MLB Free Agency: Updated Destination Predictions for the Top 25 Available Names

With the 2013 MLB free agency period now in full swing with the start of the winter meetings, available players are starting to find homes.l

On Monday, Mike Napoli found a new home with the Boston Red Sox, Reliever Joakim Soria landed a new gig with the Texas Rangers. Center fielder Angel Pagan decided it was best to stay put with the San Francisco Giants.

With those three names off the board, we'll take a look at the remaining top 25 free agents still left unemployed.

Last week, I wrote a piece updating possible landing spots for each free agent. I will revisit those selections and provide updates based on the most recent chatter regarding each free agent.

25. Joe Saunders

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Saunders signs with Baltimore for three years and $24 million.

The signing of Jeremy Guthrie by the Kansas City Royals likely helped set the asking price for Saunders. Considering his contribution to the team in the final six weeks of the season and his performance in the playoffs, the price may just be right.

"

New Prediction: No change, Saunders still signs with Baltimore.

Nothing new to report—Orioles vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette hasn't had contact with Saunders' agent, and the pitching market seems to be waiting on what Zack Greinke does at this point.

24. Cody Ross

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Ross signs with Red Sox for three years and $20 million.

Ross' offense at Fenway Park (.921 OPS, 13 HR in 2012) serves both him and the Red Sox well. His versatility in the outfield is also a plus.

"

Ross could still land with the Red Sox, despite the signing of Mike Napoli.

According to Jayson Stark of ESPN, it could still happen.

"

Signing Napoli would take the Red Sox out of Adam LaRoche bidding. But Cody Ross, Nick Swisher & Shane Victorino still on their radar screen

— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) December 3, 2012"

New Prediction: Boston Red Sox, three years and $20 million. Ross is still a great fit in Boston. Napoli was a nice pickup, but it did nothing for the current outfield situation in Boston.

23. Koji Uehara

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Uehara stays in Texas for two years and $7.5 million.

Uehara was crucial to the Rangers bullpen last September/October with Mike Adams on the shelf.

"

The Rangers' signing of Joakim Soria changes things.

According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles could be inclined to invite Uehara back to Baltimore.

The Philadelphia Phillies are still in play as well.

New Prediction: Uehara signs with Phillies to two years and $7 million.

The Phillies still need to build a better bridge between its starters and closer Jonathan Papelbon. Uehara could certainly help fortify that bridge.

22. Lance Berkman

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Berkman returns to Astros for one year and $7 million.

There's no question the 2012 season left a bad taste in his mouth. The opportunity to return home and contribute to the team that he spent 11-plus seasons with is a huge draw. In addition, he'll save his knees by serving as designated hitter and add a bat to an offense starving for veteran offensive production.

"

New Prediction: Same as the old.

Berkman is still the right choice here for GM Jeff Luhnow. He gains street cred for bringing back a favorite son and bolsters his offense in the process. It's a win-win all around.

21. Ichiro Suzuki

Last Week's Prediction:

"

A one-year, $6 million deal gets Suzuki to stay in New York.

He adds tremendous value as a quality glove who can capably man all three outfield positions and provide a spark at or near the top of the lineup.

"

Apparently, talks between free-agent outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and the New York Yankees have been nonexistent of late.

In fact, Suzuki's agent, Tony Attanasio, classified the discussions as zero.

“At the beginning we talked a lot but since that time, zero,’’ Attanasio said. “As far as we are concerned we don’t care what the Yankees do. We have had conversations with multiple clubs. If we see something we like he will go through with it."

New Prediction: Suzuki still works in New York.

The free-agent period is filled with posturing and a lot of hot air, especially from agents. The Yankees will bring Suzuki back.

20. Shaun Marcum

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Chicago Cubs for two years and $16 million.

While Marcum would like a longer deal, no team will be willing to go longer with the elbow issues he experienced last season.

"

Before this week, the chatter concerning free-agent pitcher Shaun Marcum was relatively quiet.

However, in the last two days at least two teams have expressed interest.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star mentioned the Royals as possibly having interest. Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports also tweeted that the Royals have reached out to Marcum.

The Cubs had already showed their interest early last month.

New Prediction: Marcum and the Cubs still seem like a good fit here. It may not happen this week, not with other pitchers higher on the chain still in play. But the market may not bear the kind of money it has in the past for pitchers who qualify as high risk.

19. Kevin Youkilis

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Cleveland Indians for three years and $25 million.

Youkilis can still pick at first, and there's familiarity with new manager Terry Francona.

"

With Alex Rodriguez now down for the count for at least the first three months of the 2013 season, the market for third basemen now has another buyer who is more than a little interested.

The New York Yankees now need to find a suitable replacement.

Could Kevin Youkilis be the man the Yankees seek?

The buzz around Nashville on Monday, following the news about Rodriguez certainly led people to believe that Youkilis will be targeted by the Yankees.

“They’re going to be like the Red Sox with [Mike] Napoli—they’re going to overpay because they have to,’’ said one front office executive.

The executive was alluding to the scarcity of quality third basemen and the paucity of first basemen as the reason the Red Sox pounced on Napoli.

New Prediction: The Yankees are clearly in a bind, and there is absolutely no guarantee that Rodriguez can ever play third base again. They go hard after Youkilis. Three years and $30 million.

18. A.J. Pierzynski

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Re-signs with White Sox for two years and $18 million.

There simply aren't any better options out there, and the White Sox don't seem particularly enamored with the idea of giving Tyler Flowers the everyday job.

A source told Mike Puma of the New York Post that the New York Mets were interested in Flowers, but more as a platoon option for Josh Thole.

"

New Prediction: Even with the changes that have occurred in the past several days, with the signings of Russell Martin and Mike Napoli, Pierzynski will stay right where he is.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf stepped in once before on negotiations for Pierzynski, he could well do so again.

17. Ryan Ludwick

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Ludwick re-signs with Reds for two years and $14 million with option for 2015.

"

The Cincinnati Reds are definitely still in play.

MLB.com beat reporter Mark Sheldon said on Monday that the Reds have an offer on the table.

“We have an offer on the table,” manager Dusty Baker said. “But he’s a free agent, and he’s weighing his options even though he wants to come back here first. I’m hoping that we get it done.”

“I think if we’re going to sign him, we could do it this week,” general manager Walt Jocketty said. “His agent is pretty up front. We’ve had a good relationship. We’ll see where he stands.”

Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweeted on Monday that the New York Mets may budget extra money to possibly entice Ludwick to consider signing with the Mets.

New Prediction: This deal gets done, and Ludwick will remain in Cincinnati. With the free-agent pool starting to dwindle, Ludwick still presents an affordable option, one that can provide consistent production.

16. Shane Victorino

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Victorino signs with Tampa Bay Rays for two years and $15 million with option for 2015.

Victorino gives Tampa Bay speed at the top of the lineup, and his versatility in the outfield would allow Desmond Jennings to take over in center.

"

Things have changed a bit on the outfield front in the past few days. Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe said that the Boston Red Sox have Victorino in their sights.

The Philadephia Phillies, Victorino's home for eight seasons, could be looking to bring Victorino back.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Cleveland Indians and San Francisco Giants may have interest as well.

New Prediction: Victorino still signs with the Rays. The Giants are likely looking for a right-handed bat to complement Gregor Blanco. Victorino hit just .229 against left-handed pitching last year.

In addition, Victorino is still an affordable leadoff option for the Rays at this point.

15. Marco Scutaro

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Scutaro re-signs with Giants for two years and $14 million.

"

According to Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com, negotiations are ongoing with Scutaro. However, Giants vice president Bobby Evans was cautious in his answer regarding his confidence level.

Evans said that the two sides have had "various offers and considerations from the beginning. Any time you've had the year he had, it'll make clubs look long and hard at how he can help you."

New Prediction: The Giants still get this deal done. Scutaro has options, especially now with the third base situation for the New York Yankees.

However, the Giants already brought Angel Pagan back into the fold. They'll follow suit with Scutaro as well.

14. Mike Adams

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Adams signs with Boston Red Sox for three years and $17 million.

Adams will be another addition to the Red Sox bullpen as they look to build a proper bridge for closer Andrew Bailey.

"

New Prediction: Adams is headed to Fenway.

Jim Bowden of ESPN.com reported last week that the Angels, Rangers, White Sox and Red Sox appeared to be the four major players in the market for the services of Adams.

Adams still makes more sense for Boston, who could use that solid veteran presence in a bullpen likely to see a lot of change.

13. Ryan Dempster

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Dempster signs with Milwaukee for two years and $18 million with option for 2015.

Definitely don't see a longer deal for Dempster, considering he'll be 36 in May. It's a great fit in Milwaukee, as he'll help to groom a young corps of starters as well.

"

There was a little kink thrown into this plan. Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel said on Monday that Dempster wants that third year.

From Haudricourt:

"

But here's the catch. Dempster wants three years, and even at 35 he's likely to get a three-year deal because there aren't a lot of established starting pitchers on the market. And the Brewers don't want to go beyond two years, having been burned at the end of free-agent deals with Jeff Suppan and Randy Wolf.

"

New Prediction: Milwaukee caves with the third year—three years and $25 million.

12. Stephen Drew

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Drew signs with Tampa Bay Rays for two years and $16 million.

The Rays have Hak-Ju Lee and Tim Beckham in waiting, but they're looking for offense in 2013 as well. Neither Lee nor Beckham are likely to impact the team next year.

"

On Sunday, Jim Bowden of ESPN.com tweeted that five teams are in on Drew.

"

Teams that are "in" on Stephen Drew FA SS: Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Cardinals, Athletics

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 2, 2012"

On Monday, Bowden tweeted that the Yankees could ramp up their interest.

"

With Alex Rodriguez having another hip surgery the Yankees will probably step up efforts on Stephen Drew for left side of infield

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 3, 2012"

New Prediction: I see the Tigers stepping in with a deal. The Tigers could then flip Jhonny Peralta to the Yankees. Peralta can play third, logging over 200 games there during his time with the Cleveland Indians.

11. Kyle Lohse

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Lohse signs with Kansas City Royals for three years and $30 million.

Royals owner David Glass said he would spend to bring in impact pitchers, and Lohse could be that guy.

"

With the distinct possibility that the Los Angeles Angels may not be able to sign Zack Greinke, they could be heading in a different direction.

CBSports.com reported on Monday that the Angels have others in mind, including Lohse.

New Prediction: Lohse signs with Angels. He presents a solid option as a No. 3 starter behind Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson. General manager Jerry Dipoto will likely go after another starter as well.

10. Edwin Jackson

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Jackson signs with Toronto Blue Jays for three years and $33 million.

Jackson is an innings-eater, and the strikeout rate was vastly improved last season. With the Blue Jays' apparent go-for-it attitude, adding Jackson could be the right play.

"

New Prediction: I still like Jackson here. The Jays are after pitching depth, wanting to avoid the injury bug that took a huge bite out of their rotation last season. Jackson's durability plays well in Toronto.

9. Brandon McCarthy

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: McCarthy signs with San Diego Padres for two years and $13 million with option for 2015.

Petco Park is perfect for McCarthy, going from one spacious area of real estate to another.

"

New Prediction: The Padres still sign McCarthy.

Nick Piecoro of azcentral.com tweeted over the weekend that the Arizona Diamondbacks might have interest in McCarthy.

However, general manager Kevin Towers is not keen on giving pitchers multi-year contracts.

8. Dan Haren

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Haren signs with San Diego Padres for two years and $22 million with option for 2015.

He won't pass up the opportunity to pitch in California and return to some familiarity with Byrnes.

"

New Prediction: The Padres still sign Haren. There's been very little chatter concerning Haren over the past few days.

7. Adam LaRoche

Last Week's Prediction:

"

LaRoche signs with Nationals for three years and $30 million.

LaRoche's presence last year was huge, not just with the bat but in the clubhouse as well.

"

New Prediction: All indications seem to be pointing to a deal getting done in Washington.

In addition, the list of possible suitors for LaRoche got shorter on Monday. With the Boston Red Sox signing Mike Napoli and the Tampa Bay Rays inking James Loney, LaRoche's best deal may come from the Nationals.

6. Rafael Soriano

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Soriano signs with Yankees for three years and $35 million.

When all is said and done, the market simply won't bear what Soriano is asking for. In the end, the Yankees still have a need for a replacement for Mariano Rivera at the end of next season. Why not go with what you know?

"

New Prediction: Soriano signs with Detroit Tigers.

MLB Network insider Peter Gammons is a believer that Soriano's destination could be Detroit. Ilitch clearly wants to win now, and he has a team built to win now. Scott Boras and Ilitch work to get this deal done. 

5. Nick Swisher

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Swisher signs with Seattle Mariners for five years and $75 million.

The run-starved Mariners will bite with Swisher. He also provides protection for Justin Smoak at first base should he continue to falter offensively.

"

New Prediction: Standing by this prediction as well. The Boston Red Sox could still be players, and the Orioles, Mariners and Rangers have all contacted Swisher as well.

I don't see anyone else outbidding Swisher, nor is there anyone else anywhere near as desperate for offense.

4. Anibal Sanchez

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Sanchez signs with Detroit Tigers for five years and $65 million.

The Tigers saw what Sanchez can deliver, and he provides a terrific fourth option alongside Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer and Doug Fister.

"

New Prediction: Sanchez signs with Los Angeles Angels.

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com revealed on Monday that the Tigers offered a four-year, $48 million offer to Sanchez a few weeks ago, terming the offer "insulting."

With Zack Greinke being heavily courted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Angels swoop in to seal the deal.

3. Michael Bourn

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Bourn signs with Reds for five years and $90 million.

The Reds find a way to jettison Drew Stubbs this offseason to accommodate Bourn in center field.

"

New Prediction: Bourn signs with Phillies.

With Angel Pagan now off the table and safely tucked away in San Francisco, the once-vibrant center field pool is starting to dry up.

Bourn could be a force at the top of the order in Philadelphia or Cincinnati, but the Phillies are likely more apt to meet Bourn's asking price at this point.

2. Josh Hamilton

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Hamilton signs with Rangers for five years and $130 million.

It's simply the best fit. The Rangers started winning after Hamilton was in place, and no one on the market can deliver anything close to what Hamilton can provide.

"

New Prediction: Same as the old prediction. It's still the best fit for Hamilton, especially now with Mike Napoli's departure.

1. Zack Greinke

Last Week's Prediction:

"

Prediction: Greinke signs with Angels for six years and $138 million.

After unloading three top-25 prospects and clearing payroll space by jettisoning Ervin Santana, Dan Haren and Torii Hunter, Angels GM Jerry DiPoto simply won't let another team outbid him.

"

New Prediction: Greinke signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers for six years and $150 million.

The Dodgers seem determined to pony up big bucks to make sure no one else takes Greinke away from them at this point.

For his part, Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto appears ready to move on.

"When you're looking to fill three and four spots on a 12-man pitching staff in a period of time, you're not going to hit on every target you have, and the great likelihood is you're going to have to shift somewhere along the way, and move toward a different target," he said. "That's why everybody's here. You have to be flexible. You have to have a variety of plans, and we will."

That flexibility will definitely come into play when the Dodgers ink Greinke.

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.

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