2012 MLB Free Agency: Every Team's Most Likely Non-Tender Candidate

With the World Series wrapped up, baseball turns its attention to the all important offseason.

Teams all across the league are assessing possibilities that could help turn the tides in their favor in 2012.

With free agency looming, the most attention is being paid to which players will be changing uniforms and cashing in big.

Just as important are the players due arbitration, as they can be awarded payroll changing sums. A number of players will simply be non-tendered with teams cutting ties.

Here are some players who could very well see such a fate in the coming weeks.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Joe Saunders

After throwing 212 innings and putting up a solid 3.69 ERA in 2011 it's hard to think the Arizona Diamondbacks would consider letting Joe Saunders go outright.

However, it's likely that he can expect a significant raise this offseason, putting his potential salary up around $9 million.

Atlanta Braves: Peter Moylan

If Atlanta Braves reliever Peter Moylan does end up as a non-tender free agent this offseason, it will more than likely be due to his inability to stay on the mound.

In 2008 he made only eight appearances and after two productive seasons he pitched in only 13 games this past season.

When he's on the field, he can be a valuable asset, it's just a matter of deciding whether he can stay there.

Baltimore Orioles: Luke Scott

Luke Scott's cost in 2011 was too rich for the Baltimore Orioles blood, as he was paid $6.4 million, but only appeared in 64 games.

When he was on the field, he wasn't productive either, batting only .220 in 236 plate appearances.

Boston Red Sox: Andrew Miller

After the dismal end to the Boston Red Sox season in 2011, all signs now point to an active offseason that will right any wrongs, as the team heads back into contention.

Relief pitcher Andrew Miller hadn't seen any success before heading to Boston, and things didn't change once he made his way to Fenway.

In 17 appearances (12 starts) with the Red Sox in 2011, Miller put up an inflated 5.54 ERA while struggling with his control, as he walked nearly six batters per nine innings.

Chicago Cubs: Koyie Hill

Koyie Hill wasn't a very useful member of the Chicago Cubs in 2011, and with only one year of arbitration left before hitting free agency, there's a good chance the team cuts ties with him now.

In over 300 major league games, Hill has barely managed to bat over .200, while only hitting 52 extra base hits and striking out more than 240 times.

Chicago White Sox: Tony Pena

Tony Pena finds himself in a position where he's one of many formidable arms in the Chicago White Sox bullpen.

He hasn't posted an ERA below 5.00 since coming over from Arizona in 2009 and will likely be dropped from the Chicago White Sox roster.

Cincinnati Reds: Edinson Volquez

With two seasons remaining before Edinson Volquez heads into free agency, the Cincinnati Reds may opt to cut ties with their right handed starter prematurely.

Making $1.6 million in 2011, Volquez finished with a 5-7 record and a 5.71 ERA, a far cry from his rookie season in 2008 when he made a trip to the All-Star game.

Cleveland Indians: Jack Hannahan

Appearing in 100 games for the Cleveland Indians in 2011, Jack Hannahan was a fairly consistent utility player as he showed promise in the field and batted .250 with 26 extra base hits.

He could be retained for less than $2 million in 2012, but with the Indians possibly looking to make serious improvements in an effort to contend, he could be replaced with a free agent option.

Colorado Rockies: Ian Stewart

Despite a disappointing 2011 season in which Ian Stewart played in only 48 games with the Rockies and batted .156, he could fetch near $2 million in arbitration.

This might be enough for Colorado to cut ties with the infielder as they search for other options within the system and around the league.

Detroit Tigers: Joel Zumaya

After sitting out the entire 2011 season after suffering a horrific season ending injury at Target Field in 2010, Joel Zumaya wants to come back strong in 2012.

He could very well do so but may not be doing it in a Tigers uniform. With the team's decision to retain Valverde, it's possible that they'll cut the risk of Zumaya not returning to form and save their funds for other priorities.

Florida Marlins: Leo Nunez

Leo Nunez had a relatively disappointing 2011 campaign, finishing 1-4 with an ERA hovering around 4.00.

Despite his lackluster record, however, it's quite possible that arbitration could net him a raise over his $3.65 million 2011 salary.

Houston Astros: J.A. Happ

J.A. Happ made 28 starts for the Houston Astros in 2011, but only managed to win six games while losing 15.

His ERA ballooned to a career high 5.35, as his walk numbers jumped to around five per nine innings.

Kansas City Royals: Luke Hochevar

It's expected that Luke Hochevar will be getting a boost above his $1.76 million 2011 salary this offseason.

This year marked his career high in wins (11) and career low in ERA (4.68). But with three highly unproductive seasons prior to 2011, it's hard to say whether or not the Royals will look to wait any longer for him to turn the corner.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Jeff Mathis

Entering his final year of arbitration eligibility this winter, Jeff Mathis didn't do anything to help his case for a raise in 2011.

In 95 games this season, Mathis batted just .174 and drove in just 22 runs while striking out 75 times.

It wouldn't be at all surprising to see the Angels non-tender Mathis and work out a contract separately if they want to bring him back.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Hong-Chih Kuo

A year ago things were really looking up for Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Hong-Chih Kuo, as he finished off a solid campaign and earned himself a $2.725 million payday for 2011.

This year things went south quickly for Kuo, as his ERA ballooned from 1.20 in 2010 to 9.00 this year. He still managed to strike out batters effectively, but his walks jumped dramatically up to 7.7 per nine innings.

Milwaukee Brewers: Casey McGehee

It's hard to say for sure whether or not Casey McGehee will be tendered a contract this offseason, but if the Milwaukee Brewers hope to make a push to retain Prince Fielder or sign another big name bat, it's likely he may be an odd man out.

His salary could very well balloon up to around $3-4 million in 2012, and after seeing his average and RBI production drop significantly from 2011, the Brewers may decide not to retain him.

Minnesota Twins: Kevin Slowey

To be honest, it's a surprise that Kevin Slowey is still a part of the Minnesota Twins organization.

After showing displeasure about a demotion to the bullpen, his effort was called into question and it became clear that the Twins wanted him out. Unfortunately, it hasn't appeared that any takers have shown interest.

After going 0-8 with a 6.67 ERA in 14 games in 2011, you'd have to believe the Twins will be looking elsewhere to solve their rotation issues in 2012.

New York Mets: Angel Pagan

Subpar play in the field and a .262 batting average in 2011 were a steep decline from previous seasons when he batted near or above .300.

With Pagan likely due over $3 million in 2012, the Mets could cut ties with him now to divert funds elsewhere.

New York Yankees: Russell Martin

Russell Martin was brought in for catching duties in New York after Jorge Posada was moved into the DH role.

He was an All-Star this season, but certainly didn't put up All-Star numbers, as he batted only .237 in 123 games.

Oakland Athletics: Dallas Braden

Dallas Braden enjoyed great success in a 2010 season that included a perfect game, which got his name out there in the public baseball spectrum.

But his 2011 season was cut dramatically short after a torn shoulder capsule ended his campaign after just a few games.

The A's might opt to non-tender Braden rather than pay him the salary increase that he'll almost certainly get despite still possibly being a liability as he returns from his time off.

Philadelphia Phillies: Ben Francisco

At one point it was expected that Ben Francisco would be an eventual star in Philadelphia, as he seemed destined to succeed.

2011 didn't yield the results anyone expected, as he managed only 17 extra base hits in 100 games.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Ross Ohlendorf

After winning 11 games and putting up a 3.92 ERA in 2009, it appeared that Ross Ohlendorf was beginning to show his true potential.

2010 was less successful, as he won only one game and lost 11. In 2011 his ERA ballooned to over 8.00, thanks in part to only making nine starts.

San Diego Padres: Jeremy Hermida

After coming over from Cincinnati this past season, Jeremy Hermida did little to turn heads in San Diego.

In 20 games with the Padres, he batted just .225 with only four extra base hits.

San Francisco Giants: Andres Torres

Decreased offensive production and multiple appearances on the disabled list took down Andres Torres' standing with the San Francisco Giants.

It's possible he could make somewhere around $4 million in 2012, which may be enough to make him expendable in the eyes of the Giants.

Seattle Mariners: David Aardsma

David Aardsma could very well be awarded somewhere around $5 million this offseason despite undergoing Tommy John surgery this past summer.

The Mariners will likely opt to non-tender Aardsma rather than wait for his return.

St. Louis Cardinals: Ryan Theriot

Ryan Theriot may be a salary casualty for the World Champion Cardinals this offseason.

After batting .271 in 2011, he could warrant an increase over his current $3.3 million salary.

Tampa Bay Rays: J.P. Howell

J.P. Howell proved to be a positive part of the Tampa Bay Rays bullpen in 2010, as he appeared in 69 games, winning seven of them and posting a sub 4.00 ERA.

He appeared in only 46 games in 2011, and his ERA jumped over 6.00. Still due a raise in 2012, the Rays could opt to non-tender the lefty.

Texas Rangers: Mark Lowe

Much like other teams facing the same situation, it's entirely likely that Mark Lowe will be due a decent raise in 2012.

He made just $1.2 million in 2011, but performed well enough to warrant a raise that could very well hover around $3 million.

With other arbitration eligible options out there, he may be the odd man out.

Toronto Blue Jays: Jesse Carlson

Having not played a game since October of 2010, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Blue Jays cut ties with Jesse Carlson rather than continue to keep him on the roster.

Washington Nationals: Tom Gorzelanny

After being removed from the Washington Nationals rotation, it seems that Gorzelanny could be a target to be non-tendered this offseason.

He's set to make more than the $2.1 million he made in 2011, so the team could feasibly cut ties with him and move on.