MLB Power Rankings: Post-1st Month of Free Agency

We are a month into the MLB offseason, and while it has been more rumors than actual action, there have been a handful of signings and trades made to shuffle up my offseason power rankings.

Since it's impossible to accurately predict where everyone will wind up signing, the power rankings that follow serve as a baseline for where each team stands as of now.

That is to say, these rankings reflect where I would place each team if the season started today with their rosters as is.

This will be updated regularly as free-agent signings are made and rosters begin to take shape.

*Note: Rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts.com.

30. Houston Astros (Previous: 30)

Offseason Outlook

It's been a quiet offseason for the Houston Astros thus far, though they did add six players to their 40-man roster. That includes top pitching prospect Jarred Cosart, who could earn a rotation spot at some point in 2013.

They are still likely to sign a veteran to DH and could look to add a low-cost innings-eater to their rotation to help take some pressure off of an inexperienced bullpen.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

2B Jose Altuve
DH Scott Moore
SS Jed Lowrie
1B Brett Wallace
RF Fernando Martinez
CF Justin Maxwell
C Jason Castro
LF J.D. Martinez
3B Matt Dominguez

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Lucas Harrell
SP Bud Norris
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Dallas Keuchel
SP Rudy Owens
CP Wilton Lopez 

29. Miami Marlins (Previous: 24)

Offseason Outlook

The Miami Marlins, as they've done before, blew things up with a blockbuster trade with the Blue Jays that sent Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Emilio Bonifacio and John Buck to Toronto.

They signed Juan Pierre to a one-year, $1.6 million deal. They could look to add another veteran or two to round out the lineup, but it's likely going to be a long year in Miami. They could also still deal remaining veterans with value like Logan Morrison and Ricky Nolasco, fully committing to the rebuild.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

LF Juan Pierre
3B Yunel Escobar
RF Giancarlo Stanton
1B Logan Morrison
CF Justin Ruggiano
C Rob Brantly
2B Donovan Solano
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Wade LeBlanc
SP Nathan Eovaldi
SP Jacob Turner
CP Steven Cishek

28. Cleveland Indians (Previous: 29)

Offseason Outlook

The Cleveland Indians have made one trade so far this offseason, acquiring Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes from the Blue Jays for pitcher Esmil Rogers. Expect more to be on the way, as the team could move Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Asdrubal Cabrera and others.

Gomes now projects as the starting first baseman after the team designated Matt LaPorta for assignment and outrighted him to the minors. Gomes hit .328 BA, 13 HR, 59 RBI in 305 Triple-A at-bats last season.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

RF Shin-Soo Choo
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
3B Lonnie Chisenhall
1B Yan Gomes
DH Mike Aviles
LF Ezequiel Carrera

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Zach McAllister
SP David Huff
SP Carlos Carrasco
CP Chris Perez 

27. Minnesota Twins (Previous: 28)

Offseason Outlook

The Minnesota Twins continue their search for some starting pitching to back 2012 breakout ace Scott Diamond, and they will likely sign at least a couple starters in looking for a way to better back what was a solid offense.

They could also be active on the trade market, where Josh Willingham and Denard Span would both garner significant interest if made available.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Denard Span
RF Ben Revere
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
DH Ryan Doumit
3B Trevor Plouffe
2B Jamey Carroll
SS Pedro Florimon Jr.

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Scott Diamond
SP Liam Hendriks
SP Cole De Vries
SP Brian Duensing
SP Nick Blackburn
CP Glen Perkins 

26. Chicago Cubs (Previous: 27)

Offseason Outlook

The Chicago Cubs have made a pair of small moves so far this offseason, signing Scott Baker to a one-year deal coming off of Tommy John surgery and adding backup catcher Dioner Navarro on a one-year contract as well.

They still need to sign a starter or two, seeing as Baker won't be ready to open the season. They will also have to decide whether or not to tender a contract to Ian Stewart at third base.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
SS Starlin Castro
3B Ian Stewart
C Welington Castillo
CF Tony Campana
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Travis Wood
SP Casey Coleman
SP Chris Rusin
CP Carlos Marmol

25. Colorado Rockies (Previous: 25)

Offseason Outlook

There is no question the Colorado Rockies need to address their rotation this offseason; they posted the worst ERA in baseball at 5.22.

They could look to deal an outfielder to open up a starting spot for Tyler Colvin. More than likely, though, they'll look to add a mid-level starter or two on the free-agent market to help back what was a very good offense last season even without Troy Tulowitzki.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Josh Rutledge
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
C Wilin Rosario
3B Chris Nelson
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Jorge De La Rosa
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Juan Nicasio
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Alex White
CP Rafael Betancourt 

24. Kansas City Royals (Previous: 26)

Offseason Outlook

The Kansas City Royals were impressed enough with Jeremy Guthrie over his 14 starts with the team after coming over at the trade deadline that they brought him back on a three-year, $25 million deal. He went 5-3 with a 3.16 ERA with the Royals last season.

With Guthrie and Ervin Santana atop the rotation, their staff should be improved, but they may still look to add an ace-caliber starter via trade. They are reportedly willing to deal top prospect Wil Myers to get one (h/t Yahoo! Sports).

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Lorenzo Cain
SS Alcides Escobar
LF Alex Gordon
DH Billy Butler
3B Mike Moustakas
C Salvador Perez
1B Eric Hosmer
RF Jeff Francoeur
2B Chris Getz

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Ervin Santana
SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
CP Greg Holland 

23. San Diego Padres (Previous: 23)

Offseason Outlook

The San Diego Padres were dealt a blow when young catcher Yasmani Grandal was suspended for a positive PED test, but they still have a solid option behind the plate in Nick Hundley for the first 50 games.

The team added starter Tyson Ross in a four-player deal with the A's, and he gives the team some depth and could fill the No. 5 starter role. The team is likely still in the hunt to sign a veteran starter this offseason, though.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SS Everth Cabrera
2B Logan Forsythe
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
1B Yonder Alonso
RF Wil Venable
CF Cameron Maybin
C Nick Hundley
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Andrew Cashner
SP Eric Stults
SP Tyson Ross
CP Huston Street

22. Seattle Mariners (Previous: 22)

Offseason Outlook

If they can find ways to improve their offense, the Seattle Mariners have as much room to move up these ranking this offseason as any team. Their impressive, young pitching prospects should make their staff a formidable one, but they need a lot of help offensively.

Signing Josh Hamilton remains an outside possibility, but even if they don't make a splash of that caliber, it won't be hard for the team to upgrade a lineup that has ranked last in runs and batting average the past three years.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

2B Dustin Ackley
CF Franklin Gutierrez
3B Kyle Seager
DH Jesus Montero
C John Jaso
1B Justin Smoak
LF Michael Saunders
RF Casper Wells
SS Brendan Ryan

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Hisashi Iwakuma 
SP Erasmo Ramirez
SP Blake Beavan
CP Tom Wilhelmsen

21. New York Mets (Previous: 19)

Offseason Outlook

The New York Mets drop a few spaces in the rankings here, not so much because they have yet to add anyone this offseason, but more because they have been unable to reach an extension with either R.A. Dickey or David Wright to this point.

The team is not expected to have much to spend, but if they are unable to re-sign those two and opt to trade them, it would significantly change the approach of their offseason. Either way, something needs to be decided soon in New York.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
LF Lucas Duda
RF Mike Baxter
CF Andres Torres
C Josh Thole
Pitcher 

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Johan Santana
SP Jon Niese
SP Dillon Gee
SP Matt Harvey
CP Frank Francisco 

20. Boston Red Sox (Previous: 21)

Offseason Outlook

The Boston Red Sox have a leg up on some of the other teams who struggled in 2012 because they have a ton of money to spend. They made their first significant move of the offseason when they signed Jonny Gomes to a two-year, $10 million deal.

Starting pitching remains their biggest need, but they may also look to add a first baseman with some power, another corner outfielder and could deal one of their catchers following the signing of David Ross.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
RF Daniel Nava
2B Dustin Pedroia
DH David Ortiz
3B Will Middlebrooks
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
LF Jonny Gomes
1B Jerry Sands
SS Jose Iglesias

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Jon Lester
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront
SP John Lackey
SP Franklin Morales
CP Andrew Bailey

19. Chicago White Sox (Previous: 18)

Offseason Outlook

The Chicago White Sox already made a big move this offseason when they re-signed Jake Peavy to a two-year, $29 million contract. He returns to the No. 2 rotation spot behind emerging stud Chris Sale.

Third base remains a question mark. The team has to decide if it's comfortable turning the catching duties over to Tyler Flowers or if it will make a run at re-signing A.J. Pierzynski or one of the other free-agent options.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Alejandro De Aza
SS Alexei Ramirez
DH Adam Dunn
1B Paul Konerko
RF Alex Rios
LF Dayan Viciedo
C Tyler Flowers
2B Gordon Beckham
3B Brent Morel

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Chris Sale
SP Jake Peavy
SP John Danks
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Jose Quintana
CP Addison Reed 

18. Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 17)

Offseason Outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be looking to get over the hump this coming season after making a legitimate run at the playoffs the last two seasons before falling apart down the stretch.

A veteran starting pitcher to fill out the rotation appears to be their biggest need, but they will likely also look to add some offensive depth and some bullpen help.

However, their biggest additions will come from within. Starters Gerrit Cole and Jeff Lock along with outfielder Starling Marte are all expected to make an impact in 2013.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

LF Jose Tabata
2B Neil Walker
CF Andrew McCutchen
1B Garrett Jones
3B Pedro Alvarez
RF Travis Snider
SS Clint Barmes
C Michael McKenry
Pitcher 

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP A.J. Burnett
SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP James McDonald
SP Jeff Karstens
SP Kyle McPherson
CP Joel Hanrahan

17. Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 16)

Offseason Outlook

The Milwaukee Brewers will be looking to find some pitching to back what was one of the better offenses in the National League last season.

With an inexperienced rotation behind Yovani Gallardo, and a bullpen that had an MLB-worst 4.66 ERA last season, there is plenty of room to improve the staff. The Brewers will likely spend some money to fill those holes as they look to contend for a playoff spot in the NL Central.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

RF Norichika Aoki
2B Rickie Weeks
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
C Jonathan Lucroy
CF Carlos Gomez
SS Jean Segura
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Marco Estrada
SP Michael Fiers
SP Chris Narveson
SP Mark Rogers
CP John Axford

16. Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 15)

Offseason Outlook

Though they struggled in 2012, the Philadelphia Phillies are still a team in a good position to win now if they can add a few pieces to their stable of superstars this offseason.

Center field is a clear area of need, as is third base after the team declined their option on Placido Polanco. They could also look to add another starting pitcher because they have little proven depth behind their current five-man staff.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SS Jimmy Rollins
RF Nate Schierholtz
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
C Carlos Ruiz
LF Domonic Brown
CF John Mayberry Jr.
3B Kevin Frandsen
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Vance Worley
SP Kyle Kendrick
CP Jonathan Papelbon 

15. Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 14)

Offseason Outlook

Offense, offense, offense. That is where the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason focus will be. Their lineup doesn't strike much fear into their opponents outside of Ben Zobrist and Evan Longoria.

With an abundance of starting pitching, this could be the offseason that the Rays opt to deal one of their promising, young pitchers for an impact bat.

Jeremy Hellickson, James Shields and Matt Moore would all bring a huge return. Given their depth, the Rays would still be in a good position from a pitching standpoint.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Desmond Jennings
LF Sam Fuld
SS Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
RF Matt Joyce
DH Brandon Guyer
2B Sean Rodriguez
1B Stephen Vogt
C Jose Molina

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP David Price
SP James Shields
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore
SP Jeff Niemann
CP Fernando Rodney

14. Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 13)

Offseason Outlook

While they addressed a pair of needs with an early-season trade that brought aboard Heath Bell and Cliff Pennington, the Arizona Diamondbacks could still look to further improve things this offseason.

It appears now that the team won't move Justin Upton, but they could look to deal another outfielder. They have a pair of solid backup options in Gerardo Parra and A.J. Pollock along with Jason Kubel and Adam Eaton slated to start.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Adam Eaton
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero
1B Paul Goldschmidt
LF Jason Kubel
3B Chris Johnson
SS Cliff Pennington
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Trevor Bauer
SP Tyler Skaggs
CP J.J. Putz 

13. New York Yankees (Previous: 12)

Offseason Outlook

Obviously the New York Yankees' lineup will look quite a bit different when the season opens compared to what it is now. As things stand, though, they have a number of areas that need to be addressed.

The departures of Nick Swisher and Russell Martin will need to be addressed, as will the DH position after Raul Ibanez filled that role last year. The team did take care of one issue in re-signing Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year, $15 million deal after a 16-win season in 2012.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

LF Brett Gardner
SS Derek Jeter
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
3B Alex Rodriguez
CF Curtis Granderson
DH Eduardo Nunez
RF Chris Dickerson
C Chris Stewart

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP David Phelps
CP David Robertson

12. Atlanta Braves (Previous: 11)

Offseason Outlook

The Atlanta Braves have a pair of holes to address this offseason. They need to replace center fielder and leadoff hitter Michael Bourn as well as the retired Chipper Jones at third base.

Their pitching staff alone should be enough to make them competitors in the NL, but how they address those lineup needs could mean the difference between postseason contender and title contender.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SS Andrelton Simmons
LF Martin Prado
RF Jason Heyward
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
3B Juan Francisco
CF Jordan Schafer
C Gerald Laird (Brian McCann doubtful to start season)
Pitcher 

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Tim Hudson
SP Kris Medlen
SP Tommy Hanson
SP Mike Minor
SP Paul Maholm 
CP Craig Kimbrel

11. Texas Rangers (Previous: 10)

Offseason Outlook

How the Texas Rangers address the departures of Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli will be the most important aspect of this offseason. Their once-dynamic offense looks little more than average at this point.

They will likely also look to add another frontline starter to a staff that has a lot of question marks after Yu Darvish and Matt Harrison, though they have enough internal options to put together a solid staff even if they don't sign anyone.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
LF David Murphy
DH Michael Young
1B Mitch Moreland
C Geovany Soto
CF Leonys Martin

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Yu Darvish
SP Derek Holland
SP Matt Harrison
SP Alexi Ogando
SP Martin Perez
CP Joe Nathan

10. Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 9)

Offseason Outlook

The free-spending Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the front-runners to land Zack Greinke this offseason, and it appears they will add a top-tier starter to slot behind ace Clayton Kershaw in the rotation.

It will be interesting to see how all of the pieces they acquired last season mesh together in their first full year together, but they certainly appear to have all the pieces to be a legitimate contender.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

2B Mark Ellis
RF Andre Ethier
CF Matt Kemp
1B Adrian Gonzalez
SS Hanley Ramirez
3B Luis Cruz
LF Jerry Hairston Jr. (Carl Crawford questionable to start season)
C A.J. Ellis 
Pitcher

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Josh Beckett
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Ted Lilly
CP Brandon League 

9. Baltimore Orioles (Previous: 8)

Offseason Outlook

The surprise team of 2012, the Baltimore Orioles have the young core to build off of the success they enjoyed last season. A full season of Manny Machado and perhaps Dylan Bundy will have as big an impact as anyone they add this offseason.

The starting rotation was a revolving door last season, and while they eventually found their starting five, it is still a largely unproven group that would benefit from the addition of a veteran arm.

Joe Saunders made an impact down the stretch after being acquired, and they could look to add a similar player in free agency.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

RF Nick Markakis
SS J.J. Hardy
DH Chris Davis
CF Adam Jones
C Matt Wieters
1B Mark Reynolds
LF Nolan Reimold
3B Manny Machado
2B Brian Roberts

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Jason Hammel
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Chris Tillman
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP Zach Britton
CP Jim Johnson 

8. Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 20)

Offseason Outlook

The Toronto Blue Jays' entire outlook for 2013 changed drastically following their blockbuster deal with the Marlins. They are now legitimate contenders in the AL East, and they may not be done dealing this offseason.

The team is still in search of an ace-caliber starter, and while J.A. Happ is a fine option as the No. 5 starter, they could look to add a veteran to the mix for that spot as well. Either way, it's been a big offseason in Toronto already.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SS Jose Reyes
LF Melky Cabrera
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
CF Colby Rasmus
3B Brett Lawrie
DH Adam Lind
C J.P. Arencibia
2B Emilio Bonifacio 

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Ricky Romero
SP J.A. Happ
CP Casey Janssen

7. Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 7)

Offseason Outlook

A year after spending big to add Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson, the Los Angeles Angels could open their wallets again this offseason as they look to replace Dan Haren and Ervin Santana in the starting rotation.

Zack Greinke is obviously the top target, but they're likely to add a pair of starting pitchers and perhaps some back-of-the-bullpen help as well in the form of a right-handed setup man to pair with Scott Downs.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

LF Mike Trout
SS Erick Aybar
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
RF Mark Trumbo
2B Howie Kendrick
3B Alberto Callaspo
C Chris Iannetta
CF Peter Bourjos

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Jered Weaver
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Garrett Richards
SP Jerome Williams
SP Brad Mills
CP Ernesto Frieri

6. St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 6)

Offseason Outlook

Even with the departures of Kyle Lohse and Lance Berkman, the St. Louis Cardinals don't really have a major hole. Someone from the trio of Shelby Miller, Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn should be able to fill Lohse's spot, and Berkman was easily replaced by Allen Craig when he was injured last season.

Depending on how he progresses, 21-year-old top prospect Oscar Taveras (.321 BA, 23 HR, 94 RBI at Double-A) could make a significant impact in 2013. It appears the Cardinals' biggest offseason additions will come from within.

A left-handed reliever remains a need, though, and one they will likely address with a signing.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

SS Rafael Furcal
1B Allen Craig
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
C Yadier Molina
3B David Freese
CF John Jay
2B Daniel Descalso
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Adam Wainwright
SP Chris Carpenter
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Lance Lynn
SP Shelby Miller
CP Jason Motte 

5. Oakland Athletics (Previous: 5)

Offseason Outlook

The Oakland A's will be without Brandon McCarthy and Jonny Gomes from last season's surprise contender, but they still have a terrific young core and are in a good position to contend again.

A full season from Brett Anderson will be a major addition, after he made just six starts last season, and the team could opt to bring back Stephen Drew to fill the hole at shortstop. For the most part, it will be a matter of breakout players repeating their 2012 success if the A's are to contend again.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Coco Crisp
DH Seth Smith
LF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Brandon Moss
RF Josh Reddick
3B Josh Donaldson
2B Scott Sizemore
C Derek Norris
SS Adam Rosales

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25) 

SP Brett Anderson
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Tom Milone
SP A.J. Griffin
SP Daniel Straily
CP Grant Balfour

4. San Francisco Giants (Previous: 4)

Offseason Outlook

The San Francisco Giants have holes in left field, center field and at second base that they will need to address this offseason.

The team appears to have a solid chance of re-signing Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro to fill two of those holes. Left field is where it will look to make an improvement over last season's lineup.

Jeremy Affeldt was brought back on a three-year deal to serve as the left-handed setup man once again. Provided the team can find viable options to fill the above-mentioned needs, it should once again be near the top of the heap in the National League.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

LF Gregor Blanco
2B Joaquin Arias
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
RF Hunter Pence
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
CF Gary Brown
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Matt Cain
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Tim Lincecum
SP Ryan Vogelsong
SP Barry Zito
CP Brian Wilson

3. Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 3)

Offseason Outlook

The Cincinnati Reds will return essentially the same team that ran away with the NL Central crown last season. The only notable departures are third baseman Scott Rolen and left fielder Ryan Ludwick, who opted out of his mutual option.

Todd Frazier will replace Rolen, but the left-field spot will need to be solved on the free-agent market. While Ludwick provided a powerful presence in the middle of the lineup last season, the team will likely look for someone capable of hitting atop the order after getting little on-base production out of Drew Stubbs and Zack Cozart in that role last season.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

2B Brandon Phillips
SS Zack Cozart
1B Joey Votto
3B Todd Frazier
RF Jay Bruce
LF Chris Heisey
C Ryan Hanigan
CF Drew Stubbs
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
CP Aroldis Chapman 

2. Washington Nationals (Previous: 1)

Offseason Outlook

The Washington Nationals' offseason will hinge greatly on whether or not the team is able to re-sign first baseman Adam LaRoche. If they do, and they also sign a center fielder as many expect they will, slugger Michael Morse could become a very valuable trade chip.

Aside from that, the team will also need to find a replacement for Edwin Jackson in the rotation and perhaps a left-handed reliever to replace Sean Burnett in the back of the bullpen. Besides those needs, the team looks to be in as good a position as any right now to make a run at a title.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

RF Jayson Werth
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Michael Morse
CF Bryce Harper
SS Ian Desmond
LF Roger Bernadina
C Wilson Ramos
Pitcher

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Ross Detwiler
SP John Lannan
CP Drew Storen 

1. Detroit Tigers (Previous: 2)

Offseason Outlook

With the signing of Torii Hunter to a two-year, $26 million deal, the Detroit Tigers jump the Nationals for the top spot in these power rankings.

The team still needs to add a starting pitcher, with bringing back Anibal Sanchez a very good possibility, and it will need to decide who closes games this coming season. For the most part, however, the Tigers look to be in a great position to return to the World Series.

2013 Projected Lineup (as of 11/25)

CF Austin Jackson
RF Torii Hunter
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Victor Martinez
LF Andy Dirks
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Alex Avila
2B Omar Infante

2013 Projected Rotation (as of 11/25)

SP Justin Verlander
SP Doug Fister
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Drew Smyly
CP Joaquin Benoit