Ranking the Top Leadoff Hitters Still Available in Free Agency, Trades

Having a leadoff hitter that can set the table is very important for major league teams that are looking to put together a successful season. By setting the right tone from the start of a game, a team has a better chance to win.

It is not surprising that a number of franchises are looking to add a top leadoff hitter to their lineup for the 2013 season.

There are a number of options available via free agency or the trade market. Some of these players are at the elite level, while others will just put up decent numbers.

5. Kelly Johnson

During the 2012 season, Kelly Johnson served as the leadoff hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays 27 times. The second baseman is not your prototypical leadoff hitter and it shows from his numbers.

Johnson does a good job of drawing walks, but he does not hit high for average and thus has a low on-base percentage. Last season, Johnson's OBP was just .313.

What Johnson does do well is hit for power, slugging 16 home runs for the Blue Jays last year.

4. Dee Gordon

At just 24 years old, Dee Gordon still has a lot of time to grow and develop during his career. He will need to improve if the wants to be a solid leadoff hitter.

During the course of his two seasons in the majors, Gordon only has a .299 on-base percentage. However, he does make a decent leadoff hitter because of his speed: he's swiped 56 bases in 143 career games. 

A number of teams have asked the Los Angeles Dodgers about Gordon and it is possible that the team moves him this winter (h/t Jayson Stark of ESPN).

3. Alejandro De Aza

The Chicago White Sox gave Alejandro De Aza a chance to start in 2012 and he took advantage of the opportunity. De Aza had an on-base percentage of .349, stole 26 bases and scored 81 times.

Even though he was solid for the White Sox last season, the team may consider trading him, according to Mark Gonzales of The Chicago Tribune.

2. Jacoby Ellsbury

Injuries have derailed Jacoby Ellsbury during two of the past three seasons, but he's put up great numbers when he's managed to stay healthy. 

The veteran center fielder has proven that he can steal bases and he has some pop. Ellsbury is a career .297 hitter and has twice led the American League in stolen bases. The Boston Red Sox are considering trading him, but they likely will only deal them if they get a big return (h/t Jon Heyman of CBS Sports).

1. Michael Bourn

Not only is Michael Bourn one of the top free agents on the market this winter, but he is also the top leadoff hitter available.

While Bourn does not get on base at an incredibly high rate, he does steal bases really well. He has a .339 career on-base percentage and has averaged 51 steals a year since 2008.

Bourn is going to get a big contract this winter and he should have a number of suitors.