MLB Free Agency: Best-Case Scenarios for All 30 Teams This Winter

The 2013 MLB free-agency class is slowly dwindling, but with two months left until pitchers and catchers report, teams will continue searching for the pieces that can allow them to achieve their goals.

Some of those pieces could be had by way of the trade market as well. Blockbuster deals and multi-team trades have certainly been in vogue this offseason for sure.

Taking into account what each has done thus far, we will take a look at the current best-case scenario for each team as it strives to suit up the best possible roster for the upcoming season.

Arizona Diamondbacks: One More Lefty Reliever

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been active since the beginning of the offseason, acquiring Heath Bell, Eric Chavez and Brandon McCarthy. Now, they can add shortstop Didi Gregorius and southpaw Tony Sipp as well with the recent three-team, nine-player trade they took part in.

Sipp represents the only lefty in a bullpen loaded with right-handers. General manager Kevin Towers just might want to add one more southpaw to help even things off and present a more balanced option in the middle and later innings.

Atlanta Braves: Add a Left Fielder

The Atlanta Braves made some waves in November when they swooped in and signed free-agent center fielder B.J. Upton to a five-year, $72.5 million contract.

When Upton signed, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez joked about only needing two men in his outfield.

"Shoot, we may not even need a left fielder," Gonzalez said. "With him playing center and Jason, who just won a Gold Glove, in right, it's going to be fun watching these guys cover some ground in the outfield."

Yes, Fredi, that’s funny. But you still need a left fielder.

The Braves have discussed using internal candidate Juan Francisco to play third base and have Martin Prado continue with his duties in left field. However, Francisco may be more of a platoon option with Prado splitting time between third and left. Under that scenario, Reed Johnson would get time in left as well.

But that’s not the optimum plan at this point for the Braves. General manager Frank Wren will likely continue to seek other alternatives in the coming days and weeks.

Baltimore Orioles: Trade for Michael Morse

When free-agent first baseman Mark Reynolds signed with the Cleveland Indians, it left the Baltimore Orioles without a viable option at first base.

The Washington Nationals could provide the solution.

The Nationals are continuing to negotiate with free-agent first baseman Adam LaRoche. If and when the two sides come to an agreement, there will be no place in the lineup for hard-hitting outfielder Michael Morse.

Morse also plays first base, so all the Orioles have to do is make a call to their neighbors and their problems are solved.

Boston Red Sox: Sign Kyle Lohse

The Boston Red Sox have addressed offensive needs by signing Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino and Jonny Gomes.

However, the starting rotation has yet to be dealt with.

Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront are the only locks at this point. John Lackey is returning from Tommy John surgery, but obvious questions as to his effectiveness will remain until he’s back on the mound.

Kyle Lohse is coming off a career year for the St. Louis Cardinals. His game is predicated on command and a sharp sinkerball, two qualities that will serve him very well at Fenway Park.

Taking a flier on a three-year deal for Lohse is a solid play for the Sox.

Update: According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, the Red Sox have agreed to a two-year, $26.5 million contract with Ryan Dempster, pending a physical.

Chicago Cubs: Sign Shaun Marcum

The Chicago Cubs have been relatively silent thus far this offseason. The most significant transaction up to now was the signing of Japanese closer Kyuji Fujikawa to a two-year deal.

The Cubs need help on the other end of the pitching staff—the starting rotation.

They lost out on Brandon McCarthy, who signed a two-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Cubs seem to be gravitating toward pitchers who have a history of injury yet with high upside. Makes sense, considering the fact that pitchers who fit that description won’t be getting long-term deals.

Shaun Marcum clearly fits that description. Much like McCarthy, Marcum has a history of arm issues—McCarthy with his shoulder, Marcum with his elbow.

When Marcum is healthy, he’s a solid No. 2 or 3 option—he showed that ability with the Milwaukee Brewers. While McCarthy slipped through the Cubs’ fingers, Marcum is still there for the taking.

Chicago White Sox: Sign A.J. Pierzynski

The free-agent market for catchers has dwindled down to next to nothing. The Chicago White Sox have a possible starter in Tyler Flowers, but they have a better option in their former catcher, A.J. Pierzynski.

Coming off a career season in the walk year of his contract, Pierzynksi has drawn interest from several teams, including the White Sox.

In a conference call with reporters on Monday, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn addressed Pierzynksi’s status.

“We are better served by not providing conversation-by-conversation or blow-by-blow updates on how the talks are going other than saying we’re in regular contact and the dialogue has been very open and honest from our perspective about expectations and fits,” Hahn said. “We would expect it to continue in that vein until there is a resolution one way or another.”

The White Sox are not inclined to spend much beyond last year’s payroll. Given arbitration raises that will likely occur, the White Sox are approaching that threshold already.

However, unless the White Sox are absolutely convinced that Flowers is the guy, Pierzynski is their best-case scenario.

Cincinnati Reds: None

With their involvement in Tuesday’s three-team, nine-player trade, the Cincinnati Reds took care of their biggest pressing need.

The acquisition of Shin-Soo Choo gives the Reds the leadoff presence they’ve been looking for. Shoo’s .310/.389/.493 slash line as a leadoff hitter for the Indians last year is a significant upgrade for the Reds, who produced a paltry .208/.254/.327 from the top spot in the batting order.

In addition, the Reds signed Ryan Ludwick to a two-year contract to continue patrolling left field and signed closer Jonathan Broxton earlier this offseason, allowing Aroldis Chapman to transition to the starting rotation.

GM Walt Jocketty may still do a bit of tweaking, but their best-case scenarios have already occurred.

Cleveland Indians: Sign or Trade for a Quality Starter

The Cleveland Indians pulled off a nice deal on Tuesday, acquiring top pitching prospect Trevor Bauer from the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three-team, nine-player trade.

However, more help is needed for the rotation.

Bauer is as yet unproven at the major league level, posting a 6.06 ERA in four starts last season for Arizona.

With a limited budget, the likelihood of signing Anibal Sanchez, Ryan Dempster or Kyle Lohse is minimal at best. However, a starter like Shaun Marcum might be more within their financial means. Taking a flyer on a guy like Jair Jurrjens may not be a bad idea, either.

Heading into spring training with a rotation of Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson, Zach McAllister, David Huff and Carlos Carrasco is not anything close to a best-case scenario.

Colorado Rockies: Sign Any Pitcher They Can Find

The worst-kept secret in baseball is the fact that the Colorado Rockies need starting pitching. That actually falls under the no-brainer category.

The problem the Rockies have is attaining top-caliber talent. No top-tier starter wants to pitch half of their games at an altitude of 5,183 feet. It tends to inflate ERAs and deflate egos.

The Rockies had interest in free-agent starter Kevin Correia. However, Corriea was snatched up by the Minnesota Twins.  

Correia was not the optimal choice, but in the Rockies’ case, beggars can’t be choosers.

Now, the Rockies may have to part with offensive pieces such as Michael Cuddyer or Dexter Fowler to get the pitching they desperately need. The Rockies may have to bite the bullet and back off of their insistence on a major return package in return for Fowler.

Otherwise, it will be another long spring and summer in Denver.

Detroit Tigers: Sign Rafael Soriano

The Detroit Tigers have been steadfast in insisting that they will fill their closer’s role with internal candidates, the most likely being Bruce Rondon.

However, best-case scenario suggests that the Tigers ditch that plan and go after free-agent closer Rafael Soriano.

Soriano’s price is high; however, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has the available cash, along with the desire to win now before his time on this earth ends.

Houston Astros: Sign Lance Berkman

The Houston Astros will be heading to the American League, and they’re in search of an important part of their future—a designated hitter.

They have the chance to bring back a hometown hero—Lance Berkman.

Berkman and the Astros have had conversations. Much will depend on how much the Astros are willing to spend and on whether or not Berkman is committed to playing.

In any event, it's the right fit for both.

Kansas City Royals: Hope That Young Position Players Find Maturity

The Kansas City Royals have taken steps to deal with a starting rotation that posted a 5.01 ERA last season. The additions of James Shields, Jeremy Guthrie and Ervin Santana was certainly a step in the right direction.

Now, they need their young and talented core of position players to take the next step.

Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain and Salvador Perez will be instrumental in the success of the Royals in 2013. All of them have the talent at this point, but it's a matter of seeing it come to fruition.

If that happens, the Royals could be one of the surprise teams in 2013.

Los Angeles Angels: Sign One More Starter

The Los Angeles Angels didn't get their man in Zack Greinke, but they did take steps to improve their pitching staff.

Ryan Madson and Sean Burnett are great additions to a bullpen that blew an American League-worst 22 saves last season. Both will help to support Ernesto Frieri, Scott Downs and Kevin Jepsen.

The additions of Joe Blanton and Tommy Hanson help offset the loss of Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. However, it's not a rotation that strikes fear in the hearts of opponents.

General manager Jerry Dipoto has expressed confidence in his newly-constructed bullpen and believes that it will make up for any deficiencies in the starting rotation.

However, in a best-case scenario, there's no question that Dipoto would love to add another quality starter to the mix.

Could the improved bullpen help protect a starting rotation that isn't exactly stellar? Yes, but if given the opportunity and the extra cash, Dipoto would rather not find out.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Trade Capuano and/or Harang for Additional Help

With the addition of Zack Greinke, the Los Angeles Dodgers now have seven veteran starters signed for the 2013 season.

Two of those starters—Chad Billingsley and Ted Lilly—are coming back from significant injuries, so their effectiveness and ability to stay healthy is in question.

In addition, both Chris Capuano and Aaron Harang have been mentioned as trade candidates.

In a perfect world, both Billinglsey and Lilly bounce back in 2013, and Colletti uses Harang and/or Capuano to fill in other needs to make up a more well-rounded roster.

Of course, considering what the Dodgers have already done, they could just buy up the pieces they need as well.

Miami Marlins: Find an Impact Bat to Protect Giancarlo Stanton

With all of the changes made by the Miami Marlins over the past five months, right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is pretty much alone on an island.

Stanton is an absolute force in the middle of the batting order. However, with no other quality impact bats around him, he could be looking at a lot of walks this upcoming season.

Centerfielder Justin Ruggiano has the potential, but it's clear that the Marlins will have some difficulty scoring runs with a young and unproven cast surrounding Stanton.

Best-case scenario calls for the Marlins to find that impact bat to support and protect Stanton in the lineup. Given what the Marlins have been doing thus far, that may be difficult.

Milwaukee Brewers: Re-Sign Alex Gonzalez

When the Milwaukee Brewers traded Zack Greinke to the Los Angeles Angels last July, they picked up a young prospect who they believe is the shortstop of the future.

Jean Segura is tabbed to be the Opening Day shortstop for the Brewers, and they will give him every opportunity to prove he belongs.

However, it would be idea if the Brewers had a backup plan as well.

Alex Gonzalez could be that plan.

The Brewers have a standing offer to Gonzalez, who suffered a torn ACL last May, ending his season. Gonzalez would much rather start, but thus far hasn't had any offers come his way.

If Gonzalez is unable to find that starting role he seeks, he would be an ideal choice to serve as insurance for the Brewers should Segura prove he's not quite ready yet.

Minnesota Twins: Sign Impact Starting Pitcher

The Minnesota Twins had the worst starting rotation in the American League last year, and they've already taken some steps to upgrade.

The Twins picked up Vance Worley from the Philadelphia Phillies in the trade that sent outfielder Ben Revere to Philly.

They also signed Kevin Correia to a two-year, $10 million contract.

The Twins also picked up promising arms in Alex Meyer and Trevor May, which bodes well for their future.

However, one more impact starter on a short contract would be ideal.

The arms are still out there, and the Twins have expressed in some of them. Twins beat report Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com listed some of those available arms:

"

They've been linked to free agents such as Brett Myers, John Lannan, Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey and also reportedly made an offer to former Twins left-hander Francisco Liriano at the Winter Meetings.

But after acquiring three young starters in their two trades, they're not likely to sign a pitcher to a long-term deal, as they finally have pitching prospects who could be ready as soon as '14.

"

Scratch Correia off the list; the Twins acted on him. One more would do quite nicely.

New York Mets: Sign R.A. Dickey to Extension

The New York Mets are in possession of the reigning Cy Young Award winner in R.A. Dickey, yet they continue to play hardball with him in contract negotiations.

The two sides appear to be at an impasse right now, and Dickey isn't at all happy about his situation.

It's hard," Dickey said. "When people say it's business, it's not personal, well, that just means it's not personal for them. I'm hoping it ends up in a good place, but also in the back of your mind you think it may not. That's sad."

According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, the Mets have made an offer:

"

Sources told ESPN.com early Tuesday morning that the Mets are prepared to offer Dickey two years at $20 million on top of the $5 million owed in 2013. Dickey seeks a combined $26 million to $28 million for 2014 and '15, sources added.

"

This is a deal that needs to get done; otherwise, Mets owner Fred Wilpon will have a PR nightmare on his hands.

New York Yankees: Sign A.J. Pierzynski

The New York Yankees have dealt with their starting rotation by re-signing both Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte. Along with CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and Ivan Nova, they'll return a solid starting corps for the 2013 season.

The question now remains just who they'll be throwing to.

After losing Russell Martin to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Yankees have Chris Stewart, Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine as options behind the plate.

However, A.J. Pierzynski is still available for the taking.

Pierzynski would easily replace Martin's offense. While the defensive skills may not be what the Yankees are looking for, the bat certainly is. None of the internal candidates can replicate Pierzynksi's offense.

Oakland Athletics: Re-Sign Stephen Drew

Free-agent Stephen Drew is still on the market. The Oakland Athletics are looking for an everyday shortstop.

Sounds like a marriage to me.

However, we're talking about the budget-conscious A's here. Drew and the A's are still talking, so there is at least some hope.

Best-case scenario is for the A's to sign Drew to a one-year deal with an option, giving time for prospect Addison Russell to continue his development.

Philadelphia Phillies: Find a Left Fielder

The Philadelphia Phillies may have found their future centerfielder, acquiring Ben Revere from the Minnesota Twins last week.

That still leaves a void in left field.

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Phillies could be working on taking care of that need.

Heyman reported on Tuesday that the Phillies are talking to the Chicago Cubs about the possibility of acquiring Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs would receive Domonic Brown in return and would send a wad of cash to help pay the remainder of Soriano's contract.

Heyman also said that the Phillies could still make a play for free agent Cody Ross as well.

In any event, a left fielder is needed, and one who happens to be an impact bat would greatly help.

Pittsburgh Pirates: One More Quality Starter

The Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation is good. It's not great, but it's good.

A.J. Burnett and Wandy Rodriguez are the obvious 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. James McDonald is a solid No. 3 as well.

It's the rest of the rotation that doesn't make me all tingly inside.

The Pirates are clearly a team that needs to count every penny, so free-agent options like Anibal Sanchez and Kyle Lohse are likely untouchable.

However, more affordable options like Shaun Marcum, Carlos Villanueva, Francisco Liriano and Roberto Hernandez could help make the Pirates rotation just a bit more effective.

San Diego Padres: Sign an Impact Starter

Thus far during the offseason, the San Diego Padres have been relatively quiet.

They brought starting pitcher Jason Marquis back with a one-year, $3 million deal last week. However, an impact starter is the one important piece lacking in their rotation.

With new ownership ready to make the Padres competitive again, best-case scenario is for them to bring in that one important component.

It would be hard to believe they won't act on that need.

San Francisco Giants: None

The San Francisco Giants took steps to return important components of their World Series-winning team, re-signing Jeremy Affeldt, Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro.

They also brought back a fan favorite.

The Giants signed Andres Torres to a one-year deal, and he will likely share left-field duties with Gregor Blanco.

Now, the Giants appear fully prepared to defend their World Series title with a cast of players who have proven they're more than up for the task.

Seattle Mariners: Sign Nick Swisher

The Seattle Mariners signed Jason Bay to a one-year contract to help out a struggling offense.

If you believe Bay is a savior for Seattle, you've been sleeping under a rock.

Bay has struggled as much as the Mariners offense has in recent years, so it qualifies more as a "hey, we'll give him a shot" deal more than anything.

Consistent offensive production is what the Mariners need, and free-agent outfielder Nick Swisher can help provide that.

Swisher has received more than just a passing interest from several teams. According to Scott Miller of CBSports.com, Swisher could be weeks away from making any decision.

The Mariners should continue with an all-out blitz at this point, especially with Josh Hamilton now off the board.

St. Louis Cardinals: None

Thus far this offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals have been relatively quiet.

They added an important piece to their bullpen with the addition of Randy Choate. Choate will join fellow southpaw Marc Rzepczynski to give manager Mike Matheny another option from the left side.

Honestly, there really isn't much else the Cardinals needed to do. They have a lineup that is among the most potent in baseball. The key is good health. If they can keep Carlos Beltran, John Jay and Allen Craig on the field full-time, the rest of the NL Central will be in trouble next season.

Tampa Bay Rays: Sign or Trade for Catcher

The Tampa Bay Rays took a step in addressing offensive needs with the trade that netted top hitting prospect Wil Myers.

However, there's no guarantee that Myers will be ready for the big leagues at the start of next season. One more impact bat would certainly help.

It would be even nicer if that bat came in the form of a catcher.

Rays catchers combined to hit just .227 with a .300 on-base percentage last season, with 11 home runs.

The only option left on the free-agent market in terms of production is A.J. Pierzynksi. It's unlikely the Rays would pay to bring Pierzynksi aboard. But the position needs to be addressed.

Texas Rangers: Find Some Bats, and Quick!

The Texas Rangers now find themselves in a very tenable position.

They already are without the services of Mike Napoli and Michael Young. Napoli agreed to a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox  and Young is off to play third base for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Now, they have also lost their biggest producer, with Josh Hamilton agreeing to a five-year deal with the rival Los Angeles Angels.

One-third of the Rangers offense is now missing.

General manager Jon Daniels will now be working overtime to figure out how to replace the missing parts. Free-agent options include Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn, Adam LaRoche, Lance Berkman and Cody Ross.

Toronto Blue Jays: None

The Toronto Blue Jays have done just about everything possible to reconstruct their roster this offseason.

The myriad of changes clearly makes the Blue Jays contenders in the competitive AL East, and for the American League pennant as well.

Much will hinge on the Blue Jays starting pitching, which now features Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Brandon Morrow, Ricky Romero and J.A. Happ.

If Morrow can stay healthy and Romero can rebound from an awful 2012 season, that worry is taken away.

Offensively, the Blue Jays will feature Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio at the top of the order, followed by the big bats of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion. Add to that what Melky Cabrera could bring to the table as well, and the Jays have an offense that could be downright scary.

If I were new Jays manager John Gibbons, I'd be comfortable going into Opening Day with that roster.

Washington Nationals: Sign Adam LaRoche

The Washington Nationals have been busy this offseason. They added Dan Haren to their already-potent starting rotation and traded for versatile center fielder Denard Span.

Now, they need to seal the deal on bringing back productive first baseman Adam LaRoche.

LaRoche and the Nationals continue to talk, with the sticking point being the length of the contract.

Both sides are hopeful a compromise can be reached.

Best-case scenario is clearly a Nationals team, with LaRoche continuing to provide solid production in the middle of their offense.