MLB Free Agency/Trade Rumors: Whispered Deals That Could Happen Before Jan. 1

With 2013 right around the corner, MLB teams may be looking to wrap up a few potential deals that they are working on before the new year.

Many of the top players on the free agency and trade markets have already been picked up, and there are many players that are now getting close to finding a new place to play because the market has been established.

There are a number of these rumored deals that could end up happening before January begins.

Scott Hairston Re-Signs with the New York Mets

Scott Hairston was able to find success with the New York Mets in 2012. In 377 at-bats, Hairston set a career high by hitting 20 home runs.

With the Mets in desperate need of an outfielder, Hairston could be brought back by the team for 2013 and beyond. Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York has noted that Hairston wants to return to the Mets and the team could quickly work on making a reunion happen.

Arizona Diamondbacks Trade Jason Kubel

After signing Cody Ross, the Arizona Diamondbacks have more MLB-caliber outfielders than they know what to do with. It is almost definite that the team will move one of their outfielders.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has noted that the Diamondbacks are more likely to trade Jason Kubel than Justin Upton. A number of teams are looking for outfielders, and the Diamondbacks will have a lot to consider and could be quick to make a move.

Adam LaRoche Re-Signs with the Washington Nationals

One of the reasons for the Washington Nationals' success in 2012 was the play of Adam LaRoche. He has since hit the free agency market, but the team has an interest in retaining him.

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, the Nationals have begun to make some progress on a possible deal with LaRoche. If the two sides get involved in serious talks over the next few days, a deal could quickly follow.

Michael Bourn to the Texas Rangers

This offseason has been a giant swing and a miss for the Texas Rangers. Every single big-name free agent that they have been connected with has ended up signing elsewhere.

Texas is going to be looking for other moves to make, and they could sign an outfielder. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has noted that the team is interested in Michael Bourn. The speedster would be an outstanding fit as a table setter in the Rangers lineup.

New York Mets Sign Grady Sizemore

Bringing in a low-risk/high-reward player is a great way for a team with a limited budget to try to turn things around. The New York Mets are in that situation, and it could lead them to an interesting signing.

When he was healthy, Grady Sizemore was an All-Star, but he has recently been derailed by injuries. Sizemore is only 30 years old, so if he can stay on the field, he could have a strong season in 2013.

Kevin Burkhardt of SNY has mentioned that the Mets are very interested in signing Sizemore. The team could go after him to help fill out the rest of their outfield.