MLB

The winter spending spree for Major League Baseball teams has begun earlier than expected, but the top free agent on the market, Robinson Cano, remains in limbo.

Seattle Mariners trade rumors have been abundant so far this offseason, but the club has yet to pull any triggers.

Though the Indians found success in 2013, they have some weaknesses they'll have to address before they're ready to take the next step in 2014.

The club managed a 92-70 record in 2013. However, with the impending losses of Scott Kazmir and Ubaldo Jimenez, combined with the disappointment of players like Lonnie Chisenhall, needs have arisen at third base and also in the starting rotation.

When one part of a team has struggled for years, it's expected that the general manager would go out and try to upgrade that area.

Surprisingly, San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean has different ideas.

While the preeminent free agents of the MLB offseason remain unsigned, the deals we've seen so far—almost all for complementary-type players—should still likely affect the market at their respective positions. Here's a look at how those markets are shaping up.

Starting pitchers

There have been a few notable free-agent signings so far this offseason, but most of the big names are still available out there on the market.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the Winter Meetings scheduled for Dec. 9-12, the MLB rumor mill that is already in full swing will only heat up in the days and weeks ahead.

Sifting through the daily batch of rumors can be overwhelming, and more often than not, they wind up being nothing more than rumor, but there are inevitably some truths sprinkled in as well.

The Kansas City Royals addressed one of their needs when they signed innings-eater Jason Vargas.  Three of the five rotation spots were solidified with the signing, but what would the team do to fill the back-end of the rotation?

The New York Yankees are in the market for a third baseman this offseason as a result of Alex Rodriguez's potential suspension, but the market at the hot corner continues to get thinner and thinner with each passing day.

MLB teams are not messing around this offseason.

Before the rest of us can cut Thanksgiving short to save some dough for a flat-screen TV, many baseball squads have already purchased expensive gifts for their fans. General managers have not yet gathered for the annual winter meetings, but they're already busy hammering home deals before the holidays.