If you’re like me, ever since the Boston Red Sox hoisted the World Series trophy at Fenway Park on October 30th, there has been a persisting void in your life.  Of course there are several notable fall leagues and international leagues during the offseason, but nothing can replace the glorious 162 game season that is Major League Baseball.  However, as you’re reading this, there are only about 100 days left until pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training (reporting dates vary from team to team).

As baseball fans, we actually have much to look forward to this winter as we mark large, red ‘X’s on our calendars in anticipation of opening day.  In this offseason preview, I’ll examine which Minor League farm systems could make a large impact on parent teams in 2014.  I’ll also take a look at which clubs are destined to improve their rosters during the offseason, as well as those who will take a step back compared to their 2013 campaigns.  Perhaps the most intriguing issues this winter will be the free agent marker, which is teeming with talent, and players potentially on the trading block.  I’ll rank my Top 50 Free Agents, along with possible destinations, and ten players who could be settling down in a new city before their contracts are up. 

Top-50 Major League Baseball Free Agents in 2014

These 50 men are, in my opinion, the best free agents on the market for the upcoming 2014 season.  The possible destinations came from a variety of factors including team needs, production, market value, salary requirements, and team spending habits.

MLB Trades

Quick Take (via Vincent Frank) 

Freese, who was an NL All-Star back in 2012, saw his numbers drop off a tad this past season. He batted .262 with nine homers and 60 runs batted in after belting 20 out of the park the previous season. He will immediately take over as the starting third baseman in Southern California. 

Meanwhile, the Cardinals acquire a player in Bourjos who has top-of-the-order potential, but is pretty much a bench player at this point. He hit .274 with three homers and 12 RBIs in 55 games last season. He will act as an extra outfielder for the defending NL Central champions. 

Quick Take (via Vincent Frank) 

Texas needed to make room in the starting infield for super-star youngster Jurickson Profar, and this trade does just that. It was also looking to upgrade from Mitch Moreland at first base. The Rangers get cash considerations in the one-for-one swap. Meanwhile, Detroit was looking to save some money so that it would be able to retain Max Scherzer on a long-term contract. This deal enables them to do just that. 

Major League Baseball Trading Block

David Freese, Third Baseman, St. Louis Cardinals

Freese is a fan favorite in St. Louis due to his heroics in the 2011 playoffs, but his production this season was way down compared to his campaigns in 2011 and 2012.  In 41 MORE games in 2013, he hit one LESS homerun and added only five additional runs batted in than he did in 2011. So, you can’t blame the Cardinals if they decide to unload him in an offseason trade.  A club that could be interested is the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could move Martin Prado to the outfield and hopefully add to a lineup that was quietly productive in 2013.

David Price, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays

Price has been dominant for the Rays since he was called up in 2009, so why trade him?  Quite simply, he’s getting too expensive for a small market team such as the Rays.  After making $10.1 million this past season, his salary could soar to over $13 million for 2014 after arbitration.  It makes sense for the Rays to try and trade him and acquire hot young talent, or talented veterans who are a fraction of the price (no pun intended).  It would make sense for the New York Mets to reach out to the Rays, as they are trying to add a veteran (relatively speaking for Price) arm to their staff of quality youngsters.

John Lackey, Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox

Lackey finished the 2013 season with a 3.52 earned run average fresh off of Tommy John surgery and posted a 3-1 record in the postseason on the way to Boston’s World Series title.  The Red Sox are stocked with veteran starting pitchers, so it wouldn’t hurt to unload one of them and try to get a younger, cheaper prospect in return.  It also doesn’t hurt that Boston is only paying Lackey the league minimum due to a Tommy John clause, which would essentially make whoever they got in return exponentially more valuable. 

Elvis Andrus, Shortstop, Texas Rangers

The situation in Texas’ middle infield is a bit odd.  Before last year, Andrus and Ian Kinsler made up the middle of the Rangers’ infield and all was well.  Last year, rookie superstar in the making, Jurickson Profar, was called up and was only able to play half of the time. 

In the Rangers’ eyes, he needs to be a full time player which creates the need to move either Andrus or Kinsler.  It makes sense to move Andrus because he will most likely bring better talent in return. 

I could see the Boston Red Sox being interested, assuming free agent Stephen Drew signs with another team. 

Dan Uggla, Second Baseman, Atlanta Braves

Uggla had an abysmal season with the Braves in 2013, which ultimately ended up with the veteran slugger being left off of the postseason roster, much to his surprise.  What can’t be a surprise is if the Braves decide to trade him during the offseason.  It would be a lot easier to stomach his terrible offensive consistency if he was an above average defender, but he has been average at best with some memorable postseason errors in previous years.  He still has $26 million left of his contract, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Braves shouldered some of the money just to get him out of Atlanta.  A potential fit could be back with the Miami Marlins who are looking to rebuild their roster and could use some veteran leadership. 

Max Scherzer, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers

It’s hard to fathom the Tigers would want to trade the likely winner of the American League Cy-Young Award from this year, but it just might happen. 

He is expected to get a huge raise from $6.7 million in arbitration this year and the Tigers likely won’t be able to sign him to a long term contract. 

Also, Justin Verlander, Prince Fielder, and Miguel Cabrera are all owed $20 million or more per season, so the team might not be able to afford the raise that Scherzer is due.  I could see the Washington Nationals showing some interest, after Dan Haren was a bust and will most likely be lost to free agency. 

Jeff Samardzija, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs

\The former Notre Dame wide receiver has shown flashes of brilliance in the majors but just hasn’t been able to put together a good complete season.  He regressed this year in wins, earned run average, and WHIP, and at 28 years old, might not be the right man to rebuild the Cubs’ rotation moving forward.  Before the trade deadline this year, the Arizona Diamondbacks showed interest in the right hander, and the two clubs are expected to continue trade talks this offseason. 

Rickie Weeks, Second Baseman, Milwaukee Brewers

Weeks had produced solid numbers at second base for several years in Milwaukee, but struggled immensely this season.  He hit only .209 over 104 games and scored only 40 runs.  It makes sense for the Brewers to shop him around, as he is owed $11 million next year and rookie Scooter Genett performed quite well in the midst of Weeks’ struggles.  He could be a solid defensive addition for the Atlanta Braves if the team does indeed deal Dan Uggla.

Lance Lynn, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals

Fresh off a World Series run that left the Cardinals with a bad taste in their mouth, they have to decide what to do with the abundance of starting pitching within the organization. 

Lynn looks to be the best option to move as he has some great value coming off a 15 win season.  Having extra starting pitching will mostly work out for the better this offseason, as they will most likely try to add a replacement at shortstop for Pete Kozma.

Ike Davis, First Baseman, New York Mets

Davis was a massive disappointment this year in New York, although the Mets didn’t have much that was impressive aside from rookie pitcher, Matt Harvey.  They are trying to decide whether Davis or Lucas Duda will secure the first baseman position in 2014, while the other will likely be traded this offseason.  Duda had a better year statistically in 2013, but Davis is a fan favorite at Citi Field.  It’s a toss-up, but I think Ike Davis will ultimately be the one who is dealt this offseason.  Some potential suitors include the Tampa Bay Rays and Pittsburgh Pirates, both of whom will likely lose their first basemen due to free agency. 

5 Teams Destined to Improve in the Offseason

New York Yankees, American League East

Although the Yankees finished eight games above .500, the 2013 campaign was still a disappointment for the organization, especially with the highest payroll in baseball.  We’ll have to see what happens this offseason in free agency, but it will be virtually impossible for the Yankees to not improve in 2014. 

Notable free agents the Yankees are pursuing include Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, Robinson Cano, and Masahiro Tanaka.  Once Cano negotiates his new contract, the looming monetary distraction should be relieved and he should play up to his true potential. 

If the Yankees can land the Japanese pitching sensation, Tanaka, it will significantly bolster their sub-par starting rotation. 

Los Angeles Angels, American League West

Not many people could foresee the struggles that the Angels endured last season.  However, they are targeting some notable free agents this offseason, most notably starting pitchers.  If they can land Phil Hughes and Matt Garza, it will allow them to be competitive in more games in 2014 and give the offense more of a key role in winning games.  With Albert Pujols returning, he and and Josh Hamilton will look to assist Mike Trout in sustaining success for the offense.  Mark Trumbo is a free agent this offseason and could bring in another good starting pitcher if the Angels decide to move him before arbitration. 

Washington Nationals, National League East

After winning 98 games in 2012, the Nationals experienced a fairly significant regression in 2013, finishing 10 games behind Atlanta in the East and only winning 88 games.  The Nationals have many key players under contract including Bryce Harper, Gio Gonzalez, and Jayson Werth.  With that being said, players like Gonzalez and Werth need to step up their game in 2014 for the Nationals to succeed.  They are looking to unload one of the power arms from their bullpen (most likely Tyler Clippard), and pick up a starter to replace Dan Haren.  The Nationals have way too much talent on their roster to not have a better season next year. 

Milwaukee Brewers, National League Central

The Brewers played most of the 2013 season without their best player, Ryan Braun, who was serving a suspension for his use of performance enhancing drugs.  I don’t think they would have been a playoff team with Braun, but they will certainly have a better season with him in the lineup.  Although Yovani Gallardo pitched like an ace at times, the club still does not have a defined number one pitcher.  If they can secure one during the offseason and continue to get offensive productive from Carlos Gomez, they will certainly win more than 74 games in 2014. 

Toronto Blue Jays, American League East

After making a huge splash last year by acquiring Jose Reyes and R.A. Dickey, the Blue Jays had a very disappointing 2013 campaign.  Reyes missed significant time due to an injury, the same fate that slugger Jose Bautista suffered as well.  Dickey had an awful season, while playing in the AL East didn’t help their cause either.  I don’t think the Blue Jays really need to make any large additions in the offseason to have a successful 2014 season.  If Reyes and Bautista can stay healthy and play in a large percentage of games and Dickey can return to his 2012 form, Toronto will definitely improve its’ standing within the AL East.

5 Teams Destined to Take a Step Back in 2014

Tampa Bay Rays, American League East

The Rays had an extremely successful 2013 season, especially for a team with one of the lowest total payrolls in the league.  Rookie Wil Myers and veteran Evan Longoria managed to provide enough offensive prowess down the stretch, while the extremely solid pitching staff carried them to the postseason. 

David Price could be traded this offseason which would cripple the pitching staff from a leadership perspective.  Ben Zobrist has been regressing at the plate, along with shortstop Yunel Escobar.  Even if the team decides to keep Price, I don’t think they can sustain another second place finish in the always competitive AL East.

Cleveland Indians, American League Central

Looking at the Indians roster, many people would say they played well beyond their talent level last year, finishing only one game behind the Detroit Tigers in the division.  I think the music of the standings will be played to a different tune next year.  They could lose Ubaldo Jiminez to a contract option (which he has the power to decline, even if the club picks it up) and will likely lose the veteran leadership of Jason Giambi.  As 2014 plays out, I think the Indians will lack depth in the starting rotation and the offense will suffer from position players regressing in production from 2013. 

Atlanta Braves, National League East

The Braves benefitted from the Nationals’ severe underperformance in the first half of the 2013 season.  I don’t think the Nationals will provide that much help to the Braves in 2014.  Although they could only lose Brian McCann from the offense, the pitching staff could take a tremendous hit from free agency.  These pitchers include Luis Ayala, Scott Downs, Paul Maholm, and Eric O’Flaherty, all of whom are key parts to the staff.  Andrelton Simmons had an unusually productive season from a power standpoint, so look for his power numbers to come back down to Earth. 

Cincinnati Reds, National League Central

The Reds were competitive in the Central for 150 games last year, and then things fell apart as they went 4-6 down the stretch.  The offseason brings several questions to Cincinnati, all of which directly impact their potential success in 2014.  In my opinion, they need to re-sign free agent Shin-Soo Choo and Bronson Arroyo, and that isn’t looking like it’s going to happen.  In order to do so, they would most likely need to move second baseman Brandon Phillips to free up some spending money.  It’s a double edged sword for the Reds.  Aside from that, they lack depth in the rotation; the top five starters they have are very good, but there is no stop-gap in case someone gets injured.

Texas Rangers, American League Central

After losing in a one game playoff to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013, the Rangers dismissed two members of the coaching staff and Nolan Ryan retired as CEO.  That’s a rough way to start the offseason, and things could get worse.  They could lose Nelson Cruz, Matt Garza, and A.J. Pierzynski to free agency and Joe Nathan and Lance Berkman to contract options (neither Nathan nor Berkman are expected to return).  The team could try to sign pitcher David Price and catcher Brian McCann off the free agent market, but those signings don’t make sense if the Rangers are trying to have the same level payroll as they did in 2013, which is the plan.  I think the Rangers will take a step back in the standings next year and the Los Angeles Angels will occupy second place in the division. 

Top-10 Minor League Systems

10. Atlanta Braves

The top prospect in the Braves’ system is catcher Christian Bethancourt, who will definitely make an impact on the field if Brian McCann signs with another team this offseason.  Alex Wood and Joey Terdoslavich made solid contributions in 2013, and several young players in the organization have very high ceilings.

9. Arizona Diamondbacks

Right-handed pitcher Archie Bradley remains the top prospect in Arizona’s farm system, but the organizations maintains a good mix of pitching and position players poised to make an impact in the next several years.

8. St. Louis Cardinals 

The strength of their system is apparent in seeing that three players from the farm system appeared on St. Louis’ World Series roster (Kolten Wong, Michael Wacha, and Carlos Martinez).  Outfielder Oscar Taveras will definitely see time in the big leagues next year when he fully recovers from ankle surgery.

7. Minnesota Twins

The Twins have a plethora of talent in the minors, most of whom are position players.  That leaves the club slightly vulnerable down the road on the mound, but prospects such as outfielder Byron Buxon and third baseman Miguel Sano could prove to be enticing trade options to obtain pitching talent down the road.

6. Kansas City Royals

The Royals have the complete opposite problem as the Twins; an abundance of pitching talent and position players that are somewhat lacking.  Four out of their top five prospects are starting pitchers including Kyle Zimmer and Yordano Ventura.

5. Chicago Cubs

Shortstop Javier Baez tops the Cubs’ list of top prospects.  In fact, all five of the top youngsters are position players; but damn good ones.  However, the success of the organization might hinge on development of pitchers like Pierce Johnson and C.J. Edwards.

4. Texas Rangers

The Rangers’ organization is teeming with middle infield talent including top prospect Jurickson Profar, as well as Rougned Odor and Luis Sardinas.  Also cracking the top five for the club are right-handed pitchers Luke Jackson and Akeem Bostick.

3. San Diego Padres

The Padres list of prospects is topped by a couple of battery players in southpaw Max Fried and catcher Austin Hedges.  They could be higher in this list if they hadn’t lost pitcher Casey Kelly and outfielder Rymer Liriano to Tommy John surgery early in the season.

2. Houston Astros

Astros’ fans really have something to look forward to in this great group of prospects.  They’ve got a good mix of pitchers and position players, many of whom could make major league debuts in 2014.  Their top two prospects right now are pitcher Mike Foltynewicz and outfielder George Springer.

1.Boston Red Sox

It seems unfair that the World Series champions have the top ranked farm system in baseball, but such is life.  Shortstop Xander Bogaerts and outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. spent time in the big leagues during 2013.  They’ll most likely be transitioned to the majors permanently in the next few seasons.  Also waiting in the wings pitchers Allen Webster and Henry Owens.