Predicting Final Landing Spots for Top MLB Players Still on the Market
The free-agent market his thinned considerably over the last few weeks, and there are only a handful of legitimately effective players still available.
On the pitching end of things, Kyle Lohse, Shaun Marcum and Brett Myers are the top remaining starting pitching options, while Rafael Soriano is the premiere closer still left unsigned.
Michael Bourn and Adam LaRoche highlight the remaining position-player market, while Scott Hairston could also make an impact depending on where he lands.
So here are my predictions on where the above-mentioned seven guys will wind up this winter as teams look to put the finishing touches on their rosters.
SP/RP Brett Myers
1 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: Minnesota Twins
The Twins have already added Vance Worley, Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey to their rotation this offseason, but with Pelfrey coming back from Tommy John surgery and another open rotation spot even with him, they could look to add another veteran arm.
After serving as the Astros closer and then a setup man for the White Sox last season, Myers is looking to return to the rotation. He was linked to the Twins by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick at the beginning of December, and the team could still make a play to sign him before the offseason is over.
LF Scott Hairston
2 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: Atlanta Braves
In search of a left fielder that would allow them to slide Martin Prado in to play third base, the Braves are running out of options on the free-agent market.
David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution tweeted that the Braves are interested in Hairston, who is coming off of a solid season in which he hit a career-high 20 home runs over just 377 at-bats.
SP Shaun Marcum
3 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: New York Mets
Marcum dealt with injuries last season, but when healthy, he's been very good, as he went 20-11 with a 3.60 ERA in 54 starts in his two seasons with the Brewers.
A number of teams have shown varying levels of interest in him throughout the offseason, and according to Kevin Davidoff of the New York Post, the Mets have Marcum on their radar as the team searches for depth following the trade of R.A. Dickey.
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RP Rafael Soriano
4 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: Milwaukee Brewers
Two years ago, John Axford was arguably the best closer in the National League, but he struggled in his second year in the Brewers' ninth-inning role, as he converted just 35 of 44 save chances and posted a 4.67 ERA.
After he declined the Yankees $13.3 million qualifying offer to kick off the offseason, teams have shied away Soriano this offseason since there is draft pick compensation tied to signing him. He's looking for a deal in excess of that $13.3 million figure, but the Brewers could be the team willing to offer him the most when it comes down to it.
1B Adam LaRoche
5 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: Washington Nationals
After a terrific bounce-back season last year in which he had 33 home runs and 100 RBI, LaRoche opted out of his $10 million mutual option to seek a multiyear deal this offseason.
The front-runner to sign him still appears to be the Nationals, and according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, the two sides are "inching closer" to a deal. Signing him would likely trigger a trade of Michael Morse, and with nothing left in the way of impact power bats, he would have plenty of value.
CF Michael Bourn
6 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: Texas Rangers
The Rangers missed out on re-signing Josh Hamilton and have yet to strike a deal for Justin Upton, so one way or another, they'll need to bolster their offense this offseason after not only losing Hamilton, but also Mike Napoli and Michael Young.
According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports, the Rangers have shown interest in Bourn, and while he wouldn't provide the same run-production skills that the above-mentioned guys did, he could make an impact. At this point, the Rangers may just be looking to sign anyone who could potentially make them better.
SP Kyle Lohse
7 of 7Predicted Landing Spot: San Diego Padres
The top remaining pitcher on the market by a long shot, Lohse is coming off of a career year, as he went 16-3 with a 2.86 ERA as the ace of the Cardinals staff last season.
He has not been firmly linked to anyone to this point, but one team that would make a lot of sense is the Padres. They have a pair of solid starters in Edinson Volquez and Clayton Richard atop the rotation, but they lack a legitimate ace and could certainly use another veteran arm.
They've been quiet all offseason, and if they are willing to pay him, he'd be a major addition to an up-and-coming team that could legitimately contend in a few seasons.
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