MLB's Top 10 Free Agents of 2011

Although there are still playoff spots being fought over for this year's postseason, most teams are already looking ahead to next season's free agent crop.

Usually, the following players would be divided up between the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers.

Now, there are many more teams in the free agent race. There will be some definite surprises come this winter.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable mentions that didn't make the top 10 include:

1. Manny Ramirez: He's getting up there in age, but some team will sign him. He's been hurt but is still hitting .312 in 2010.

2. Jorge De La Rosa: He has fallen off tremendously after a stellar 16-9, 193 K 2009 year.

3. Ted Lilly: A longtime Cub, he's been pitching fine for the Dodgers.

4. Javier Vazquez: Praying to God that some NL team wants to give him money.

5. David Ortiz: He has 27 home runs this season. I could see him getting signed to DH somewhere out west if Boston moves on.

10) Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera

C'mon, these guys aren't going anywhere. Both will finish their careers in the Bronx. 

Likely destination: New York Yankees

9) Brandon Webb

Brandon Webb could've gotten a $100 million contract if he had stayed healthy. But he hasn't thrown off a mound in a year and will have to sign for a lower deal.

Possible destinations: Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers

8) Victor Martinez

A power-hitting catcher is very valuable in today's MLB, and V-Mart fits the bill. Boston has the inside edge to sign him, but he will probably get a better offer from a different team that can afford it.

Possible destinations: New York Mets, Boston Red Sox

7) Carlos Pena

Pena has a terrible average, but he's a great power hitter that can play defense. He'll get a decent chunk of money from some team—not from Tampa, though.

Possible destinations: San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds

6) Paul Konerko

I don't know if Konerko could hit the way he has been doing if he plays away from the Cell, and he's also getting a little old, but he's pretty reliable for 30-plus home runs and 80 RBI. I could see some GM guilted into giving him a deal.

Possible destination: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, LA Dodgers

5) Derrek Lee

Lee has been slightly off offensively for the last season, but he will still be a hot topic for NL teams.

Possible destinations: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants

4) Adam Dunn

He's been the best player for the Nationals for the past two seasons, and it was a wonder why Washington didn't try to deal him at the deadline. I doubt they re-sign him, but Dunn could make a killing for an AL team.

Possible destinations: Chicago White Sox (if Konerko leaves), LA Angels

3) Jayson Werth

Werth is a good hitter who would be the favorite of any manager. The Phillies were trying to trade him before the deadline, so it remains uncertain if they will try to keep him in the offseason.

Possible destinations: San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies

2) Carl Crawford

Crawford is the best current hitter in the Tampa Bay market. The Rays would have to both get very far in the playoffs AND give up a huge amount of dough to keep him. With Desmond Jennings waiting in the minors, they'll probably let him go.

Possible destinations: New York Yankees, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays

1) Cliff Lee

He's the best SP available and will be due for a huge contract. Wherever he goes, he will be become the new ace of the staff.

Possible destinations: Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers