MLB Free Agents 2014: Rumors and Predictions for Top Available Bats

Most of MLB's prized free agents work from the mound, yet a decrease in offense makes the few available offensive difference makers all the more valuable.

Teams in need of reinforcements will face stiff competition for a short list of premium hitters on the market. For many of those options, they'll have to juggle concerns of lackluster defensive play and fear of regression from older veterans. There's no Robinson Cano available this winter.

That doesn't mean squads with money to spend and runs to procure are out of luck. Some notable names for hire are already heating up the rumor mill during the early days of free agency. Here's a look at the latest buzz surrounding three position players.

Hanley Ramirez Willing to Change Positions

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One of the top offensive draws on the market, Hanley Ramirez will derive some attention as a shortstop wielding a career .300/.373/.500 slash line. His shortstop status, however, creates a double-edged sword for his value, as the 30-year-old is limited on the field.

In an attempt to assuage those concerns, Ramirez is open to swapping to a new spot on the diamond, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman:

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Free agent star Hanley Ramirez, one of the best offensive shortstops in baseball over the last nine seasons, is telling interested teams he is willing to play "wherever there's a need," a clear signal he would switch to third base and perhaps even elsewhere on the diamond, which could potentially open up his market to several more teams.

Ramirez's invitation to play a different position has been taken by interested teams to mean he'd even consider a corner outfield spot or perhaps even first base for desirable teams in winning situations, multiple executives with interest in Ramirez say.

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Never a terrific defensive shortstop, Ramirez has netted minus-77 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) over his career at shortstop, per FanGraphs. Last season, he generated his lowest Ultimate Zone Rating (-10.3) since 2007. It's reasonable to expect a further decline as he turns 31 before 2015 Opening Day.

Anyone who signs him knows he won't hold up at short throughout the entire contract, so it's reassuring to know he's willing to play anywhere as soon as required. Whether he makes the move immediately depends on where he signs.

Should he stay with the Los Angeles Dodgers or sign with the New York Yankees, Ramirez would stay put next season before eventually following Alex Rodriguez's path to third. The Dodgers have a massive shortstop prospect in Corey Seager, but the 20-year-old isn't ready to take the reins in 2015.

Ramirez will sign a four- or five-year deal with the cash-strapped Dodgers, but he'll soon slide over on the infield to make room for Seager.

Prediction: Ramirez re-signs with Dodgers, moves to third in 2016

Pablo Sandoval to Meet with Red Sox

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Another World Series title boosted Pablo Sandoval's appeal, and the 2013 champions took notice.

As reported by The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo, Sandoval plans to meet with the Boston Red Sox about a possible arrangement:

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Pablo Sandoval should probably never leave San Francisco. 

Three World Series rings. Postseason hero. Lovable nickname (Kung Fu Panda) complete with fans who wear panda masks during his at-bats.

But the Red Sox have interest in the 28-year-old free agent third baseman, and after contacting Sandoval’s representatives have scheduled a meeting between the parties at next week’s general managers’ meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz., according to a major league source.

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They endured another disappointing season from Will Middlebrooks, who hit .191/,256/.265 two years removed from a rookie breakout. Sandoval represents a significant upgrade after batting .279/.324/.415 with 16 homers and a 3.0 fWAR last season.

Any team that wants Sandoval must commit to him over the long run. According to the San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman, the 28-year-old is seeking some massive job security.

Too many colossal signings have failed in the past for anyone to dole out six or more years to someone without hesitation, especially for someone who isn't a superstar. Although he's etched out a reputation as a postseason monster with a career .344/.389/.545 playoff slash line, his season numbers don't warrant an upper-echelon deal.

If anyone will meet those demands, it's the San Francisco Giants, who are notoriously loyal to their own guys and would face a massive public hit by losing the Kung Fu Panda after winning their third title in five years.

Prediction: Sandoval stays with Giants for a five-year deal

Several Teams Interested in Torii Hunter

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He's not a star masher at this point of his career, but Torii Hunter can still swing the bat a bit. Even though he's 39 with declining results, he won't struggle to find work.

According to Heyman, a handful of organizations are pursuing the veteran outfielder.

Newsday's Marc Carig has eliminated one team, as the New York Mets are not a suitor despite their desire to acquire another corner-outfield bat.

Hunter's average and on-base percentage have decreased in each of the past two seasons, fizzling to .286 and .319 in 2014. No longer able to adequately handle right field anymore, his minus-18 DRS led him to his lowest fWAR (0.3) since 2000.

As a pure hitter, however, Hunter still brings some power to the table. If the Kansas City Royals lose free agent Billy Butler, Hunter is the perfect replacement to play designated hitter for the American League champions. 

Nobody hit fewer home runs (95) than Kansas City last year, and Hunter's .446 slugging percentage would have led the power-starved team. Baseball's most aggressive club also won't mind his career-low 3.9 walk percentage, which will deflate his value enough to make him affordable for the small-market organization.

Prediction: Hunter signs with Royals

Note: All advanced statistics are courtesy of FanGraphs.