The first week of free agency provides all 30 teams with some measure of hope. It’s easy to dream of completed winter shopping lists and vastly improved rosters, even if making meaningful changes often proves difficult.
Here’s an overview of each National League team’s needs along with the names of free agents they could have interest in this winter:
MLB Team Needs | American League
Atlanta Braves – Will seek starting pitching reinforcements, but don’t figure to have much payroll flexibility. If Brian McCann leaves as a free agent and Dan Uggla is traded, they’ll have to address two up-the-middle positions.
Free agent fits: Brian McCann, Tim Hudson, Mark Ellis, Eric O’Flaherty, Chris Young
New York Mets –Matt Harvey’s injury limits any chances of being a 2014 sleeper team, but they could still start spending again. Can use outfield help, a shortstop and rotation depth.
Free agent fits: Shin-Soo Choo, Bronson Arroyo, Curtis Granderson, Stephen Drew, Rafael Furcal
Washington Nationals – Now led by manager Matt Williams, are poised to contend in 2014. They’re expected to seek starting pitching and might have interest in lefty relief.
Free agent fits: Tim Hudson, Josh Johnson, Scott Feldman, Javier Lopez, Eric O’Flaherty
Philadelphia Phillies – Have a long list of needs after an 89-loss season. They’re expected to pursue right-handed hitting outfielders and bullpen help. They’ll also need to address their rotation and re-sign Carlos Ruiz or find a replacement.
Free agent fits: Nelson Cruz, Marlon Byrd, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Ruiz, Ricky Nolasco
Miami Marlins – A promising rotation, but must add position players to avoid another 100-loss season in 2014. Expect the team to maintain one of the sport’s smallest payrolls under new leadership.
Free agent fits: Juan Uribe, Eric Chavez, Kelly Johnson, Yenier Bello, A.J. Pierzynski
Free Agent Preview | Hitting market
Chicago Cubs – This may be the winter they start spending big. They could pursue big-name outfielders and also have needs up and down the pitching staff. First of all, they must hire a new manager.
Free agent fits: Jacoby Ellsbury, Masahiro Tanaka, Robinson Cano, Ubaldo Jimenez, Shin-Soo Choo
St. Louis Cardinals – While the NL champs are poised for long-term success, they must resolve their shortstop situation while considering outfielders and pitching reinforcements.
Free agent fits: Stephen Drew, Jhonny Peralta, Roy Halladay, Jesse Crain, Jacoby Ellsbury
Cincinnati Reds – Addressed one major question by hiring manager Bryan Price. They must now determine whether Brandon Phillips stays and which outfielders they can afford.
Free agent fits: Curtis Granderson, Jamey Carroll, David Murphy, Jason Kubel, Mike Pelfrey
Pittsburgh Pirates – Following their first playoff appearance in two decades, they will pursue corner bats and rotation depth. While not big spenders in free agency, they have found bargains in recent years (Francisco Liriano, Russell Martin).
Free agent fits: A.J. Burnett, Clint Barmes, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz, Tim Hudson
Milwaukee Brewers – Will pursue first basemen this off-season, and they’ll look to round out their pitching staff with affordable newcomers.
Free agent fits: Corey Hart, Justin Morneau, Mike Napoli, Joaquin Benoit, Scott Feldman
Free Agent Preview | Pitching market
Arizona Diamondbacks – Trades may be more appealing than free agency at a time that when their payroll flexibility is limited. They’ll look for bench depth on the open market and could also pursue outfielders.
Free agent fits: Michael Young, Jeff Baker, Kelly Shoppach, Rajai Davis, Chris Perez
Colorado Rockies – Expected to pursue a corner bat and explore catching upgrades and seek relief arms, although obtaining pitching is never easy. Have said they plan to keep franchise players Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
Free agent fits: Carlos Ruiz, Roberto Hernandez, Mike Napoli, Joaquin Benoit, Grant Balfour
San Diego Padres – Will be able to take advantage of the fact pitchers like San Diego this winter. Could use rotation reinforcements and will also look for a left-handed hitter and dabble in the deep left-handed relief market.
Free agent fits: Phil Hughes, Josh Johnson, Javier Lopez, Jamey Carroll, Oliver Perez
San Francisco Giants – Will be pursuing starting pitching, even after retaining Tim Lincecum. Expect them to add relief help and consider deals for outfielders as well.
Free agent fits: Masahiro Tanaka, Ubaldo Jimenez, Dan Haren, Boone Logan, Javier Lopez
Los Angeles Dodgers – The biggest spenders in baseball will pursue starting pitchers this winter. Could they pursue Robinson Cano? Magic Johnson says no, but it’s impossible not to wonder.
Free agent fits: Masahiro Tanaka, Robinson Cano, Hiroki Kuroda, Joe Nathan, Joaquin Benoit
