Rankings/List

Little to nothing is guaranteed in Major League Baseball. That includes player production, and especially when you are counting on it for an extended block of time.

That is why signing free agents to huge deals for hundreds of millions of dollars—or even tens of millions—is such a risky and unpredictable proposition for all 30 front offices. The long-term mega contracts always have a realistic chance of busting. It’s the nature of people; it’s the nature of the baseball business.

The early stages of the MLB offseason are generally filled with speculation as to where the top free agents might sign and rumors as to which players are expected to be available on the trade market.

This offseason has been no exception, and as we close in on the winter meetings and some legitimate action on both fronts, the influx of rumors should only increase.

With that in mind, what follows is a look at each team's best trade asset for the offseason.

In every MLB offseason, the usual suspects dominate the headlines with splashy acquisitions. 

Yet, there always seems to be that one organization that is more aggressive than usual each winter. Over the next few slides, we'll take a look at a few sleeper teams poised to make a splash this offseason. 

Teams may feel the need to have an uncharacteristically active offseason for a variety of reasons. 

Historically, the real fun of the MLB offseason doesn't begin until the winter meetings.

Unfortunately, that gathering of baseball's top minds and decision-makers doesn't convene until Dec. 6 in Nashville, Tennessee. As we sit around waiting, there's no harm in taking a look at 10 impact moves that make so much sense that they should have already been made.

Every MLB teams has a best-case scenario on how their offseason could play out in terms of what specific players they add to address their various areas of need.

However, with 29 other teams vying for the services of the same crop of free agents, things don't always go according to plan, and teams are often forced to move on to Plan B or Plan C to address a particular need.

So with that in mind, what follows is a look at the best fallback options at each position in this year's free-agent class.

Without a doubt, Major League Baseball teams hand their players the most ridiculous contracts—in money and length—in all of North American professional sports. 

It is a reason to scoff at cynics who claim baseball is a dying sport, but it is also ammunition for heated debates about just how bad some deals might be, in terms of dollars, duration or both. There are plenty to choose from thanks to owners and front offices willing to pay players greatly for past production while crossing their fingers for some of that production to happen in the future.

Although the easiest way for teams to improve their rosters is through free agency, organizations are getting creative with trades to upgrade for 2016 this winter. By trading, teams are able to stay away from long-term deals that can cripple franchises.

But that doesn't mean that working with another team is always the best idea. Over the next few slides, we'll take a look at a handful of offseason trade targets that teams might want to steer clear of. 

This just hasn't been an awards season to remember for Zack Greinke.

After losing out for the National League Cy Young, the right-handed ace was snubbed for the Best Starting Pitcher honor in the inaugural edition of the 2015 Esurance MLB Awards.

It may only be the second week of the MLB offseason, but there are plenty of intriguing storylines already developing among baseball circles. Over the next few slides, we'll take a look at the hottest questions that have developed over the course of November. 

There's always plenty to talk about with regards to an MLB offseason. Where will prized free agents land? What trends are developing on the trade market? Which teams are being aggressive, and which ones are in sell mode? 

Every winter there are steals to be had in the free-agent market, and this year is no exception. Whether it’s veteran arms or position players in line for a solid bounce-back year, smart executives do well to explore all options.

Some underrated players, such as pitchers Rich Hill and James Russell, have already been signed. Others, with exceptions, can be plucked from the international market at a bargain price.