MLB Free Agents 2014: Analyzing Top Starting Pitchers Bound for Big Contracts

There aren't a whole lot of front-end starters in the 2014 MLB free-agent class, but there are a few who should receive top-dollar deals after the 2013 season.

One player is having a career year for a top contender. One has been a big part of a franchise's resurgence. And another has the talent and stuff to bolster any team's rotation.

Here's a look at the top starting pitchers in the 2014 free-agent class, in my eyes.

*Starters with player options have been excluded

3. Ricky Nolasco

Ricky Nolasco has had a career year in 2013.

The 30-year-old right-hander has posted a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 152 strikeouts in 186.1 innings with the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers.

After getting traded to the Dodgers in early July, all the California native has done is post a 2.07 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 74 innings while going 8-1. That includes pitching eight innings of two-hit ball in a 2-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 23.

2. Ervin Santana

Ervin Santana has had an up-and-down career, but he's been huge for the Kansas City Royals this season, posting a 3.35 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 150 strikeouts in 191 innings. 

The 30-year-old Dominican has struggled a bit down the stretch, but there's no question he has the talent to be a big-time contributor for a contender or a team trying to rebound.

On the road, Santana has been even better, registering a 3.26 ERA while holding opponents to a .206 batting average.

1. Matt Garza

Matt Garza has struggled after the All-Star break this season, but there's no question he has the talent to be in the front of a team's rotation, and he's finally healthy.

The 29-year-old right-hander has gone 9-5 with a 3.79 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 125 strikeouts in 137.2 innings. Before the All-Star break, he registered a 3.17 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 62 strikeouts in 71 innings, He went 6-1 in 11 starts with the Chicago Cubs.

Since his debut with the Minnesota Twins in 2006, Garza has yet to record an ERA of 4.00 or worse in a single season. He was also the 2008 ALCS MVP and tossed a no-hitter in 2010.