Aces Max Scherzer and James Shields are still available.
Aces Max Scherzer and James Shields are still available. (USATSI)

SAN DIEGO -- The 2014 Winter Meetings are essentially a wrap and we've already covered what we saw happen. What about what is left to happen this offseason? Let's take a look.

Aces available

Jon Lester's gone, but Max Scherzer and James Shields are not. Among teams that could afford a big-ticket acquistion that either lost out on Lester or could swoop in, the Yankees, Dodgers, Giants and Red Sox come to mind. But what if it's someone else? Mystery team time! Scroll down to the Nationals for more ...

Giant holes

The Giants lost out on Lester and reportedly had the highest bid. They could use rotation depth, a new third baseman and an upgrade in left field and didn't get much done here in San Diego. Most of the mid-rotation options at starting pitcher are gone, too. Would they go big for Scherzer or Shields? If not, going back to Jake Peavy and Ryan Vogelsong doesn't seem to exciting. What if they don't land Chase Headley at third base? Would Asdrubal Cabrera work? Do they have enough for Justin Upton in left field? If not, will they buy low on someone like Allen Craig or Shane Victorino?

There are tons of questions for the champs heading into next season. Fortunately their three rings can keep them company.

Quiet Yankees

Lots of money was thrown around at the Winter Meetings and the Yankees did none of it. They saw Brandon McCarthy and other mid-rotation arms fly off the board. Headley is still available and could be brought back, though.

And until Scherzer actually signs elsewhere, I'll continue to believe he's going to end up in pinstripes. They have too many questions in their rotation -- namely with health -- and too much money coming off two straight seasons without having made the playoffs to sit this one out for too much longer.

Mariners, Royals still looking for bat -- Got Melky?

Both the Mariners and Royals have added some thump this offseason (the Mariners moreso) but could use some more. They are also both reportedly in on free agent Melky Cabrera. Maybe the loser here trickles down to the likes of Colby Rasmus and Alex Rios, but these teams are definitely worth watching, with one getting to Game 7 of the World Series and the other missing the playoffs by just one game last season. A bat like Cabrera could be a real difference-maker and so few of those are available in free agency.

Of course, don't count out the Mariners dealing for Justin Upton eventually, if the Braves finally get to the point where they stop insisting on the Uptons being a package deal in order to shed the albatross Bossman Junior contract.

Marlins looking for first baseman

They lost out on Adam LaRoche and have been connected to Justin Morneau in trade rumors -- though I'm not sure the Rockies were even here this week (kidding!). If that doesn't work out, would they go to the Red Sox and inquire about Allen Craig in a buy-low situation?

Braves still shopping

As mentioned above, the Braves would deal Justin Upton but have reportedly been insisting he come with B.J. Upton as well. I can't see that happening, so they may have to adjust their stance. They are also listening to offers on Evan Gattis and could include Chris Johnson in deals as they look to quickly rebuild.

Phillies selling

Jimmy Rollins and Antonio Bastardo are already gone. Chase Utley could be worth something if he decides to follow Rollins' lead and waive his no-trade clause. Ryan Howard is probably untradeable, but he's certainly available. Marlon Byrd is on the block and they might even trade Domonic Brown.

And, of course, there's Cole Hamels. Thus far, reports have indicated that GM Ruben Amaro Jr. would have to be bowled over -- manager Ryne Sandberg even said so -- but the Dodgers have stockpiled lots of prospects and saved some money along the way. That could be a match. If they decide to sell some of their youngsters, the Red Sox work, too.

Reds selling?

The Reds dealt both Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon, so is that a clear signal they are having a firesale or were they just shedding payroll to add a left fielder and bullpen help? Preliminary indications are that it's the latter, but what if someone gives them multiple top prospects for Johnny Cueto? It seems difficult they'll be able to retain him after next season and right now, they could well be the worst team in the NL Central. This is an intriguing team moving forward this offseason.

Nationals listening

Ian Desmond is one year away from free agency and there were some rumors of him being shipped to Seattle for younger and cost-controlled shortstop Brad Miller. At the very least, this says the Nationals will listen to offers for him.

Of course, there's also Jordan Zimmermann. Some reports have indicated no progress has been made on an extension (he's a free agent after next season). Some say they have started to talk. Given that he was the best pitcher on the best team in the NL in the regular season, he would obviously be a huge name on the free agency market next year, along with David Price as the top dogs.

One rumor that just won't die: The Nationals trade Zimmermann and sign Scherzer. It's hard to tell if there's truth to it or if it's just a fun rumor that makes some sense, but it's interesting.

Red Sox, Dodgers, A's, Cubs done? 

The Red Sox added three starting pitchers, but none are aces and the Red Sox have a ton of money. They also have a glut of corner outfielders who can be traded. So are they done? Probably not.

The Dodgers can't be done shuffling. It feels like they've only just begun reshaping their roster and the same could be said for the A's. The difference is the Dodgers can spend big, so they'll be connected to Scherzer, Shields and Hamels in rumors until those guys are moved. The A's will continue to find cheap pieces to add and round out their roster. Don't be surprised if more established players are traded, too.

As for the Cubs, they have a good-framing catcher and added the top-tier starter and mid-level starter they said they would this offseason. But there are Upton rumors out there now as many suggest the timetable to compete has accelerated after landing Lester. The thought process is that Lester's prime doesn't line up with the primes of the hot-shot young prospects and it's true, but that doesn't necessarily mean they'll start shipping out prospects for one year of Upton, either. They have been connected to Jonny Gomes in a part-time, veteran leadership type role. That feels more likely.

Still, you never know. Maybe the Cubs continue to be aggressive. It's a new day in Wrigley.