One Player All 30 MLB Teams Should Overpay For

There's a scarcity of available difference-makers at this stage of the MLB offseason. Acquiring them—rather than settling for a lower tier—will require generous contract offers and tempting trade packages.

Many of the players who began the offseason as free agents have either agreed to sign or been officially announced. The same is true of once-desirable trade candidates, the majority of whom were recently dealt or taken off the block.

But talented exceptions abound, and bidding for their services will undoubtedly get heated.

Projected payrolls were taken into consideration. Josh Hamilton and Anibal Sanchez, for example, won't wind up with the Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, even if the fits make sense from a baseball perspective. So there's some realism involved with these individual-team pairings.

Still, motivated front offices can (and should) overpay for R.A. Dickey, Hamilton and Sanchez to deter them from remaining/re-signing with their 2012 clubs.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Jhonny Peralta (Detroit Tigers)

The Arizona Diamondbacks went through a lot of trouble to acquire Didi Gregorius from the Cincinnati Reds. He'll be a viable starting shortstop...in 2014.

The soon-to-be 23-year-old is a proven defender in the minor leagues, but less impressive with the bat. His .699 OPS and 20 home runs over five seasons won't help the D-Backs any more than utility man Willie Bloomquist can.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweeted from the winter meetings that excess outfielder Jason Kubel was on the trade block. Arizona could swap him for stopgap Jhonny Peralta. Though the latter is coming off a below-average campaign and not controllable behind next season, he fills a positional need and gives the D-Backs a better chance to win now.

Atlanta Braves: Cody Ross

The Atlanta Braves outfield will look different in 2013. B.J. Upton has signed a five-year deal, and the versatile Martin Prado is expected to shift to third base. Free agent Michael Bourn is already seeking employment elsewhere.

To fill the void, the Braves should sign Cody Ross.

He would provide balance to the lineup as a third power-hitting right-handed batter. Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward and Brian McCann do damage from the other side of the plate.

But perhaps more importantly, acquiring Ross means that neither the New York Mets nor the Philadelphia Phillies can.

A month ago, ESPN's Buster Olney reported that he sought $25 million over three years. With Atlanta so close to filling out a stellar roster, now isn't the time to be cheap.

Baltimore Orioles: Raul Ibanez

Defying all the skeptics, the Baltimore Orioles competed in the postseason in 2012 for the first time this millennium.

One man is to blame for their early elimination: Raul frickin' Ibanez. His home runs in the ninth and 12th innings of ALDS Game 3 gave the New York Yankees the series lead.

Preventing Ibanez from returning to the Bronx would be a victory in itself. Moreover, he is a blue-collar guy who will set a solid example on a young ball club. Baltimore also values his power after losing Mark Reynolds to the Cleveland Indians.

In a separate transaction, the O's could trade Wilson Betemit for a nice return. Veteran corner infielders like him have added value in a winter where free agency doesn't offer great solutions at such positions.

Boston Red Sox: Anibal Sanchez

Anibal Sanchez is the best starting pitcher available, and the Boston Red Sox still need to reinforce their rotation. Rival evaluators tell Buster Olney that the team is poised to make an upgrade.

It's very possible that Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester bounce back from underwhelming years, but what about the team's depth? Tommy John survivor John Lackey is currently slotted as the No. 4 option, followed by Franklin Morales, who hasn't made more than nine MLB starts in any season.

Meanwhile, the free-agent right-hander has put durability concerns to rest by avoiding the disabled list since 2009. He has steadily improved his strikeout-to-walk ratio and performed well in the American League and postseason.

His next contract could cost anywhere from $70-100 million. The Red Sox should dig into their deep pockets to bring him aboard.

Chicago Cubs: Scott Hairston

Agreeing to terms with Scott Hairston on a multi-year deal would give the Chicago Cubs a bevy of options.

Most likely, they would trade left fielder Alfonso Soriano to provide Hairston with an everyday job. Coming off a strong offensive season with a contract that runs through 2014, Soriano's value can't get any higher.

When prospect Brett Jackson eventually gets back to the big leagues (management is "very optimistic" that he will, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports), the Cubs will need to evaluate Hairston thoroughly. If underachieving, he should enter into a platoon situation with either David DeJesus or Nate Schierholtz. However, an über-productive Hairston could be flipped at the non-waiver trade deadline for a couple prospects.

So you see, such a signing either enables Chicago to contend in 2013 or accelerates the rebuilding process.

Chicago White Sox: Brian Wilson

The Chicago White Sox will probably move forward without Brett Myers. He's seeking starting opportunities after pitching out of the bullpen in 2012.

Brian Wilson would fit well in the Windy City on an incentive-laden deal. The White Sox need to replenish their lost depth and consider moving Addison Reed to a setup role (4.75 ERA last season).

In recent times, Chicago's American League team has struggled to draw support from its local fans. They would certainly come out to see Wilson in action.

Cincinnati Reds: J.P. Howell

There's arguably nobody better built to win a championship than the Cincinnati Reds.

The only situation that remains unresolved is in the bullpen. Aroldis Chapman will be trusted as a starter in 2013, which relegates Mike Leake to a relief role. But the latter's lack of electric stuff will limit him to mop-up duty (or pinch-hitting, considering his .656 OPS in 195 PA).

J.P. Howell would be better suited for the later innings. Despite pedestrian velocity, he has sharper secondary pitches that result in higher strikeout totals.

The cost of wooing him in free agency wouldn't be a problem for the mid-market Reds. They received cash from the Cleveland Indians in their recent acquisition of Shin-Soo Choo, so the front office still has whatever spending money existed earlier this week.

The southpaw might take a discount, anyway. Bill Ladson of MLB.com writes that he expressed interest in the Washington Nationals because they seemed "absolutely loaded." Doesn't Cincinnati's latest move put the team in that category too?

Cleveland Indians: Nick Swisher

Patience will be key for the 2013 Cleveland Indians offense. Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana and newly-signed Mark Reynolds all frustrate the opposition by taking plenty of pitches.

Nick Swisher would mesh seamlessly with the Tribe because he lives that philosophy. Six times in the past seven years, the outfielder has finished top 10 among AL players in walks.

Earlier this offseason, Shane Victorino reportedly turned down Cleveland's $44 million offer before signing with the Boston Red Sox for a more modest guarantee. Factors like market size and a lack of competitiveness obviously deter big names from joining the Indians.

Still, Swisher would give special consideration to whichever team comes closest to giving him "Jayson Werth money."

Colorado Rockies: Edwin Jackson

The Colorado Rockies front office must be held partially responsible for the team's consistently weak pitching. Since the Mike Hampton mistake 12 years ago, these executives have been hesitant to pursue free agents with top-of-the-rotation potential. Another gimmicky signing of ancient Jamie Moyer will not suffice.

Edwin Jackson has skills that should minimize the effect of high altitude. His strong strikeout rate would keep balls out of the thin air, while his diverse pitch selection—46 percent offspeed pitches in 2012, according to FanGraphs—would help induce weak contact.

Colorado can save on his average annual salary by presenting Jackson with a lengthy deal.

Detroit Tigers: Francisco Rodriguez

Agent Scott Boras and Detroit Tigers ownership have a close relationship, which led many in the industry to assume that the team would spend big bucks to sign Rafael Soriano. That's why Lynn Henning of the Detroit News made heads spin in late November by announcing that GM Dave Dombroski wasn't shopping for a veteran closer.

He still has time to change his mind.

Following a messy year, Francisco Rodriguez can be had for a fraction of Soriano's asking price, despite the potential to be just as effective.

At the very least, he could be an insurance policy in case flame-throwing prospect Bruce Rondon isn't MLB-ready out of spring training. Connecting much of K-Rod's money to performance-based incentives (e.g. games finished) would allow the Tigers to save money if he settles into a lesser role.

Houston Astros: Lance Berkman

At the moment, Houston Astros fans have little to be excited about. The inexperienced roster seems completely over-matched entering the franchise's debut season in the American League.

Amid this rebuilding process, the Astros need a reputable power bat.

Lance Berkman explained to Mark Berman of Fox 26 Houston that he would consider returning to his hometown at a discount. Still, the Astros cannot risk making a low offer that would offend their former star.

Kansas City Royals: Bobby Abreu

Moving Wil Myers to bolster the pitching staff depleted the Kansas City Royals of some outfield depth.

They can ill afford to enter 2013 without a dependable player behind Jeff Francoeur. He quietly batted a career-low .235 last summer and struggled against pitchers of either handedness. Frenchy is famously undisciplined at the plate, which means he's totally unproductive when he's not getting hits.

Bobby Abreu is nearing his 39th birthday, but qualified as his platoon partner nonetheless. He'll be drawing walks and stealing bases at a high success rate until the end of time. A guarantee comparable to Eric Chavez's $3 million should work for both sides.

Los Angeles Angels: Kyle Lohse

There's legitimate concern about whether Kyle Lohse will be able to sustain his recent success, particularly in the American League. Though we can't definitively predict such things, the Los Angeles Angels seemingly give him the best opportunity.

He would slide into the No. 3 slot of their rotation, sparing him from the scrutiny that an ace constantly deals with.

Lohse's knack for giving up fly balls would actually work to his benefit. Two of baseball's best defensive outfielders—Peter Bourjos and Mike Trout—roam behind him, and Angel Stadium plays larger than most others in the majors.

So long as the crosstown Los Angeles Dodgers don't get involved, the Angels are capable of making him the strongest offer.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Jim Thome

With their limitless resources, the Los Angeles Dodgers could give Josh Hamilton a blank check and make him a power bat who comes off the bench.

Let's assume the team takes a more conventional approach to filling that role.

CSNPhilly.com's Jim Salisbury reports that slugger Jim Thome hasn't retired. In fact, the 42-year-old believes he can "give a team a veteran presence and get a big hit off the bench.”

Overpaying in this case would be about $2 million, which is chump change for Magic Johnson and Co.

There will be room for Thome on the active roster so long as the Dodgers release Juan Uribe. A major league source expects them to take that course of action, according to Ken Rosenthal.

Miami Marlins: Mike Morse (Washington Nationals)

Courting power-hitting free agents will be next to impossible for the Miami Marlins. Veterans looking to set their roots would never consider South Florida, where no-trade clauses are "against team policy."

Securing protection for Giancarlo Stanton must come at a personnel cost.

Mike Morse will be expendable, though coveted if the Washington Nationals re-sign Adam LaRoche. The Fish should prefer to swap a high-level prospect because anybody coming up through the prospect pipeline too soon would get expensive before the window of contention even opens.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mike Adams

The Milwaukee Brewers bullpen posted baseball's worst earned run average in 2012. Trading for Burke Badenhop helps, but certainly doesn't elevate the relief corps to respectability.

Mike Adams is a true impact arm, but teams with closer openings may be deterred by the thoracic outlet syndrome that affected him in September and required postseason surgery.

In reality, the setup man extraordinaire is on track to be 100 percent healthy for spring training.

He could solidify the bridge to John Axford or take over in the ninth inning if Axford fails to regain his 2011 form.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Bourn

Two-thirds of the Minnesota Twins starting outfield has been dealt this winter, and the organization isn't equipped with great internal replacements.

Specifically, Minnesota seeks somebody capable of leading off the batting order while patrolling center or right. Trade options are limited because the Twins won't compromise their newly-improved pitching staff to get a deal done.

That leads them to the free-agent class, where Michael Bourn is in line for a sizable payday. However, his defensive range, efficient base-stealing and steady on-base skills provide terrific overall value.

You get what you pay for.

New York Mets: Rafael Soriano

The New York Mets passed on steady relievers like Joe Nathan and Jonathan Papelbon last winter, settling instead for Frank Francisco. However you look at his 2012 stats (courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com), they were absolutely unacceptable.

Francisco is unfortunately locked into their bullpen for another year, but that doesn't mean he needs to pitch in high-leverage situations. The Mets should get a more reputable closer to handle that responsibility.

Heavy spenders like the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers who entered the offseason with ninth-inning concerns now seem content. Consequently, the market for Rafael Soriano has shrunk.

Fans who cringe at the idea of another Francisco Rodriguez deal—three years, $37 million—must realize that Soriano is a superior strike-thrower who rarely let's things "get interesting."

New York Yankees: J.P. Arencibia (Toronto Blue Jays)

The Pittsburgh Pirates shockingly outbid the New York Yankees for Russell Martin's services, leaving the latter without a starting catcher. Neither Francisco Cervelli nor Chris Stewart are seen as everyday options, and prospect Austin Romine had his development slowed by injury in 2012.

Within the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays actually have a surplus of backstops.

As a pre-arbitration-eligible player, J.P. Arencibia conforms with New York's goal to keep payroll low. The Yankees also would appreciate the balance his right-handed bat brings to their lineup.

Oakland Athletics: Stephen Drew (Oakland Athletics)

After Stephen Drew, there's a considerable drop-off in quality among free-agent shortstops. The only other one reportedly on Billy Beane's radar is Hiroyuki Nakajima, a 30-year-old who has never played in the United States.

A major-league executive tells Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle that Drew would sign with Oakland for 2013 if he were offered a 2014 player option.

Whatever it takes.

Philadelphia Phillies: Josh Hamilton

The Philadelphia Phillies lineup is in very poor condition this holiday season.

Ryan Howard and Chase Utley continue to debilitate with age and injury. Suspended for performance-enhancing drug use, Carlos Ruiz probably won't be the same difference-maker he was in 2012.

Cliff Lee's win total was one of the worst statistical injustices in the sport's history. His 30 brilliant starts culminated in only six individual victories.

GM Ruben Amaro Jr. needs to go out and spend for an established offensive star. Despite the off-the-field concerns, Josh Hamilton is his safest bet.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Justin Morneau (Minnesota Twins)

The all-or-nothing Pittsburgh Pirates offense went dormant late in 2012, costing the franchise an opportunity to finish at the .500 mark.

The Bucs lack plate discipline, as evidenced by their league-worst strikeout-to-walk ratio. First baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones, for one, isn't selective enough.

Conveniently, Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau is entering his contract year on a non-competitive team. Pittsburgh makes a logical trade partner with Jones and one of its young, MLB-ready starting pitchers to offer in return.

Whatever the personnel cost, the Pirates should make the commitment to ensure more consistent run production.

San Diego Padres: Jon Lester (Boston Red Sox)

The Boston Red Sox listened to trade proposals for left-hander Jon Lester earlier this month. They were holding out hope that some team would overpay, according to Buster Olney.

What a missed opportunity for the San Diego Padres. Any rotation led by Edinson Volquez is in dire need of reinforcements. Now under new ownership, this club should be dealing for durable, playoff-tested starters like Lester rather than waiting for unproven guys to mend from major surgeries.

If Boston is foolish enough to sell low on a dominant southpaw, San Diego needs to be gutsy and take the expensive risk.

San Francisco Giants: Francisco Liriano

The fortuitous San Francisco Giants rode their five fabulous starting pitchers from April through late October. No offense to Eric Hacker or Yusmeiro Petit, but a stronger backup needs to be on the roster in case karma catches up to the rotation and sends a member of it to the disabled list.

That's just the nature of the sport.

Coming off an inconsistent summer, Francisco Liriano is somebody the Giants can sign to a moderately-priced, two-year contract. Other suitors will be reluctant to guarantee more than one.

Countless pitchers have realized their potential under the tutelage of Dave Righetti, so why not Liriano?

Seattle Mariners: Alfonso Soriano (Chicago Cubs)

All the finest free-agent outfielders have been linked to the Seattle Mariners. However, committing to any of them for three-plus years would not be the wisest course of action for this team.

Between Danny Hultzen, James Paxton and Taijuan Walker, the M's control some of the league's most promising pitching prospects. Relinquishing just one of them could net Alfonso Soriano in a trade.

Seattle's lineup is devoid of trustworthy power bats, particularly right-handed bats who can exploit Safeco Field's new dimensions. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times reports that the fences in left and center field will be brought in for 2013. Conveniently, that's where Soriano usually aims.

St. Louis Cardinals: Asdrubal Cabrera (Cleveland Indians)

Before Pete Kozma's inexplicable late-season surge, the St. Louis Cardinals suffered through five months where their middle infielders gave away at-bats.

The team has more starting pitchers than it knows what to do with, and the Cleveland Indians have been shopping Asdrubal Cabrera. He would fit in beautifully on the Cardinals, either as the successor to oft-injured Rafael Furcal or his double-play partner.

Tampa Bay Rays: A.J. Pierzynski

Aside from A.J. Pierzynski, MLB free agency is devoid of first-string catchers.

The Tampa Bay Rays can't let him slip away. Jose Molina served as their primary backstop last year and finished with an ugly .223/.286/.355 triple-slash line.

Pierzynski is seven months younger and is definitely more productive at the plate.

Texas Rangers: Curtis Granderson (New York Yankees)

The Texas Rangers have long been considered the favorites to get Justin Upton. Now, though, Arizona Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers is more comfortable with his roster and is "highly unlikely" to move the 25-year-old (via Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports).

With terrific prospects to offer and a sizable payroll to take on large salaries, Texas should meet its outfield needs by completing a Curtis Granderson trade.

He's a bargain compared to Josh Hamilton in terms of both contract length and annual obligation. Granderson whiffs much more often, but compensates with his durability. Moreover, the three-time All-Star is an outstanding clubhouse presence who's known to be friendly and charitable, whereas Hamilton often attracts attention for the wrong reasons.

Granderson would be a safe, one-year rental for the Rangers at any price.

Toronto Blue Jays: R.A. Dickey (New York Mets)

Through all the high-profile moves they've completed this offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have affirmed their willingness to win now.

Extra starting rotation depth would make their championship aspirations even more realistic.

As of now, left-handers J.A. Happ and Ricky Romero are projected starters. Neither excelled in those roles last summer and ideally, Toronto wants them competing for a single opening.

R.A. Dickey is a freak who has peaked in his late thirties. The knuckleballer is immune to many of the factors that lead other pitchers to deteriorate at a certain age.

The New York Mets wouldn't refuse a package with catcher Travis d'Arnaud at its center.

Washington Nationals: Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche responded to a lost season with a career year.

The timing of it all was excellent for him. LaRoche is the top unsigned infielder in baseball, which gives him the leverage to demand a three-year deal.

Mike Morse serves as an adequate internal replacement for the Washington Nationals, but this team isn't striving for adequacy in 2013. It's aiming for the World Series.

The Nationals ought to reward their former first baseman for his sure-handedness, plate discipline and leadership before another contender does.

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