MLB Free Agency 2013: Playing Fact or Fiction with All the Hottest Rumors

With all of the different rumors about MLB free agents that have been floating around this weekend, it is difficult to tell which ones are accurate and which ones are fiction.

More and more information will eventually become available, which will help paint a clearer picture about where some of the top free agents will land.

The MLB winter meetings are very soon, and some of the rumors that are mentioned here could come true during that time.

Josh Hamilton

Over the past few seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies have brought in a number of big-name players. They could pick up another this winter.

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN has spoken with both an agent and a scout that agree that the Phillies could sign Josh Hamilton. The Phillies are one of Hamilton's top suitors, and with B.J. Upton now off the market, Philadelphia could shift their attention to the former Texas Rangers slugger (h/t Dave Schoenfield of ESPN).

Josh Hamilton joins the Phillies: Fact

Russell Martin

As a power-hitting catcher, Russell Martin is looking to sign a big deal this winter. While it is still early in the offseason, a number of teams are trying hard to sign Martin.

According to George A. King of The New York Post, the Pittsburgh Pirates have offered Martin a three-year deal worth $22 million. That is a fair offer, but with the demand for catchers this winter, Martin can find more money somewhere else.

Russell Martin becomes a member of the Pirates: Fiction

Zack Greinke

As the top pitcher on the free-agent market this winter, Zack Greinke has a number of different suitors. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been identified as a possible landing spot by Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.

While Greinke would slot in well behind Clayton Kershaw in the Dodgers starting rotation, it is Kershaw that could prevent them from signing him. Buster Olney of ESPN (Insider required) believes that signing Greinke would have a significant impact on their negotiations with Kershaw.

There are a number of other starters that the Dodgers can sign that would allow them to also ink Kershaw to an extension.

The Los Angeles Dodgers sign Zack Greinke: Fiction

Kyle Lohse

During the first two years of the contract that he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals prior to the 2009 season, Kyle Lohse struggled mightily. However, he really turned things around over the past two years and was one of the better pitchers in the National League.

Now, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to add Lohse to their starting rotation according to Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles. While Lohse will be expensive, he will not be paid like a No. 1 starter, which means that the Dodgers will have the flexibility to make other moves.

Kyle Lohse signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers: Fact

Mike Napoli

The two major areas that the Boston Red Sox are looking to address this winter are first base and their outfield. Boston has already signed Jonny Gomes to fill one of their outfield spots.

It seems as if Boston's focus is now on first base. The Red Sox have been linked to Mike Napoli, and Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has noted that an executive believes that Boston is the favorite to sign Napoli. Considering all of the money that the Red Sox have to spend, they can certainly afford Napoli.

Mike Napoli becomes a member of the Boston Red Sox: Fact

Stephen Drew

The Detroit Tigers are set at shortstop with Jhonny Peralta, but according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the team has an interest in Stephen Drew.

Peralta is coming off a poor season, but he was an All-Star in 2011. While the Tigers could always trade Peralta, it does not seem like they would gain much of an edge by doing that and then signing Drew.

Detroit signs Stephen Drew: Fiction

Ichiro Suzuki

After spending his whole MLB career with the Seattle Mariners, Ichiro Suzuki was dealt to the New York Yankees in the middle of the 2012 season, and he was able to pick things up. Suzuki enjoyed his new team, and now the Yankees are his first choice this winter (h/t George A. King of The New York Post).

A deal between Suzuki and the Yankees makes sense for both sides. New York has a need in right field, and Suzuki could come back on a one-year deal and fill the void. He will be a great table setter at the top of the Yankees lineup along with Derek Jeter.

Ichiro re-signs with the New York Yankees: Fact