MLB Free Agency 2013: Predicting 15 of Next Offseason's Top Contracts

The 2012 MLB season hasn't even gotten under way yet, but that doesn't mean it's too soon to look forward to next offseason, when a number of promising players are poised to cash in big either with their current teams or on the free-agent market.

With starting pitchers like Matt Cain, Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels likely set to fetch the biggest contracts, a number of position players should also find themselves a few extra dollars next winter.

Ichiro Suzuki: 3 Years, $24 Million

Having not known any other team in Major League Baseball, it's hard to imagine Ichiro Suzuki playing in any uniform other than that of 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 will likely see a two- or three-year deal come his way, even if it's not in Seattle.

Jose Valverde: 3 Years, $24 Million

Leading the league in appearances by a relief pitcher in 2011, Jose Valverde posted a 2.24 ERA while saving 49 games and earning a 2-4 record.

He'll be with the Tigers once again in 2012, as the team exercised its $9 million option on him, and it's safe to say that another performance like he put forth in 2011 will warrant a big payday next offseason.

Carlos Lee: 3 Years, $27 Million

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

Delmon Young: 5 Years, $32 Million

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, though his inconsistency could certainly limit the years he gets.

Carlos Quentin: 4 Years, $42 Million

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 solid offensive campaigns.

Michael Bourn: 5 Years, $45 Million

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.

James Loney: 5 Years, $47.5 Million

Since making the move to the majors in 2006, James Loney has only batted below .281 once, when he hit .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.

Mike Napoli: 4 Years, $52 Million

In what was far and away the best season of Mike Napoli's six-year major league career, he batted an impressive .320 in 2011 while still maintaining very strong power numbers, going deep 30 times and driving in 75 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.

B.J. Upton: 5 Years, $60 Million

B.J. Upton will likely be one of the top free-agent outfielders in next year's market, possibly putting him out of reach of the Rays, though they'll surely do whatever they can to pursue a deal.

They could opt to trade him this season to a team like the Nationals that's seeking outfield help, but either way, he'll cash in big this offseason.

Brandon McCarthy: 6 Years, $60 Million

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 on a lucrative multi-year deal next offseason.

Josh Hamilton: 4 Years, $65 Million

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.

Andre Ethier: 5 Years, $80 Million

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 massive deal from another franchise.

Zack Greinke: 5 Years, $100 Million

Despite missing time early in his first year with the Milwaukee Brewers, Zack Greinke still put together a successful 2011 campaign, going 16-6 with a 3.83 ERA in 28 starts.

That makes for a 14-win average over the past four years, including his Cy Young-winning season in 2009, when he led the league with a 2.16 ERA.

He's currently representing himself but plans to hire an agent before he hits free agency, and while no negotiations appear to be actively working in a positive direction with the Brewers, a contract extension could still be hammered out.

Cole Hamels: 5 Years, $110 Million

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 in 2011, and though an extension with the Phillies could be an option, he'll likely get plenty of interest from other teams looking to spend big on an ace.

Matt Cain: 6 Years, $125 Million

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 a number of different teams.

He's making it clear that he wants more than $100 million, a figure that could put him out of the Giants' range.