50 Bold Predictions for the Rest of the MLB Offseason

The MLB offseason has already provided a lot of excitement for fans. It will only get better as time goes by and a number of big-name free agents sign and more trades are made.

There will be a number of moves that surprise people and come out of nowhere. Mystery teams will become involved with and win the bidding on some free agents.

This list includes a number of bold predictions for the rest of the MLB offseason.

The Toronto Blue Jays Take a Chance on Manny Ramirez

After his second violation of MLB's drug policy in 2011, Manny Ramirez was facing a 100-game suspension. He decided to abruptly retire. Now, he wants to come back.

Ramirez has applied for reinstatement. It does not seem likely that a team will give him a guaranteed contract, and Ramirez will likely only be able a non-roster invitee. The Toronto Blue Jays could invite Ramirez to spring training to see if he can be a bench bat and part-time DH.

The Washington Nationals Sign a Big-Name Free Agent

The Washington Nationals have been linked to a number of big-name free agents this winter. They are willing to spend the money that it takes to bring in a top-flight player.

Washington will be able to bring in someone that can help them contend for a playoff spot in 2012. At this point, it seems as if the Nationals will be able to sign C.J. Wilson.

Yu Darvish Will Be Posted but Will Not Sign

MLB teams are excited about the potential posting of Yu Darvish, but they are also aware of the track record of Japanese pitchers once they come to the States. Even with that being said, teams will bid to offer a contract to Darvish.

It appears that Darvish is a bit of a character and that he will feel disrespected if his posting fee is not higher than the one the Boston Red Sox paid for the Daisuke Matsuzaka. This could be the case, and if it is, Darvish may not sign.

Matt Garza Becomes a New York Yankee

It is no secret that the New York Yankees are looking for a starting pitcher for the front end of their rotation. They will need to go to the trade market to get this done.

Matt Garza is a great fit for the Yankees, and the Chicago Cubs are open to trading him. The Yankees will not be getting Garza without giving up one of their top prospects.

Ian Stewart Is Sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates

Since the Colorado Rockies have made it known that Ian Stewart is available on the trade market, a number of teams have expressed interest in acquiring him.

One of those teams is the Pittsburgh Pirates. Stewart would be a nice addition to the Pirates' infield and their lineup.

Mark Buehrle Joins the Texas Rangers

It appears the Texas Rangers will be coming to terms with the fact that for the second straight year they will be losing their ace. The team will need to look to replace C.J. Wilson.

Mark Buehrle, who has spent his whole career with the Chicago White Sox, is a great fit for the Rangers. He could be the anchor of their rotation for the next few years.

The Milwaukee Brewers Bring in Jimmy Rollins

Losing Prince Fielder will certainly have a big impact on the Milwaukee Brewers' lineup. They will not bring in a big power bat to play first base, but they will make a significant move.

The Brewers have an interest in Jimmy Rollins and will likely pursue it further in the winter. Do not be surprised if Rollins is the Brewers' starting shortstop next season.

Yonder Alonso Is Dealt

The Cincinnati Reds are looking to improve their starting rotation. To do so, they will likely need to trade one of their top young prospects.

It appears as if Yonder Alonso could be the player that is on the move. If the Reds do deal Alonso, they will be able to get a pitcher who can stabilize their rotation in return.

Francisco Rodriguez Comes Back to the Mets

The New York Mets had a number of issues with Francisco Rodriguez and eventually traded him away. Now, the team has been left in a position where it needs to find a closer for the 2012 season.

So who have the Mets contacted? Francisco Rodriguez, of course. The team has an interest in bringing Rodriguez back to the Big Apple.

Hiroki Kuroda Signs with the Boston Red Sox

Teams that are interested in Hiroki Kuroda not only have to compete with each other but also with the fact that Kuroda is considering going back to Japan.

However, there are a number of teams in the States that are hoping to bring him in. One of those teams is the Boston Red Sox. If recent reports are correct, it will cost the team at least $12 million a year to do so.

Tim Lincecum Signs an Extension

This is a move that the San Francisco Giants would love to see happen. While most players that sign an extension before they reach free agency give their teams a bit of a break financially, this will not be the case with Tim Lincecum.

He is one of the best pitchers in the game today, and the Giants would love to lock him up. The two sides are apparently looking to find some middle ground.

Andrew Bailey Will Be Traded

The Oakland Athletics will likely be having a fire sale this winter, and one of the most desirable players on their roster is pitcher Andrew Bailey.

A number of different teams will be interested in Bailey, and he will be a big addition to a bullpen if a team can trade for him.

Prince Fielder Signs with the Seattle Mariners

There is some dissension within the Seattle Mariners organization when it comes to Prince Fielder. Some executives want him badly, and others don't think the team can afford him.

Going after Fielder would be a great move for the Mariners. He would instantly increase their playoff chances in 2012.

Javier Vazquez Does Not Retire

Javier Vazquez has not decided whether he will return to the major leagues in 2012. He was thought to be mulling over a possible retirement this winter.

After being away from the game for a few months, Vazquez will get the itch once again, and he will sign and be ready to play in 2012.

Andrew Friedman Goes to the Houston Astros

Looking at Andrew Friedman's tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, the amount of success that he was able to have was very impressive. As of now, Friedman is not under contract.

The Houston Astros have expressed interest in trying to bring him in as their GM. Friedman is a Houston native, and the idea of coming back home may be too much to resist.

David Wright Is Dealt

The New York Mets' core may be very different in 2012 than it was in 2011. Jose Reyes is gone, and the Mets need to seriously consider dealing David Wright.

Without Reyes, the Mets will be in rebuilding mode. Trading Wright will allow them to get a few pieces that can help them become competitive once again.

Sandy Alderson has said that the team will not trade Wright, but it is not as easy to believe him after he completely blew the Reyes situation.

Albert Pujols Signs with the Miami Marlins...

For the first 11 seasons of his career, Albert Pujols has worn a St. Louis Cardinals jersey. He will be putting on a different uniform for season 12.

With their latest offer to Jose Reyes, the Miami Marlins have shown that they are willing to spend the money necessary to build a championship team. Pujols seems to be a piece of the puzzle that they are very interested in.

And He Gets the Richest Deal (On a Per Year Basis) in MLB History

There are few players in MLB history that have had as good of a start to their careers as Albert Pujols has. He is now about to be rewarded in a big way.

Pujols' next contract will have a higher AAV (average annual value) than the deal that was signed by Alex Rodriguez.

Tim Wakefield Returns for One Last Season

Knuckleball pitchers are able to pitch into their 40s, and Tim Wakefield has been no different. He wants to come back for at least one more season and would like to pitch with the Boston Red Sox.

Wakefield may see only one of his wishes fulfilled. The Red Sox may not have interest in Wakefield as a starting pitcher, but other teams might.

Jamie Moyer Will Be Back Again

Even at 49 years old and following Tommy John surgery, Jamie Moyer wants to pitch in the major leagues once again. It will be interesting to see which team gives him a chance.

Someone will give Moyer a minor league deal to see what he has left. Moyer should eventually make at least a few appearances in the majors in 2012.

Yoennis Cespedes Signs with the New York Yankees

If the scouting reports about Yoennis Cespedes are true, he has the potential to be a very special player. It is rare that teams have the opportunity to sign a five-tool player when he is nearing his prime.

The New York Yankees are considering dealing Nick Swisher, and if they do, they will have an opening in their lineup that they could fill with Cespedes.

The Yankees Trade Nick Swisher

Nick Swisher is one of the players that drives New York Yankees fans crazy. The team may be interested in trading him this winter.

Swisher could be dealt in an effort to either bring a pitcher back or in an attempt to open up a spot in the outfield for a free agent.

Jorge Soler Gets a Huge Deal

There are actually a few teams out there that think Jorge Soler is a better signing than Yoennis Cespedes. He is younger and has a similar skill set.

Soler has the potential to grow and develop into a very good Major League Baseball player. He could become a 30/30 player within a few years' time.

Roy Oswalt Ends Up in Boston

There are a few holes in the Boston Red Sox starting rotation that they will look to fill this winter. They may be willing to take a bit of a risk on one of their signings.

Roy Oswalt could potentially be the starter they need to bring in to turn things back around after last season's horrible collapse.

Jair Jurrjens Is Dealt to the Royals

One of the benefits of having a lot of pitching depth is the Atlanta Braves can move one of their starters so that they can pick up players that could fill some of their holes.

Jair Jurrjens has had his name come up often in trade rumors this winter. He was already linked to the Kansas City Royals, and the two teams could talk again to try to work out a deal.

Kyle Drabek Is Dealt

It seems as if some people in the Toronto Blue Jays organization have grown frustrated with Kyle Drabek. He has not shown the talent that he had in the past.

The Blue Jays have drawn interest in Drabek, and there is certainly at least one team out there that would be willing to take a risk on him despite his control issues.

Carlos Quentin Goes to the San Diego Padres

2011 did not go the way the San Diego Padres had planned it. They are looking to improve their team this winter and have an interest in a few players on the trade market.

One player of particular interest is Carlos Quentin. The Chicago White Sox are open to trading him, and San Diego could be a very good fit.

Wade Davis Is Traded to the New York Mets

The New York Mets are looking for players that can help them both now and in the future as they enter a rebuilding mode. They need to improve their starting rotation as well.

Wade Davis could help solve both these issues. The Tampa Bay Rays are willing to move Davis in the right deal, and bringing him in makes sense for the Mets.

Carlos Beltran Becomes a Boston Red Sox

One of the things the Boston Red Sox are looking for this winter is an outfielder. Carlos Beltran is one of the best outfielders available on the free-agent market.

The Red Sox likely will be able to sign Beltran to a short-term deal, and they could potentially shift him to DH if his knees start to bother him.

Big Papi Stays in Boston

Any concerns that people had about David Ortiz's possible decline have been lessened by his recent performance.

Ortiz has been a big part of the Boston Red Sox's starting lineup for years, and it is hard to imagine them without him. That likely will not become a reality at this point in time, as he should return to the team for 2012.

The Washington Nationals Pick Up B.J. Upton

This one may not actually be that bold of a prediction since the Washington Nationals were linked to B.J. Upton before the trade deadline this year.

Talks between the two sides could be rekindled at the MLB winter meetings, and a deal could eventually be worked out. This would be a big addition for the Nationals.

The Milwaukee Brewers Win the Rights to Negotiate with Norichika Aoki

The Milwaukee Brewers had interest in Jose Reyes before he signed with the Miami Marlins, and they began to talk to him before the deal was reached.

While Reyes is now not an option, the Brewers will get a shortstop this winter. They will win the rights to negotiate with Norichika Aoki, and he will be a key part of their team in 2012.

Hisashi Iwakuma Becomes a Member of the Oakland Athletics

Hisashi Iwakuma was posted last season, and the Oakland Athletics won the right to negotiate him. However, they were not able to work out a deal to sign him.

They still maintain an interest in bringing Iwakuma to Oakland. The Athletics should be the favorites to sign Iwakuma this winter.

The Tampa Bay Rays Bring Back Casey Kotchman

The Tampa Bay Rays had one of the best findings of the offseason last year when they brought in Casey Kotchman on a minor league deal. He was able to put together an outstanding season for them.

It should come as no surprise that the Rays have an interest in bringing him back for another season. This time, Kotchman will be a little bit more expensive.

Adam LaRoche Joins the Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays were hoping they could bring in Prince Fielder this winter, but it will not happen. They could view Adam LaRoche as a consolation prize.

He would be a good addition to the Toronto lineup. LaRoche is a solid hitter, and he could either play first base or DH.

Paul Maholm Becomes an Arizona Diamondback

The crafty left-hander would be a big addition to the Arizona Diamondbacks' starting rotation. Paul Maholm is much better than his record indicates.

He had a number of good years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but they will not be able to retain him. Maholm would improve a team that is already a playoff contender.

John Danks Is Dealt to the Los Angeles Angels

The Chicago White Sox have already found a replacement for John Danks in Chris Sale, so it would not be that surprising if they dealt him this winter.

It is possible that his landing spot is in Los Angeles with the Angels. Danks would join an already solid rotation and help the Angels challenge the Rangers for the AL West crown.

Aramis Ramirez Puts on a Detroit Tigers Jersey in 2012

Third base was a problem for the Detroit Tigers for most of the season in 2011. They are hoping they can come up with more of a long-term solution in 2012.

Aramis Ramirez is certainly near the top of their list. He is the best third baseman on the market, and he could make the Tigers a championship contender.

Mike Pelfrey Becomes a Member of the Colorado Rockies

The New York Mets and the Colorado Rockies have already had a discussion about Mike Pelfrey. Colorado offered Huston Street for Pelfrey and was turned down.

If the Rockies want to bring in Pelfrey, they can certainly do it. They have a lot of young prospects that would be very intriguing to the Mets.

Pittsburgh Trades for Luke Scott

The Pittsburgh Pirates believe they can be in contention within the next few years. Bringing in Luke Scott could help bring them closer to that goal.

Scott could be dealt by the Baltimore Orioles, especially since they are considering not tendering him a contract for 2012.

Michael Cuddyer Is Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies

Domonic Brown was supposed to be a starting outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, but he ran into some troubles last season. The Phillies may now be looking to bring in other outfielders.

One of the players the Phillies have been linked to is Michael Cuddyer. He could be a huge addition for the team's lineup and help it make it back to the World Series.

Jason Kubel Stays in Minnesota

The Minnesota Twins have two open outfield spots since both Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have become free agents. They can look to fill their openings internally, or they can look to the free-agent market.

One of the players on the free-agent market that the Twins could go after is Jason Kubel. He was an important player for the Twins last year and could be again in 2012.

Jeff Francis Signs with the San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants already have a very good rotation. They recently traded away Jonathan Sanchez, and they could look to replace him by signing a free agent.

Jeff Francis should be a fairly affordable option, and he would help strengthen the back end of their starting rotation.

Rafael Furcal Becomes a Philadelphia Phillie

With Jimmy Rollins potentially on his way out of Philadelphia, the Phillies need to find someone to replace him. Freddy Galvis is an internal option, but the Phillies may not think he is ready.

If they decide to go after a free agent, then Rafael Furcal could be a good fit for the Phillies.

Coco Crisp Will Become a Cleveland Indian

The Cleveland Indians have already brought back Grady Sizemore, but that does not mean they are done with their free-agent shopping.

They could look to bring in another outfielder. Coco Crisp would be a good fit with the Indians and could make them a much better team.

Alfonso Soriano Is Traded

Theo Epstein has taken the reins of the Chicago Cubs, and he has a number of big decisions that he needs to make this winter.

One of the first big moves Epstein could make this winter is dealing Alfonso Soriano. The Cubs would need to eat a lot of money to make a deal happen.

Carlos Zambrano Is Released

There are few, if any, players in the major leagues that are currently a bigger headache to their team than Carlos Zambrano.

The Chicago Cubs will try to deal him, but they will find it hard to find a suitor. As a result, the Cubs will eventually just release him.

Josh Willingham Is Signed by the Chicago Cubs

While Theo Epstein may be trying to make a run at Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, he will come up short. The biggest free-agent signing the Cubs make may not be one that causes many waves.

Josh Willingham could become an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. He is a solid bat and should come on a deal similar to the one that Carlos Pena signed.

Carlos Pena Signs with the Baltimore Orioles

Over the past few years the Baltimore Orioles have become much bigger players in the free-agent market. They may look to bring in a first baseman this winter.

If they choose to do so, Carlos Pena could find his way to Baltimore. He might have to take another one-year deal, but that would be a good fit for the Orioles.

Cody Ross Joins the Atlanta Braves

This would have to be contingent on the Atlanta Braves dealing Martin Prado because they already have three outfielders. The Braves have explored deals involving Prado.

If Prado is moved, then Cody Ross would be a very good match for the Braves. He would be a bat that could help contribute to the Braves lineup.