MLB Free Agents 2012: Most Likely Destinations for Jonathan Broxton

Jonathan Broxton is not the hottest commodity in the 2012 free agency market, but a few teams are interested.

After undergoing surgery and taking a break from pitching, Broxton is ready to return and revive his young career.

Broxton has a hard fastball that can hit the high 90s, paired with a slider that sends batters back to the dugout. If he is healthy, a lot of teams will be in the mix for the former All Star.

It is known that Broxton is looking for somewhere where he can prove himself yet again. He may not become an immediate closer, but his talent is still there, and several teams are interested in making him an offer.

Here are some destinations that Jonathan Broxton could end up, and no, the Los Angeles Dodgers are not one of them.

New York Mets

This seems like the most likely destination for the former All Star.

The New York Mets are seeking an affordable closer in the free-agent market, and Broxton fits the bill.

According to his agent, Broxton is looking for a one-year contract that has many incentives and a possible option for 2013.

Broxton knows that he will be looked at by teams that are not willing to spend so much money but still are looking for talent.

New York would be a good place for Broxton to land, but the Mets have reportedly looked at Brad Lidge and Joe Nathan as well.

It seems like the Mets are the front-runners for Broxton.

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox might be in need of a closer in free agency.

They have Jonathan Papelbon, but it doesn't look like the team will re-sign him, and bringing in Broxton could be the answer.

Broxton isn't as good as Papelbon, especially at this moment, but he is more affordable, and if he finally is healthy he can be a vital part of Boston's bullpen.

With the need for a right-handed reliever and the possible departure of Papelbon, it seems like Broxton could be a good fit for a contending team like Boston.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are in desperate need for a closer. 

It seems as if every time they have a good closer, they send him away. They saw Matt Capps leave previously, and now they are about to see Joe Nathan leave as well.

If they choose to let Nathan go, they could be a potential landing spot for Broxton.

They could meet his one-year contract demands and give him a chance at the closer spot if he regains his talent.

If Nathan doesn't come back, the Twins would most likely give Broxton an offer.

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs could be in the market for a right-handed relief pitcher to put in their bullpen.

With the Cubs' recent hiring of Theo Epstein, the team could be willing to shake things up in free agency.

The Cubs have Carlos Marmol at closer, but they could use some extra help in the bullpen, especially with their shaky starting pitchers.

Broxton was dominant before his injuries and was on a path to become one of the best closers in the game before missing a significant amount of time.

When Broxton is on his game, he strikes out batters with ease, and if he returns fully healthy from his elbow surgery—which it seems like he is—Epstein and the Cubs might give him an offer.