MLB Free Agency

The 2014 MLB free-agent class is the best of the last decade. But where does its strength lie? Is it in the pitching department? The outfield? Catching? 

Does it have depth, star power or both? Will the supply and demand of the market force some teams to move quicker at certain positions than in others? 

On the path to a World Series title, the Boston Red Sox showed the ability to hit in the biggest moments on the October stage. If their free-agency blueprint stays on course, a deep, clutch lineup will soon be even more dangerous.

With the free-agent market pretty thin on top-flight pitchers, the biggest potential move involving a hurler this offseason might end up being a trade. Knowing they probably can't afford to re-sign David Price when he hits free agency after the 2015 season, the Rays are reportedly considering dealing the 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner.

While Price may be the most coveted pitcher on the move this Hot Stove season, there's still some intriguing arms that can be had the old fashioned way: with cold, hard cash (and maybe a draft pick).

By signing catcher Brayan Pena to a two-year deal—as reported by Mark Sheldon of MLB.com—the Cincinnati Reds have dropped a not-so-subtle hint that All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman is moving into their 2014 starting rotation.

For Washington Nationals fans, the MLB offseason is the time to dream. 

Nats fans can dream about the season that could have been or the season that is yet to come. Or perhaps they can dream about the free agents who will help the team next season. 

Of course, some potential free-agent signings are just that: a dream. A mirage. A figment of the imagination. 

For a team that finished with 91 losses like the Seattle Mariners, the offseason is exceptionally crucial. The roster is full of an interesting but not necessarily intriguing or promising mix of youth and experience, and it was ineffective last season.

Martin Perez is just the latest.

On Thursday, the Texas Rangers gave the 22-year-old left-hander—who has all of 26 starts in the majors—a contract extension worth $12.5 million over the next four years, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Now that the Cardinals have had about a week to recover from their Game 6 World Series loss, they have firmly turned their attention to the 2014 squad.

So far we know that Trevor Rosenthal will be the closer to start next season and Carlos Martinez will get a shot as a starter.

You may be ready for the offseason, but there will be several moves that will catch you and every other baseball fan by surprise between now and the next few months.

Major League Baseball's free-agent period is open for business, signaling the unofficial start of the hot stove, yearly banter about the ridiculous nature of long-term contracts and, as always, a premium placed upon high-end starting pitching.