5 MLB Teams That Would Benefit Most From Making A Splash This Offseason
MLB Offseason: 5 Teams That Should Make A Splash
The 2014 MLB offseason is sure to be one full of excitement.
Trade rumors have swirled for weeks and it's just a matter of time before the top-notch free agents of this class start signing and create a domino effect. However, before the free agency landslide begins, it's important to look at which MLB teams will be active this season and which rosters are likely to stay the same. A few clubs are on the cusp of being great, while others are hoping that an offseason splash can revitalize the roster and fan base. Either way, the cash will be spent this offseason and it's just a matter of time before a few star players are changing addresses.
Robinson Cano, Jacoby Ellsbury and Shin-Soo Choo all highlight this offseason's open market and each bring something unique to the table. With that being said, any team looking to add a player of All-Star caliber must be willing to spend top dollar. Some teams are more apt to break the bank than others. For instance, the odds of the Oakland Athletics landing Cano are slim to none, while the New York Yankees are sure to flex their muscles and show their financial superiority over the bottom-feeders.
Here's a quick list of a few teams that should really consider making a "splash" this offseason.
Related:
Rant Sports' Top 50 MLB Players of 2014
Every MLB Team’s Most Likely Free Agent Target This Offseason
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
No. 5: Seattle Mariners
Free agent to watch: Jacoby Ellsbury
The Seattle Mariners are in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. Therefore, Seattle doesn't have time to sit back and watch the AL West get better. Thankfully, the Mariners have one of the toughest pitching staffs in the league, which means a signing like Ellsbury could easily put Seattle back in the postseason race.
No. 4: San Francisco Giants
Free agent to watch: Shin-Soo Choo
Many San Francisco Giants fans have grown frustrated with the lack of productivity atop the Giants' line-up. Buster Posey is really the only reliable bat in San Francisco, so a major signing like Choo would help the Giants compete with the heavy-hitting Los Angeles Dodgers. San Francisco is in perfect position to sign one of the many offensive juggernauts on the open market to a long-term deal.
No. 3: New York Yankees
Free agent to watch: Robinson Cano
Of course. An MLB offseason just isn't complete without at least one big-time move from the New York Yankees. However, this winter is different than most considering New York must re-sign it's top player in Robinson Cano. On top of that, the Yankees are feeling some pressure after Mariano Rivera hung up his cleats this September. Look for the Yankees to be very active this offseason in a variety of ways.
No. 2: Kansas City Royals
Free agent to watch: Carlos Beltran
Kansas City was expecting a winner in 2013, but the Royals were a below-average team for yet another year. With that being said, the Royals would benefit from making a major move this offseason. Many MLB pundits have predicted a Carlos Beltran reunion in Kansas City, which makes sense considering the Royals were offensively challenged for stretches of the 2013 campaign. Either way, the Royals can't afford to stand pat this winter.
No. 1: Arizona Diamondbacks
Free agent to watch: Joe Nathan, Nelson Cruz
The Arizona Diamondbacks are without question one of the most intriguing teams in MLB. Ever since Justin Upton was traded last offseason the folks in Arizona have been waiting for the Diamondbacks to make another huge move -- or three. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if Arizona makes a play for Nelson Cruz, Curtis Granderson or even Shin-Soo Choo in the coming months. Arizona is merely one piece away from being one of the National League's top teams, so I fully expect the Snakes to bolster their everyday line-up and make a splash this offseason.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
