2013 MLB Free Agents Who Will Land Superstar Deals

In general, MLB teams do not short their star players when it comes to contracts.

Some of the largest bidders last offseason, the Los Angeles Angels and Miami Marlins, forked over 100 million dollars of payroll for top players on the market.

While they may have improved their talent level, that doesn’t always translate into wins. Both the Angels and Marlins missed out on the postseason this year. Then again, there are teams like the Tigers and Nationals who also spent big and had better fortune.

For those teams who think they are only a superstar away from being back in the pennant race, they’ll pay superstar money.

Here’s are a few upcoming free agents who are in store for a large payday.

Michael Bourn

Bourn has become one of the premier leadoff hitters in the league and a difference maker in center field. He could fill a need for many teams looking to add a speedster and impact player.

He averaged career highs in batting average, slugging percentage and home runs, showing power in his bat, proving he's more than a speedy runner. The Braves would gladly take Bourn back, but they may not be able to.

While he may not receive a deal similar to Jose Reyes, due mostly to a smaller pedigree, CSNPhilly deduced 13.5 million for five years was a reasonable number for Bourn. Not bad at all.

Zack Greinke

Greinke has the highest ceiling of any pitcher available this free agent period.

Former Cy Young winners don’t just drop onto the market every year, so the bidding for his services should be ridiculously high.

Sure, his numbers could be more satisfying to justify the cost (3.48 ERA, 8.5 K/9 ratio, 8.4 H/9), but he has hit ace potential once before.

In charge of a new rotation, there isn’t much doubt that he’ll step up to the challenge again.

Josh Hamilton

Hamilton’s story is fantastic in itself, but the dynamic hitter has built himself into one of the game’s most recognizable players.

Hamilton led the league with 21 home runs in early June—starting up talk that he might hit 60 this season. That didn’t happen, as he cooled down in the summer months, but that didn’t stop him from having a superb contract year.

Many teams will duel for Hamilton’s services, and if he lets it go to the highest bidder, a Prince Fielder-like contract is not out of the question.

It only takes one team with one offer.