THE IDEAL LANDING SPOTS FOR MLB REMAINING FREE AGENTS

The MLB offseason continues to proceed slowly, with pitchers and catchers reporting in about one month. Here's a look at the ideal landing spots for the remaining top MLB free agents. I start with the team that I cover the Pittsburgh Pirates.

MARWIN GONZALEZ: PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Gonzalez's versatility is extremely attractive for most teams, though it sounds like he's banking on teams paying for his 2017 stats more than his 2018. If the price drops, Pittsburgh is a possible fit. The Pirates have potential playing time available in the middle infield as well as the outfield until Gregory Polanco returns from shoulder surgery. Gonzalez's pop would also be welcomed on a Pirates team with limited power.

CLAY BUCHHOLZ: CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Buchholz rebounded last season from years of injuries, only to suffer another elbow issue that ended his season. If healthy, there should still be a market for his services, and the White Sox training staff has built a strong reputation over the years. Chicago could use at least one more starter after acquiring Ivan Nova.

ASDRUBAL CABRERA: DETROIT TIGERS

If Cabrera wants a starting job, he's running out of possible suitors. The power-hitting infielder doesn't have the defensive range that he did several years ago, so a move to second base full time is a likely scenario. The Tigers continue their rebuild but have plenty of at-bats available at that spot in 2019.

MATT DAVIDSON: TAMPA BAY RAYS

It's rumored that Davidson will try his hand as a two-way player in 2019, adding possible value to his free agency. The Rays like to have as much versatility as possible and are also lacking power on their current roster. This is a perfect fit that has already been reported several  media outlets.

EVAN GATTIS: DETROIT TIGERS

Gattis hasn't signed yet, which is a problem for a player who is limited defensively. There aren't many DH opportunities remaining in the AL, but one is in Detroit. Gattis could replace the retired Victor Martinez and also get a bit of work at catcher, where the Tigers could use more depth.

CARLOS GONZALEZ: CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Colorado came to the rescue with a one-year deal for Gonzalez last spring, but that seems less likely this year. The longtime Rockies outfielder is probably a better fit as a fourth outfielder after his offensive production declined over the last two years, but he's a solid potential placeholder for the White Sox top outfield prospects.

GIO GONZALEZ: CINCINNATI REDS

Gonzalez has started to show some of the mileage on his left arm with a declining strikeout rate over the last two seasons, though he did likely boost his value with a nice run at the end of 2018 with Milwaukee. The lefty has rarely had issues keeping the ball in the park, so a destination like Cincinnati could be a nice fit for team and player despite the hitter-friendly dimensions in Cincy.

BRYCE HARPER: PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Philadelphia's only big signing so far this offseason was Andrew McCutchen, but it sounds like the Phillies have plenty more money to spend. Harper remains the big-ticket item available, and there is a spot left for him if Philadelphia wants to replace Nick Williams in right field. Several media Outlets have reported that the Phillies are front-runners for Harper.

JOSH HARRISON: MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Milwaukee remains in the market for second base help, and Harrison is an obvious fit. The former Pirate had a subpar 2018, so the price could be right. Also, he adds speed to a lineup that is lacking in that area.

JEREMY HELLICKSON: OAKLAND A'S

Oakland brought back Mike Fiers, but it should still be in the market for more pitching after losing Trevor Cahill and, potentially, other arms. Hellickson quietly had a 3.45 ERA in 19 starts with Washington last season and has the elite control that the A's value highly.

JOSE IGLESIAS: BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Baltimore not only lacks major league talent, but also their farm system is relatively thin. They have Jonathan Villar to play one of their two middle infield spots but need another player after trading Jonathan Schoop last season. Iglesias could add elite defense for a team that desperately needs it, and he could become a trade chip later in the season.

ADAM JONES: CLEVELAND INDIANS

Cleveland is still the favorite to win the AL Central again, but its outfield could use some help. After losing Michael Brantley, the team has plenty of room in that area for improvement, and Jones is looking to rehab his value after a subpar 2018 season in Baltimore.

DALLAS KEUCHEL: TEXAS RANGERS

Keuchel is an excellent fit for any team in a hitter's park given his extreme ground-ball rate, and that includes Texas. While the Rangers are in rebuild mode, Keuchel is looking for a multiyear contract, so the team could be ready to compete by the end of such a deal.

CRAIG KIMBREL: LOS ANGELES ANGELS

Kimbrel is looking for elite closer money, but it doesn't sound like the Red Sox are inclined to bring him back at that price. There are several other teams that could use a top-flight closer, including the Angels, even after the recent signing of Cody Allen. The team may have Mike Trout for only two more seasons, so its window is closing.

MANNY MACHADO: CHICAGO WHITE SOX

The White Sox have reported interest in Machado and a spot to fill at third base. Machado would be going back to a hitter's park after spending the second half of last season at Dodger Stadium, and he could add punch to an organization that has several elite prospects on the horizon.

NICK MARKAKIS: SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Markakis is coming off one of the best seasons of his career and likely waiting for a team to pay that price. It's unclear if he will get a long-term contract at age 35, but there are several needy teams — like the Giants. San Francisco has been quiet this offseason, but its only outfield position set in stone is center with Steven Duggar. Markakis has the potential to be a major upgrade for the rebuilding Giants.

WADE MILEY: OAKLAND A'S

Miley had an injury-plagued but terrific season for Milwaukee last year, finishing with a 2.57 ERA in 16 starts. There's reason to be skeptical based on his track record, but the lefty should still have a market for a team in need of arms. The A's certainly fit that description.

MIKE MOUSTAKAS: TEXAS RANGERS

Texas is still without a clear starting third baseman following the retirement of Adrian Beltre. Moustakas remains the most attractive third baseman on the board, with a total of 56 home runs over the last two seasons. He's a solid fit for the Rangers.

BUD NORRIS: ATLANTA BRAVES

Atlanta has set out to sign an elite closer this offseason, so it's likely still in the market to bring back Craig Kimbrel. If the Braves fail in that pursuit, Norris is experienced in the role and gives them another fallback behind Arodys Vizcaino and A.J. Minter.

A.J. POLLOCK: ATLANTA BRAVES

Atlanta still has to replace Nick Markakis in right field. Pollock is a risk due to his history of injuries, but he's also a toolsy offensive player with two 20 home run seasons under his belt. After signing Josh Donaldson, Pollock could be the last piece of an outstanding Braves offense.

SERGIO ROMO: COLORADO ROCKIES

Romo did a nice job as Tampa Bay's closer, though it seems unlikely to find another closing job after finishing with an ERA above 4.00. The sidearmer remains a good fit for the Rockies, where his motion and heavy slider usage could mitigate some of the effects of Coors Field.

ERVIN SANTANA: OAKLAND A'S

Santana missed nearly all of last season with a finger injury and lost significant velocity when he did pitch. There is major risk that he won't rebound at age 36, but a team like Oakland would probably be willing to take a shot with several rotation spots open.

MATT WIETERS: BALTIMORE ORIOLES

Wieters' play has fallen off both offensively and defensively in recent seasons due to injuries, and he's probably a better fit as a backup catcher at this point. A move back to Baltimore, the organization that drafted him, could be a good situation for Wieters to gain value for the 2020 season. Baltimore continues to develop young catcher Chance Sisco, and he would likely benefit from learning next to a veteran.