2014 MLB Free Agents: Players Who Will Draw the Most Interest

Although the MLB playoffs have not yet started, some teams are already preparing to make runs at Robinson Cano and other premier free agents. 

Teams like the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs should be in the mix for some of the top free agents. 

A guy like Bronson Arroyo of the Cincinnati Reds will likely get a nice contract, but other players will draw more interest. Arroyo is looking for one more contract, but his age will keep the 36-year-old from being the top pitcher on the market.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have handed out big contracts to Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton in recent years. Those deals will likely keep teams from handing out decade-long offers.

Check out the rest of this article to see which free agents will draw the most interest in the offseason.

2B Robinson Cano (New York Yankees)

There is no question who the top free agent on the market is. Robinson Cano has the potential to hit in the middle of any lineup and play great second base, but it's unclear where he will wind up.

ESPN has reported the superstar wants a 10-year deal worth more than $300 million, which would surpass Alex Rodriguez's deal. However, the Yankees are unlikely to give him that many years at that price. Not that Cano has been linked to steroids or has an injury history, but not many long-term deals have paid off for any team.

The 30-year-old, who turns 31 later this month, wants one long deal to lead him into retirement. He hit .314 with 27 home runs, 41 doubles and 107 RBI in a depleted lineup this season. While many of his teammates went down with injuries, Cano was durable in the middle of the infield. In fact, he was the only New York infielder to play a full season in 2013.

Cano has hit above .300 with at least 25 homers in each of the past five seasons.

It's tough to imagine him in anything but pinstripes. If Cano decides to test the market, he could get a deal from just about any team he wants. However, he is going to have to change what he is looking for. 

OF Shin-Soo Choo (Cincinnati Reds)

Although the Reds are strapped for cash, they are likely to pursue an extension with Shin-Soo Choo. If the team advances deep into the postseason, it will feel a lot of pressure to keep Choo.

However, Choo's agent, Scott Boras, is going to see what he can get for his client in free agency. San Francisco gave Hunter Pence a five-year, $90 million deal, so Choo should be able to get more money. 

Choo was second in the NL, behind teammate Joey Votto, in on-base percentage. He got on base 300 times this season. He led the majors by getting hit by 26 pitches and trailed only Votto in walks (112). He hit .285 with 21 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He did a little bit of everything for the Reds, so look for him to draw a lot of interest.

His splits are incredible. Against right-handers, Choo hit .317/.457/.554 with 21 homers and 46 RBI. The numbers dropped dramatically against southpaws. Choo hit only .215/.347/.265 with zero home runs and eight RBI against left-handers. The 31-year-old started to hit better against left-handers near the end of the season, but those splits could keep him from getting a huge deal.

Even though his offense was great, his defense hurts his value a little bit. Choo has a cannon for an arm, but he isn't the best at fielding the ball. He played center about as well as anyone could have expected, but he will likely shift back to a corner position.

A big postseason would help Choo get even more money.

Choo would benefit offensively and defensively by staying in Cincinnati's small park. However, other teams will be able to offer him more money, so keep an eye on Choo this winter.

RHP Matt Garza (Texas Rangers)

Now that his contract is up, Matt Garza will finally get a chance to test the market.

The right-hander has never had a great statistical year. His lowest ERA in a full season is 3.70, and he has reached 15 wins only once.

In recent seasons, injuries have kept Garza from pitching every fifth day. He has thrown only 259 innings over the last two seasons, so teams will be cautious when pursuing him.

After joining the Texas Rangers in the middle of the season, Garza failed to impress. The 29-year-old went 4-5 with a 4.38 ERA in 13 starts with the club. From August to early September, he failed to record a quality start in six of seven games.

The veteran helped his cause with a strong performance down the stretch. He allowed only two earned runs in 13.1 innings over his final two starts and helped his team force a one-game playoff.

While in Tampa Bay, Garza gained valuable postseason experience. He is 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA in five postseason starts. Teams will see that success and take a chance on him.

There won't be many top pitchers on the market, so Garza figures to be the top available arm.

*All stats are courtesy of MLB.com