MLB Free Agents 2013: The Top 15 Pitchers on the Market Next Winter

The anticipation for the 2012 season is barely palpable, as all 30 teams believe themselves to be ready to compete for the World Series.

Realistically, however, most of those teams don't have a chance to win. But they will have a chance to improve in the next offseason when a number of high-quality pitchers become available.

If many of those pitchers forgo contract extensions with their current teams, it could be one of the richest crops of free-agent pitchers of all-time.

Here are the 15 biggest pitchers potentially on the free-agent market for 2013:

Matt Cain

The Giants would be fools to let Matt Cain walk away. However, their previous failures with long-term contracts have left them gun shy of giving Cain the six-year or longer contract he might require to stay.

If he hits the free-agent market, every team with money burning a hole in their pockets will be after him.

Cain should easily command a five-plus-year contract worth at least $20 million per year.

Zack Greinke

Greinke is a big-dollar pitcher, but hasn't yet performed up to his talent level.

Since he moved to Milwaukee, his performance has dipped. In a contract year of 2012, Greinke should put up some big numbers.

Greinke will be looking for a contract upwards of five years at $15 million per.

James Shields

Arguably the most underrated pitcher in baseball, James Shields is in line for a big payday. The Rays won't be able to afford him after this season, and if he isn't traded by the deadline, his offseason will be a fruitful one.

Shields is supremely talented and is in line for a contract worth around $100 million.

Anibal Sanchez

The Marlins probably aren't going to let Sanchez walk unless they find a diamond in the rough elsewhere.

The former no-hitter thrower has battled injuries and control issues, but is a very good pitcher.

He'll probably be on a short-term contract, looking to build value before putting himself in line for a big payday further down the road.

Daisuke Matzusaka

Daisuke has been a major disappointment, but he could redeem himself with a big 2012.

This is a crucial contract year for Matsuzaka, which could see him earn big bucks or merely a minor-league contract in 2013.

Dan Haren

Dan Haren will end up being the forgotten man on the Angels.

Will all of the big names, Haren is probably their most consistent and reliable pitcher.

The Angels won't be able to afford to keep him, and he should hit the free-agent market looking for something worth upwards of $50 million for three years.

Cole Hamels

The most talented pitcher potentially available, Hamels should re-sign with the Phillies if he gets a reasonable contract.

Twenty-nine other teams are hoping he won't so they'll have a crack at him as well.

Hamels is easily worth more than $20 million per season and will be looking for six or more years.

Tim Hudson

Tim Hudson is an old workhorse.

The Braves should try to hold on to him, but if he slips away, he'll be worth a two-year veterans contract for around $20 million total.

Shawn Marcum

The Brewers could lose a good deal of their starting rotation if Marcum and Greinke depart.

Marcum isn't flashy, but he's durable, and given the rate of quality starting pitchers, he could see a five-year contract worth $60 million in his future.

Jake Peavy

Peavy has been a massive disappointment in Chicago, and without a big turnaround, he won't command to much money come 2013.

If he performs decently, or least gives some hope to a future employer, he'd probably be in the range of an incentive-laden $5 million dollar contract.

Juan Carlos Oviedo

The Man formerly known as Leo Nunez is no longer a closer.

Oviedo not only lost his old name this offseason, but also lost his closing job.

If he hangs around as a set-up man this season, he will look for greener pastures in 2013.

A three-year contract for $30 million is probably a decent estimate of his value.

Brandon McCarthy

The new moneyball man, as McCarthy has been dubbed, will be available after this year.

If he repeats his success of 2012, he will price himself out of the A's price range and into the big-budget team arena.

His cost really depends on his success this year, but if he stays healthy, he could see a five-year contract worth over $50 million.

Huston Street

There aren't too many quality closers potentially on the market, but Huston Street is one of them.

If he does well on San Diego, he will probably deserve a four-year contract worth more than $30 million.

Francisco Liriano

Liriano is a big question mark.

His talent is undeniable, but his consistency and durability are very much in question.

A big 2012 would see Liriano stay healthy, but also earn the trust and potential courtship of a number of teams around the league.

If he does well, a $10 million or more per year contract could be in his future.

Gavin Floyd

There is plenty of trade talk around Gavin Floyd already.

If he stands pat and tests free agency in 2013, he could see a valuable payday worth $50 million over four years.