MLB

One of the biggest things that came out of the 2013 World Series for the Boston Red Sox was the arrival of Xander Bogaerts.

With every at-bat and play in the field, Bogaerts showed all of the characteristics that people had been projecting for him during his minor league days.

Every MLB team is faced with a number of tough decisions each offseason, as whether or not to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade or big free-agent signing can sometimes influence the entire future outlook of the franchise.

This offseason is no different, and with a relatively weak crop of free agents, there could be more activity on the trade market than usual.

Great pitching ultimately prevails in the MLB postseason, but qualifying for October baseball in the first place requires a formidable offense.

Five teams in particular ought to be busy this winter pursuing established hitters through trades and free agency as they aspire to remain relevant in 2014. 

MLB free agency is a couple of weeks old, but we're still waiting for the big fish to be reeled in by new suitors.

The offseason action so far has featured a few low-profile signings, but the dominoes have yet to fall when it comes to the top players available. For now, the hot stove is heating up heading into the winter meetings on Dec. 9-12 as teams communicate and get a feel for the market.

Let's take a look at 15 of the top targets available, with a focus on their best-case and worst-case scenarios.

If you love prospects, then it doesn’t get any better than the Arizona Fall League.

With six teams comprised of baseball’s top prospects from all 30 organizations, the AFL provides an opportunity to witness the future of the game on one field.

Back in March, Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association discussed creating an annual international amateur draft, possibly as early as 2014, and set a June 1 deadline to reach an agreement on its framework.

Baseball isn't played on spreadsheets, but to an extent, it can be evaluated on them.

Free agency is just one aspect in which knowing the numbers can be a way for teams to make better decisions and even find the occasional value signing.

If the Arizona Diamondbacks are serious about changing their fortunes this offseason, they should consider trading either Martin Prado or Aaron Hill.

It's looking increasingly likely that Jeff Samardzija won't stick around through the Chicago Cubs' rebuilding, as Chicago Now's Tom Loxas has added the Pittsburgh Pirates to his list of suitors.

The Japanese posting system is flawed, but that doesn't mean the New York Yankees are to blame.

At the general managers and owners meeting in Orlando, Fla., Pittsburgh Pirates CEO Frank Coonelly pointed out a giant loophole in the current MLB system for signing Japanese stars like Masahiro Tanaka.