MLB Rumors: 25 Players Likely to Move/Sign During Winter Meetings

With the holiday season upon us, Christmas may come early for MLB free agents as the winter meetings kick off in Dallas this week.

Rumors haven't slowed since the season ended, but there haven't been many high-profile signings as was expected with this free-agent class.

Whether it's because teams are feeling out the market, assessing their internal options and financial status, or just waiting for face-to-face meetings this week, it's clear that some big deals are on the cusp of completion.

As soon as some big names sign their contracts and positions are filled it's likely that the rest of the dominoes will start to fall when teams see their wish lists deteriorate.

Here are some players who could potentially find themselves with new deals or in new clubhouses after this week's meetings.

Hiroki Kuroda

It appeared to be a foregone conclusion that Hiroki Kuroda would re-sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason since he had previously indicated that he had no other destinations in mind.

The Dodgers' signing of Chris Capuano this weekend could indicate that Kuroda may be heading back to play in Japan.

It does appear though that the Colorado Rockies are making a push for Kuroda, with the Angels and Diamondbacks also possibilities.

Jose Reyes

After months of the will he/won't he speculation surrounding Jose Reyes' possible return to the Mets, it appears that a decision is near.

The emerging Miami Marlins appear to be the most likely destination for Reyes, as they've offered a large contract that they may even increase further.

**Update** Jose Reyes agreed just before the start of the meetings, signing a 6-year/$106 Million contract with the Miami Marlins. 

Michael Cuddyer

The Minnesota Twins are said to be making a very strong push to keep Michael Cuddyer in town for 2012 and beyond.

Given the attention he's received from teams like the Phillies and Red Sox, however, it seems more and more unlikely that they'll be able to make the finances work.

Mark Buehrle

The Chicago White Sox appear to have underestimated Mark Buerhle's value this offseason, as it appears he's garnered attention from nearly half the league.

The most serious suitors appear to be the Marlins and the Tigers, with other teams possibly getting more into the mix as the meetings commence this week.

Edwin Jackson

The Minnesota Twins clearly need to address offense this offseason since they struggled mightily to score runs in 2011, but an even bigger need may be in their starting rotation.

After missing out on Chris Capuano, who just signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Twins are turning their attention to Edwin Jackson, who may very well be out of their price range, but is one of the best starting pitchers available this offseason.

Prince Fielder

After seemingly playing his last game for the Brewers this fall, it seemed that Prince Fielder would wait for the team willing to show him the most money.

At this point it looks like the Brewers may not be ready to let him leave.

They're reportedly willing to offer Fielder a six-year, $120 million contract as teams like the Marlins and Mariners continue to be linked to Fielder.

Roy Oswalt

The Boston Red Sox are said to have expressed a great deal of interest in free-agent starter C.J. Wilson, but appear to have contingency plans should he sign elsewhere.

The Sox have already set up time during the winter meetings this week with the agent for free agent starter Roy Oswalt. They appear to be serious about bringing him to Fenway.

Matt Thornton

Matt Thornton's name hasn't been thrown out there much this fall since he's under contract through 2013, but with the White Sox open to dumping his salary, a move could be made once Kenny Williams meets face-to-face with interested GMs. 

The Yankees could be a potential suitor for Thornton; he'd be a good addition to their arsenal, and his trade value would cost relatively little.

Luis Ayala

With some relief pitchers already making their moves and others sure to follow, Luis Ayala is getting more and more attention ahead of the winter meetings. 

The 33-year old righty went 2-2 with a 2.09 ERA in 52 appearances with the Yankees, and could end up staying in the northeast with the Mets and Red Sox interested in his services.

C.J. Wilson

As the top starting pitcher available on the open market, it seems more and more likely that the calls fielded by C.J. Wilson's agent since the end of the season will come to a head as teams look to make moves before turning the calendar to 2012.

If the Marlins do spend to the extent that they appear poised to do, it wouldn't be a shock to see Wilson in South Beach next season.

Jason Kubel

Should the Twins lose out on Cuddyer,—as is somewhat expected—they'll likely make a concerted effort (possibly one forcing them to overpay) for Jason Kubel.

After showing an extreme lack of offensive aptitude in 2011, the Twins' front office likely knows fans wouldn't look too kindly upon their team letting go of the only two consistent bats for their team.

Matt Garza

Matt Garza's name has been thrown into trade talks for quite some time now, so it shouldn't be a big surprise that his agent told him to prepare for active winter meetings.

As of right now it seems that the most interested parties are the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Yankees.

Josh Willingham

With the San Francisco Giants expected to let Carlos Beltran head elsewhere, they're going to have a hole in the outfield to fill.

An affordable option that the Giants are said to be considering is Oakland A's outfielder Josh Willingham.

Tim Wakefield

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is seemingly nearing the end of his career, but would still like to get some more action in this league.

He's said to have wanted a one-year deal to stay in Boston, but he isn't ruling out the possibility of finishing off his career elsewhere.

Albert Pujols

After a storybook ending to the 2011 season, it'd be hard to imagine Albert Pujols playing anywhere other than St. Louis. 

While the Cardinals are intent on offering him every bit they can afford, it's unclear whether it'll be enough.

Teams like the Marlins and Rangers could offer as much (or more), and only time will tell how this actually ends.

Jair Jurrjens

A fairly new trade target, Jair Jurrjens is getting interest from a number of teams who would love the young righty on their staff.

The Cincinnati Reds appear serious about getting a deal done for Jurrjens, although their GM has noted that other targets are out there as well.

Casey Blake

At season's end the Los Angeles Dodgers declined the 2012 option on Casey Blake, paying him a buyout and making him a free agent.

With a third of the league interested in bringing Blake on as a utility player, it would seem that a deal shouldn't be difficult to complete, as the Indians appear to be the most likely destination.

Rich Harden

Among teams interested in Rich Harden are the Colorado Rockies and Minnesota Twins.

Both teams have interest in a number of pitchers, and as their other options pass by them (Chris Capuano passing on offer from Twins), the likelihood increases that they'll look at other names on their list.

John Danks

As the Chicago White Sox continue looking to add and subtract pieces to return to contention in the American League, they appear willing to move lefty John Danks.

At this point it appears they're asking unrealistic prices, as one official had said GM Kenny Williams, "asked for everyone on our roster in return."

With some face-to-face meetings this week, the harsh reality of Danks' true value could allow the price to drop and a move to be made.

Martin Prado

The Colorado Rockies have expressed interest in obtaining Martin Prado to take over a spot in the left side of the infield and appear willing to do what it takes to make a deal happen.

It also appears the Detroit Tigers are considering a pursuit of Prado to potentially fill a hole at second or third base.

Ryan Madson

In the past two weeks the Boston Red Sox have seen their closer depart for the Philadelphia Phillies and have seen their next target, Heath Bell, sign with the Marlins.

In an effort to not lose out on another available closer, the Red Sox continue to have talks with the agent for Ryan Madson, and could pull the trigger to shore up the position before adding other pieces.

Takashi Saito

A number of teams figure to get into the mix for Takashi Saito as they look to bolster their bullpens, but with the departure of K-Rod, the Brewers may make a stronger push to make sure he ends up in Milwaukee in 2011.

Chad Qualls

In what has been and will continue to be a busy offseason for relief pitchers, Chad Qualls may be the next Padres reliever to head out of town.

SI's Jon Heyman has indicated that teams have expressed interest in Qualls, and depending on how the rest of the relievers move about the league, a move may happen.

Aramis Ramirez

Aramis Ramirez hasn't garnered as much attention as other free agent bats out there, but that doesn't mean he won't find a new home soon.

The Milwaukee Brewers are said to be a likely destination for Ramirez as he has expressed interest in playing there, with the Angels being another possibility.

Andrew Bailey

His name may have been thrown around as speculation weeks and months ago, but recently ESPN's Buster Olney noted that the chances of Bailey being traded are 100 percent.

With a number of discussions taking place in Oakland, face-to-face meetings this week could yield some tangible results from the weeks of talks.