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

While many of the top names from MLB free agency are already off the board, plenty of talent is available for teams that are willing to pay.

As teams get more desperate to add top talent before the start of the season, the demand goes up and contracts get even higher. This is good news for the players around the league who are still considering their options.

For a few free agents, the next few weeks will be key. Here is a look at the latest buzz on the hottest names around the league with predictions for landing spots for every player.

Max Scherzer, SP

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Over the last two years, Max Scherzer has turned himself into an elite pitcher. Now, it's time to turn that into a big paycheck. 

The 2013 Cy Young winner has a 39-8 record over the last two seasons in a total of 434.2 innings. He is a reliable pitcher who will show up every five days and give your team a great chance to win.

At this point, the question is which team is going to pay close to $200 million for the 30-year-old starter. ESPN Insider Jim Bowden (subscription required) broke down the seven most likely destinations for Scherzer, starting with the Detroit Tigers, the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees.

The problem with this logic is that Scherzer's former team is not too interested in making a deal. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski recently explained his lack of urgency to sign the pitcher, via Jason Beck of MLB.com:

The Yankees could be more in need of a game-changing pitcher and are usually willing to hand out large contracts. Jonah Keri of Grantland also pointed out the impact Scherzer could make in the divisional race:

With plenty of questions about the health of both Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, New York would love to have a reliable arm at the top of the rotation. That makes it the best destination for Scherzer and the most likely fit for both sides.

Prediction: New York Yankees

James Shields, SP

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The postseason was a great time for many of the Kansas City Royals, but James Shields likely lost a lot of money while allowing 17 earned runs in 25 innings. The nickname "Big Game James" now seems more like a way to mock him than anything else.

However, his success during the regular season makes him an attractive option for many teams looking for front-line starting pitching.

John Jastremski of WFAN argues that Shields is a much better value than Scherzer this offseason:

While he was referring to the Yankees as a potential destination, the Boston Red Sox could sign him instead. After missing out on Jon Lester, the Red Sox could view Shields as a quality consolation prize this winter.

Still, the latest buzz seems to indicate he is not staying on the East Coast at all. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com notes the San Francisco Giants have become a legitimate option for the veteran:

Peter Gammons also reported the Giants were going to be aggressive in the hunt for Shields:

Considering the team is coming off its third World Series title in five years, it'll be easy to convince the pitcher he would be joining an instant contender. The presence of Madison Bumgarner could also take the pressure off Shields in a potential playoff series.

San Francisco has been a good destination for free-agent pitchers, and Shields could be the latest to continue his career in the Bay Area.

Prediction: San Francisco Giants

Asdrubal Cabrera, SS/2B

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With the lack of quality middle infielders in the major leagues, Asdrubal Cabrera has become a hot commodity on the free-agent market.

The shortstop has declined over the past two seasons after being an All-Star in 2011 and 2012, even gaining MVP votes in that stretch. However, he hit 14 home runs in each of the past two seasons and was a key part of the Washington Nationals' success last season after being traded from the Cleveland Indians at the deadline. 

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports notes there are a bunch of teams that would like to add him to the roster regardless of what position he would play:

Interestingly, Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com also reports the Royals could be in the hunt if they part with Omar Infante:

Of all of these options, the best fit might be the Oakland Athletics, who need to replace Jed Lowrie after the shortstop signed with the Houston Astros. Marcus Semien—who was acquired in the trade for Jeff Samardzija—has a chance to be the Opening Day starter, but the team might want a more proven option at the position.

Cabrera could become a veteran leader for what has become a young roster going into 2015.

Prediction: Oakland Athletics

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