MLB Free Agency 2012: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for Each MLB Team

The MLB offseason is in full swing, and each team has clear areas they will be looking to target this winter as they begin building for 2012.

For each team, there is what they would consider an ideal offseason—the one or more players that they could sign that would put them in the best position moving forward. However, oftentimes that is not how things go.

That said, here is a look at what each team would consider its best and worst case scenarios regarding free agency this offseason.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Best Case

The Diamondbacks have a young core of players in place, and filled their biggest hole when they re-signed second baseman Aaron Hill to a two-year, $11 million contract, so chances are that no significant moves will be made.

The team could use a starting pitcher, though, to fill out the back end of their rotation, and adding someone like Bruce Chen at a low price would make sense.

Worst Case

The Diamondbacks have a decision to make regarding 30-year-old starter Joe Saunders, who is in his final year of arbitration eligibility and could command a salary in excess of $8 million.

If they turn him loose, and go without signing another starter, they could wind up relying too heavily on the progress of Trevor Bauer and Tyler Skaggs.

Atlanta Braves

Best Case

The Braves' biggest offseason need is at the shortstop position, and the team has a few options heading into the 2012 season.

The best-case move, however, would be to jump into the Jose Reyes derby and land the dynamic leadoff hitter.

Worst Case

The more likely option would seem to be bringing back veteran Alex Gonzalez on a one-year deal to bridge the gap to prospect Tyler Pastornicky, who is coming off a very promising season but is still just 21 years old.

If the team is unable to bring back Gonzalez, the free-agent market is sparse at shortstop, and the team could be looking at a much lesser option or at rushing Pastornicky.

Baltimore Orioles

Best Case

The Orioles enjoyed a much-improved offense in 2011, as they went from 13th to seventh in the American league in scoring.

However, their pitching regressed, and they will likely look to add a starting pitcher this offseason.

Expect them to be players for the top international arms after Yu Darvish, guys like Tsuyoshi Wada and Hisashi Iwakuma. Guys who represent high-reward arms at a lower cost than some of the proven MLB veterans.

Worst Case

While it is clear the Orioles need help in their rotation, they are also in the market to replace DH Vladimir Guerrero and his bat in the middle of the lineup. They could turn their attention to that over pitching.

If the Orioles can't land an impact arm on the free-agent market, they will once again be relying on their stable of unproven young arms, who have shown flashes but simply aren't enough to compete in the AL East.

Boston Red Sox

Best Case

With the Phillies signing of Jonathan Papelbon, there will officially be a new closer in Boston this coming season after the right-hander.

The Red Sox have some in-house options, and there are a handful of solid arms on the market, but there is no question the top arm is Heath Bell.

Worst Case

If the Red Sox don't sign Bell, they have a couple interesting options on the roster in former White Sox closer Bobby Jenks and 26-year-old flame-thrower Daniel Bard.

However, Jenks struggled to a 6.32 ERA last season and Bard has never closed at the big league level, so putting either of those guys in the closer's role of a team expecting to compete for a title is risky to say the least.

Chicago Cubs

Best Case

With a revamped front office and money to spend, the Cubs could look to make a splash this offseason and sign a big name, and many believe that Prince Fielder could very well be that guy.

Dating back to last offseason, when the Cubs signed Carlos Pena to a one-year deal, it was believed that the Cubs would be among the top suitors for either Fielder or Albert Pujols, and it doesn't seem any less likely now.

Worst Case

There is no question the Cubs need more than just one slugger, as the starting rotation needs to be addressed and there is a hole in right field. Signing someone like Fielder would mean spending less money on those areas.

However, with Aramis Ramirez departing, the Cubs lack any sort of middle-of-the-order presence and could be in for a long season of offensive struggles if they don't make someone like Fielder their top priority.

Chicago White Sox

Best Case

The White Sox were a trendy pick to win the AL Central and more last offseason, but they fell short, due in large part to the offensive struggles of Adam Dunn and Alex Rios.

Now the team looks to be headed for a rebuild with John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Carlos Quentin all rumored to be available via trade.

One player they'd love to keep, though, is veteran starter Mark Buehrle, who is a free agent and has spent his entire career with the Sox.

He's a fan favorite, a good pitcher and a great clubhouse guy, and bringing him back would be in the team's best interest.

Worst Case

Losing Buehrle would be tough for the White Sox, as it would likely mean thrusting 22-year-old Chris Sale into the starting rotation while also relying on last year's surprise breakout Philip Humber.

The worst scenario, though, would be losing him to the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs, who have expressed interest, as that would make for an interesting dynamic when the Crosstown Classic rolls around.

Cincinnati Reds

Best Case

The Reds have a fantastic core of young hitters, with their biggest hole in left field with Jonny Gomes no longer around.

First base prospect Yonder Alonso is working on converting to the outfield, but the team may be better off using him as trade bait for another starting pitcher and signing a second-tier outfielder like Josh Willingham or Jason Kubel to fill the void in left field.

Worst Case

The worst case scenario for the Reds is behind the plate, where the team is set to let veteran catcher Ramon Hernandez walk in favor of rookies Devin Mesoraco and Yasmani Grandal.

The move is a smart one, as those two are among the best catching prospects out there, but if they struggle it will be hard to swallow letting someone like Hernandez walk.

Cleveland Indians

Best Case

There is no doubt that the Indians are in need of some extra offense, as they struggled to find consistent production at a number of positions last season, most notably third base and in the outfield.

Lonnie Chisenhall looks ready to step into the starting third base role, and getting Shin-Soo Choo back helps the outfield depth, but the team still needs another power bat.

Someone like Carlos Beltran would be great, but the team could also look at a cheaper option, like Josh Willingham, or to someone like Carlos Pena if they don't think Matt LaPorta is the answer at first.

Worst Case

The Indians declined their option on one-time superstar center fielder Grady Sizemore, making him a free agent, and he now becomes the top low-risk, high-reward player on the market.

There is no question turning down his $9 million option was the right move for the Indians, but Sizemore is still just 28 years old, and if he stays healthy and posts big numbers, it will be tough for the Indians to take.

Colorado Rockies

Best Case

The Rockies have two of the game's top young hitters in Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki and a solid pitching staff despite the trade of Ubaldo Jimenez that should keep them in contention in the NL West.

Their biggest hole is at third base, where Ian Stewart (.156 BA) flopped big time last year, after looking like the third baseman of the future.

He will likely be non-tendered, and that will put the Rockies in the market for a third baseman.

That said, there is no question who the top dog at that position is, as Aramis Ramirez is far and away the top free agent, so expect the Rockies to go after him hard—that is, if they don't trade for David Wright.

Worst Case

The worst thing the Rockies could do is spend a ton of money on pitching this offseason.

They got two up-and-coming studs in Alex White and Drew Pomeranz in the Jimenez trade to go along with Jhoulys Chacin, Esmil Rogers and others.

There will no doubt be some growing pains with such a young group, but the Rockies have all the pieces in place for their rotation if they are just patient. Their focus should be on offense and on developing the talent they have.

Detroit Tigers

Best Case

Many of the Tigers' core players have gotten old and fallen off in recent years, and while they have done a great job consistently infusing talent into the team through trades and free agency, there are no doubt holes at second and third base.

The top available options at those positions would be Kelly Johnson and Aramis Ramirez, so expect the Tigers to go after both of those guys.

There is still a need for a leadoff hitter as well, and that may be addressed on the trade market (Brian Roberts?).

Worst Case

The worst thing the Tigers could do is cling to the names that have been so recognizable over the past several years, as free agents Carlos Guillen and Magglio Ordonez need to be thanked for their services and sent on their way in free agency.

The same goes for incumbent third baseman Brandon Inge, who hit a dismal .197 last season and is no longer the stellar defensive third baseman he once was.

Florida Marlins

Best Case

The Marlins have been as active as anyone thus far on the hot-stove front, giving tours of their new stadium to the likes of Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols and Mark Buehrle and making sizable offers to both Reyes and Pujols.

They also worked out Cuban outfielder Yeonnis Cespedes, who is the wild card of the entire free-agent class.

While there is no chance they sign both Reyes and Pujols, if the team could land one of those guys—or Prince Fielder for that matter—it would go a long way toward generating buzz surrounding the opening of their stadium and could help spike ticket sales.

Worst Case

While the early contract offers are cause for excitement among Marlins fans, that is a double-edged sword, as their will now be significant disappointment if the team is unable to land a big name on the market this winter.

Expect the team to do all they can to lure the biggest names to Miami, but in the end they are still a team that is a ways away from contention, and they may be unable to lock up the superstar fans are hoping for.

Houston Astros

Best Case

The best case scenario for the Astros is that they don't do anything foolish, such as spend any more than is absolutely necessary this offseason.

Ideally, they would start taking offers now on the likes of Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee now and commit to a full-blown rebuild.

Worst Case

If the Astros sign anyone to a contract north of $2 million this offseason, it will be a waste of money, as the team is in no position to contend now or in the near future.

They should be looking to cut costs wherever they can, and giving at-bats to any and all minor league players capable of contributing.

Kansas City Royals

Best Case

The Royals have already made one significant move this offseason, shipping Melky Cabrera to the Giants for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez in an effort to bolster what was a thin rotation.

Bringing back Bruce Chen would be nice, but this may be the offseason the Royals add the big-name starting pitcher to anchor their rotation.

Roy Oswalt could be the perfect fit—as a seasoned veteran, he would bring some much-needed experience to an incredibly young team.

Worst Case

The Royals' commitment to a youth movement has given fans something to get excited about, and they have been ready and willing to call up their prospects as soon as they are ready.

However, it is important that they put their talented young players in a position to succeed once they reach the majors, and that means adding some veteran talent to a thin rotation so they do not put so much pressure on the young guys.

Los Angeles Angels

Best Case

The best possible thing that could happen in Anaheim would be for someone to take the trio of Vernon Wells, Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter off their hands—but that's simply not going to happen.

Instead, the team needs to be aggressive in pursuing third baseman Aramis Ramirez after missing out on signing Adrian Beltre last offseason.

His bat in the middle of the Angels lineup would give the team some much-needed punch to back their stellar pitching.

Worst Case

The Angels need to avoid more disappointment this offseason, after they were the favorites to sign both Carl Crawford and Adrian Beltre last winter, only to see them sign elsewhere.

Regardless of whom they go after, they need to make sure they nail down their free-agent targets and have a successful offseason—although it won't be hard to top the Mike Napoli for Vernon Wells trade they made last offseason.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Best Case

Truth be told, the Dodgers have already had a fantastic offseason after they locked up Matt Kemp to an eight-year deal.

However, there is still plenty of work to be done in Los Angeles.

As the team begins the process of being sold, starting pitching will be the team's biggest need, and bringing back Hiroki Kuroda would be a good start.

After that, look for the team to go after low-cost veterans in the Aaron Harang mold.

Worst Case

The Dodgers' biggest immediate issue is finding new ownership to step in, and if that process becomes a drawn-out one, the team may not be have much financial freedom when it comes to adding players.

Adding a handful of mid-level talent could put the Dodgers in a position to contend in the NL West, but if the team is unable to spend, it could be another season of a handful of players performing well and the team doing poorly.

Milwaukee Brewers

Best Case

There is no question that the best case scenario in Milwaukee would be bringing back Prince Fielder somehow, as the team returns nearly everyone else on the roster and could be perennial NL favorites with Fielder back in the fold.

Beyond that, though, signing Jose Reyes would be the next-best thing as far as ideal situation, as the team is without a shortstop after declining their option on Yuniesky Betancourt and also lacking in a true leadoff hitter.

Worst Case

In all reality, the worst thing that could happen to any team would be losing its superstar player, and it looks inevitable at this point that that will happen in Milwaukee.

However, if Fielder winds up in Chicago and becomes a rival in the Brewers' own division, that would no doubt be worse than if he were to sign somewhere like Seattle.

Minnesota Twins

Best Case

The Twins made the somewhat-surprising decision to not become sellers at the deadline last season, and instead held onto the two free-agent-to-be outfielders Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel.

While they would receive draft-pick compensation for losing both players, there is little doubt the Twins would love to have them back, as they also need to focus on adding some starting pitching.

Worst Case

The Twins have a lot of holes, with a need for middle infield help as well as starting pitching, so if they lose both Cuddyer and Kubel, that will only add to the laundry list of needs for the team heading into 2012.

The worst thing that could happen is the Twins going without addressing the pitching issues because they are more concerned with replacing the production of their two potentially departing outfielders.

New York Mets

Best Case

Priority numbers 1-10 for the Mets are to re-sign Jose Reyes, who the team decided against trading at the deadline in hopes of getting a jump on re-signing him.

It will be the beginning of a rebuild in New York, as the contract of Carlos Beltran and a handful of others has freed up some payroll room.

Don't expect the team to do much this year outside of bringing back Reyes, but if they can pull that off they could be big spenders next offseason.

Worst Case

The team passed on trading Reyes for what would have been a bundle of young talent, so if they don't re-sign him they missed a huge opportunity to build a solid young core.

New York Yankees

Best Case

The name of the game in New York this offseason will be starting pitching as the team looks to fill out their rotation behind CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova.  

No doubt the team will take a long look at all of the top arms on the market.

Expect them to sign at least two from the crop of Mark Buehrle, Edwin Jackson, Yu Darvish, C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt if they are unable to acquire anything on the trade market.

Worst Case

For as well as they performed, it would be safe to say that if the Yankees rotation still featured both Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia in 2012, that would be the worst case scenario.

Oakland Athletics

Best Case

The Athletics may be more in need of an offensive boost this offseason than any other team in baseball, and the fact that they stand to lose their top hitter in Josh Willingham certainly doesn't help things.

It remains to be seen if the team will head toward a rebuild and go with their young talent or try to add some offense to back what is already a solid pitching staff.

If they can bring back Willingham and add another run-producer such as Carlos Pena, that would be a nice start.

Worst Case

The worst thing that could happen to the A's is losing Willingham and not adding someone of similar ability.

Ideally, they would keep him and add someone else, but if they lose him and are unable to replace his production on top of it, the offense could be legendarily bad.

That would mean a good pitching staff frustrated by the overall lack of run support and a general lack of interest in winning by the front office.

Philadelphia Phillies

Best Case

The Phillies already settled their closer situation moving forward, signing Jonathan Papelbon while also deciding to decline their option on Roy Oswalt, so it has been a busy first month of the offseason.

However, there is still one major issue that needs to be resolved, and that is what to do with Jimmy Rollins.

He is looking for a five-year deal, and even though he is no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was, bringing him back should be the team's top priority.

Once that is taken care of, adding Michael Cuddyer to play left field would be the team's next move in a perfect world.

Worst Case

Without question, the team not coming to terms with Jimmy Rollins and him walking would be the worst thing that could happen.

The shortstop market is thin after Jose Reyes, especially if Alex Gonzalez heads back to Atlanta, and if Rollins walks, the Phillies best option at shortstop could then be Clint Barmes.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Best Case

The Pirates are an exciting young team with an impressive core of players, and signing Rod Barajas to be their starting catcher was a step in the right direction already this offseason.

However, the team's biggest need is still a veteran starter to anchor their young, inexperienced staff, and one that comes at a relatively low price.

That is a lot to ask for, as pitching is always in demand, but the perfect guy may be Aaron Harang, who is coming off a bounce-back season but should still be fairly cheap at 34 years old.

Worst Case

The story of the season's first half was the surprise success of the Pirates, and as their young players get older, their chances of competing should only get better.

That said, the team can't rest on the success they had last season and the roster they currently have.

Regardless of the fact that they are a small-market team, they need to be active on the free-agent market and keep adding to the team. So an offseason in which they make no significant additions would be considered the worst case scenario here.

San Diego Padres

Best Case

Is it possible to sign an entire batting order on the free-agent market? Because after hitting a whopping .237 last season with just 91 home runs, the Padres' current lineup may be in need of a complete tear-down.

In all honesty, the Padres can't really go wrong with whom they add, as whoever it is should have no trouble out-producing the player who filled that position the previous season.

And I guess bringing back Heath Bell would be nice, but in all fairness having an All-Star closer doesn't mean much when you can't get a lead in the first place.

Worst Case

Any money spent on pitching in San Diego this offseason represents poorly allocated funds, as everything they have to spend should go toward upgrading their offense.

In fact, their pitching staff was among the league's best last season with a 3.43 ERA that was good for third-best in the NL. In simple terms, sign hitters not pitchers, or the offseason is a waste.

San Francisco Giants

Best Case

The Giants gave up a ton when they dealt top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler to the Mets for Carlos Beltran, and when they failed to make the playoffs their return on that investment was minimal, so bringing him back not only helps an offense that could certainly use his bat but could potentially make that trade look a little better.

Still, the best case move for the Giants would be adding Jose Reyes to fill their hole at shortstop. He could provide a spark at the top of their lineup that has been missing for the past several years. Signing both of those guys would be best of all, though.

Worst Case

If the Giants lose Carlos Beltran and fail to add someone of similar offensive ability, they will once again be a team of fantastic pitchers and not enough offense.

The Diamondbacks were a surprise in 2011, but don't be surprised at all if they are right in the thick of things once again in 2012, so the Giants need to improve their offense if they want to get that fantastic staff into the postseason.

Seattle Mariners

Best Case

Yet another team in desperate need of some offense, the Mariners—unlike the previous two teams—should be a player in the Prince Fielder/Albert Pujols sweepstakes.

If they could add that caliber of slugger to back their fantastic rotation, they could make some noise in the AL West.

Worst Case

If the team enters the 2012 season with a lineup at all similar to the one that hit .233 this past season, consider the worst case scenario realized.

Aside from Dustin Ackley, Justin Smoak and Ichiro, everyone should be considered expendable, and the lineup should be upgraded wherever possible.

That means the team doesn't have to sign someone like Fielder to improve the lineup, but just needs to make a handful of solid moves to help the pitching staff out.

St. Louis Cardinals

Best Case

As World Series champs, and with Adam Wainwright coming back after missing all of last season, the Cardinals don't need to do much aside from bringing back Albert Pujols to consider the offseason a good one.

Bringing back Rafael Furcal and Edwin Jackson would be terrific, but that is not a necessity, as both players can be replaced with players the team already has in house.

Worst Case

Losing Albert Pujols. Enough said.

Tampa Bay Rays

Best Case

The Rays performed significantly better than anyone could have expected after they lost Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena and their entire bullpen last winter.

That said, they could use an upgrade at catcher and first base, and they need to decide if they should bring back Johnny Damon.

In the end, though, they will be far more active on the trade market than in free agency, so bringing back Casey Kotchman on a reasonable contract would be their smartest move.

Worst Case

The Rays got by last season despite hitting .244 as a team, and they are set to potentially lose two of their top hitters in Kotchman and Damon.

If they are unable to find a suitable trade to deal Wade Davis or James Shields, the team needs to have a backup plan in place to improve the offense, because it is unlikely they will be able to return to October with another .244 team average.

Texas Rangers

Best Case

The Rangers have become the class of the American League after winning back-to-back pennants, and they have the deepest lineup in all of baseball.

However, they are set to lose the ace of their staff for the second straight season, and they will need to either bring him back or sign another top talent.

Overpaying for Wilson would be foolish, so if his price tag is too high, the team needs to take a long look at both Roy Oswalt and Japanese import Yu Darvish as their potential staff aces for 2012.

Worst Case

At this point, I'm not sure what would be worse—the Rangers losing Wilson and not signing a comparable replacement or bringing Wilson back by giving him the $100 million deal he is looking for.

It will be hard to watch Wilson go after losing Cliff Lee last offseason, but for the good of the franchise they need to fight any urge to get in a bidding war with teams like the Yankees for his services.

Toronto Blue Jays

Best Case

The Blue Jays seem ready to make a legitimate push toward contention in the AL East, and they could look to take the next big step this winter by landing Prince Fielder.

A lineup that featured both Fielder and Jose Bautista would be ridiculous, and the Blue Jays have the money to pull it off if ownership is willing to commit to the team.

Also, expect them to be major players for Yu Darvish and Edwin Jackson as they look to fill out their rotation.

Worst Case

The Blue Jays are owned by a company instead of a private individual in Rogers Communications, and because of that the team is treated more like a business asset than a sports franchise.

Until the team can prove that signing a big-time free agent will mean more fans in the stands, there is a good chance the team will not have the funds to go after the top-tier talent.

So ownership tightening the purse strings would be the worst case scenario.

Washington Nationals

Best Case

The Nationals proved that they were willing to spend when they gave an absurd amount of money to Jayson Werth last offseason, and they will be looking to land a big name again this winter.

While Prince Fielder is on the radar, they have a solid first baseman in Michael Morse, so going after C.J. Wilson seems like the more likely move at this point.

Adding him to a talented young staff could push the Nationals toward being contenders, and if they miss out on Wilson, expect them to go after guys like Mark Buehrle and Edwin Jackson.

Worst Case

It is nice to see a new face on the free-agent market willing to spend top dollar to build a winner, but there is no way to justify signing Werth to a seven-year, $126 million contract.

There is a difference between spending to build a winner and spending for the sake of spending, and the team has to avoid taking on another albatross contract.

Wilson could be that guy if they open up and give him a $100 million deal.