2014 MLB Free Agents: Recent Rumors and Predictions from Winter Meetings

It has been less than two months since the San Francisco Giants won the World Series. Now in the winter meetings, every franchise is already looking to work toward stealing the crown from the Giants.

Part of that process starts with making huge moves, something that teams like the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox have already done. Neither may be ready to win the Fall Classic, but they are building for the future this offseason.

Some of the biggest stars have already been moved or signed, but several dominoes have yet to fall. Two of the notable names remaining on the market are Max Scherzer and James Shields. Both are coveted players, but they will come at a cost for teams looking to make a postseason run.

With the winter meetings still in full force, here's a look at the latest rumblings from around the MLB.

Max Scherzer

Following Jon Lester reportedly signing a deal with the Chicago Cubs, via Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Max Scherzer is also eyeing a massive deal as a free agent. By massive, I mean one of the biggest deals for a pitcher in MLB history.

Coming off another great season with the Detroit Tigers, Scherzer is looking to cash in. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports passed along the latest on Scherzer's hopes for a contract:

Well, that seems a little steep. Especially when considering that Scherzer is already 30 years old compared to the 26-year-old Clayton Kershaw.

However, Scherzer did win a Cy Young in 2013 and appeared to be on top of his game yet again in 2014. Pitching in Detroit, Scherzer finished in the top 10 in the American League in wins (18), innings pitched (220.1), ERA (3.15) and strikeouts (252) to earn the right to a huge contract.

In fact, the Tigers are even willing to unload quite a bit of cash to get Scherzer back in the rotation. Buster Olney of ESPN passed along more information from Detroit:

Expect a lucrative deal to come for Scherzer, but likely less than the $200 million price tag being rumored. If that asking price goes down on a long-term deal, look for the Tigers to still win this battle for Scherzer.

Prediction: Scherzer re-signs with Tigers for far less than $200 million.

Chase Headley

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Though he doesn't attract quite as much attention as Scherzer or other free-agent pitchers, Chase Headley is one of the best position players left on the market. After closing out the season with the New York Yankees, Headley might wind up in pinstripes again.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the latest on the third baseman:

Headley came over to the Yankees from the San Diego Padres and had solid production. A slow start with the Padres was cured in New York, as Headley had a .262 average with six home runs and 17 RBI after the trade.

Other teams like the Giants might still be interested in Headley, but the Yankees will ultimately have the upper hand. Having a need at the position, New York will regain control of the talks and bring back Headley on a short-term deal.

Prediction: Headley re-signs with Yankees.

Asdrubal Cabrera

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Two years ago, Asdrubal Cabrera might have been one of the hottest names in free agency. An All-Star in 2011 and 2012, Cabrera has regressed in the last two seasons and is still available during the winter meetings.

The shortstop is now reportedly being courted by the Kansas City Royals, via Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors:

Last season, Cabrera had a career-low .241 average and 108 strikeouts, but he still finished with 14 homers. Still considered a solid defender, Cabrera also adds value with his experience and might be able to turn things around with a good team.

Maybe I'm just convinced by the rumor from Dierkes or it's the fact that it simply makes sense, but Cabrera seems likely to end up in Kansas City. If he can wield the same lumber he did during his tear years ago, this might be a move that pays off huge for the Royals.

Prediction: Cabrera lands with the Royals on short-term deal.

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