MLB Rumors: 15 Bold Predictions For MLB's Hot Stove This Offseason
The MLB season is over and the offseason has officially begun. Some teams will look to improve, while others simply hope to keep the talent they have.
Many player will be on the move this offseason, perhaps a Hall of Fame shortstop, a notable pitching ace, or maybe one of the league's best sluggers.
Regardless, always remember that these are bold predictions, and in honor of the title that they shall be.
Cliff Lee Becomes a New York Yankee
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After bowing out in the last two World Series Cliff Lee will get another chance to play for a title next season as he travels east to the big apple.
Lee is a free agent and though he does love Texas, no team is likely to throw as much money at him than the New York Bankees.
Carl Crawford Heads to Beantown
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Tampa Bay's flame-out to the eventual AL Champion Texas Rangers in the ALDS might have been the last straw for Crawford who seems to be done with the Rays.
To find his next team we don't even have to look outside the division though, the Boston Red Sox will put enough on the table and offer an opportunity to win.
Adrian Beltre Returns to Los Angeles But As an Angel
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The third basemen has declined his player option for next season with Boston and has mentioned that he would like to go west where his family is located.
Look for Beltre to sign with a team on the sunny California coast, the L.A. Angels.
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The Yankees Let Derek Jeter Walk
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In what is likely the boldest prediction of all time, the Yankees will fight the urge to bring Jeter back for his 3,000th hit and let him walk despite telling him otherwise.
The 37 year-old shortstop made over $22 million last season, but he isn't getting any younger.
Prince Fielder Will Be Traded Before Next Season
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Contract talks with the first basemen have stalled and the Milwaukee Brewers have made it public that they plan on moving on from Fielder in the near future.
The question is, how soon? How about this offseason. Fielder will be traded most likely for some sort of pitching prospect considering they are lacking in that department.
Jason Werth Will Re-Sign With The Phillies
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Despite all the talk that Werth is out in Philadelphia, he will use the power of his new agent Scott Boras to figure out a deal that will keep him with the Phillies.
Though Detroit and Boston have been pointed out as potential landing spots for Werth, it is much bolder to predict he will return for another championship run in Philly.
Victor Martinez Signs With Showalter's Orioles
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The Red Sox catcher will field offers from many teams this offseason but will ultimately be won over by the Baltimore Orioles.
The 32 year-old wasn't offered an extension from Boston and looks to be headed out.
Kevin Millwood Will Be Out in Baltimore
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The Orioles pitcher who went 4-16 this past season with an ERA of 5.10 will be sent packing after doing little to earn the $15 million he received in 2010.
However it will likely be difficult to find any takers for Millwood after his performance this past season.
Adam Dunn Heads West For Chicago
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The Washington Nationals slugger will ship out of the nation's capital this offseason and likely land in Chicago.
But which Chicago team? While the Cubs of course. Dunn is a toss up to be resigned by the Nats and certainly other teams will be looking to sign the home run hitting first basemen.
Carlos Pena Fills The Gap For Washington
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After Adam Dunn leaves for Chicago, the Nationals will need a quality first basemen to fill the role, and look for them to get just that in Carlos Pena
The 33 year-old Tampa Bay Ray will definitely be on Washington's list as he is a free agent this offseason.
Jamie Moyer Will Retire
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It's somewhat unique when predicting a 48 year-old pitcher will retire after elbow surgery is bolder than predicting he will return, but Jamie Moyer is a unique guy.
Moyer is unlikely to return to Philadelphia next season and despite his plans to pitch again next season he will most likely retire this offseason.
Vladimir Guerrero Will Be Back With The Rangers
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Even though the 36 year-old DH struggled in Texas' World Series loss to the Giants, he will be back in the Rangers' lineup next season.
The Rangers' declined Guerrero's option but that has very little effect on his return. Don't forget that Josh Hamilton and the rest of the Texas hitters struggled against San Francisco's pitching.
Johnny Damon Returns to Sox Nation
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The 37 year-old outfielder is a free agent this offseason and he isn't exactly tearing it up with Detroit. The Red Sox will attempt to bring him on to reignite memories of Boston's memorable World Series run in 2004.
It would be a story at least.
Manny Ramirez Won't Return to The White Sox
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Ramirez was claimed off of waivers by the White Sox last summer, but he made $20 million last year while hitting a pathetic 9 home runs and batting under .300 with just 42 RBI's.
The 39 year-old outfielder has shown glimpses of what makes him so coveted but there is little doubt he is declining rapidly and his future in Chicago seems short and dim.
Pat Burrell Stays Put in San Francisco
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Despite striking out a ridiculous amount of times against the Rangers in the World Series, Burrell will be back with the World Champions next season.
Burrell is still a slugging machine and continues to hit home runs and drive in more runs. A "misfit" nonetheless.
Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.
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