2015 MLB Free Agents: Breaking Down the Top 5 Players at Every Position

Max Scherzer and Jon Lester headline the 2015 MLB free-agent class, as both starters are on their way to raking in contracts well in excess of $100 million. 

Of course, those two aces aren't the only stars who will be hitting the free-agent market this offseason. The following breakdown examines the pending crop of free agents on a position-by-position basis.

For each spot on the diamond, the top five players are ranked in order of the expected impact that they will make for their new employers in 2015. The most important factors taken into consideration were how well the players performed in 2014 and how likely they are to match or even exceed that output in the upcoming campaign. 

While Lester and Scherzer promise to be the most sought-after arms, Nelson Cruz and Victor Martinez are a couple of hitters on the verge of parlaying monster 2014 seasons into winter payouts. There's also yet another Cuban star who could net one of the most lucrative deals of all the free-agent position players on the market. 

Catchers

5. John Buck

It's nearly impossible to find catchers with power. However, that's a skill that John Buck can provide. The right-handed hitter only went yard once in 32 games in 2014, but he piled up double-digit home run totals in each of the four previous seasons. 

4. David Ross

David Ross hit .184 in 2014, but the 37-year-old still offers value as a backup catcher. In just 152 at-bats, Ross connected on seven home runs and he is well-regarded for his skills behind the plate. Ross is also considered to be a "positive influence in the clubhouse," as Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com explains. 

3. A.J. Pierzynski

A.J. Pierzynski, who split the year between the Boston Red Sox and the St. Louis Cardinals, will be 38 years old by the time Opening Day 2015 rolls around. Like Ross, he could find a job as a backup, but he'll likely have to settle for a minor league deal. 

2. Geovany Soto

In an injury-riddled campaign, Geovany Soto appeared in just 24 games in 2014. Back in 2013, the right-handed hitter was limited to 54 games. Even with the lack of catchers available on the market, that inability to stay on the field will make it nearly impossible for Soto to land a starting role. 

1. Russell Martin

Russell Martin is about to cash in. The catcher is coming off a big season with the Pittsburgh Pirates (.290 average, .402 OBP and an .832 OPS) and is also the only impact player available at his position. All sorts of teams should be in on the bidding for the right-handed hitter. 

The only factor that plays against Martin is his age, as he'll turn 32 in February. As a result, he could be in line for a three-year deal for around $42 million.

1st Basemen/Designated Hitters

5. Kendrys Morales 

Kendrys Morales had a forgettable season in 2014. After an ill-advised decision to reject a qualifying offer from the Seattle Mariners, Morales didn't even get on the field until June. The Cuban never managed to get on track, as he hit .218 for the Minnesota Twins and the Mariners. Fortunately for the switch-hitter, the lack of power on the market means that Morales could potentially secure a multiyear deal. 

4. Delmon Young

Playing on a one-year, $1 million deal in 2014, Delmon Young is on his way to earning a raise in the offseason. During the regular season, Young hit .302 with a .779 OPS and a 120 OPS+. However, considering he is a serious defensive liability, Young will have to sign with an American League club. 

3. Billy Butler

There's no guarantee that Billy Butler will become a free agent. The Kansas City Royals have $12.5 million team option with a $1 million buyout for the 28-year-old. Over the summer, though, Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star reported that it "appears unlikely" that the Royals will exercise that option in light of how poorly the regular season went for Butler. 

In 2014, the right-handed hitter posted his lowest home run total (nine) since his rookie campaign back in 2007, when he went yard eight times. Butler also posted his worst OPS (.702) of his entire career. 

2. Adam LaRoche

Adam LaRoche might not make it to the free-agent marketplace. The first baseman and the Washington Nationals will have to decide whether to exercise his $15 million mutual option, which is attached to a $2 million buyout.

James Wagner of The Washington Post argues that LaRoche "may be pushed out" of the nation's capital. As Wagner points out, the Nats could opt to play Anthony Rendon at third base and slide Ryan Zimmerman to first for the 2015 season. In such a scenario, there would be no room on the infield for the 34-year-old LaRoche.

1. Victor Martinez

Victor Martinez isn't just the best available designated hitter; he's one of the best available hitters, period. In 2014, Martinez posted a .974 OPS to lead the majors. While batting .335, the switch-hitter clubbed 32 home runs and struck out just 42 times. 

Martinez "prefers" to remain with the Detroit Tigers, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. Wherever he ends up, the 35-year-old should secure a deal in the neighborhood of three years and $48 million. 

2nd Basemen

5. Ramon Santiago

As evidenced by the fact that Ramon Santiago makes the grade, there aren't a ton of quality second basemen on the free-agent block. The light-hitting 35-year-old would be a strong fit as a utility man, as he has the versatility to play shortstop and third base, as well. 

4. Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis is going to have to take a pay cut if he's going to find a big league job for the upcoming season. In 2014, the veteran second baseman earned $5.25 million with the St. Louis Cardinals while hitting just .180.

While his offensive production has all but vanished, Ellis still offers value in the field and the clubhouse. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle suggested that Ellis could become a big league coach "within a few years."

3. Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson has played for three teams in 2014, and he hasn't had much success at any of those stops. In 106 games for the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles, Johnson hit .215. The left-handed hitter's strongest attribute is his ability to play all over the diamond.  

2. Rickie Weeks

Rickie Weeks is on his way to a major pay cut. After earning $11 million as a part-time player for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2014, the second baseman's time with the team has reached its end. Weeks has a $11.5 million option for 2015, but Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports "that [it] will not be picked up by the club." 

Weeks' glove work is questionable, but thanks to his .809 OPS in 2014, there will be interest in him this winter. 

1. Emilio Bonifacio

Emilio Bonifacio's two greatest assets are his speed and versatility. While splitting the 2014 season with the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, the switch-hitter stole 26 bases and appeared in games all over the infield and outfield. 

Shortstops

5. Clint Barmes

Clint Barmes' greatest asset is his glove. There simply aren't that many players capable of handling the defensive rigors of shortstop, and the 35-year-old checks that box. Barmes doesn't offer much at the plate, but his glove work means he'll land a backup job in 2015. 

4. Stephen Drew

Stephen Drew had an awful 2014 season. In 85 games, the 31-year-old hit .162 while playing for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. After that showing, Drew will have to settle for a one-year deal this winter in an effort to rebuild his value. 

3. Jed Lowrie

Jed Lowrie is a difficult player to peg. The 30-year-old hit just .249 in 2014, but he's still in a position to bargain entering the offseason thanks to the extremely weak crop of shortstops on the market. It's not out of the question to think that the switch-hitter, who clubbed 29 doubles in 2014, could earn a three-year deal worth $30 million. 

2. Asdrubal Cabrera

According to James Wagner of The Washington Post, Asdrubal Cabrera is definitely interested in sticking around to play second base for the Washington Nationals in 2015. Even with his defensive limitations, Cabrera will earn a much more lucrative deal if he looks for work as a shortstop. 

1. Hanley Ramirez

There's no question that Hanley Ramirez is the best hitter of this group, but there are plenty of question marks about his glove. While the Los Angeles Dodgers face a major dilemma in deciding whether to offer Ramirez a multiyear contract, the club absolutely needs to make him a qualifying offer. That way, the Dodgers will receive a draft pick in case Ramirez walks. 

3rd Basemen

5. Alberto Callaspo

Hitting just .223 in 127 games, Alberto Callaspo had an off year in 2014. The switch-hitter's ability to play both second base and third base makes the 31-year-old a viable option to earn a bench role as a utility infielder. 

4. Mark Reynolds 

With 22 home runs, Mark Reynolds provided the Milwaukee Brewers with plenty of power in 2014. Of course, with that pop comes a remarkably high number of strikeouts and a low average. In 433 plate appearances, Reynolds punched out 122 times and hit .196. The 31-year-old is more of a first baseman, but he did play 37 games at third in 2014. 

3. Chase Headley

After a slow start to the season with the San Diego Padres, Chase Headley's season trended upward following a July trade, which sent him to the Bronx. In 58 games for the New York Yankees, Headley hit .262 with a .768 OPS. Those numbers aren't outstanding, but Headley will benefit from the lack of starting-caliber third baseman on the market. 

2. Aramis Ramirez 

It remains to be seen whether the Milwaukee Brewers and Aramis Ramirez will both agree to exercise his $14 million mutual option for 2015. When Adam McCalvy of MLB.com asked the third baseman if he's interested in testing the free-agent market, Ramirez was noncommittal. 

"I don't really know right now what I'm going to do," he said. "I have to go home and talk to my family."

The lack of available third basemen could result in Ramirez receiving a two-year deal if he joins the free-agent pool. 

1. Pablo Sandoval

Pablo Sandoval is on the doorstep of a monster payday. Sandoval plays great defense at third, can hit for high average and has an impressive postseason resume. 

One team executive told Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe that Sandoval is on pace to haul in a five-year, $100 million deal. Cafardo lists the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers as potential destinations for the Venezuelan. The 28-year-old Sandoval, who is one of the youngest free agents this winter, would be a great fit on a Yankees roster cluttered with aging veterans. 

Left Fielders

5. Chris Denorfia

Chris Denorfia didn't have much success after a midseason trade sent him from the San Diego Padres to the Pacific Northwest. In 32 games for the Seattle Mariners, the right-handed hitter batted just .195. Still, with the ability to play all around the outfield, Denorfia should find a bench job for 2015. 

4. Jonny Gomes

Like Denorfia, Jonny Gomes didn't offer much production following a midseason move. After the Oakland Athletics acquired the outfielder from the Boston Red Sox in July, Gomes went on to collect just one extra-base hit and posted a .250 slugging percentage. After earning $5 million in 2014, Gomes is looking at a substantial pay cut next season.

3. Yasmani Tomas

As you can see in the video above, Yasmani Tomas has a ton of pop. The outfielder is just 23 years old, which makes him the youngest player on this list. One "baseball official" told George A. King III of the New York Daily News that Tomas is "better" than fellow Cuban Rusney Castillo, who recently inked a seven-year, $72.5 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. That means that Tomas could receive one of the most lucrative deals of any position player on the market. 

2. Melky Cabrera

After playing on an $8 million salary in 2014, Melky Cabrera has earned himself a major raise. For the Toronto Blue Jays, Cabrera hit .301 with 35 doubles and 16 home runs. A three-year deal worth $45 million is a reasonable target for the 30-year-old this offseason.

1. Nelson Cruz

Nelson Cruz drastically increased his market value in 2014. After the right-handed hitter had to settle for a one-year, $8 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles last February, Cruz went on to lead all of baseball with 40 home runs. This offseason, Cruz could end up with a four-year deal worth $16 million per season. 

Center Fielders

5. Grady Sizemore

After missing out on the entire 2012 and 2013 seasons, Grady Sizemore returned to the big leagues in 2014. The center fielder started the year with the Boston Red Sox, but the club parted ways with Sizemore in June when he had a .612 OPS. Sizemore likely earned himself another big league shot in 2015 thanks to a stronger end to the season with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 60 contests, Sizemore hit .253 for the NL East club. 

4. Nyjer Morgan

Nyjer Morgan impressed during his brief run with the Cleveland Indians in 2014. The center fielder hit .341 in 15 games before a knee injury ended his season. If Morgan is going to earn a big league spot in 2015, he'll have to do what he did last spring when he played his way on to Cleveland's squad via a non-roster invite. 

3. Chris Young

After a dismal stint with the New York Mets to start the season, Chris Young was considerably better with the New York Yankees in a 23-game stretch at the end of the year. The 31-year-old hit .282 and collected 11 extra-base hits. Like Morgan, Young will almost certainly have to settle for a non-roster invite to spring training. 

2. Endy Chavez

Endy Chavez provides plenty of value when he's played in the right situations. In 2014, the outfielder hit .305 when facing right-handed pitching. The veteran also has a track record of success when pinch hitting. That skill set makes him a valuable bench player for a National League squad. 

1. Colby Rasmus

Colby Rasmus offers rare power for a center fielder, as he clubbed 18 home runs in just 104 games in 2014. However, the 28-year-old also has his drawbacks. Rasmus is not known as the best defensive center fielder, and he's struggled to consistently hit for a high average. In 2014, Rasmus hit .225 for the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Right Fielders

5. Torii Hunter

It remains to be seen if the 39-year-old Torii Hunter will be back in 2015. The right fielder told Jason Beck of MLB.com that he would like to return to the AL Central champs if the Tigers "want" him back. Hunter wouldn't say if he would be open to playing for another team.

Considering he connected on 33 doubles and 17 home runs, Detroit won't be the only club interested in that kind of production if Hunter decides to play another season. 

4. Nori Aoki

Nori Aoki doesn't offer the kind of power that is generally associated with right fielders, but the 32-year-old still brings a lot to the table. The left-handed hitter reaches base at an impressive clip (.349 OBP in 2014), has speed (17 steals) and strikes out infrequently (49 strikeouts in 491 at-bats). 

3. Michael Cuddyer

With a .332 average and a .955 OPS, Michael Cuddyer provided all sorts of production when he was on the field in 2014. The problem is that the 35-year-old only appeared in 49 games for the Colorado Rockies. On a one-year deal, Cuddyer could prove to be a shrewd pickup for a club looking for an extra bat.

2. Alex Rios

While the Texas Rangers have yet to make an official decision, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reported in September that the team is "expected to decline" Alex Rios' $13.5 million club option for next season. Rios still has the ability to hit for high average, but his power has been sapped. In 2014, the right fielder connected on just four home runs, which was his lowest output since his rookie season in 2004. 

1. Nick Markakis

Before Nick Markakis actually becomes a free agent, the Baltimore Orioles will have to decline his $17.5 million club option. Simply put, that's just too much money for a player who hit .276 with 14 home runs in 2014. According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, the O's could look into trying to work out a contract extension with the former first-round pick. 

One of Markakis' strongest attributes is his ability to stay in the lineup. In eight of his nine big league seasons, the left-handed hitter has appeared in at least 147 games. 

Starting Pitchers

5. Jake Peavy

Jake Peavy has been a whole new pitcher since arriving at AT&T Park following a July trade. After posting a 1-9 record and a 4.72 ERA with the Boston Red Sox, the right-hander posted a 6-4 mark and a 2.17 ERA as a member of the San Francisco Giants. This winter, the 33-year-old should earn either a two- or three-year deal for around $12 million per season. 

4. Francisco Liriano

Francisco Liriano made himself a ton of cash in the second half of the season. After the All-Star break, the lefty put up a 6-3 record and a 2.20 ERA in 14 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since he'll be 31 years old on Opening Day 2015, the starter could end up with a four-year deal for $48 million. 

3. James Shields 

James Shields has been one of the most reliable starters in baseball over the past eight seasons. The righty has cleared the 200-inning mark in each of those campaigns. However, it is worth wondering if all of those innings will eventually catch up to the starter, who turns 33 in December. Either way, Shields could net a four-year deal worth at least $16 million per season. 

2. Jon Lester

Way back in August, Jon Lester told John Tomase of the Boston Herald that he isn't "going to the highest bidder." Instead, the starter is looking for the team that is the best fit for his family. Even if he doesn't follow the money, Lester is still set for a big-time payout. The lefty, who will be 31 on Opening Day 2015, could land a six-year deal worth $24 million per season. 

1. Max Scherzer

After turning down a six-year, $144 contract extension from the Detroit Tigers in the spring, suffice it to say that Max Scherzer is on the lookout for a megadeal. 

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News speculates that the New York Yankees could be just the team to throw an absurd amount of money at the starter. It's possible that a six-year, $150 million contract could be enough cash to bring Scherzer to New York. 

Relief Pitchers

Rich Gagnon/Getty Images

5. Koji Uehara

Koji Uehara, who turns 40 next April, fell off in a big way down the stretch in 2014. In his final 10 outings, the closer posted a 1-3 record with a 10.38 ERA. Even with those struggles, Uehara is worth a gamble for a team looking to strengthen its late-inning options. 

4. Sergio Romo

After losing his gig as the San Francisco Giants' closer, Sergio Romo bounced back as an effective setup man for the club. Following the All-Star break, the right-hander reeled off a 1.80 ERA. The 31-year-old could work in either one of those roles next season and looks like a safe bet to earn a two-year, $10 million deal. 

3. Francisco Rodriguez

Francisco Rodriguez is getting a raise. In 2014, the right-hander locked up 44 saves for the Milwaukee Brewers while pitching on a one-year, $3.25 million deal. The 32-year-old should secure a contract in the range of two years and $16 million. 

2. Andrew Miller

Andrew Miller isn't a closer, but in 2014, he was one of the most dominant left-handed relievers in baseball. During the regular season, Miller posted a 2.02 ERA, racked up 103 strikeouts in 62.1 innings and limited the opposition to a .153 average. Those numbers will result in Miller landing a more lucrative contract than nearly every closer on the market. A two-year deal worth $14 million is a realistic asking price for the 29-year-old.

1. David Robertson

Dave Robertson had no problems stepping in for Mariano Rivera in the ninth inning. The 29-year-old recorded 39 saves for the New York Yankees and posted an impressive 13.4 K/9 ratio. Joel Sherman of the New York Post argues that Robertson could become the first player to accept a qualifying offer. That wouldn't be such a bad idea for the closer, as this year's offer is set at $15.3 million. 

Note: All stats and videos courtesy of MLB.com. All salary information courtesy of Cot's Baseball Contracts on BaseballProspectus.com. 

If you want to talk baseball, find me on Twitter @KarlBuscheck.