington in a three-team trade earlier this month.

Drew quietly did a decent job as the everyday guy on the Oakland Athletics (.250/.326/.382 with five home runs). Though his $10 million mutual option won't be picked up, perhaps a multi-year agreement could work for both sides.

Few viable shortstops are available in free agency, but the A's could use their surplus on young pitching to consummate a trade.

Philadelphia Phillies: Set-Up Men

Free agents to pursue: Mike Adams, Joel Peralta, Francisco Rodriguez

Due to injury and ineffectiveness, the bridge to closer Jonathan Papelbon broke down in 2012. Just ask Cliff Lee (6-9 despite 3.16 ERA and 1.11 WHIP).

The Philadelphia Phillies ought to sign an experienced reliever to complement Antonio Bastardo and Jeremy Horst.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Starting Pitching

Free agents to pursue: Aaron Cook, Shaun Marcum, Carl Pavano

Trade targets: Justin Masterson (CLE)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are unsure of what they'll get from James McDonald going forward. Also, they don't want to rush any of their highly-touted pitching prospects to the big leagues.

Expect the Bucs to be in the market for a one-year stopgap with some past success in the National League.

San Diego Padres: Right Fielder

Free agents to pursue: Nick Swisher

Trade targets: Justin Upton (ARI)

Will Venable better be looking over his shoulder—under new ownership, the San Diego Padres may seek a more powerful right fielder.

Yasmani Grandal, Chase Headley and Carlos Quentin carried the offensive load in 2012. The lineup could use additional depth.

San Francisco Giants: Center Fielder

Free agents to pursue: Michael Bourn, Angel Pagan

Trade targets: Coco Crisp (OAK)

A strong offensive season has poised Pagan to fetch a terrific contract on the open market.

The San Francisco Giants may be reluctant to out-bid the competition. Speedier alternatives like Bourn and Crisp have skill sets that are tailor-made for AT&T Park.

Either would be a defensive upgrade and an option to bat atop the lineup.

Seattle Mariners: Right Field

Free agents to pursue: Cody Ross

Very similar situation in the Pacific Northwest.

When healthy, Franklin Gutierrez and Michael Saunders are staples in the outfield. But beyond that, the Seattle Mariners have an abundance of backup-type players vying for an everyday role.

The M's need a veteran with enough pop to contribute at pitcher-friendly Safeco Field.

St. Louis Cardinals: Left-Handed Reliever

Free agents to pursue: Jeremy Affeldt, J.P. Howell

Marc Rzepczynski—a.k.a. "Scrabble"—isn't a shutdown LOOGY (great name, though). That's been confirmed by his lackluster performance during this past season and playoff run.

Fortunately, this is a simple roster problem to resolve if the St. Louis Cardinals are willing to offer multiple years to either of the aforementioned pitchers.

Tampa Bay Rays: First Base

Free agents to pursue: Lance Berkman

Trade targets: Michael Morse (WAS)

Evan Longoria's hamstring injury sapped life out of the Tampa Bay Rays' lineup for months. By the time he reacclimated, the team had too much ground to make up.

The knock against Carlos Pena is his inability to perceive left-handed pitching (72 SO in 182 PA).

The Rays wouldn't mind paying a comparable salary to a power hitter with fewer holes in his swing.

Texas Rangers: Catcher

Free agents to pursue: Russell Martin, A.J. Pierzynski

Trade targets: Wilson Ramos (WAS)

Mike Napoli has the Texas Rangers in a tricky predicament.

Ideally, the team would like him to decline a qualifying offer in search of a more lucrative deal, which would ensure the Rangers draft pick compensation. But because he regressed in 2012, Napoli might instead leap at the $13.3 million guaranteed and test free agency next offseason.

Regardless, Texas is better off with another catcher.

Martin and Ramos have greater defensive impacts—at lesser salaries—and Pierzynski's contact ability is very valuable.

Toronto Blue Jays: Manager

Free agents to pursue: Manny Acta, Jim Tracy

Even in the brutal AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays aren't far from contention.

However, this organization struggles to identify strong managerial candidates. Cito Gaston is the only skipper in franchise history who has held onto his job for at least five straight years!

Toronto's next hire needs to be a better fit than John Farrell was.

Washington Nationals: Utility Infielder

Free agents to pursue: Orlando Hudson, Placido Polanco

Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is relatively injury-prone, and second baseman Danny Espinosa remains susceptible to prolonged slumps due to holes in his swing.

The Washington Nationals would love a player capable of backing up both positions.

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