Ideal landing spots for the top remaining MLB free agents

Cashner looked good early last season in Baltimore, going 9-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 17 starts before he was traded to Boston. The move to Boston was a nightmare, with an ERA above 6.00, but Cashner's comfort with the O's was apparent. He would give a team some much-needed innings as he tries to get back on track at age 33.

Castellanos went on a tear after getting traded to the Cubs last year, hitting .321-16-36 with a 1.002 OPS in only 51 games. He's obviously comfortable at Wrigley Field and would give the team a big bat it needs, especially if the rumors of a Kris Bryant trade come through. Of course, Chicago's apparent hesitance to spend money this offseason is a major obstacle.

Houston has already re-signed Martin Maldonado, but he's hardly a viable starting catcher at this point. Chirinos did an excellent job for the Astros last year, hitting .238-17-58 with improved defense. Entering his age 36 season, Chirinos isn't a great long-term option but should have another good year as a starter remaining.

As Texas opens its new ballpark, the Rangers have already spent big this offseason with additions like Corey Kluber, Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles. The offense still needs a boost, and Donaldson can certainly provide it. The Rangers fell short in their attempt to sign Anthony Rendon, but Donaldson is a nice consolation after rebounding from a calf injury to hit 37 home runs last year.

Dozier has fallen out of favor late in each of the last two seasons, but he still has something left, as shown by his .771 OPS last year. While his defense has slipped in his early 30s, Dozier can still be a nice addition for a needy team like the Red Sox. Signing him would allow the team to move Michael Chavis to first base full time and use new acquisition Jose Peraza in a utility role. Perhaps the Green Monster would also help Dozier's home run total.

The expansion to 26-man rosters comes at a good time for Dyson, who struggled as a regular in Arizona last season. At age 35, his offensive game has slipped recently, but Dyson still runs well (30 steals last season) and grades as a plus-plus defender. The Yankees are lacking outfield depth entering the year, at least until Aaron Hicks returns from Tommy John surgery. Dyson would be a solid pinch runner and defensive replacement for a team that seemingly has everything else covered.

Flores is coming off an excellent season in Arizona, when he hit .317-9-37 with a career-high .848 OPS in 285 plate appearances. As usual, most of the damage was against lefties (.982 OPS), showing once again his ability as a strong platoon player. Tampa Bay has a need for a right-handed-hitting second baseman to platoon with young Brandon Lowe, who hit just .242 with 2/36 BB/K in 68 plate appearances against southpaws last season.

The Phillies non-tendered Maikel Franco this offseason, and at the moment have Scott Kingery penciled as a regular, likely at third base. He proved capable of playing almost anywhere on the field last season and could arguably add more value in that utility role again this year. A Northeastern native, Frazier rebounded to post a .772 OPS with 21 home runs in 499 plate appearances with the Mets last year and would also give the team another veteran voice.

Oakland traded Jurickson Profar early in the offseason, and at the moment the A's have an intriguing second base competition brewing among youngsters Franklin Barreto, Sheldon Neuse and Chad Pinder. Adding Gennett to the mix would be the type of low-risk, high-upside move that the A's live for. He's coming off an absolutely terrible year but was an elite offensive player in 2017 and 2018 with the Reds and is still just entering his age 30 season.

It was rumored that Gordon would be choosing between the Royals and retirement when his contract expired this offseason. There's been no movement, at least publicly, to this point, but Gordon showed he had something left at age 35 last season by posting a .741 OPS and also winning his third consecutive Gold Glove. If Gordon does opt to return, remaining with the Royals seems likely.

Hirano struggled in his second MLB season last year, but his peripherals (10.4 K/9, 3.7 BB/9) were far better than the final result of a 4.75 ERA. The former Japanese League closer could likely be had for a discount, and the Marlins desperately need bullpen help, including at the end of games.

It wasn't a surprise to see Cleveland move on from Kipnis after he struggled over the last three seasons. Still, he had a .756 OPS against right-handed pitching last season and remains average defensively. A Chicago native, Kipnis would give the Cubs a power-hitting second base option and a fallback option should Nico Hoerner fail to produce.

The Phillies bullpen was decimated by injuries last season, and they're still suffering the after-effects heading into 2020. Adding another good bullpen arm should be high on their list, and Kintzler has proved to be reliable during his career. He finished last year with a 2.68 ERA in 62 appearances with the Cubs and is a nice fit for the Phils' improved defense as a groundball pitcher.

Mercer had an injury-plagued 2019 season in Detroit but was able to hit in the 74 games he did play, producing a .747 OPS. He's never been a great option as a regular, but he can hit lefties and is capable of playing multiple positions. The Royals could really use competition and insurance for Nicky Lopez at second base, as he struggled during his rookie campaign.

The Twins have yet to replace C.J. Cron at first base. They could add a third baseman and shift Miguel Sano to first base or simply add one of the available first basemen. Moreland is arguably the top first baseman remaining, hitting .252-19-58 with an .835 OPS in an injury-plagued 2019 season for Boston. He's still a solid defender and usually a reliable offensive option against right-handers.

Ozuna remains in search of a multiyear contract after posting an .800 OPS with 29 home runs in 130 games for the Cardinals last year. It wasn't long ago that he received MVP consideration (2017), and Ozuna is still just entering his age 29 season. After trading Nomar Mazara and Delino DeShields, the Rangers could potentially sign Ozuna and shift Joey Gallo to first base.

Pence revitalized his career in Texas last year after reworking his swing, hitting .297-18-59 in 83 games. He's still had problems staying on the field recently but has proved he has something left. San Francisco still has one of the weakest outfields in the game, and moving the fences in this year at Oracle Park could make moving back to the Bay Area an even more attractive option for Pence.

Arizona remains in the market for a center fielder, which would allow the D-backs to move budding star Ketel Marte back to second base. Pillar's range has slipped, but the outfielder can still track down the ball in center field; he hit .259-21-88 with 14 stolen bases between Toronto and San Francisco last season. He can do a bit of everything offensively and would be a solid fit for the Diamondbacks.

Puig struggled to hit home runs after getting traded to Cleveland at the deadline last year, but that shouldn't discourage the Indians from re-upping with him. Overall, he's been one of the most consistent power hitters in the game over the last three years, averaging 25 home runs, and would give Cleveland another dynamic player as it tries to make a playoff run with its talented core.

Russell is a controversial player after getting suspended for domestic violence issues, and that's probably why the market has run dry for the elite infield defender. It would still be a surprise if he didn't get an opportunity, just entering his age 26 season, and Baltimore certainly has opportunities available. He could improve the team at almost any infield position despite his offensive struggles last season.

Santana was on track for a big power season in 2019 with Seattle before suffering an injury in August. He still hit 21 home runs in 121 games despite a pitcher-friendly home ballpark. While he fits best in a DH role, Santana's big power offsets some of his offensive blemishes. Camden Yards would be a dream locale for his power, and the Orioles could trade Santana for young assets in July if things work out.

Milwaukee moved on from Thames despite the infielder hitting 25 home runs with an .851 OPS in 459 plate appearances last season. The muscular first baseman could still find a team in need, like the Tigers, who have first base open after getting rid of Brandon Dixon. Pairing with Miguel Cabrera, Thames could provide powerful excitement and perhaps become trade bait later in the season.

Smyly has really struggled to overcome elbow issues, but he started to get back on track late last season in Philadelphia. He posted a 4.45 ERA and impressive 9.8 K/9 in 12 starts after getting released by Texas. The lefty's history of success and ability to miss bats make him a great flier for a pitching-needy team like the Royals, and Smyly should find roomy Kauffman Stadium equally attractive.

Walker struggled to get healthy following Tommy John surgery, making only one appearance last year. It was a surprise that Arizona non-tendered him, and it could be an ominous sign with the risk-reward profile. Still, Walker is a former top prospect who has been effective when healthy, and returning to Seattle could be a nice fit. The Mariners need pitching and could cash in Walker in a trade if he works out.

The Cardinals offseason has been mostly quiet, with the team seemingly having limited funds after giving big money to Paul Goldschmidt, Matt Carpenter, and Miles Mikolas last year. Another rotation option would make the team more comfortable heading into 2020, and there isn't one available in free agency with more upside than Wood. He missed most of last year with a back injury, but the lefty has a career 3.40 ERA in over 839 innings.

Zimmerman has spent 15 seasons in Washington after his college career at Virginia, but the Nats have yet to bring back the oft-injured veteran. If he doesn't return, moving to an AL squad with the DH is the most likely option. Seattle is set to start rookie Evan White at first base and Daniel Vogelbach at DH in 2020, but neither player is proven. Zimmerman would give the Mariners nice insurance if he wants to continue his career at age 35.