Josh Hamilton and 40 MLB Players Who May Change Teams Before 2013

The Texas Rangers will have their hands full next offseason with Ian Kinsler set to make a large sum of money and Josh Hamilton in need of a lucrative deal.

Despite some issues with his health in recent seasons, Hamilton is still one of the most dominant offensive players in the league with production that is hard to replace, but the team may still be forced to part ways with him.

He's not alone however, as next offseason promises to be another strong offseason market with a number of veterans and young stars possibly changing scenery.

Here are a few players who could find themselves moving before the 2013 season rolls around.

Andre Ethier

After a dominant 2009 season in which he hit 39 home runs en route to a sixth-place MVP finish and Silver Slugger award, Andre Ethier saw a slight decline over the past two seasons, playing in fewer games with slightly less inflated slugging numbers.

He'll have a lot to prove in 2012, and if he remains healthy he should produce enough to warrant a large enough deal from another franchise.

Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano's tenure with the Minnesota Twins has certainly been one filled with ups and downs. He's shown the ability to be a very effective strikeout pitcher, but his inconsistent production has raised some concerns.

With free agency looming, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Twins ship Liriano out of Target Field rather than work out a long-term deal.

Jhonny Peralta

Since coming over to the Detroit Tigers from the Cleveland Indians in 2010, Jhonny Peralta has seen his average jump more than 20 points to .286 with relatively consistent offensive production throughout.

The Tigers made a big splash recently in signing slugger Prince Fielder to a $214 million contract, indicating that they're not afraid to spend money. Even with that in mind, they may not see it worth the money to retain Peralta for 2013.

A.J. Pierzynski

Entering the final year of a two-year, $8 million contract with the Chicago White Sox, A.J. Pierzynski has enjoyed his time with the Sox, batting .279 while making one All-Star appearance and catching at least 120 games each season.

At 35 years old, he may only have a couple good years left, and may want to step in as a role player on a team that has a shot at a championship.

Torii Hunter

The Los Angeles Angels went on a spending spree this offseason, making two huge acquisitions by signing C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols to long-term deals.

They won't have much flexibility in spending next offseason, meaning Torii Hunter will more than likely be on his way out the door unless he's willing to take a significant pay cut.

Erick Aybar

Erick Aybar has emerged in Los Angeles as a rising infield star in this league, with good range and solid offensive numbers.

In his final year of arbitration, Aybar could earn himself a big payday in 2013 and increase depth on an infield in need of some help.

Stephen Drew

After seeing his 2011 season cut to just 86 games, Stephen Drew will no doubt come out with something to prove in 2012.

He'll have added incentive as he enters free agency in 2013, and as a Scott Boras client will no doubt be on the market. He may still be retained by the Diamondbacks if they can manage to make the numbers work, but it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him in a different city next year.

Brandon McCarthy

With a breakout season in 2011, Brandon McCarthy posted his first sub-4.00 ERA and won a career-high nine games in 25 starts.

Assuming he builds on his progress in 2012, McCarthy will be one of many starters looking to cash in next offseason.

Fausto Carmona

Fausto Carmona appeared to be headed in the direction of some of the best young pitchers in the league, as he won 13 games and posted an ERA of 3.77 in 2010 with the Cleveland Indians.

He has team options for 2013 and 2014, but if he continues to struggle on and off the field moving forward (7-15, 5.25 ERA in 2011), the team may cut ties instead of kicking in the options.

Gavin Floyd

During parts of this offseason it almost seemed like a forgone conclusion that the White Sox were working their way towards trading ace John Danks to a contending team.

The opposite ended up happening, as the team signed Danks to an extension, ensuring that he'll be in the rotation for years to come.

With that move, Gavin Floyd seems to be a possible odd-man out, either as a trade piece this season or in free agency next offseason.

Shane Victorino

Spending virtually all of his career in a Phillies uniform, Shane Victorino has been a constant part of the lineup, never playing less than 130 games in a season.

With speed on the basepaths and good defensive aptitude, the Phillies may not let him walk—but if they did go in a different direction, his versatility and leadership could go a long way in many other cities.

Joakim Soria

Averaging 36 saves per season the last four years as the Kansas City Royals closer, Joakim Soria will likely continue to shut the door on AL Central opponents in 2012. However, with late-inning options always in demand in this league, he'll likely be offered more than the Royals can possibly offer in free agency.

Ichiro Suzuki

Having not known any other team in Major League Baseball, it's hard to imagine Ichiro Suzuki playing in any uniform other than the Seattle Mariners.

His 2011 season showed a slight decline from his past seasons in Seattle, but he's still a great outfielder, remains a threat in the batter's box and should continue to produce, even if it's not in a Mariners uniform.

Jeremy Guthrie

Having spent virtually his entire career with the Baltimore Orioles, Jeremy Guthrie has had his share of both successes and struggles.

He's led the league in losses a couple times in the past few years, but Guthrie could still represent a realistic option for some teams' rotations moving forward.

David Wright

New York Mets third baseman David Wright would no doubt be one of the best free-agent targets next offseason should the team decide not to pick up his 2013 option.

If they don't opt to extend his contract, the Atlanta Braves may give serious consideration to make a play on Wright as a potential replacement for Chipper Jones.

Kelly Johnson

With at least 20 home runs in each of the past two seasons and a .284 batting average in 2010, Kelly Johnson may be one of the best second basemen heading into free agency next offseason.

Playing on a one-year, $6.38 million deal this season, the 29-year-old will certainly be out to prove his value to teams in need of infield help.

Delmon Young

After fizzling out as a former top pick of the Tampa Bay Rays, Delmon Young seems to have found some life in this league.

His performance in last year's postseason will likely help him out heading into 2012, and with 2013 being his first year as a true free agent, a good showing this season could help him find a good payday.

Nick Swisher

After a superb 2010 season in which he batted .288 and drove in 89 RBI while going deep 29 times, Swisher regressed a bit in 2011, seeing his average and OPS drop a bit.

He's been a consistent offensive producer since he's been in the league however, and if the Yankees can't offer him the money it takes to stay, someone certainly will bring him in.

Lance Berkman

After going deep 31 times in 2011 and leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series championship, the team was quick to make sure Lance Berkman wasn't going anywhere else in 2012.

The Cardinals may think longer term and once again bring Berkman back for 2013, but with Carlos Beltran now in town, he may find himself playing for a new team.

Anibal Sanchez

Anibal Sanchez hasn't posted an ERA above 4.00 since 2008, and in 2010 saw a career-high 13 wins come his way.

With 2012 as his last year under the Marlins' control, Sanchez could cash in on the open market with another strong season.

Cole Hamels

With a number of great options set to enter free agency, 28-year-old Cole Hamels could be a good fit in a number of rotations on teams in need of help.

The lefty posted a career-low 2.79 ERA en route to a 14-win campaign.

Zack Greinke

The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the top (if not the top) starting rotations in all of baseball as it stands heading into 2012.

With the likelihood of Cole Hamels departing after 2012 however, the Phillies could reload their rotation with another big-name pitcher like Zack Greinke, who is still young and could come at a lower price tag than Hamels.

Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee is entering the final year of a $100 million deal with the Houston Astros in 2012, and while he certainly won't command the same salary when he hits free agency, he could still be a valuable pickup for a team in need of a veteran bat.

Yadier Molina

The Miami Marlins have shown that they're willing to spend big money, so there's no reason to think they wouldn't consider landing the biggest catcher expected to hit the open market in 2013.

Yadier Molina's .274 career average, .797 OPS and four Gold Gloves certainly represent an upgrade over the Marlins' current catcher, Jon Buck, who has batted at a .241 clip in eight seasons.

Marlon Byrd

The Washington Nationals have been looking to upgrade their outfield and were at one time linked to Denard Span of the Minnesota Twins to fill the role in center field.

Span may be falling off their radar due to the ongoing concussion concerns, but Marlon Byrd could be a formidable option next offseason, as the team clearly has interest given their past inquiry on Byrd.

James Shields

A number of great starting pitchers should be available next offseason, and strong consideration should be given to James Shields, who led the league with 11 complete games in 2011 en route to a 16-win season and a sub-3.00 ERA.

Carlos Quentin

The San Diego Padres brought Carlos Quentin onto their roster in hopes that he'll be able to help out their offensive woes in 2012.

It could be a short stay with the Padres if he gets off on the right foot in 2012. Heading into free agency for the first time after this season, he'll certainly be looking to cash in after putting out for solid offensive campaigns.

Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche took a bit of a step backwards in 2011, playing in less than 50 games, while batting only .172, nearly 100 points below his career average.

With the possibility of the Nationals not picking up his 2013 option, LaRoche could be looking for a new home next offseason.

Jake Peavy

Things haven't gone at all to plan, as a number of injuries have derailed Peavy's stay in Chicago to the tune of a 17-13 record and a 4.49 ERA, nearly 1.5 runs higher than it was when he was in San Diego.

Should the White Sox decline to pick up his 2013 option, Peavy could turn to a new rotation as he looks to regain his earlier form.

Michael Bourn

Speedy outfielder Michael Bourn has led the league in stolen bases a few times already during his young career, twice swiping more than 60 bags.

With a couple of Gold Gloves and a solid batting average to his name, the Scott Boras client will surely test the market next offseason.

Melky Cabrera

Playing for his fourth team in as many years, Melky Cabrera heads to San Francisco in hopes of building on a 2011 season that saw him reach career highs in home runs, RBI, batting average and OPS.

Another season like that will certainly make him one of the more attractive outfield options available next offseason.

Placido Polanco

Currently in his second stint with the Philadelphia Phillies, Placido Polanco has been a consistent player for the team, batting .293 in six seasons.

A versatile option in the infield, Polanco will appeal to a number of teams next offseason if the 2013 option with the Phillies isn't exercised.

Brandon Phillips

Spending the majority of his career in Cincinnati, Brandon Phillips has won three Gold Gloves in the past four seasons with the Reds, making two All-Star appearances in the process.

After a career-high .300 batting average in 2011, Phillips could add some value to his next contract with a stellar 2012 season, possibly putting himself out of the Reds' range.

Grady Sizemore

After playing only 104 games over the past two seasons, Grady Sizemore sets his sights on proving something with the Indians in 2012.

The .269 career hitter has shown plenty of offensive power during his career, but hasn't shown much since 2008 when he went deep 33 times.

Ángel Pagán

Angel Pagan heads into spring training this year hoping to rebound from a 2011 season that saw reduced time on the field, and a less impressive stat line than his first years in a Mets uniform.

With a number of seasoned veteran outfielders set to enter free agency, Pagan will be on the younger end of options available.

Scott Rolen

Playing in only 65 games this past season, Scott Rolen struggled offensively, batting his lowest average since 2005 and seeing his power averages drop along with it.

With the possibility of the Cincinnati Reds going in a different direction at third base, the soon-to-be 37-year-old Rolen could be looking for a new home next offseason.

James Loney

Since making the move to the majors in 2006, James Loney has only once batted below .281, when he went .267 in 2010 (though he still notched 157 hits and drove in 88 runs).

His consistency should once again show itself in 2012, after which Loney will become a sought-after target on the free-agent market.

Matt Cain

Fairly quiet in this offseason's free-agent market, the Boston Red Sox may very well be setting themselves up for a move in the very deep 2013 free-agent market.

With top pitching always a hot commodity in this league, Matt Cain will no doubt be a highly sought-after free agent next offseason and could fit in well with Boston's rotation.

Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion is one of many Toronto Blue Jays contributing to the team's ascent towards the top of the tough AL East.

He's only played over 100 games four times during his career, that has spanned both the Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds, but he'll certainly be in line for a raise from the two-year, $6 million deal he's playing with right now.

B.J. Upton

B.J. Upton will likely be one of the top free-agent outfielders in next year's market, possibly putting him out of reach for some teams in needs of an outfielder—but a player with his talent is also hard to pass up.

Teams like the Cleveland Indians may step in and make an investment on a player like Upton, who can fill a void while making an immediate impact.