2012 MLB Free Agency: Players Each Team May Not Let Leave Town

With a number of free agents preparing to enter the open market teams all around the league are assessing available options.

For some teams it will mean walking away from players who have been a part of their organization for years, while other teams will make a strong push to extend players to long-term deals keeping them in town for years to come.

Decisions will ultimately need to be made and will certainly be seen in the coming weeks. That said, here are some internal options teams may consider to fill holes in their lineups.

**Free Agent Lists via MLBTradeRumors

Texas Rangers: Darren Oliver

Free Agents:

C.J. Wilson (Type A SP), Matt Treanor (unranked C), Brandon Webb (unranked SP), Darren Oliver (Type A RP), Mike Gonzalez (unranked RP)

With C.J. Wilson likely on his way out of the Lone Star state the Rangers will be looking to free agency to improve their rotation.

In the bullpen, it wouldn't be surprising to see 41-year-old Darren Oliver return for another season. He was effective in 2011, appearing in 61 games while putting up a 2.29 ERA and 5-5 record.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Hiroki Kuroda

Free Agents:

Hiroki Kuroda (SP), Jonathan Broxton (RP), Casey Blake (3B), Juan Rivera (OF/1B), Jon Garland (SP), Rod Barajas (C), Jamey Carroll (2B/SS), Vicente Padilla (RP), Mike MacDougal (RP), Aaron Miles (2B/3B)

After finishing the 2011 season with a 13-16 record and 3.07 ERA speculation arose about where Hiroki Kuroda could potentially play in 2012.

A number of teams have been noted as suitors, but it seems like if Kuroda opts to stay in the league rather than return to Japan to finish off his career it'll be with the Dodgers.

San Francisco Giants: Carlos Beltran

Free Agents:

Carlos Beltran (Type A RF, can't be offered arbitration), Cody Ross (Type B OF), Mark DeRosa (unranked IF/OF), Javier Lopez (Type B RP), Pat Burrell (Type B LF), Orlando Cabrera (unranked IF), Guillermo Mota (unranked RP)

The Giants' acquisition of Melky Cabrera from the Kansas City Royals went a long way in shoring up at least one outfield spot.

What remains to be seen is whether or not the team will re-sign Carlos Beltran to a long-term deal. During Beltran's 44 games with San Francisco he batted .323 while driving in 18 runs in 167 at-bats.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Willie Bloomquist

Free Agents:

Jason Marquis (unranked SP), Lyle Overbay (unranked 1B), Xavier Nady (unranked 1B/LF), Willie Bloomquist (unranked IF/OF), Aaron Hill (Type B 2B), Zach Duke (unranked SP)

After making the postseason in 2011, fans in Arizona will be looking for much of the same in 2012 from the Diamondbacks.

It wouldn't be surprising if Willie Bloomquist were the only free agent to return to the team next season as he presents a versatile option in the field and has shown some abilities with his bat, batting .266 in 97 games last season

San Diego Padres: None

Free Agent:

Heath Bell (Type A RP)

As one of the best closers in the game, Heath Bell has converted 134 saves during his five seasons with the San Diego Padres.

Unfortunately for the Padres Bell is one of the most sought after free agents this offseason and there doesn't appear to be any way he sticks around for 2012.

Atlanta Braves: Alex Gonzalez

Free Agents:

Scott Linebrink (unranked RP), Alex Gonzalez (Type B SS), George Sherrill (unranked RP), Nate McLouth (unranked CF/LF)

With the potential for the Atlanta Braves to look outside the organization for infield help it's possible the team could let Alex Gonzalez walk and collect the draft compensation in return.

They may still try to retain Gonzalez as another option depending on how their offseason plans go though. He has been a reliable entry in the lineup recently, having played in 306 games in the past two seasons.

Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz

Free Agents:

Jason Varitek (Type B C), David Ortiz (Type A DH), J.D. Drew (unranked OF), Conor Jackson (unranked OF), Erik Bedard (unranked SP), Tim Wakefield (unranked SP), Jonathan Papelbon (Type A RP)

The Boston Red Sox have a number of free agents that will need to be addressed this offseason. Perhaps the most important is the re-signing of David Ortiz.

In 2011 Big Papi went deep 29 times, the tenth straight season of at least 20 home runs. He's a reliable slot in the lineup as well, playing in less than 140 games in only one season since 2004.

Colorado Rockies: Mark Ellis

Free Agents:

Mark Ellis (Type B 2B), Kevin Millwood (unranked SP), J.C. Romero (unranked RP)

After a dismal start to his season in Oakland Mark Ellis was batting only .214 and only had 13 extra base hits (one home run).

During the second half of the season the 34-year-old Ellis played with the Rockies and improved significantly, batting .275 with six home runs.

Cleveland Indians: None

Free Agents:

Kosuke Fukudome (unranked OF), Jim Thome (unranked DH), Chad Durbin (unranked RP)

With Jim Thome already back in Philadelphia and Koskue Fukudome likely not returning to Cleveland it appears that the Indians will be looking outside the organization or to fill holes in their lineup this offseason.

St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols

Free Agents:

Albert Pujols (Type A 1B), Gerald Laird (unranked C), Corey Patterson (unranked OF), Nick Punto (unranked 2B), Edwin Jackson (Type B SP), Octavio Dotel (Type A RP), Arthur Rhodes (Type B RP), Rafael Furcal (Type B SS)

After leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series title this season it would seem unfitting for Albert Pujols to leave town for another franchise.

With the typical big spenders likely not in the running to pry Pujols away from the Cardinals, both parties should be able to agree on a contract to keep the slugger around for years to come.

New York Mets: Jose Reyes

Free Agents:

Jose Reyes (Type A SS), Ryota Igarashi (unranked RP), Chris Capuano (unranked SP), Scott Hairston (unranked OF), Chris Young (unranked SP), Willie Harris (unranked IF/OF), Miguel Batista (unranked RP), Jason Isringhausen (unranked RP)

For quite some time now this offseason has been circled on the calendars of the Mets' management as they'll need to pull out all the stops in an effort to re-sign their star shortstop to a long-term contract.

With a number of potential suitors out there it's hard to say what the Mets' chances of keeping Reyes in town are, but they'll certainly do everything in their power to keep him in New York.

Kansas City Royals: Jeff Francis

Free Agents:

Jason Kendall (unranked C), Bruce Chen (Type B SP), Jeff Francis (unranked SP)

While both Jeff Francis and Bruce Chen are good options for the Kansas City Royals in 2012, it seems more likely that they'd let Bruce Chen walk and collect the draft compensation.

It's at that point that they'd work to keep Jeff Francis in the starting rotation. The 30-year-old left-hander did lose 16 games in 2011 but didn't walk many batters and ate up a lot of innings.

Cincinnati Reds: Francisco Cordero

Free Agents:

Francisco Cordero (Type A RP), Ramon Hernandez (Type A C), Edgar Renteria (unranked SS), Dontrelle Willis (unranked SP)

The Cincinnati Reds had little trouble scoring runs in 2011 but continued to struggle with pitching down the stretch.

It doesn't appear that the organization will have much to work with in terms of money this offseason but there's a good chance they'll be able to retain Francisco Cordero (5-3, 2.45 ERA in 2011) with a short contract as the 36-year-old reliever continues to age.

Chicago White Sox: Mark Buehrle

Free Agents:

Mark Buehrle (Type B SP), Juan Pierre (Type B OF), Omar Vizquel (unranked UT IF), Ramon Castro (unranked C)

With Ozzie Guillen out of Chicago the White Sox dugout will take on a new look in 2012, although GM Kenny Williams would be wise to make sure another mainstay doesn't depart.

As much as Paul Konerko has been an offensive staple in the Sox lineup, Mark Buehrle has been every bit as important in the Sox rotation.

New York Yankees: Eric Chavez

Free Agents:

Andruw Jones (unranked OF), Jorge Posada (unranked DH), Eric Chavez (unranked 3B), Freddy Garcia (Type B SP), Bartolo Colon (unranked SP), Luis Ayala (unranked RP), Sergio Mitre (unranked RP), Damaso Marte (unranked RP)

The New York Yankees are always active during the offseason, and this year will likely be no different. After taking a big step in sweetening the pot for ace C.C. Sabathia they'll likely make another move or two before heading to spring training.

Playing in a limited role in 2011, Eric Chavez was a reliable option off the bench for the Yankees. They'll likely be able to re-sign Chavez at a cheap price to keep his experience in the infield.

Tampa Bay Rays: Johnny Damon

Free Agents:

Casey Kotchman (unranked 1B), Johnny Damon (unranked DH), Juan Cruz (unranked RP)

With a limited payroll on an annual basis the Tampa Bay Rays have made a living as one of the most economical teams in baseball.

It's paid off in past seasons as they've managed to reach postseason play a few times and have even advanced to the World Series.

This past offseason they made a big move in acquiring both Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, although only half of that proposition worked out.

Damon would be a good option for the Rays to bring back as he was a catalyst for the team throughout the season and would provide the same value again in 2012.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Derrek Lee

Free Agents:

Derrek Lee (Type B 1B), Ryan Ludwick (Type B OF)

During a short stint in Pittsburgh after coming over from Baltimore this past summer, Derrek Lee proved that he still has some life left in this league.

He batted .337 in the 28 games he played, hitting seven home runs and driving in 18 runs.

As he continues to age his ability to sign an extended deal decreases so the Pirates could likely complete a one or two year deal to keep him in a Pirates uniform.

Minnesota Twins: Jason Kubel

Free Agents:

Michael Cuddyer (Type A OF), Jason Kubel (Type B OF), Matt Capps (Type A RP)

After a disappointing 2011 season there's no doubt that Matt Capps has thrown his last pitch for the Minnesota Twins.

The harder decision for management will be on retaining either Michael Cuddyer or Jason Kubel.

Cuddyer is a more versatile option in the field and would provide a right-handed bat in a lefty heavy lineup.

But Kubel has youth on his side and would likely come slightly cheaper than Cuddyer.

Anaheim Angels: None

Free Agents:

Russell Branyan (unranked 1B), Joel Pineiro (unranked SP), Fernando Rodney (unranked RP)

The Angels free agent with the most baseball left is Joel Piniero, but it appears increasingly likely that he'll be signing with another team this offseason.

Anaheim isn't typically afraid to spend money during an offseason and could very well be in the running for a player like Prince Fielder, meaning that they probably won't be diverting many funds to keep around under-performing free agents.

Detroit Tigers: Magglio Ordonez

Free Agents:

Magglio Ordonez (Type B OF), Wilson Betemit (Type B 3B), Carlos Guillen (unranked 2B), Ramon Santiago (unranked SS), Joel Zumaya (Type B RP), Brad Penny (unranked SP)

2011 was no doubt the least productive of the seven seasons Magglio Ordonez has spent in Detroit.

The Tigers outfielder batted more than 50 points lower than his career average with the Tigers this season and missed nearly half the season.

His veteran presence can still be an important part of a Tigers team that looks to improve on their 2011 season in which they came up just short of the fall classic.

Florida Marlins: Javier Vazquez

Free Agents:

Javier Vazquez (unranked SP), Jose Lopez (unranked UT IF), Greg Dobbs (unranked 3B)

With the Florida Marlins heading into the 2012 season with a new logo, new manager and new stadium they'll look to be a new team as they hope to put on a great show for fans.

The Marlins buzz was kicked up a notch today when speculation arose that Jose Reyes could be in the picture for 2012.

As for the Marlins free agents, Javier Vazquez is probably the most likely option to be retained. The 35-year-old right-hander went 13-11 with a 3.69 ERA in 32 starts with the Marlins in 2011 and could be a valuable veteran presence once again next season.

Tornoto Blue Jays: Kelly Johnson

Free Agents:

Frank Francisco (Type B RP) Shawn Camp (Type B RP) Jose Molina (Type B C), Kelly Johnson (Type B 2B)

While his sample size in Toronto was relatively low, Kelly Johnson played well enough during his time with the Blue Jays to warrant consideration for a multi-year deal this offseason.

With the team likely looking to address the middle infield this offseason there's a good chance the Blue Jays will try to work out a package to keep the 29-year-old second baseman around.

Chicago Cubs: Carlos Pena

Free Agents:

Carlos Pena (Type B 1B), John Grabow (unranked RP), Kerry Wood (Type B RP), Rodrigo Lopez (unranked SP), Ramon Ortiz (unranked RP), Reed Johnson (unranked UT OF)

The Chicago Cubs have made the biggest move thus far in the offseason in bringing Theo Epstein over from Boston.

It's now time for Epstein and his group to make moves that will no doubt make a statement for the team's first year under his control.

Carlos Pena maintained a relatively low batting average in 2011 but did manage to hit 28 home runs and drive in 80 runs.

If the Cubs aren't able to sign either Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder this offseason, they may very well settle for keeping Pena around at first base.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jimmy Rollins

Free Agents:

Ryan Madson (Type A RP), Jimmy Rollins (Type A IF), Roy Oswalt (Type A SP), Brad Lidge (Type B RP), Raul Ibanez (Type B OF)

The Philadelphia Phillies are another team that will likely be very active this offseason as they look to make amends for a disappointing finish to their 2011 season.

With a number of key free agents they'll likely count on players outside the organization to fill in the gaps and improve the team. One player the Phillies could very well keep around is Jimmy Rollins.

He's been with the team for his entire 12 year career, an despite a slight regression from his peak in 2007 he's still a valuable tool in the infield and provides a solid bat in the lineup.

Oakland Athleics: Coco Crisp

Free Agents:

David DeJesus (Type B OF) Josh Willingham (Type A OF) Coco Crisp (unranked OF) Hideki Matsui (unranked DH) Rich Harden (unranked SP)

As one of the Oakland Athletics best offensive players, the team would love to retain Josh Willingham for 2012 and beyond.

Given the amount of attention he's likely to get from other suitors however it's unlikely he'll be sticking around.

Coco Crisp is a potential target for the A's as he'll certainly command less salary but still seems to have some spring left in his step (49 stolen bases in 2011).

Baltimore Orioles: None

Free Agents:

Vladimir Guerrero (Type B DH), Cesar Izturis (unranked IF)

Despite coming into the 2011 season with a number of expectations, Vladimir Guerrero failed to yield much productivity and likely won't be back in 2012.

Izturis played in only 18 games in 2011 and during that limited playing time failed to turn any heads.

Washington Nationals: Rick Ankiel

Free Agents:

Ivan Rodriguez (unranked C), Jonny Gomes (unranked LF), Rick Ankiel (unranked CF), Todd Coffey (unranked RP), Livan Hernandez (unranked SP), Chien-Ming Wang (unranked SP), Alex Cora (unranked IF), Laynce Nix (unranked LF)

After a deal this summer to bring Denard Span over from Minnesota fell through, talks of an offseason move to bring him over have once again been circulating.

With new management in Minnesota it's likely that they'll hedge their bets with Span, taking him off the table for the Nationals.

That being the case they could opt to re-sign Rick Ankiel to hold down center field in 2012. By some accounts Ankiel had a down year in 2011, batting just under .240 while only driving in 37 runs in 122 games.

Houston Astros: Clint Barmes

Free Agents:

Clint Barmes (unranked SS), Jason Michaels (unranked OF)

After a dismal 2011 season the Houston Astros have more questions than answers entering this offseason. A number of moves will need to be made, and will need to be done with little payroll to work with.

Clint Barmes will garner a lot of attention this offseason in the free agent market, but he'd also be a good option for the Astros to retain as they look to slowly rebuild their team for 2012 and beyond.

Milwaukee Brewers: Prince Fielder

Free Agents:

Yuniesky Betancourt (unranked IF), Craig Counsell (unranked IF), Prince Fielder (Type A 1B), Jerry Hairston Jr. (unranked OF), LaTroy Hawkins (unranked RP), Mark Kotsay (unranked UT), Francisco Rodriguez (Type A RP), Takashi Saito (Type B RP)

Given the dollars involved and the interest that will no doubt come from other suitors, it'll be a tall task for the Milwaukee Brewers to retain Prince Fielder.

But that doesn't mean they won't give every effort possible to make a play for the stud first baseman.

It will take a massive sum of money to keep Fielder around, but keeping in mind the impressive statistics that he's compiled during his tenure in Milwaukee it's not too difficult to justify the spending.

Seattle Mariners: Adam Kennedy

Free Agents:

Josh Bard (unranked C), Wily Mo Pena (unranked DH), Adam Kennedy (unranked 2B), Jamey Wright (unranked RP)

Adam Kennedy may have only batted .234 in 114 games this season, but that was actually better than Miguel Olivo, Justin Smoak, Chone Figgins and Franklin Gutierrez among others.

He's able to play multiple positions in the field and during his 13 year career has shown the ability to hit for a decent average while keeping strike out numbers relatively low.