MLB

As the 2014 year begins, we are just a couple months from the start of spring training. There is still a good deal to be done this offseason, but team rosters have already started to take shape for the upcoming season.

Every team enters the year with different expectations, looking to accomplish different things on an individual player and team level. Obviously, the ultimate goal for everyone is to win the World Series, but that is not necessarily the only goal—or even a realistic goal—for each team.

The lifestyle of an MLB player seems like a blast, right?

Yes, unless you're an impending free agent, highly touted young player, oft-injured veteran or something in between. Then there's pressure.

That's what all professional athletes sign up for. Along with copious amounts of money and fame, you're burdened with responsibilities to your teammates, fans and front-office executives.

The following 25 guys are either justifying an existing contract or proving themselves worthy of a new one while eyeing the 2014 World Series.

Sandy Alderson has retooled the New York Mets’ outfield for the 2014 season with the acquisitions of Curtis Granderson and Chris Young. These look to be improvements from 2013, but he’ll have to once again revisit that part of the roster next winter.

The Los Angeles Dodgers system took a hit last season with the graduation of top prospect Yasiel Puig to the major leagues. However, the organization had a slew of other promising young players step up in his place.

The New York Yankees were decimated by injuries this year, though it did allow them to set a new franchise record by using 56 different players.

Things went just as poorly for the Yankees' top prospects down on the farm. Two of the organization’s more promising young arms, Manny Banuelos and Ty Hensley, didn’t throw a pitch and missed the entire year with respective injuries.

The San Francisco Giants won the 2012 World Series, their second title in three years. Expectations were very high as they entered the 2013 season, but a myriad of injuries and a few mediocre performances by key players derailed their hopes.

The Giants finished the 2013 season with a disappointing 76-86 record, a distant third behind the NL West-winning Los Angeles Dodgers.

The New York Yankees' whirlwind 2013 may not have culminated with a playoff berth, but that's not to say there weren't some unforgettable moments for the Bronx Bombers during the season.

While there have been plenty of MLB trade rumors this offseason involving top prospects Archie Bradley and Taijuan Walker, there's just one big problem: Neither pitcher is actually available.

The Texas Rangers have made a number of transactions this offseason, with moves affecting players on the roster both positively and negatively. In addition to players being affected by these moves, the organization as a whole will also be seeing positive and negative effects of some of their decisions this offseason.

As I said in my previous piece, it's seeming more and more as though the place for the Texas Rangers to find the final quality starter they need is the trade market rather than free agency.