MLB Free Agency

Despite the fact that spring training grows ever closer, there are still a number of viable free-agent options on the market and they will find homes one way or another in the weeks ahead.

Kyle Lohse and Michael Bourn continue to dominate the headlines, as they are by far the top two available players, but that is not to say that there an not some solid veterans and potential key contributors still unsigned.

Signing an oft-injured pitcher to a slightly over-priced, incentive-laden deal?

The Orioles have made it a side-business over the past few years, inking such pitchers as Justin Duchscherer, Dana Eveland, Randy Wolf, Josh Rupe and Jeremy Accardo.

This MLB offseason has been like no other—that might be a stretch, but it’s still been extremely interesting to say the least.

A handful of general managers and front offices have picked apart their rosters and put their teams back at least five years.

What an offseason it's been for the Seattle Mariners and their fans.

From being in hot pursuit of superstar free agent Josh Hamilton to contemplating a potential signing of leadoff man Michael Bourn, the Mariners have looked to make moves all offseason.

Eventually GM Jack Zduriencik was able to bring in a few bats via trade in Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse.

On Jan. 18, arbitration-eligible players had until 1:00 p.m. EST to exchange salary figures with their respective ballclubs.

Many players avoided arbitration by coming to an agreement on the days prior.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, teams can sign players for any amount before salary figures are exchanged. However, after 1:00 p.m. EST, clubs can only negotiate between the two salary figures presented by both sides.

Friday was a big day for Major League Baseball, as players and teams tried to agree to deals in order to avoid arbitration.

Some big names agreed to terms with their respective teams, making hometown fans ecstatic in the process.

First of all, we'll start with the defending-champion San Francisco Giants. 

Veteran left-hander Joe Saunders is increasingly becoming the source of opposing viewpoints among Baltimore Orioles fans. 

Saunders, 31, was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks in August 2012 in exchange for reliever Matt Lindstrom.

The Washington Nationals made news today having signed the best free agent pitcher on the market: Rafael Soriano.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports was the first to report (via Twitter) that the Nationals had reached an agreement with Soriano for two years and $28 million.

The Washington Nationals have bolstered their bullpen by signing former all-star relief pitcher Rafael Soriano, 33, to a two-year, $28 million contract that includes a vesting option for a third season.

The market for Rafael Soriano was a very slow one this winter.

After opting out of his contract to become a free agent again, teams weren't jumping at the chance to lock up the closer, despite a strong 2012 campaign.