2:00PM EST December 12. 2012 - Zack Greinke's decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a six-year, $147 million contract that makes him the highest-paid right-hander ever, is expected to unclog the free-agent market and unleash a number of deals that hinged on his destination.
The Kansas City Royals-Tampa Bay Rays trade involving All-Star pitcher James Shields has also lent some clarity to the landscape after last week's fairly uneventful winter meetings.
Here's a look at where things stand for some of the top remaining players on the market:
POSITION PLAYERS
Josh Hamilton
Teams interested: Rangers, Mariners, Phillies, Yankees
Market value: Four to five years, $100 to $125 million
Outlook: Hamilton's chances of returning to Texas dramatically increased once ace Zack Greinke signed with the Dodgers and not the Rangers. Although Seattle will offer more, he likely will return to the comforts of Texas on a four-year, $100 million deal.
Michael Bourn
Teams interested: Mariners, Rangers, Indians
Market value: 5 years, $90 million
Outlook: Pardon Bourn if he despises the Minnesota Twins, trading two of their center fielders to kill Bourn's market in Washington and Philadelphia. The Seattle Mariners appear to be the best fit, with the greatest need, but the Rangers could be interested if Hamilton doesn't return.
Nick Swisher
Teams interested: Indians, Mariners, Red Sox, Rangers
Market value: Four to five years, $65 to $80 million
Outlook: Swisher is a consistent, dynamic player whose energy alone can sell tickets. New Indians manager Terry Francona saw plenty of him in the AL East.
A.J. Pierzynski
Teams interested: Yankees, Rangers, White Sox
Market value: One or two years, $11 to $20 million
Outlook: Pierznyski has been an ironman behind the plate, ranking among the top three in games players among catchers every year since 2007. He's also coming off his finest offensive season with 27 homers and 77 RBI. Yet, he turns 36 in three weeks. The White Sox can't afford him, the Yankees have the most need, but the Rangers may make the most sense, DHing on days he doesn't catch.
Ichiro Suzuki
Teams interested: Yankees, Phillies, Indians
Market value: One year, $10 to $13 million
Outlook: Suzuki could have made more money by simply staying put in Seattle. Yet, he wanted to win, and proved he's hardly done, hitting .322 with the Yankees. The Yankees need him, and will gladly overpay, but only on a one-year deal.
PITCHERS
Anibal Sanchez
Teams interested: Tigers, Rangers, Angels, Red Sox, Orioles, Dodgers
Market value: Five years, $82.5 million.
Outlook: A deal of more than $80 million for a 48-51 career pitcher may seem preposterous, but with so many big-budget teams pursuing him, Sanchez is about to cash in and at least double his 2012 salary of $8 million.
Kyle Lohse
Teams interested: Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Brewers, Orioles.
Market value: Four years, $60 million.
Outlook: Lohse finally found consistency over the last two years, after remaking himself into a groundball pitcher with outstanding command. Those skills age well, so he could well land a four-year contract even at 34.
Rafael Soriano
Teams interested: Tigers, Red Sox, Angels, Blue Jays.
Market value: One year, $15 million.
Outlook: There aren't many teams willing to throw big money in multiyear deals to closers, but some that may feel they're just one player away from a championship – say, the Tigers – could make it worth his while to go for a one-year contract.
Ryan Dempster
Teams interested: Red Sox, Brewers, Cubs,
Market value: Three years, $32 million.
Outlook: Dempster will be 36 in May and is looking to land a three-year contract, with suitors more interested in two years. Given the dearth of available quality starters, he figures to get his wish.
Edwin Jackson
Teams interested: Padres, Angels, Red Sox, Tigers
Market value: Three years, $40 million
Outlook: Jackson's live arm draws more interest than his results, which tend to be inconsistent at best. But he's only 29 and has averaged 203 innings pitched over the last four years, an appealing combination.