2012 MLB Free Agency: Every Team's Pie-in-the-Sky Offseason Target

As MLB free agency season begins to wind down, there are still some big names remaining on the market.  So much speculation exists as to where certain players will end up that sometimes it's hard to distinguish fact from fiction.  Is one rumor legitimate, or is it a fantasy cooked up by some passionate fan?

Either way, hearing about a team potentially chasing a player that is out of its league tends to be one of two things: entertaining or tired.  For example, I'm sure some people would love to see first baseman Prince Fielder (pictured) re-sign with the Milwaukee Brewers, but it just isn't going to happen because of his asking price.

At the same time, the same can be said for some teams and Japanese phenom Yu Darvish, whose winning posting bid could be flat out ridiculous to the point where we'll wonder why some teams were even considered to be in the running.

Thus, let's take a look at every team and their pie-in-the-sky offseason target and wonder just what could be if money was not an issue.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Hiroki Kuroda

Had he been on a team that scored consistently last season, Hiroki Kuroda would have been a Cy Young Award Candidate.  Pitching for the hapless Los Angeles Dodgers, Kuroda went 13-16 but with a very impressive 3.07 ERA.

Last trade deadline, the team attempted to deal him to a number of teams, including the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, but Kuroda invoked his no-trade clause due to his love for playing in Los Angeles.  This offseason, he is reportedly mulling going back to Japan if the Dodgers are unable to re-sign him.

That isn't to say that other teams aren't interested in him, however.  Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported last week that the Diamondbacks were a team interested in the righty.  Yet, Kuroda moving from Southern California to the desert is unlikely.

Despite the fact that he turns 37 next season, Kuroda is still a great pitcher for his age and made $12 million last season.  Given how he was far better than his record indicates, chances are he will not take a pay cut, and the Diamondbacks just don't have that money to spend.

Atlanta Braves: Michael Cuddyer

The Braves have not shown any open interest in Michael Cuddyer this offseason, but you have to think that he was at least considered given how GM Frank Wren has been shopping outfielder Martin Prado.  If the Braves were to sign him, I'm anticipating that he would either play left field or swap positions with Jason Heyward, who would move to left from right.

Simply put, Cuddyer would give the Braves a powerful righty bat who could be a valuable force in the middle of the lineup.  Defensively, he's someone who could give phenom first baseman Freddie Freeman a rest every few days.

Either way, though he hasn't been on their radar at all, it's hard to believe that the Braves haven't at least thought about adding Cuddyer.

Baltimore Orioles: Prince Fielder

The Baltimore Orioles are an extremely young team who could use a powerful veteran presence in the lineup.  According to a report by Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com, team GM Dan Duquette has confirmed the team's interest in Fielder but that fans "shouldn't get their hopes up."

Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman confirmed that Baltimore was taking a look at Fielder on a secret order from team owner Peter Angelos, but I'm going to go on record right now and say that there's no way that Fielder ends up with the O's.

Team management has never spent a lot of money in the past, so there's no reason to believe that things will change now just for one player.

Boston Red Sox: Felix Hernandez

The Boston Red Sox have one mantra that is chanted year-round: beat the New York Yankees.  If they wanted to increase their chances of doing so, trading for Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez is one option they could explore.  The Sawx have tons of great prospects in their minor league system, so it would just be a question of negotiating a package to send to Seattle.

Unfortunately, Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik has been adamant that he will not trade his ace.  Until he softens his stance, King Felix will remain in the Pacific Northwest.

Chicago Cubs: David Murphy

Chicago's interest in David Murphy is not official, but keep in mind that the team was in talks with the Texas Rangers about trading Matt Garza and wanting an "overwhelming offer" in return, according to Jon Heyman.

Given that, you have to wonder if Murphy is part of what could be a package for Garza.  The Cubs need a lefty bat with some pop, and Murphy could provide that while hitting for a decent average as well.  On top of that, he plays a much better left field than Alfonso Soriano and would be a welcome addition to the lineup.

Yet, given how well he's done for Texas, the Rangers could be unwilling to part with him, so the vision of him in a Cubs uniform remains a dream.

Chicago White Sox: Jesus Montero

Just over a week ago, the New York Yankees reached out to the Chicago White Sox and inquired on starting pitcher John Danks.  According to reports by both Jon Heyman and others, GM Kenny Williams asked for prospects Jesus Montero and Manny Banuelos in return.  Sure enough, the Yankees refused.

It's understandable why the White Sox and any team would want Montero, given how he hit .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI in just 18 games last year.  In the White Sox's case, Montero would probably spend some time at catcher and also at DH in case Adam Dunn has another horrific season.

Yet, the Yankees like Montero way too much to trade him for a pitcher who isn't even considered one of the best.  Unless the White Sox change their mind and add some top prospects on top of Danks, Montero isn't going anywhere.

Cincinnati Reds: Gio Gonzalez

There are no reports that suggest Reds GM Walt Jocketty has been in trade discussions with the Oakland A's about lefty Gio Gonzalez, but Reds fans seem to want him quite a bit.  The 26-year-old lefty went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA on a team that was notorious for not scoring many runs.

Cincinnati has the assets necessary to acquire Gonzalez, as the pitching staff truly needs an ace.  Yet, given the team's seemingly lukewarm interest in him thus far, I'm anticipating that the fans' desires will fall on deaf ears, and the team will try to build from within and retain as much homegrown talent as possible.

Cleveland Indians: Norichika Aoki

The Indians have been in the hunt for a power-hitting outfielder all offseason, and now that Josh Willingham appears to be headed to Minnesota, the market is wearing thin.  Yet, team management should take note that the Yakult Swallows filed posting paperwork for outfielder Norichika Aoki on Monday, according to Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.

That being said, it can't hurt the Indians to at least make a bid on the guy.  He has great career stats in Japan, having hit .336 with 80 home runs and 341 RBI in seven seasons.

But there are many more teams in need of an outfielder who have more money than Cleveland has.  Barring a miracle, putting Aoki in an Indians uniform is just a fantasy in the minds of team management and the fans.

Colorado Rockies: Hiroki Kuroda

According to Jon Heyman, the Colorado Rockies are interested in Hiroki Kuroda.  If there was ever a pie-in-the-sky target for a team, it's the Rockies' idea that they could land Kuroda.

First off, Kuroda has repeatedly stated his desire to stay in Los Angeles, though he is now open to other cities.  Unfortunately, Denver will not be one of them.

Not only are the Rockies not regular contenders, but they play in a hitter-friendly stadium.  After posting a 3.07 ERA last season, Kuroda's ERA would skyrocket in Coors Field with all the home runs that are hit there.

Thus, unless the Rockies overwhelm him with an offer, Kuroda will not be playing there in 2012.

Detroit Tigers: Chase Headley

The Detroit Tigers need a third baseman, and Chase Headley of the San Diego Padres could be that solution.  Both teams have discussed Headley, according to Jon Paul Morosi, but talks have had no momentum.

My best guess as to why these talks haven't heated up is because the Padres' asking price for Headley is too high.  He was the team's top prospect at one point, but has yet to really live up to the hype that surrounded him.  Expected to be a switch-hitting power hitter who could also hit for average, Headley has hit just .269 with 36 home runs and 204 RBI since becoming a regular in 2008.

His plate patience would be a welcome addition to Detroit, but he is not the type of player that Dave Dombrowski will acquire at the expense of top prospects.

Houston Astros: None

The Houston Astros have just changed owners and are concentrating more on rebuilding and trading away heavy contracts.  Regarding free agency/trades, there is no true "pie-in-the-sky" target on their radar.

Hopefully, new owner Jim Crane (pictured) can right the ship so that the team can become free agency buyers once again.

Kansas City Royals: Gio Gonzalez

Gio Gonzalez is a hot commodity on this offseason's trade market, and according to NBC Sports, the Kansas City Royals are interested.  Unfortunately, this deal just won't happen.

Oakland GM Billy Beane is in full Moneyball mode and looking to get top young talent in exchange for his talented left-hander, having already asked the Miami Marlins for both Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton in exchange for Gonzalez.  Naturally, the Marlins refused that offer.

In KC's case, here is a team full of prospects ripe for the picking.  Beane would surely demand Wil Myers, Lorenzo Cain and maybe even Mike Moustakas from the Royals in exchange for Gonzalez, who posted a 3.12 ERA last season.

Given how the Royals are committed to their youth and don't want to give prospects up unless the price is right, having Gonzalez in the rotation is just a lost hope.

Los Angeles Angels: None

The Los Angeles Angels already snagged two of the most sought-after free agents on the market, so their team needs appear to be shored up.  For now, at least.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Yu Darvish

The Los Angeles Dodgers need a top pitcher to put at the front of the rotation with reigning NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw, and Yu Darvish could be a perfect fit.  The big righty reportedly wants to play for a West Coast team, so he could easily be the missing piece to the Dodgers' enormously difficult puzzle.

Yet, chances are, it's not going to happen.  The Dodgers are in the middle of an ownership change, which means money could be tight.  That being said, barring some sort of baseball miracle, the odds of Darvish ending up in Dodger Blue are slim to none.

Miami Marlins: Prince Fielder

For what seems to be the first time, the Miami Marlins are spending money.  They have already added three big free agents in Heath Bell, Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle and were apparently in on Albert Pujols as well.  Now, team owner Jeffrey Loria appears to be very interested in first baseman Prince Fielder, according to a report by NBC Sports.

The odds of this deal happening are about 50-50, but the Marlins would easily become a contender in the NL if they were to sign Fielder.  The only question that remains is if the Marlins do indeed have the money to bring him in.

Until talks between both parties heat up, I'm writing this one off as just another pipe dream in South Florida.

Milwaukee Brewers: Prince Fielder

The MIlwaukee Brewers would love nothing more than to bring Prince Fielder back.  He was a valuable member of the team for six years and was instrumental in its resurgence.

Unfortunately, his asking price is just too high.  Just a couple of days ago, team management confirmed that they would not bid on his services.  Still, I guess there's always the hope that Fielder will take a hometown discount.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer

For the past 10 seasons, Michael Cuddyer has been a hard-working soldier for the Minnesota Twins, both on the field and in the clubhouse.  He has never been the best player on the team, but his leadership qualities are impeccable.

That being said, as he enters free agency, the Twins would love to re-sign him.  Yet, given how GM Terry Ryan was just able to sign Josh Willingham for a lower price, along with the fact that Willingham is basically a poor man's Cuddyer, all that the fans can hope for is that Cuddyer returns to Minnesota on a hometown discount.

Unfortunately, that's just not going to happen, and the idea of him playing in a Twins uniform next year will remain a dream.

New York Mets: None

It's been another quiet offseason for the New York Mets, as they look to trim payroll rather than go after big name free agents.  Thus far, Sandy Alderson has done just that by letting Jose Reyes walk and bringing in low-priced relievers in Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco.

Let the rebuilding begin!

New York Yankees: Felix Hernandez

It's no secret that the New York Yankees have liked Felix Hernandez for a long time.  The only problem is that, in order to acquire him at this point, they would need to give up all of their top prospects and then some.

As I mentioned before, Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik has been adamant about how his ace will remain in Seattle, as team management will look to build a team around him.

On top of that, Yankees GM Brian Cashman could be hesitant to do business with Zduriencik, who famously backed out of a deal in 2010 that would have sent Cliff Lee to the Yankees and Jesus Montero, plus some other, prospects to the Mariners.  Instead, Lee was traded to the Texas Rangers and the rest is history.

Still, fans hope that one day the Yankees can have King Felix without having to give up Montero.  Yet, the odds of that happening are about a billion to one.

Oakland Athletics: Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton

The Oakland A's greatest need right now is outfield help, seeing as how Josh Willingham just departed for Minnesota and the options there now are limited.  As I mentioned before, Billy Beane offered pitcher Gio Gonzalez to the Marlins in exchange for outfielders Mike Stanton and Logan Morrison, as these two could put Oakland back on the baseball map.

Unfortunately for Beane, the Marlins have no plans to trade either.  The team has a real shot at contending this season, and to do so without two of its best young players would be a travesty.  Barring Jeffrey Loria doing a complete 180, these two players will be in Miami for a long time.

Philadelphia Phillies: Gio Gonzalez

Even though the Phillies just signed Dontrelle Willis to a major league contract, the odds of him staying in the rotation all season are very slim.  Thus, team GM Ruben Amaro Jr. must have his eye on some other arms he believes could help the team get back to the World Series.

According to Ken Rosenthal, one of those arms could belong to Gio Gonzalez.  Yet, as great a fit Gonzalez would be in Philly, Oakland's asking price would just be too high.  If I know Billy Beane, he'd demand Domonic Brown, Shane Victorino and maybe even Vance Worley/Antonio Bastardo.

Thus, with that kind of asking price, there's no way that Gonzalez will end up with the Phillies.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Derrek Lee

Derrek Lee was acquired by the Pirates from the Baltimore Orioles at last year's trade deadline, and in just 28 games, he hit .337 with seven home runs and 18 RBI.  Even though the team just acquired Casey McGehee from the Milwaukee Brewers, they would still like to keep Lee and possibly have McGehee share time at third base with Pedro Alvarez, according to a report by Jon Heyman

Unfortunately, I just don't see that happening, despite how accurate the report may be.  The fact remains that while Lee is still a good producer at age 36, I'm anticipating he'll look to play for a team that has a better shot at winning, although the Pirates were in first place for a time last year.

Either way, the chances of him walking are greater than those of him staying in the Steel City.

San Diego Padres: Carlos Beltran

After a superb second half with the San Francisco Giants, in which he hit .323 with seven home runs and 18 RBI, Carlos Beltran could demand a multiyear deal this offseason.  Seeing how the San Diego Padres desperately need some help in the outfield, the veteran could be a good fit for them.

But it must also be noted that the Padres do not have a lot of money to spend.  Why else do you think they so readily traded away Adrian Gonzalez last offseason?  Because they knew they would lose him anyway and wanted to cash in on prospects.

At this rate, the only way that the Padres will get Beltran on their team is on a one-year deal, and there's no way he'll take that.

San Francisco Giants: Cody Ross

After being a key player in the 2010 postseason that ended with the Giants winning the World Series, Cody Ross has been one of the most popular players in the Bay Area.  He only hit .240 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI in 121 games last year, but his clubhouse presence and strong defense made him a fan favorite.

He is a free agent this year, and according to NBC Sports, he wants a three-year deal.  Giants management loves Ross and would love to keep him, but a three-year deal is just too much for them to offer given his mediocre 2011.  Thus, it looks like he will soon be playing for his sixth career team.

Seattle Mariners: Prince Fielder

Though they may be one of the teams that actually has a shot at signing him, you have to think that Prince Fielder going to the Mariners is just a pipe dream.  Here is a team that has not had much luck on the free-agent market the past decade, signing busts like Carlos Silva and, more recently, Chone Figgins.

As a result, the team has gone into rebuilding mode, and last I checked, that meant not spending money and using in-house talent.

Yet, if the Mariners could somehow put together the funds to sign Fielder, then they could be contenders fairly soon and give both the Rangers and Angels a run for their money.

St. Louis Cardinals: Prince Fielder

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but the St. Louis Cardinals 2012 season would not look so bleak were GM John Mozeliak to sign Fielder.  The team has a lot of money available now that Albert Pujols has left for the West Coast, so pursuing Fielder could be a realistic option.

However, Mozeliak said on KFNS St. Louis that the Cardinals would not be one of the teams competing for Fielder's services, as Lance Berkman is already a viable option at first base.  Unless he was playing it coy, it seems a safe bet that the Cards will not look to spend any more money this offseason.

Tampa Bay Rays: Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon came to the Rays on a one-year deal worth $5.25 million and did fairly well.  In 150 games, he hit .261 with 16 home runs and 73 RBI and also stole 19 bases—his highest in that category since 2008.

That being said, as he closes in on 3,000 hits, he could find himself asking for a raise despite the fact that he just turned 38.  As much as I'm sure the Rays would love to re-sign him, they just don't have that kind of money, especially after inking left-hander Matt Moore to a five-year extension.

Throw in the fact that the outfield/DH spots are crowded already, and Damon staying in Tampa is just a lost hope.

Texas Rangers: Yu Darvish

The Texas Rangers seem intent on pursuing Matt Garza, despite the fact that they were reported to be one of the teams in on Japanese phenom Yu Darvish.  Yet, according to a report by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Darvish does not appear to be on the Rangers' radar.

That isn't to say that team management wouldn't ever want him.  Darvish is considered to be one of the best in all of Japanese baseball, and any team would want an arm as dominant as his in its rotation.

But the fact remains that Darvish is a big risk who will cost a lot of money in both posting fee and ultimate contract.  If he doesn't pan out, it's money wasted.  Still, the Rangers can be a team that dreams about assuming that risk.

Toronto Blue Jays: Yu Darvish

Last week, Mark J. Miller of Yahoo Sports reported that the Toronto Blue Jays were one of the teams interested in Yu Darvish's services, along with the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers.  Though the Rangers may be "unlikely" to pursue him at this point, the fact remains that the odds of Darvish ending up north of the border are slim.

While he would be a great fit for the team, the Blue Jays just don't have the same amount of money to spend as do their division rival New York Yankees.  In the end, while they will surely have submitted a respectable bid for Darvish's services, they will not be the winning team.

Washington Nationals: None

The Washington Nationals have so much talent brewing in the minors, and his name is Bryce Harper.  Though he's only 19 years old, chances are he could find himself called up to the majors at some point this season. 

Seeing how the Nats already have homegrown talent in Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg in the rotation and some talented hitters in the lineup, they should be in for a quiet offseason now that C.J. Wilson is off the market.