MLB Rumors: Where Will Paul Konerko End Up?

A big, big bat is still available on the free agent market. 

First basemen Paul Konerko and his 39 home runs are willing to listen to offers.

Last year Konerko had the best season of his career by hitting .312 with 39 home runs and 111 RBI. 

So who might be willing to spend some money to bring in the big bat?

Texas Rangers

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Neftali Feliz #30 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the San Francisco Giants in Game Five of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on November 1, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Giants won 3-1. (Photo b

With Cliff Lee still unsigned the Rangers have some money to spend.

Despite playing in the World Series the Rangers had a glaring problem at first base.

Mitch Moreland finished the season as their first basemen and hit just .255 with 25 RBI in 47 games. 

Konerko would be a dramatic upgrade. 

Baltimore Orioles

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Relief pitcher Koji Uehara #19 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on September 29, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

This off-season the Orioles have been desperately trying to get a big name free agents.

Many reports state that they have already made an offer to Konerko.

Last year the Orioles used a first basemen by committee approach.

Konerko would give them a solid and reliable first basemen, and allow them to keep Luke Scott at DH.

Arizona Diamondbacks

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PHOENIX - SEPTEMBER 24: Starting pitcher Barry Enright #54 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on September 24, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/G

Arizona is an appealing destination for Konerko—he makes his off-season home in Phoenix.

According to FOX Sports, Konerko and the Diamondbacks have been in extended talks. 

The Diamondbacks let their first basemen from last year, Adam LaRoche go, so Arizona is probably Konerko's most likely option if he leaves the White Sox.

Chicago White Sox

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 10: Paul Konerko #14 of the Chicago White Sox hits a double against the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field on August 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Twins defeated the White Sox 12-6. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

In all reality, Konerko has no real reason to leave Chicago.

Well other than money, and/or living closer to home. 

Konerko has been in Chicago for all but two seasons of his career, and they have already offered him salary arbitration.

Something interesting to keep in mind is that Konerko plays much better in Chicago than elsewhere.

Last year his stats were inflated by a .342 average at home and 26 of his 39 homers coming there.

Why would he leave?