MLB Rumors: The Top 50 Players Who Could Be On New Teams Next Year
MLB rumors are starting to heat up about some of the league's biggest stars.
And with the winter meetings just a week away, there is sure to be a lot of wheeling and dealing.
Between the 2011 free-agency class, the one to follow a year later, and the changes to a few managers/front offices (Mets, Cubs, Toronto, Atlanta), the makeup of several teams is likely to change over the next few weeks.
Inside we'll take a look at the top 50 players who could be on their way to new locker rooms next spring.
No. 50: Brandon Webb
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2010 Stats: N/A, (2008) 22-7, 3.30 ERA, 183 strikeouts
Previous Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Chance of Leaving: 90 percent
Best Match: Nationals
Webb has essentially missed the last two years because of his injured throwing shoulder. But at 31 years of age, he is too young to be declared "done."
Returning to that Cy Young form (winner in 2006, runner-up in 2007 and 2008) is going to be virtually impossible. Still, he can provide great experience to a young rotation, and he might be a great mentor for Stephen Strasburg while he rehabs.
As a free agent, he can write his own ticket. The Diamondbacks wanted to bring him back, but it might not be in their best interest to do so.
No. 49: Dennys Reyes
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2010 Stats: 3-1, 3.55 ERA, 59 games
Previous Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Phillies
An available and consistently reliable left-hander out of the bullpen has to be considered by a playoff team.
Reyes put up better numbers back when he was in the American League (with the Twins), but he did an admirable job in two years with the Cardinals.
The Phillies have money to spend, money which they might spend elsewhere. But if they don't make any big-time moves, Reyes and his comparatively small asking price should get some interest.
No. 48: Jason Varitek
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2010 Stats: .232 average, 7 home runs, 16 RBI
Previous Team: Boston Red Sox
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Phillies
Lately it seems like every offseason the Red Sox catcher for the past 14 seasons is not guaranteed a spot on the next year's roster.
But this might be the season where it actually comes true.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia may only have played in 12 games last year, but the consensus is that the 25 year old is ready.
Because the club lost Victor Martinez, Varitek could come back, but that's not a lock. There has been talk about signing free agent Rod Barajas instead of bringing back Varitek.
Depending on what happens with Brian Schneider (and if they are able to bring Jayson Werth back), the Phillies are a good fit.
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No. 47: Jesse Crain
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2010 Stats: 3.04 ERA, 21 holds, 68 innings, 62 strikeouts,
Previous Team: Minnesota Twins
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Red Sox
Sure, clubs don't sell out season tickets or become World Series favorites by signing a middle reliever.
But Crain can be a great help to a club that is in contention and playing in October.
As Peter Gammons said via Twitter, Crain will have plenty of suitors. And in the American League East, his presence out of the bullpen might be a difference maker.
No. 46: Jason Bartlett
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2010 Stats: .254 average, 4 home runs, 47 RBI
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: Padres
The Rays might not be interested in parting with another piece of their AL East division-winning puzzle—they're likely to lose several via free agency, so trading one might not make sense.
But Bartlett can fill a few voids for teams—he is a good defensive shortstop, a leadoff hitter and drove in over 100 combined runs the past two seasons.
The Giants and Cardinals might be the team most interested, but maybe those Yankees will need a new shortstop very soon.
No. 45: Jack Cust
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2010 Stats: .272 average, 13 home runs, 52 RBI
Previous Team: Oakland A's
Chance of Leaving: 40 percent
Best Match: Cubs
Cust's numbers dropped significantly in 2010 and he spent part of the year in the minors. But someone will be interested in what he did in 2007-09.
He was a nice left-handed power hitter those years with 85 collective home runs. And although he strikes out a ton, he is surprisingly adept at drawing walks, averaging 100 during those three seasons.
Postseason clubs will look for his services as an off-the-bench bat, but as a 10-year veteran, he'll ask too much. The Cubs could be the team that overpays for him.
No. 44: Rocco Baldelli
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2010 Stats: N/A (2006) .302 average, 16 home runs, 57 RBI
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: Mariners
Baldelli's sad injury history is well known and the reason why he has not been able to break out the way once thought. But he is only 29 years old.
And if he is healthy, he is worth taking a flier on. A playoff team probably won't be interested in waiting for him to come around, but maybe a club like the Mariners would.
Still, with all of the players probably vacating town, Tampa Bay might hang on to him.
No. 43: Johnny Damon
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2010 Stats: .271 average, eight home runs, 51
Previous Team: Detroit Tigers
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: White Sox
Damon is certainly past his prime and he just turned 37. But with his playoff experience, there are a few clubs out there that would like to bring him on as a mentor and part-time outfielder.
Then again, a few clubs might see some juice left in his bat. The White Sox outfield is far from stacked and they'd like a chance to bring in one of their division rivals' better players.
No. 42: Brad Penny
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2010 Stats: 3-4 3.23 ERA (9 starts)
Previous Team: St. Louis Cardinals
Chance of Leaving: 90 percent
Best Match: Los Angeles Angels
There have been reports that Penny is "re-dedicated" coming into the 2011 season. And the free agent is only 32 years old.
Penny's romantic interests have made more news the last few years than his right arm, but he can still provide someone a back-of-the-rotation arm.
And with his bride a regular on Dancing With The Stars, maybe Los Angeles is the best fit for him.
No. 41: Carlos Pena
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2010 Stats: .158 average, 28 home runs, 84 RBI
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Tigers
Pena's power numbers are great and enticing to suitors. But the .196 average is a major turn-off to free agent shoppers. And he hasn't hit .250 since 2007.
Depending on what happens with Johnny Damon and Magglio Ordonez, the Tigers might be interested in another bat.
Pena has won a Gold Glove so there is a chance that he can move into the first-base spot and Miguel Cabrera can move over to the DH spot.
No. 40: Pat Burrell
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2010 Stats: .252 average, 20 home runs, 64 RBI
Previous Team: San Francisco Giants
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Padres
Burrell didn't really work out in Tampa or with the Giants. And because he did very little in the postseason, it's not like the Giants are dying to have him back.
There is a club a few hundred miles south of San Francisco that could be interested in signing him.
A powerful right-handed bat could help the Padres hit a few more homers: They only hit 132 last year.
With Miguel Tejada and possibly Adrian Gonzalez on their way out, Burrell would fill a pretty big hole in the lineup.
No. 39: Troy Glaus
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2010 Stats: .240 average, 16 home runs, 71 RBI
Previous Team: Atlanta Braves
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Astros
Glaus was really having a good season with the Braves in the first half of 2010. Then injuries again sidetracked his progress. He's 34 now with his best years behind him, but he can fill a power void for plenty of teams.
The Astros were dead last in the majors in home runs, with 108. So if an American League team doesn't have an interest in sticking him at DH, then Houston would be a good fit.
No. 38: Magglio Ordonez
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2010 Stats: .303 average, 12 home runs, 59 RBI
Previous Team: Detroit Tigers
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Royals
Ordonez will turn 37 before next season begins, so his value isn't quite as high as agent Scott Boras has been touting: The fact that four of his last seven seasons have ended with 12 home runs or less also hurts.
But he's still capable of helping out a club. The Royals will spark an ounce of excitement in their fans if they bring in a player like Ordonez, even for a one-year deal.
And if he shows signs of returning to top form by July, they can deal him away for prospects at the deadline.
No. 37: Freddy Garcia
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2010 Stats: 12-6, 4.64, 157 innings pitched
Previous Team: Chicago White Sox
Chance of Leaving: 40 percent
Best Match: Diamondbacks
The White Sox certainly want to bring Garcia back, but it's not a lock. They do have first crack at him, however.
Garcia is 35 and has changed teams four times in the past six years. That's not entirely a great record.
But the last time he was truly healthy, in 2006, he went 17-9.
Someone with a young staff and a few bucks to spend will take a chance on him.
No. 36: Bengie Molina
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2010 Stats: .249 average, five home runs, 36 RBI
Previous Team: Texas Rangers
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: Red Sox
Molina's 2010 offensive stats aren't what make him an attractive player in this year's market.
And although he did have a pretty good season at the plate in 2009 (20 home runs, 85 RBI), and he was outstanding in the 2010 playoffs, it's the impact he can have on a staff that will have teams look at him.
The staffs of both teams he was with in 2010, the Giants and Rangers, were extremely deep and productive. With the talent that the Red Sox have, Molina can be very helpful and mentor Jarrod Saltalamacchia at the same time.
No. 35: Andruw Jones
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2010 Stats: .230 average, 19 home runs, 48 RBI
Previous Team: Chicago White Sox
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Mariners
Jones' skills at the plate, and even in the field, have greatly diminished. And he'll be 34 within the first month of the 2011 season.
But he can still be very productive for some team. The Mariners were dead last in home runs in the majors in 2010. If Jones stays healthy, he should be able to hit two-dozen home runs and drive in close to 100.
And 20 Gold Gloves between him and Ichiro Suzuki would be a pretty special collection of defensive talent.
No. 34: Manny Ramirez
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2010 Stats: .298 average, 9 home runs, 42 RBI
Previous Team: Chicago White Sox
Chance of Leaving: 80 percent
Best Match: A's
He's still Manny Ramirez and plenty of GMs (or maybe their bosses) will remember that when they see the low numbers in season-ticket sales.
Manny still draws a crowd and he will do that for whoever brings him to town in 2011.
At 38, the Athletics cannot expect Ramirez to play 150 games. But he can DH and maybe even collect 30 home runs.
No. 33: Erik Bedard
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2010 Stats: N/A (2009: 5-3, 2.82 ERA, 90 strikeouts, 83 innings)
Previous Team: Seattle Mariners
Chance of Leaving: 70 percent
Best Match: Reds
Bedard missed all of 2010 with his shoulder injuries, and even when he was healthy in 2008 and 2009, he never started more than 15 games. But when he pitched for the Orioles, he was very efficient.
Averaging nearly 11 strikeouts per nine innings is a major line on his resume for when he hits the free agent market. The club declined his option.
The Reds have a fine staff, but they don't have a lefty. Considering how much time he's missed, Bedard isn't going to be terribly expensive, so look for him to be a possible acquisition for Cincinnati.
No. 32: Jim Thome
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2010 Stats: .283 average, 25 home runs, 59 RBI
Previous Team: Minnesota Twins
Chance of Leaving: 40 percent
Best Match: Indians
Thome is in the stretch run of his career—he turned 40 last August. He was very productive in Minnesota and the Twins want him back. But in case he doesn't come to terms with the club, a return to his roots could be in the works.
The Indians have been horrible at the plate the past few seasons and they really don't have many viable power hitters: Travis Hafner has been hurt the past three seasons, so there could be an opening at DH.
Even if it's for one season, Thome would be a nice fit.
No. 31: A.J. Pierzynski
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2010 Stats: .270 average, nine home runs, 56 RBI
Previous Team: Chicago White Sox
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Angels
The White Sox declined to offer Pierzynski arbitration. And although he is something of a modern-day legend on the South Side of Chicago, he seems to be on his way out.
His numbers have actually stayed pretty consistent, despite the age and wear-and-tear.
So there are a few teams out there in the market.
Boston might be a front runner, but the Angels aren't exactly loaded with experience at talent at catcher.
No. 30: Carl Pavano
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2010 Stats: 17-11, 3.75 ERA
Previous Team: Minnesota Twins
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: Rockies
The Twins will want to bring Pavano back, but he isn't a top priority. The inconsistency that he has shown for years is not enough to warrant a long-term deal for the soon-to-be 35-year-old.
The Rockies are going to be making a few diffferent moves this offseason and will take a look at Pavano, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
If we've learned anything in recent years, it's that teams aren't afraid to give Carl Pavano millions of dollars.
No. 29: Adam LaRoche
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2010 Stats: .261 average, 25 home runs, 100 RBI
Previous Team: Arizona Diamondback
Chance of Leaving: 65 percent
Best Match: Padres
With all the potential musical chairs being played at first base in this year's offseason, LaRoche looks more appealing than he would any other year.
Adrian Gonzalez has a very good chance of being dealt soon, so the Padres will have to fill that spot with someone.
A left-handed bat like LaRoche is a nice replacement. He won't produce nearly as well as Gonzalez, but he can play a decent first base.
No. 28: Derrek Lee
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2010 Stats: .260 average, 19 home runs, 80 RBI
Previous Team: Atlanta Braves
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Pirates
Lee has been hurt lately and just had his thumb operated on. Furthermore, his numbers overall in 2010 were not very good.
But just a season earlier, he was still one of the most productive first baseman in the National League. And his skills with the glove should return when he's near 100 percent.
The Pirates continue to wallow in payroll pity, but they need to bring in a relatively big-name free agent to spark some kind of interest in the club this year.
No. 27: Ryan Doumit
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2010 Stats: .251 average, 13 home runs, 45 RBI
Previous Team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Mets
Doumit is a pretty good bat in the Pirates lineup. But that alone isn't enough to thrill the downtrodden Steel-town fans.
If they go out and sign one of the bigger names on the market, such as Derrek Lee, they can afford to move a player like Doumit and get something nice in return.
Doumit has been a pretty good left-handed power bat in the past few seasons, with 35 home runs in the past three seasons.
With the shakeup in Queens, Doumit might be on the move.
No. 26: Miguel Tejada
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2010 Stats: .269 average, 15 home runs, 71 RBI
Previous Team: San Diego Padres
Chance of Leaving: 60 percent
Best Match: Giants
The home run numbers have been cut in half since his MVP-type seasons in Oakland and the one year in Baltimore. But he can still add plenty of extra-base hits: He led the NL in doubles just two years ago.
The Giants may have won the World Series but they are looking for a shortstop. And they could really use a power bat to help begin their attempt at repeating.
The sexy acquisition would obviously be Derek Jeter. But Jeter is still a safe bet to re-sign with the Yankees.
No. 25: Carlos Zambrano
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2010 Stats: 11-6, 3.33 ERA
Previous Team: Chicago Cubs
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Yankees
Zambrano isn't guaranteed to be on his way out of Chicago like many people speculated. For one, he is still under 30 years old. And when he has been on the mound, he has been pretty good.
But the contract makes him almost impossible to move. He is due about $18 million next year and another $40 million the two seasons after that.
That really means there is only one team that would be willing to acquire him: the Yankees.
If they miss out on Cliff Lee (or can unload A.J. Burnett) maybe they'll bring Big Z to town.
No. 24: Melky Cabrera
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2010 Stats: .255 average, four home runs, 42 RBI
Previous Team: Atlanta Braves
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Blue Jays
There are certainly a slew of players out there with better resumes and better talent.
But at 26, he has a great future ahead: a switch-hitting outfielder with speed. And having come up with the Yankees, he has a pretty good pedigree.
The Blue Jays have a very good lineup and a decent corps of young pitchers. The speed Cabrera can contribute would help give them the type of balanced lineup that has a chance of competing the AL East.
No. 23: Carlos Beltran
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2010 Stats: .255 average, seven home runs, 27 RBI
Previous Team: New York Mets
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Angels
Beltran has been so banged up the last two years that it's hard to consider dealing him away. He hasn't had a complete opportunity to live up to his huge contract.
But he's shown that, when healthy, he is still one of the game's most complete players.
The hurdle of his no-trade clause isn't quite as difficult to overcome as it once seemed. So the new regime in Queens will look into dealing him.
A team like the Angels could be interested: Bobby Abreau turns 37 this spring and wasn't that productive in 2010.
No. 22: Adrian Beltre
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2010 Stats: .321 average, 28 home runs, 102 RBI
Previous Team: Boston Red Sox
Chance of Leaving: 90 percent
Best Match: Orioles
Beltre's knack for playing outstanding in his contract year, only to have his numbers dip substantially, is well known: see his runs with the 2004 Dodgers and then the 2005 Mariners.
But he can still hit, leading the AL in doubles in 2010.
The Red Sox won't be persuaded to bring him back, but the Orioles really need to add power to their lineup, so they may have to take a risk.
No. 21: Lance Berkman
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2010 Stats: .248 average, 14 home runs, 58 RBI
Previous Team: New York Yankees
Chance of Leaving: 70 percent
Best Match: Pirates
It's safe to assume that the Yankees only brought Berkman in as one of their late-season-only acquisitions. So he should be on his way out once free agency really heats up.
The Pirates might be looking for a shorter-term name than Derrek Lee. And like Lee, they are plenty familiar with Berkman after all his time in Houston.
As a switch hitter, he has some appeal that can partially outweigh his 35 years of age.
No. 20: Vladamir Guerrero
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2010 Stats: .300 average, 29 home runs, 115 RBI
Previous Team: Texas Rangers
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: Twins
If you look past what happened in the World Series, Guerrero proved he can still hit this season, even if he might be a liability in the field.
Guerrero is a safe bet to re-sign with the Rangers. But they probably won't make a move on him until they figure out what is going to happen with Cliff Lee.
That lets a few more teams into the mix. He probably needs to go to an AL team so that he can DH.
Minnesota may still seem "small market" but the Twins are paying Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau quite a bit of money, and they do have a brand new ballpark. So if they want to go slightly younger than Jim Thome, they can bring in Guerrero.
No. 19: Jose Reyes
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2010 Stats: .282 average, 11 home runs, 54 RBI
Previous Team: New York Mets
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Giants
The Giants are in the market for a shortstop and there are plenty of good options out there. But the best fit might be Reyes. He's got speed and a good glove.
When healthy, he can swipe bases, something that the Giants certainly need: San Francisco was dead last in that category in 2010.
The Mets are not intent on dealing Reyes, especially if they move Carlos Beltran. But they might get more in return for the 27-year-old Reyes than the nearly 34-year-old Beltran.
No. 18: Grady Sizemore
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2010 Stats: .211 average, 0 home runs, 13 RBI
Previous Team: Cleveland Indians
Chance of Leaving: 30 percent
Best Match: Rays
A few years ago, Sizemore would have been considered untouchable in Cleveland. But with his injuries and the collapse of the franchise, he may be now on the blocks.
The Tribe will definitely get less than they would have had he not required season-ending knee surgery early in 2010. But they may not know what he's capable of upon his return and plenty of teams will be interested in this former All-Star.
If the Rays outfield is beset by free agency, Sizemore would be a nice replacement.
No. 17: B.J. Upton
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2010 Stats: .237 average, 18 home runs, 62 RBI
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Marlins
Upton is a good player and has shown plenty of versatility. But, for whatever reason, there is an interest in moving him.
The Marlins are in need of adding another bat, having traded Dan Uggla, but they can probably find a power bat another way. Adding Upton via a trade would bring a relatively big name to an outfield that is sorely lacking one.
No. 16: Justin Upton
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2010 Stats: .273 average, 17 home runs, 69 RBI
Previous Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
Chance of Leaving: 35 percent
Best Match: Mariners
On paper, it doesn't seem to be a smart move for the Diamondbacks to trade away a 23-year-old outfielder and (potential) five-tool player. If they are forced to move him because of some other issues, then they should be able to get something good for him in return.
He's not making much money right now, he isn't up for free agency for several years and he has produced.
The Mariners are going to go out and add someone this offseason to add some more tools to complement their pitching staff. If it's not a veteran like Andruw Jones, Upton is a good choice.
No. 15: Jorge De La Rosa
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2010 Stats: 8-7, 4.22 ERA
Previous Team: Colorado Rockies
Chance of Leaving: 45 percent
Best Match: Pirates
There is a lot of interest in Jorge de la Rosa and several of the playoff contenders will be after him: He was a very effective starter in 2009, winning 16 games and he did post a career-low in ERA in 2010.
But there is a good chance that one of the small-market teams will bring in a guy like De la Rosa for half the year, then deal him away at the break to a desperate contender.
The Pirates staff just lost Zack Duke so they can certainly use Jorge de la Rosa for at least the first half.
No. 14: Rafael Soriano
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2010 Stats: 3-2, 1.73 ERA, 45 saves
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Angels
There is no doubt that Soriano was dominant in 2010. He led the league in saves and allowed just 12 earned runs.
And the Angels could certainly use that type of AL closer. But there has to be some trepidation with a one-shot wonder like Soriano.
Still, he definitely could turn out to be one of the game's best. He's only 31.
No. 13: Carlos Lee
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2010 Stats: .246 average, 24 home runs, 89 RBI
Previous Team: Houston Astros
Chance of Leaving: 40 percent
Best Match: Nationals
Lee could be on the move depending on what the front office wants to do. Are they rebuilding or do they think there is a possible run in this team?
They could get a few good prospects in return for a guy like Lee, who has consistently hit 30 home runs and driven in 100. The average dropped over 50 points in 2010, but maybe another change in scenery would benefit him.
The Nationals will be lacking a big bat if Adam Dunn leaves via free agency, so adding Lee is a wise move.
No. 12: Paul Konerko
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2010 Stats: .312 average, 39 home runs, 111 RBI
Previous Team: Chicago White Sox
Chance of Leaving: 40 percent
Best Match: Rangers
Again, the fluidity at first base this offseason will have a serious impact across the league. And Konerko could be the one who gets things started.
Although he had a fantastic season in 2010, he will turn 35 next year so that could bring his price down.
The Rangers might have a lot of money left over this offseason if they don't end up paying Cliff Lee, and adding Konerko's production to a lineup with Michael Young and Josh Hamilton could get the club back to the World Series, even without Lee.
No. 11: Prince Fielder
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2010 Stats: .261 average, 32 home runs, 83 RBI
Previous Team: Milwaukee Brewers
Chance of Leaving: 35 percent
Best Match: White Sox
The Brewers GM has already stated that the club has no intention of dealing Fielder. Take that for what it's worth.
But the club should at least consider moving him. If the White Sox don't want to give Konerko a long-term deal, then they are going to be without a first baseman. Fielder would be a great, long-term replacement for him.
The White Sox have plenty of pieces to deal to Milwaukee so a move is certainly possible.
No. 10: Chad Billingsly
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2010 Stats: 12-11, 3.57 ERA, 171 strikeouts
Previous Team: Los Angeles Dodgers
Chance of Leaving: 25 percent
Best Match: Rangers
The Dodgers don't want to part with Billingsley. But they do have options now if they want to enhance their lineup.
Between Clayton Kershaw and having locked up Ted Lilly, Hiroki Kuroda, and now Jon Garland, they could acquire a bat for Billingsley. The Dodgers' power numbers last season were second worst in the NL.
If the Rangers lose Cliff Lee, they might supplement their staff with a reliable arm like Billingsley, in exchange for a power-bat. That should be a win-win for both clubs.
No. 9: Adam Dunn
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2010 Stats: .260 average, 38 home runs, 103 RBI
Previous Team: Washington Nationals
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Cubs
It seems like a perfect match, although the Nationals have offered him arbitration.
Dunn has shown an interest in the Cubs, and with departure of Derrek Lee, the Cubs certainly need a big bat.
He's not going to contribute much more than strikeouts, walks, and home runs, but maybe that's enough excitement in Wrigley.
No. 8: Zack Grienke
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2010 Stats: 10-14, 4.17 ERA
Previous Team: Kansas City Royals
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Rangers
There is starting to be a consensus that Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young winner, will be dealt. There also seems to be a consensus that, because of his social anxieties, he won't be going to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles or any of the other major markets.
The Rangers could benefit tremendously from that. Who knows if they will in deed lose Cliff Lee, but bringing in Greinke doesn't seem to lead to much of a step-down.
He's younger and, although he did not pitch very well in 2010, he has proven he has the stuff to be dominant.
No. 7: Jonathan Papelbon
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2010 Stats: 5-7, 3.90 ERA, 37 saves
Previous Team: Boston Red Sox
Chance of Leaving: 50 percent
Best Match: Twins
The Red Sox don't have to trade away their closer, but he is a free agent in 2012 and he is reportedly searching for $11.5 million in arbitration.
That might be too tall of an order for a team already spending near $200 million per year in salary.
And if it is, there are plenty of teams out there who would be happy to pay that for a 30-year-old closer.
No. 6: Mariano Rivera
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2010 Stats: 3-3, 1.80 ERA
Previous Team: New York Yankees
Chance of Leaving: 30 percent
Best Match: Rays
There's no telling what is going to happen with the Yankees and their aging legends/free agents. There is also no telling how much longer Rivera wants to play or how much longer he can be top notch.
But if the Yanks don't give him what he wants, there will be plenty of teams out there that will be interested in signing a future Hall of Famer.
And if the Rays do end up losing Rafael Soriano, they can certainly get away with signing Rivera as a backup plan.
No. 5: Jayson Werth
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2010 Stats: .296 average, 27 home runs, 85 RBI
Previous Team: Philadelphia Phillies
Chance of Leaving: 65 percent
Best Match: Red Sox
Werth might be the most complete player out there in the free-agency market, which means he can ask for a great deal in the open market.
The only thing working against him is his age: He will be 32 in May of next year. That won't be enough to keep teams from offering him a big deal that stretches three or four years.
The Red Sox might be looking to dump salary in other spots so they can bring in Werth. That might be the move that gets the Sox back to the postseason.
No. 4: Carl Crawford
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2010 Stats: .307 batting average, 19 home runs, 90 RBI, 47 stolen bases, Gold Glove
Previous Team: Tampa Bay Rays
Chance of Leaving: 75 percent
Best Match: Yankees
Derek Jeter and his agent don't want to hear it, but the Yankees will spend big-time dollars this offseason. They may just not be willing to spend it on a 36-year-old, 16-year veteran.
Crawford is 29 and probably the greatest player in Rays history.
As a free agent, he can choose his new team. And it's a safe bet he will.
No. 3: Derek Jeter
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2010 Stats: .270 average, 10 home runs, 67 RBI
Previous Team: New York Yankees
Chance of Leaving: 15 percent
Best Match: Giants
It's still pretty hard to imagine that the Yankee Captain would wear the jersey of any other team.
But the two sides seem farther apart then ever. Jeter, or at least his agent, didn't particularly care for the three-year, $45-million contract. The Yankees didn't quite care for the counter: six years, $150 million.
The longer this goes on, the more likely it seems Jeter would go elsewhere.
No. 2: Adrian Gonzalez
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2010 Stats: .298 average, 31 home runs, 101 RBI
Previous Team: San Diego Padres
Chance of Leaving: 35 percent
Best Match: Red Sox
Any team would like to have Gonzalez hold down first base for the next seven years.
But there are a few problems with his departure from southern California.
For one, there is his right labrum, which required surgery. He'll heal, but he still has an immediate damaged-goods feel.
Then there is whether or not the Padres even want to deal him. He's hinted that he'd like to leave, and he does become an unrestricted free agent in 2012. But the Pads were so close to winning the NL West.
If they think they can do so this year, then they will hang on to him.
No. 1: Cliff Lee
50 of 50
2010 Stats: 3.18 ERA, 12-9, 185 strikeouts
Previous Team: Texas Rangers
Chance of Leaving: 45 percent
Best Match: Yankees
The Rangers have to remain the front runner to re-sign the ace lefty who helped them reach their first ever World Series.
But any team that can afford Lee is interested in the former Cy Young winner: Philadelphia, Anaheim, Toronto, Washington, and, of course, the Yankees.
Lee is the best pitcher on the open market and will make an average rotation good, a good rotation great, and a rotation like the Yankees or Phillies historic.
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