MLB Free Agency 2013: Top 50 Players Available in Next Year's Monster Crop

For all of the talk about the free agents in 2012, the 2013 MLB free agent class is even more talented. In 2013, a number of big name players will be come free agents.

The 2013 MLB free agent class will be one of the deepest free agent classes in MLB history. Big names such as Delmon Young and James Loney are not even close to the top of the class.

Multiple players may get $100 million deals during the 2013 offseason. A number of top players might not actually make it to free agency that year because teams may pick up their options.

The following players are the top 50 members of the 2013 MLB free agent class.

50. Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee may not be the hitter that he once was but he is still a very good major league player. He retains his 20+ home run power.

Shockingly, "El Caballo" is ranked 50th on this list despite the fact that he had 3.2 WAR during the 2011 season. This shows how deep the 2013 free agent class is.

49. Jeremy Guthrie

During his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie has had a number of good seasons. However, this has never been reflected in his record because of the team's poor performance.

Guthrie will be valuable on the free agent market because he has a career 4.19 ERA. However, with so many pitchers available in 2013, Guthrie may need to wait to see what happens with the market before he can sign.

48. Mark Reynolds

The Baltimore Orioles hold an $11 million team option for Mark Reynolds following the 2012 season. Reynolds is a big power bat, but he does have issues getting on base.

If Reynolds is able to maintain his power stroke, then it will be a tough call for the Orioles after the 2012 season. Reynolds could be one of the biggest home run threats on the market in 2013.

47. Torii Hunter

As he has gotten older, Torii Hunter's speed and his defensive abilities have declined a bit. He has maintained his ability to hit.

Hunter still has the ability to hit 20 home runs in a season while hitting for a high average. Because of his age in 2013, some teams may be wary of signing Hunter, but whoever takes the risk on him will be rewarded.

46. Russell Martin

The Los Angeles Dodgers gave up on Russell Martin following the 2010 season. The New York Yankees picked him up and reaped the benefits of the move.

Martin had one of the best seasons of his career and was selected for the American League All-Star Team. Good hitting catchers are hard to come by, and Martin will be very popular when he becomes a free agent.

45. Brett Myers

Brett Myers has a vesting option for the 2013 season, which is based on his performance in 2012. However, Myers might not want his option to vest because it will mean that he would need to spend another year in Houston.

Myers will be hurt if he remains in Houston for all of the 2012 season because of the young team surrounding him. He is a good pitcher, but without the support behind him, it could cost him a few million dollars in the offseason.

44. Daisuke Matsuzaka

Daisuke Matsuzaka's value will depend largely on what he is able to do when he returns from Tommy John surgery next season. He will have just a few months to re-establish himself.

Matsuzaka has been inconsistent during his time with the Boston Red Sox. Teams will likely be intrigued by Matsuzaka because of his talent, but it is likely that no one will be willing to give him a large deal.

43. Kyle Lohse

Despite all of the accusations that Kyle Lohse is overpaid, he is actually a good pitcher when he is able to stay on the mound. Lohse will likely regress a little bit over the next season.

He will be 34 years old going into the 2013 season. Lohse will still have some value once he hits the market, but he will be in the bottom of the second tier or at the top of the third tier of available starters.

42. Fausto Carmona

Fausto Carmona is one of the biggest enigmas in baseball. When he is on, he is outstanding, but when things are not going right for him, he is absolutely miserable on the mound. He has had two outstanding years as well as a few poor ones.

Carmona may not actually be a free agent in 2013. The Cleveland Indians have options for him for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons. However, if Carmona has another poor year, his options likely will not be picked up.

41. Ichiro Suzuki

For 10 consecutive years, Ichiro Suzuki was a pillar of consistency. He managed to hit over .300 and collect at least 200 hits during his first ten season in the majors.

2011 was the first season where Ichiro showed signs of declining. He collected only 184 hits and batted just .272, which is 59 points behind his career average heading into the year. Ichiro did managed to steal 40 bases this year.

Suzuki will be 39 years old following the 2012 season, but he should still be able to stick around as a team's third outfielder.

40. Jorge De La Rosa

Jorge De La Rosa will have an interesting decision to make after he returns from Tommy John surgery next season. He has an $11 million player option, which he will certainly pick up if he is not lights out once he gets back from the injury.

If De La Rosa does hit the free agent market, it will mean that he pitched very well in his return to the majors. A few teams will be lining up to overpay for his services.

39. Joe Saunders

Joe Saunders will be one of many pitchers available on the free agent market in 2013. He has been successful over the past few seasons, and if he pitches well in 2012, he will be able to sign a lucrative deal.

Saunders has benefited from moving to the National League and pitching in the NL West. He was one of the reasons why the Diamondbacks reached the playoffs in 2011.

38. Melky Cabrera

Melky Cabrera has seemingly found a home with the Kansas City Royals. He had the best season of his career with the team in 2011, when he hit 18 home runs, stole 20 bases and hit for a .305 batting average.

Each of these tallies were career highs and if Cabrera is able to keep up this level of production or improve on it in 2012, he will be very popular during the 2013 offseason. He is turning into the player scouts originally thought that he could be.

37. Carlos Quentin

After hitting 36 home runs in 2008, Carlos Quentin has failed to reach 30. However, he still remains a viable power threat. One of the things holding him back is that he does not hit for a high average.

Quentin is a two-time All-Star selection, and he will be right in the middle of the prime of his career when he hits the free agent market in 2013.

36. Erick Aybar

Erick Aybar has gotten better and better over the years. By the time he becomes a free agent in 2013, Aybar should be in the middle of his prime.

Aybar will be one of the best shortstops available on the market. If he keeps things up, Aybar could be in for a big payday.

35. Anibal Sanchez

Anibal Sanchez burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old rookie in 2006. The following year, he needed surgery for a torn labrum. It took him a few years, but in 2010, Sanchez returned back to the form he had shown when he first reached the majors. 

Sanchez has been very consistent throughout his time in the majors and has a career ERA of 3.76, as well as a K/BB rate that is above two. He has also developed into a very good strikeout pitcher.

34. Joakim Soria

Throughout the course of his career, Joakim Soria has been one of the top closers in the American League. Teams have always asked about him at the trade deadline, and the Kansas City Royals have never seen a reason to give him up.

At the moment, Soria is only a 2013 free agent in name. The Royals have a fairly affordable eight million dollar option on Soria that they will likely pick up.

33. Jose Valverde

Teams that are looking for closers will be in luck following the 2012 season. The 2013 MLB free agent class includes Jose Valverde, the game's best closer in 2011.

Valverde is a dominant arm that can close out games. Teams will be lining up to throw money at him for his services.

32. James Loney

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been able to get very steady production out of James Loney for the past few years. He is consistent both with the bat and in the field.

While Loney may not have the power stroke of many other first baseman, he is still a very solid player. A number of teams will have interested in him when he becomes a free agent.

31. Jonathan Sanchez

One of the reasons that the San Francisco Giants failed to make the playoffs in 2011 was because of Jonathan Sanchez's struggles. He is a player that appeared to turn the corner the previous year, but he was not able to repeat his success.

Sanchez is a good power pitcher, but he is also very frustrating to watch pitch. If he can keep his walks under control, then teams will be very interested in signing him following the 2012 season.

30. Gavin Floyd

Gavin Floyd is another player whose inclusion in the 2013 free agent class depends on what his team is going to do. The Chicago White Sox hold a nine and a half million dollar option on Floyd.

While Floyd has not blossomed into the start that people were expecting him to be after his breakout 2008 season, he has still been a very good pitcher. A number of teams would be willing to sign him to be their No. 3 starter.

29. Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera is undisputed the best closer in the history of baseball, and he will be a free agent in 2013.

However, that does not mean that Rivera is going anywhere. His legacy is with the New York Yankees. Rivera will likely either pitch for the Yankees or retire.

28. Francisco Lirano

Francisco Liriano has both amazed and frustrated Minnesota Twins fans for years. He has so much talent, but he is not always able to harness it.

There is no better example of this than when he threw a no hitter but walked six batters in the game. If Liriano puts together a good 2012 season, he will be very popular the following offseason.

27. Colby Lewis

First it was Cliff Lee. Then it was C.J. Wilson. And following the 2012 season, Colby Lewis will be the third straight key Texas Rangers starter to hit free agency.

While Lewis is quite the same caliber of pitcher as the other two, he is still going to be amongst the best starters on the market. Since his stint in Japan, Lewis has shown that he is a solid major league pitcher.

26. Lance Berkman

It seemed as if Lance Berkman's career was quickly coming to an end after the 2010 season. He signed a deal with the St. Louis Cardinals and he had an impressive resurgence.

The Cardinals were so impressed with him that they signed him to a one-year extension. Berkman will have to prove that his 2011 season was not a fluke if he will be in line for one last big contract.

25. Shaun Marcum

Shaun Marcum was on his way to becoming an outstanding pitcher when he found out that he would need Tommy John surgery and miss the 2009 season.

Marcum returned in 2010, and it was like he never missed a step. He picked up right where he left off and continued to confuse hitters. Marcum will be an interesting player to watch in the 2013 free agent market.

24. Delmon Young

Delmon Young has had his fair share of issues throughout his career, but when he has managed to stay on the field, he is a very good baseball player. He showed what he can do during the 2010 season, when he hit 21 home runs and drove in 112 runners.

Young will be just that, young, when he hits free agency following the 2012 season. He will be 27 years old and will be beginning the prime of his career after he is signed.

23. Ervin Santana

It speaks a lot to the depth of the 2013 MLB free agent class that Ervin Santana will be the 25th best player available on the market. However, he will not be a member of this class if the Angels pick up his $13 million option for 2013.

While Santana may have a career 4.22 ERA, that comes mostly as a product of when he struggled during his early years. Santana has been getting better and better and is one of the best pitchers in the AL West.

22. Tim Hudson

Since 2006, Tim Hudson has been an important piece of the Atlanta Braves starting rotation. After the 2012 season, that might not be the case anymore. Hudson will become a free agent if the Braves don't exercise his nine million dollar option.

This is a very unlikely scenario, and Hudson will almost definitely remain with the Braves. Until that option is picked up, he remains a member of the stacked 2013 MLB free agent class.

21. John Danks

Surprisingly, John Danks has a career record that is two games under .500. This is hard to believe when in just five seasons in the majors, he has had three years in which his ERA was under 3.80.

Danks will be just 27 years old when he joins the 2013 free agent class. While he will not be the best pitcher in the class, he may get one of the biggest deals because of his combination of youth and talent.

20. Michael Bourn

Michael Bourn is easily the fastest player that will be a member of the 2013 MLB free agent class. He has the ability to swipe 60 bags in a season.

Bourn will be 29 years old when he becomes a free agent. The one problem with speed guys is that teams are hesitant to give them long deals because if their legs don't last then they are much less valuable.

19. Howie Kendrick

Howie Kendrick is likely one of the most underrated second basemen in the game of baseball. This could come as a result of the alleged East Coast media bias. Kendrick was finally able to garner some respect this year, as he was selected for the All-Star Game.

Many teams will be chasing after Kendrick during the 2013 offseason. He is a career .292 hitter who has both power and speed. Kendrick can also play three positions, which increases his value even more.

18. Brandon Phillips

The Cincinnati Reds will be exercising Brandon Phillips' option for the 2012 season, so he will become a member of the 2013 free agent class.

Phillips has been able to produce consistently during his time with the Reds. He will be 31 years old during the 2012 offseason, so he should be able to sign a four or five year deal.

17. Mike Napoli

It was always known that Mike Napoli could hit for power. However, it was not known that he would be one of the best big bats in the American League during the 2011 season.

Napoli hit 30 home runs in just 369 at-bats. As if that was not impressive enough, he also batted .320. If Napoli can repeat this level of production in 2012, he will be able to get a massive contract the following offseason.

16. B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton will be amongst the youngest players in the 2013 free agent class, and the amount of attention that he will draw from teams will be staggering.

Upton is a threat to put together a few 20/20, if not 30/30, seasons over the course of his next contract. He will be a star outfielder for whatever teams signs him.

15. Andre Ethier

In just six major league seasons, Andre Ethier has won a Silver Slugger Award and been selected to play in two All-Star Games. He also could become one of many players in the 2013 free agent class to sign to a mega deal.

Ethier's sweet stroke has made him one of the more feared hitters in the NL West. While his power numbers have dropped a little, a good 2012 season will make teams think that his struggles in 2011 were a fluke.

14. Shane Victorino

The "Flyin' Hawaiian" will be one of the members of the 2013 free agent class. Shane Victorino will be a hot commodity because of the fact that he can contribute in so many different ways.

Victorino has 20 home run power. He can also lace out 15 triples in a year. Victorino can steal 30 bases. In addition to all of this, Victorino can hit around .280. As if that wasn't enough, he is also a three-time Gold Glove winning center fielder.

13. Stephen Drew

There will be many teams around the major leagues that are hoping that Stephen Drew becomes a member of the 2013 MLB free agent class. However, that may not happen since the Arizona Diamondbacks can choose to exercise his $10 million team option.

If Drew does become a free agent, he will be the best shortstop available on the market. The competition for him will be fierce.

12. James Shields

James Shields is the first top flight pitcher on this list. He has the potential to be an ace. However, Shields may not reach free agency until 2015 because the Tampa Bay Rays have a number of team friendly options.

Shields was lights out in 2011 and posted a 2.82 ERA. He was selected to his first All-Star Game after his impressive first half.

11. David Wright

If David Wright remains a member of the New York Mets, the team will have the right to exercise his 2013 option. There has been talk about the Mets trading Wright, and if he is moved, he will be a free agent after the 2012 season.

Wright is a two-time Gold Glove winner and a two-time Silver Slugger award winner. He has also be selected to five All-Star Games. The decision to change the dimensions at Citi Field could help David Wright find his power stroke and put him in a position to sign a $100 million deal.

10. Dan Haren

The Los Angeles Angels have the opportunity to pick up a $15.5 million option on Dan Haren for the 2013 season. There is a very high possibility that they take advantage of this.

Haren was one of the best pitchers in the American League and in all of baseball during the 2011 season. His career 3.59 ERA and 1.17 WHIP will be very appealing to teams looking for an ace.

9. Zack Greinke

When a player that is just four years removed from a Cy Young Award is only the 10th best player in a free agent class, it is clear that the class must be really deep. Zack Greinke has kept up his success during the following seasons.

Greinke could be one of many pitchers in the 2013 free agent class that signs for at least $100 million. A number of big market teams will be interested in him.

8. Matt Cain

Matt Cain has teamed with Tim Lincecum to create one of the best one-two punches in baseball. It is becoming clear that Cain is ready to take his turn as a No. 1.

He will get that opportunity after he becomes a free agent following the 2013 offseason. Teams will be lining up to make Cain their ace. He should be rewarded for his past success with a deal that is in excess of $100 million.

7. Kevin Youkilis

Kevin Youkilis has spent his whole career as a member of the Boston Red Sox. He has performed well enough to finish in the top 10 of the MVP voting twice and helped lead the Red Sox to a World Series title.

The "Greek God of Walks" has demonstrated his the ability to hit for both power and average during his career. Youkilis also is an great defender at both first and third base.

6. Brian McCann

There are very few catchers in the majors that can match Brian McCann's level of offensive production. The Atlanta Braves hold a $12 million option on McCann for the 2013 season.

McCann's solid play has earned him four Silver Slugger awards. He has also been selected to the All-Star Game for six consecutive years.

5. Ian Kinsler

Ian Kinsler will be the best second baseman available if the Texas Rangers do not pick up his 2013 option. This is a very unlikely scenario, as Kinsler has been one of the best second basemen in baseball.

Kinsler has already had two 30/30 seasons, and he is good defensively at second base. Almost every team in baseball will be interested in Kinsler when he becomes a free agent.

4. Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson absolutely exploded offensively during the 2011 season. He led the American League in RBI and finished second in home runs with 41. In addition to this, Granderson also swiped 25 bases.

Opposing pitchers fear Granderson when he steps up to the plate. The one thing that is holding him back on this list is his strikeout issues. The Yankees have a $13 million dollar on Granderson that will increase to $15 million (because of his inevitable top 5 MVP finish), and they will almost certainly pick it up.

3. Cole Hamels

The Phillies' reign of dominance in the NL East could end following the 2012 season. Philadelphia could lose one of their aces, Cole Hamels, to another team once he reaches free agency.

Hamels will be the second best pitcher in the 2013 free agent class. He is a top-of-the-rotation starter, and he should expect to get at least $100 million when he becomes a free agent.

2. Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton has only been able to play one full season in his career, so it is scary to imagine what he would be able to do if he could stay on the field for that long. In fact, when Hamilton won his MVP Award in 2009, he only played 133 games.

Hamilton is an elite hitter whose level of production can only be matched by a few players in the game. He will be yet another player in the 2013 free agent class who will get a massive deal.

1. Matt Kemp

Matt Kemp just missed out on the NL Triple Crown during the 2011 season. He led the league in home runs and RBI but finished third in batting average. It was by far Kemp's best season in the majors.

Kemp will be just 28 years old when he becomes a free agent after the 2012 season. Every team will be going after Kemp because he has the ability to transform a lineup. In the monster 2013 free agent class, Matt Kemp is the crown jewel.