MLB Free Agency 2013: 10 Veterans Who Still Have Plenty Left in the Tank

With every team settling in for a summer full of day after day of baseball, a number of veteran players could very well be playing in their final months with their current teams.

You would have to think the young studs will be the first free agents to sign contracts with new teams this offseason, but the seasoned veterans of the league will be just as important acquisitions for teams, as the experience they bring to the field is invaluable.

Here are some players who may not be sticking with the teams they're on now but should be playing in meaningful games somewhere as next spring gets under way.

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, and while it hasn't all gone as planned for Guthrie in Colorado, he could still represent a realistic option for some teams' rotations after this season.

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.

After contemplating retirement when he suffered a knee injury recently, it was found out that the injury isn't as severe as first expected, and he may be ready to play in July.

The Cardinals may look to the immediate future and bring Berkman back for 2013, but with Carlos Beltran eating up payroll, Berkman may find himself playing for a new team.

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.

Carl Pavano

The Minnesota Twins have been struggling mightily this season, and while much of the blame can be placed on the starting pitching, Carl Pavano has been doing everything in his power as the team's veteran presence to turn things around.

In the final year of his contract, Pavano is a veteran starter that has pitched in pressure situations and could be valuable to some team's 2013 plans. 

Carlos Lee

Carlos Lee is currently in the final year of a $100 million deal with the Houston Astros, 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.

He's batting .294 so far in 2012 and has driven in 22 runs while going deep four times.

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 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 should continue to produce, even if it's not in a Mariners uniform.

Some thought the team might work out an extension prior to the season, but it now appears the two sides have decided to put the talks on hold.

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 prior to 2012.

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.

Scott Rolen

Sitting just ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals atop the NL Central, the Cincinnati Reds are hoping to return to the postseason in 2012, something they'd love third baseman Scott Rolen to be a part of.

Rolen has played in 29 games with the Reds thus far but has struggled to a .174 batting average and has seen his power numbers decline right along with his average.

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.

A.J. Pierzynski

Playing in 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 .280 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.

Roy Oswalt

After being a perpetual free agent, Roy Oswalt has signed on with Texas for the rest of the season.

He was the topic of much discussion this offseason and was tied to a number of teams. 

No matter what happens in Texas for Oswalt, after notching eight seasons with at least 13 wins and with a career 3.21 ERA, he'll once again be a hot name this offseason.