2012 MLB Free Agency: One Hitter That Each Team Will Target This Offseason

Major League Baseball's hot stove is beginning to heat up and teams are developing their offseason plans. Each franchise will have a number of free agents that they will be looking to target this winter.

Not every team will be going after the big names such as Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. There will be a number of bidding wars that break out for some of the best players who will be available in 2012.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Aaron Hill

Things did not go well this year during Aaron Hill's time with the Toronto Blue Jays. He struggled a bit and was eventually traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Once in Arizona, Hill began to perform much better. The Diamondbacks still have a hole at second base, and they will likely try to bring Hill back for at least the 2012 season.

Atlanta Braves: Rafael Furcal

The Atlanta Braves will be looking for a shortstop to replace Alex Gonzalez. They will stay out of the Jose Reyes sweepstakes and will also likely not get involved with Jimmy Rollins.

Their best option at shortstop would be to go after Rafael Furcal. If he can stay healthy, Furcal would be a big addition to the Braves' lineup.

Baltimore Orioles: Lyle Overbay

This season was a bit of a disappointment for Lyle Overbay. He struggled at the plate and was traded from Pittsburgh to Arizona.

He will likely be playing somewhere else in 2012. That place could be Baltimore. The Orioles need a first baseman and they likely will not be able to make a serious run at one of the big names.

Boston Red Sox: Jose Reyes

One of the more popular names on the free agent market this winter will be Jose Reyes. There will be a number of teams bidding for his services, and among them will be the Boston Red Sox.

Reyes would provide an incredible spark at the top of the Red Sox lineup along with Jacoby Ellsbury. They would be a huge threat to opposing pitchers.

Chicago Cubs: Albert Pujols

The Chicago Cubs may make two of the biggest moves of the offseason. They are currently making a move for Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein.

If the Cubs are able to land Epstein, then they will have much better chances at bringing in Albert Pujols.

Cubs' fans have been dreaming about seeing Pujols in a Cubs jersey, and there is a chance that it becomes a reality this winter.

Chicago White Sox: Coco Crisp

Re-signing Mark Buehrle and figuring out what to do with Adam Dunn will be the Chicago White Sox's two biggest concerns this winter. However, they will also need to find a way to replace Juan Pierre and Carlos Quentin in their lineup.

Both players will be free agents this year, and the White Sox might not be able to re-sign them. One outfield spot will likely be filled by Dayan Viciedo, but the White Sox could look to Coco Crisp to fill the other spot in their outfield. 

Cincinnati Reds: Wilson Betemit

Scott Rolen struggled this past season and will be 37 years old in 2012. The Cincinnati Reds have a few internal options, but it might be best for the team to look outside of the organization for a starter.

Wilson Betemit will be available, and the Reds should be able to get him for a reasonable price. He could hold down the position for a year or two until Juan Francisco is ready.

Cleveland Indians: Carlos Beltran

Grady Sizemore was supposed to be a big part of the Indians' success this season. He was injured once again and struggled to produce. As a result, the team will likely not pick up his option.

The Cleveland Indians will need someone to replace Sizemore in their outfield. Carlos Beltran could play left field for the Indians if Michael Brantley slides over to center.

Colorado Rockies: Adam Kennedy

This offseason, the Colorado Rockies might make a big effort to trade for David Wright. The team does have other issues to address, even if they can get Wright.

The Rockies need a second baseman for next season. Adam Kennedy would provide the team with a veteran presence and would be brought in on a short-term deal.

Detroit Tigers: Aramis Ramirez

It is unlikely that Aramis Ramirez will have his 2012 option picked up by the Chicago Cubs. The Detroit Tigers could benefit from this.

Detroit could not find a consistent third baseman during the season until they traded for Wilson Betemit, but he will be a free agent. By bringing in Aramis Ramirez, the Tigers will add another big offensive threat to their lineup.

Florida Marlins: Grady Sizemore

Next season, the Florida Marlins will have a new stadium and a new name. The Miami Marlins would like to bring in a player who can help usher in a new era in their franchise's history.

While the Marlins may not be able to go out and spend a lot of money on a free agent, it does not mean they cannot get a difference maker. Grady Sizemore would be an outstanding addition to the Marlins.

Houston Astros: Brian Schneider

After a disappointing 2011 season, the Houston Astros will be rebuilding in 2012. They will be focusing on young players who can help them a few years down the road.

The Astros will need veteran leaders to help the young players. One possible player who could take on this leadership role is Brian Schneider. He would likely be in a platoon, but Schneider's leadership would be invaluable.

Kansas City Royals: Vladimir Guerrero

There are few teams in the MLB who appear to have a brighter future than the Kansas City Royals. After having one of the best farm systems in the game for a number of years, many of their best prospects have reached the majors.

The Royals will be looking for a veteran bench bat that the other players could learn from. If he comes at a cheap enough price, Vladimir Guerrero could be a good option at DH for the Royals when Billy Butler is not playing.

Los Angeles Angels: Jose Reyes

One of the teams connected to Jose Reyes this season was the Los Angeles Angels. They could also be one of the teams connected to him this winter.

Reyes would be a huge addition to the Angels' lineup. With the return of Kendrys Morales and the inclusion of Mike Trout in the Angels' lineup, they will be able to give the Texas Rangers a run for their money if they sign Reyes.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Ryan Doumit

Frank McCourt's financial issues will likely handcuff the Los Angeles Dodgers this winter. They will not be able to make the moves that are expected from a big-market franchise.

Instead, the Dodgers will likely make a few small additions in an attempt to improve their team. One position where the Dodgers can improve is catcher. Ryan Doumit would be the perfect low-cost addition for the team.

Milwaukee Brewers: Jose Reyes

While the Milwaukee Brewers would like to bring back Prince Fielder after the season, there have been a number of indications that it will likely not happen. They could be going after another big-name target instead.

Star outfielder Ryan Braun has said that he thinks the Brewers have a better chance of signing Jose Reyes than they do of bringing Fielder back. Reyes would add a new dynamic to the Brewers' lineup.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer

Both of the Minnesota Twins' corner outfielders will become free agents once the 2011 season ends. The team will likely only bring back one of them.

It seems more likely that the Twins bring back Michael Cuddyer instead of Jason Kubel. While Cuddyer will be slightly more expensive, he also offers the Twins a bit more both offensively and defensively.

New York Mets: Jose Reyes

For the New York Mets,Jose Reyes has much more value to the franchise than just his performance on the field. Mets' fans have grown angry with the team's ownership and if they let Reyes go, the fans will be enraged.

The Mets need to re-sign Reyes if they plan on having fans show up at Citi Field in 2012. Without Reyes, the team will struggle. The Mets need to do everything in their power to bring him back.

New York Yankees: Jonny Gomes

This winter, the New York Yankees will be spending their time on trying to re-sign C.C. Sabathia after he opts out of his deal.

The Yankees have their starting lineup pretty much set for 2012, so any hitters they add will be bench bats. One player the Yankees could add to their bench is Jonny Gomes.

Oakland Athletics: David DeJesus

The Oakland Athletics will have two of their starting outfielders hit the free agent market after the season. Both David DeJesus and Josh Willingham could need to be replaced this winter.

Oakland will likely retain at least one of the two players. The more likely option of the two is DeJesus. He fits well into the Athletics' lineup and he will be more affordable.

Philadelphia Phillies: Carlos Pena

After a shocking loss in the NLDS, the Philadelphia Phillies will be looking to make some changes for the 2012 season. The Phillies will likely bring back Jimmy Rollins, but they will need to find someone who can step in for Ryan Howard.

The Phillies have likely lost Howard for all of 2012 with a ruptured Achilles. Carlos Pena could be signed to a one-year deal by the Phillies. He has good power and could help fill the gap left by Howard in the Phillies' lineup.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Nick Punto

This season, the Pittsburgh Pirates managed to surprise many people when they were in first place in July. They quickly fell off, but this provided hope for the future.

2012 may be the first time in a long time that the Pirates finish the year with a .500 record or better. Bringing in Nick Punto to play shortstop could help them reach that goal.

San Diego Padres: Jose Molina

There will likely be a youth movement in San Diego next season. That does not mean that they will not go after any free agents this winter.

The team will need a veteran presence to lead what will likely be one of the youngest teams in the majors in 2012. Jose Molina can be that veteran who can help the young players.

San Francisco Giants: Jose Reyes

Like many other teams in the league, the San Francisco Giants will be looking to fill a hole at shortstop. There is no better option at shortstop than Jose Reyes.

With so many teams bidding for his services, Reyes will be an expensive acquisition for whoever manages to acquire him. The Giants may not be able to compete against some of the teams that have bigger pockets.

Seattle Mariners: Jason Kubel

A number of positions in the Seattle Mariners lineup are not filled for the 2012 season. A number of young players will have the chance to win a starting job, but the Mariners will also want to bring in some free agents.

Jason Kubel could be the DH for the Mariners. He also can play in the outfield depending on the team's needs.

St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols

It is hard to put into words how much Albert Pujols means to the St. Louis community. Even though Pujols might get a record-setting contract, the St. Louis Cardinals need to do everything in their power to try to bring him back.

Pujols is likely a future Hall of Famer and is one of the top players in the game today. It would be a huge loss for the Cardinals and St. Louis if Pujols did not re-sign with the team.

Tampa Bay Rays: Casey Kotchman

One of the best deals of the 2010 offseason occurred when the Tampa Bay Rays signed Casey Kotchman to a minor-league deal. Kotchman exceeded the team's expectations with his performance.

He will certainly be in line for a raise if the Rays try to bring him back for the 2012 season. While they have in-house options, Kotchman is the best choice for them.

Texas Rangers: Ramon Hernandez

The Texas Rangers would like to keep Mike Napoli from having to catch in 2012. They would much rather have him DH and play first base.

Bringing in Ramon Hernandez would allow the Rangers to do exactly this. Hernandez would also be another power threat in the Rangers' already impressive lineup.

Toronto Blue Jays: Prince Fielder

Since they play in the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays need to make some huge moves if they are going to contend. They have already traded for Colby Rasmus and are looking for the next splash that they can make.

While many teams will turn their attention to the Albert Pujols' sweepstakes, the Toronto Blue Jays could swoop in and steal Prince Fielder. It could be a move that turns the franchise around.

Washington Nationals: Prince Fielder

The Washington Nationals have recently begun to make noise in the free-agent market. They have gone after big-name players in the past and were able to sign Jayson Werth to a mega-deal prior to the 2011 season.

This offseason, the Nationals' main target could be Prince Fielder. With Stephen Strasburg back and Bryce Harper inching closer to the majors, the team could be in a position to contend very soon. Fielder would immediately make them a contender.