MLB Free Agency 2013: Top 15 Hitters Who Could Be on the Market Next Winter

The Texas Rangers are just one of many teams that may have their hands full this coming offseason with one of their top talents set to enter free agency.

They're definitely not alone, however, as the upcoming offseason promises to be another strong one with a number of veterans and young stars possibly changing scenery.

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

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.

Marlon Byrd

Given Marlon Byrd's openness to being traded this winter, you'd have to believe he's not planning on staying in Chicago once his contract ends after the 2012 season.

Whoever does end up getting Byrd's services in 2013 and beyond will be getting a career .281 hitter who has averaged 12 home runs and 63 RBI over the past five seasons, playing with the Rangers and Cubs.

Mike Napoli

In what was far and away the best season of Mike Napoli's six-year major league career, he batted an impressive .320 while still maintaining very strong power numbers, going deep 30 times and driving in 73 runs in 113 games.

The Rangers did avoid arbitration with Napoli this winter with a one-year, $9.4 million contract, but he has noted that he expects to test the free-agent market this offseason.

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.

On top of that, he appears to be improving at the plate every year and will no doubt continue to have his chances to steal bases.

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.

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.

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.

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 help there—but a player with his talent can be hard to pass up.

He's had some down numbers over the past two seasons, but with a 23-home-run campaign in 2011, Upton is showing that he's got the combination of power and speed that's always in demand.

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 a number of solid offensive campaigns, including a 2008 season in which he was headed for a possible MVP trophy before his season was derailed after a wrist injury in September.

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.

Though his productivity has declined compared to his best years, he's still been good for 22 home runs and over 80 RBI in each of his four seasons with the Halos.

Andre Ethier

After a dominant 2009 season in which he hit 31 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 if the Dodgers aren't able to work out a contract extension.

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, as the 27-year-old quite possibly hasn't even reached his peak.

Delmon Young

After fizzling out as a former top pick of the Tampa Bay Rays and failing to live up to expectations in Minnesota, Delmon Young seems to have found some life in this league with the Detroit Tigers.

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.

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.

During the five years Lee has spent in the Lone Star state, he's averaged 26 home runs and 101 RBI per season, while batting .286 with a .824 OPS.

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.

Josh Hamilton

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 and off-the-field issues in recent seasons, Hamilton is still one of the most dominant offensive players in the league with production that's hard to replace, yet the outfielder has stated that he believes he'll be entering free agency after this season.