MLB Rumors: Ranking Top 50 Potential Free Agents Following the 2011 Season
It may seem on the early side to be evaluating the top potential free agents of next winter.
But in reality, general managers already have a detailed list of players they may be interested in come December. If you are not ahead of the game in the majors, you're behind.
There are many factors one must take into account when ranking the best available free agents. First is the player's age: an older player is less likely to be offered a long-term contract.
Second is the player's potential. While a player may have had a poor season in 2010, he may still be worth buying low on.
Javier Vazquez is an example. Everybody saw what Vazquez did in Atlanta, but he had a down season in New York last year. It would be naive to assume that he will never bounce back.
There are many other factors, such as the player's injury history, attitude towards teammates and so on.
For the purposes of this article, any player will be eligible for free agency in 2012 as long as either his contract will have run out or his team has an option on him. Player options, however, will be considered ineligible. For example, Joe Nathan will be listed in this ranking, but Rafael Soriano will not.
With that, let me unveil to you an early look at next year's most attractive free agents.
50. Scott Kazmir, Los Angeles Angels
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Status: $13.5 million club option
Since being traded to Los Angeles in 2009, Kazmir has been ultimately disappointing. He had high expectations due to his success at a young age between 2005-2008. But his 2010 stat line of 9-15 with a 5.94 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP shows the troubles he has faced.
The reason Kazmir makes this list is the potential he has.
Between 2005-2008, Kazmir's ERA remained under 4.00 all four seasons, getting as low as 3.24. He went 45-34 on a Tampa Bay team that struggled up until 2008, displaying his ability to carry a team.
Barring a phenomenal 2011, Kazmir will enter free agency at a low value, even at age 28. He may end up being a huge steal for a team, though he has shown the potential to explode.
49. Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers
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Status: Final year of contract
Magglio Ordonez is the epitome of a consistent hitter. He has hit at least .292 every season dating back to 1999, which is longer than most major leaguers have been in the the MLB.
He has not been an elite power hitter since the prime of his career in the early 2000s, but he does have some pop, hitting 12 home runs in 2010.
The downside to Ordonez is obviously his age. At 37, it is unlikely he will see any improvement in the near future.
The fact that his batting average has dropped by .007 in back-to-back seasons is not encouraging.
48. Bobby Abreu, Los Angeles Angels
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Status: $9 million club option
Abreu and Ordonez are in similar boats. They both were elite outfielders in the prime of their career, but age has taken its toll on them.
Abreu had a decent year in 2010, hitting .255 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases. The fact that he is still hitting 20/20 at age 36 is extremely impressive.
His batting average will never reach the .290/.300 heights it was in his prime, though it will not kill his value.
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47. Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies
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Status: $12.5 million club option
Lidge's value depends completely on his 2011 season.
Teams will unlikely think too much of his 2.96 ERA, 27 save season in 2010 due to the fact that the previous season Lidge's ERA was 7.21 and he blew 11 saves.
Lidge obviously has the potential to be an elite closer, as he has demonstrated in his better years with the Phillies. However, at age 34, he has not been the model of consistency and, for all we know, he could revert back to his awful 2009 form.
This is not Mariano Rivera we are talking about, so expect teams to be cautious with Lidge if he hits the market.
46. Javier Vazquez, Florida Marlins
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Status: Final year of contract
Javier Vazquez is the Brad Lidge of starting pitching.
He showed in 2009 with the Braves that he could be one of the best starters in the league, coming close to a Cy Young with his 15-10, 2.87 ERA campaign. However, in 2010 Vazquez was miserable, going 10-10 with a 5.32 ERA.
If Vazquez is able to revert back to his 2009 form, expect teams to go crazy for him, at least National League teams.
However, Vazquez has many questions entering 2011, so I will rank him conservatively. Remember that his career ERA is only 4.26, which is very pedestrian.
45. Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Phillies
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Status: Final year of contract
Ibanez was without a doubt one of the biggest disappointments in 2010.
In 2009, Ibanez shocked everybody by hitting .297 with 34 home runs. His follow up in 2010 was a weak .275, 16 home run season.
Ibanez is 38 years old and is not getting any younger. He appears to have hit the wall based on his 2010 regression, so Ibanez should not be expecting anything more than a one or two year deal this winter.
He has had a very solid career, but that will likely not be taken into account by general managers this winter.
44. Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Status: Final year of contract
Manny is one of the few, old, outfield free agents that I have confidence in. While he has clearly regressed over the past few years since leaving Boston, he still has the potential to bolster a team.
In 265 at-bats in 2010, Ramirez hit nine home runs, which is respectable, though not spectacular. His .298 batting average, however, is a great sign, which will certainly attract many contenders looking for a designated hitter.
When was the last time Manny hit below .290? 1994.
Think about that.
43. Cody Ross, San Francisco Giants
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Status: Final year of contract
Ross is not a great player, though he is still at an age (30) at which he can be relied on to produce solid numbers.
In 2010, Ross hit .265, coupled with 14 home runs in 525 at-bats. He took part in the Giants' World Series run, which demonstrates that he is not too much of a liability.
He hit .294 in the postseason with five home runs in just 15 games. These numbers are very enticing to playoff contenders, so expect Ross to attract suitors come December.
42. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
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Status: $17.5 million (wow) club option
"K-Rod" desperately needed a good season in 2010 to maintain his reputation as a great reliever, and he got one, saving 25 games with a 2.20 ERA.
The single-season save record holder (62, 2008) will likely enter the market this winter, but the abundance of closers available may lower his value.
With Jonathan Papelbon, Jonathan Broxton, Joe Nathan and Brad Lidge potentially available this winter, K-Rod does not have too much command to use.
Rodriguez is still extremely valuable at just 29, though, so expect plenty of interest.
41. Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins
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Status: Final year of contract
Cuddyer has been as inconsistent as anyone since 2008. He hit .271 with 14 home runs in 2010, which was preceded by a .276, 32 home-run season in 2009 and a .249, three home-run season in 2008.
My instinct is that Cuddyer's 2010 season will carry the most weight, as it is the most similar to Cuddyer's career averages. That value is moderately high; many teams could use Cuddyer as a utility man.
He has recently shifted to first base from outfield, which does not boost his value but may give him more options.
40. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
If the Red Sox hero does not receive a new contract this season, he will enter the market with many suitors.
Ortiz's 32 home runs in 2010 ranked fifth in the American League in 2010, which shows he still has the ability to be an elite power hitter at age 35. His .270 batting average complements his immense power, as teams will not be wary due to this number as they would with the likes of Jack Cust.
His playoff history will certainly boost his value as well, as contenders look for the "clutch" ability of a player as well.
Ortiz is one of the top designated hitters on the market, so expect many teams to consider him.
39. Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
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Status: $12.5 million club option
Nathan is one of the most difficult players to predict going forward. At age 36, he has nowhere to go but down, and he recently had Tommy John surgery, which is extremely risky.
However, he has been among the elite at the closer role for many years, as displayed in his 47-save, 2.10 ERA season in 2009.
Nathan has been extremely consistent throughout his career, so it appears that a healthy return is likely. It is certainly not a guarantee, though, so Nathan will have to prove himself again in 2011.
38. Nate McLouth, Atlanta Braves
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Status: $10.65 million club option
McLouth is another very difficult player to get a grasp of, though his difficulty is due to his inconsistent play.
He has had two very good seasons in 2008 and 2009, hitting 46 home runs and stealing 42 bases over the two years, with a mediocre batting average.
But McLouth was plagued with injuries in 2010, managing just 242 at-bats. His production during that limited time was awful. His batting average was only .190 and he hit only six home runs with seven stolen bases.
McLouth has the potential to crack the top 20 on this list, though his 2010 numbers are not indicative of that.
37. Juan Pierre, Chicago White Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
Pierre has always been known to be a speedy player, but his league-leading 68 stolen bases in 2010 were very surprising. Pierre has a career .298 batting average and 527 career stolen bases.
His role is very clear: He is a leadoff hitter with elite speed.
Many teams would love to have a guy with Pierre's skill set in their lineup, so expect teams to line up for Pierre this winter when he hits the market.
Not many players rival Pierre's speed, and none of those who do will be available in 2011.
36. Vladimir Guerrero, Baltimore Orioles
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Status: Final year of contract
"The Impaler" has had an incredible career, and his World Series appearance with the Rangers in 2010 showed that he is not yet done.
In 2010, Guerrero hit .300 with 29 home runs. He has now hit .295 or higher in every year that he has had 100-plus at-bats. This was also Guerrero's sixth time with 27-plus home runs in the past seven seasons.
Guerrero will be an interesting fit in Baltimore's newly-constructed offense, and even if Guerrero performs at a pedestrian level, he will still be intriguing due to his history.
35. Kelly Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks
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Status: Final year of contract
Johnson was a pleasant surprise for Diamondback fans in 2010, hitting .284 with 26 home runs and 13 stolen bases.
This was the first time of his career during which Johnson hit more than 16 home runs, which makes him not the most reliable target entering 2011.
However, Johnson plays at a scarce position power-wise, so he will be very enticing for teams that lack in that area.
Johnson has had a solid career in Arizona, and if he is able to reproduce his 2010 stat line, he will be due for a nice contract.
34. Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Status: Final year of contact
After being one of the league's best closers in 2009, Broxton regressed significantly in 2010, posting a 4.04 ERA and blowing seven of 29 save opportunities.
Broxton is only 26 years old, so he still has room to grow. He has had three season during which his ERA has been below 3.00, so his 2010 campaign is the odd man out.
Broxton's value will depend on his 2011 heavily, as another poor season will certainly scare a group of teams away. His position is abundant with regards to free agents this coming winter, so Broxton has little room for error.
33. Brandon Webb, Texas Rangers
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Status: Final year of contract
Webb is arguably the most questionable player on this list.
He is a Cy Young winner who has been to the postseason before. On the contrary, Webb has been plagued by injuries since 2008.
In Texas, Webb will get the opportunity to pitch for an elite offense against mediocre teams in the American League West, so he has all the variables on his side.
His 82-67 career record and lifetime 3.27 ERA are great, though they may be meaningless if Webb explodes negatively in 2011.
32. Josh Willingham, Oakland Athletics
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Status: Final year of contract
While others may not be, I am a big believer in Willingham entering the 2011 season.
At age 31, Willingham is not yet at the point of regression, and he has 15-plus home runs dating back to 2006. He has put up solid numbers in the batting average category as well, hitting between .250-.270 for the most part.
Willingham will be a crucial part of Oakland's offense in 2010, as the A's lack power. If Willingham can lead Oakland's offense to a respectable level, he will be able to command big money this winter.
31. Derrek Lee, Baltimore Orioles
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Status: Final year of contract
If you thought there were no more inconsistent players on this list, you are sorely mistaken.
The previous Triple Crown threat in Derrek Lee has mysteriously disappeared recently, as he hit just .260 with 19 home runs in 2010.
While his age could have predicted this decline, it was just one year ago Lee hit .306 with 35 home runs and 111 RBI. Lee can be added to the long list of players whose value will depend on 2011 performance.
An interesting note on Lee is that this will be his first time hitting in the American League.
30. Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins
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Status: Final year of contract
Kubel was one of the major reasons the Twins' offense thrived in 2009. He hit .300 with 28 home runs and 103 RBI in 2010. However, he hit a measly .249 with a solid 21 home runs and 92 RBI in 2009.
Kubel is a 29-year-old designated hitter, which has its positives and negatives. If he is able to restablilize his batting average this season, expect teams to jump on Kubel, as he will be the most coveted designated hitter on the market.
On the contrary, if his batting average remains below .260, he will lose his command due to the abundance of .260-plus, 20-plus home run hitters. His career .271 batting average screams that he will revert back to his career norm.
29. Mark Buehrle, Chicago White Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
Buerhle has been the ace of the White Sox' rotation for many years now. He has had a phenomenal career that has included a perfect game, a World Series ring and two Gold Gloves.
Despite this, Buerhle is still only a 13-13, 4.28 ERA pitcher.
He will likely be able to command big money based on his name value, though I can not rank him too high due to this. This 4.28 ERA in 2010 was the first time his ERA has risen above 4.00 since 2006.
Depending on his 2011 production, Buerhle will be very popular due also to the top-heavy quality of this crop of starters.
28. Aramis Ramirez, Chicago Cubs
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Status: Final year of contract
Ramirez was surprisingly disappointing in 2010, as he has been an elite third baseman for a long time now. His .249 was unattractive, though he still did manage 25 home runs in only 124 games.
His power is likely the reason he will gain attractors this winter; he is not elite in any other categories (assuming he does not raise his batting average significantly).
As long as Ramirez still has 30-plus homer power, his age (34) will be overlooked to a degree.
That is not to say that he will be an extremely coveted player, as he has yet to have postseason success.
27. David DeJesus, Kansas City Royals
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Status: Final year of contract
Before injuring himself last season, DeJesus was a big trade name, coveted by many teams. He was so desirable because he is a great defender with solid power and on-base ability.
DeJesus hit .318 in his 91 games in 2010 to go along with five home runs and three stolen bases.
For a contender, DeJesus can be an elite utility player. In the past three years, DeJesus has been great against right-handed pitchers, which boosts his utility value.
For a non-contender, DeJesus can still be an above-average position player, as his splits against left-handed pitchers are still respectable.
26. Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
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Status: $8 million club option
While Hill may have lost a significant amount of value due to his .205 batting average in 2010, he still remains among the top half of middle infielders.
Despite his woeful batting average, he still hit 26 home runs in 2010, which is the second straight season Hill has shown elite power for a middle infielder.
Hill is a bounce-back candidate in 2011, and if he does so, expect him to be a target for a bunch of teams, as he is only 28 years old.
A career .270 hitter, Hill is due for another elite season in 2011.
25. Edwin Jackson, Chicago White Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
If Jackson is able to continue the production he had with Chicago in 2010, he will most definitely be one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the market this winter.
At age 27, Jackson has tons of room to grow on his already solid numbers.
After being traded to the White Sox in 2010, Jackson went 4-2 with a 3.24 ERA, which certainly warrants elite status.
Jackson has been a workhorse, exceeding 200-innings pitched in back to back years, which is a great quality to general managers, as it displays his lack of injury risk.
Expect Jackson to attract many suitors, assuming he produces well in 2011.
24. Carlos Pena, Chicago Cubs
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Status: Final year of contract
Despite hitting just .196 in 2010, Pena remains one of the league's elite power hitters. He has hit 144 home runs in the past four seasons, a very impressive total.
Pena has been one of the keys to Tampa Bay's offensive success since 2008, so it will be interesting to see if that leadership translates in Chicago with the Cubs.
If Pena is able to lead Chicago's offense to a strong finish, he will increase his value significantly above its already moderately-high level.
Pena's elite defense should also be mentioned (2008 Gold Glove winner). You can expect general managers to notice that as well.
23. C.J. Wilson, Texas Rangers
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Status: Final year of contract
Despite being in the major leagues for six years, Wilson started his first career game in 2010. He did not look back, going 15-8 with a 3.35 ERA, aiding the Rangers significantly in their 2010 World Series appearance.
Although Wilson is already 30 years old, he still may have room to grow, being new to the starting pitching role. The need for starting pitching among many contending teams will likely boost Wilson's value this winter.
Wilson is especially attractive due to his elite control, ranking first among qualified starters in walks allowed.
22. Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
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Status: $7 million club option
Molina is one of the most underrated catchers in baseball. While he may never have hit double-digit home runs or stolen double-digit bases, Molina has won three straight Gold Glove awards and has hit above .290 in two of his previous three seasons.
Molina has been to the playoffs four times, boasting a career .315 batting average there. His .978 OPS during the playoffs en route to the Cardinals' World Series victory in 2006 will be taken into consideration by potential suitors.
Expect Molina to be the top catcher available come this winter, assuming he is not re-signed.
21. Omar Infante, Florida Marlins
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Status: Final year of contract
While it may not be well known, Infante has been one of the better infielders in the past two years when he has started.
In 2009, Infante he .305 in 70 games, followed by a .321 batting average in 2010. His .321 batting average ranked an elite third among National League players.
And 2010 was the first season Infante played in more than 100 games since 2005, which may not help his value. But he will certainly be coveted due to his beneficial effect on the Braves' offense over the years.
20. Nick Swisher, New York Yankees
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Status: $10.25 million club option
Swisher could potentially be one of the best players available in 2011, but he may also fall to the lower end of this list come December if he fails to reproduce his 2010 numbers.
While Swisher's .288/29/89 season in 2010 was great, it should be taken with a grain of salt. His career batting average even with his 2010 season is only .252.
Swisher, like many other players, will need to have a stellar year if he wishes to receive a hefty contract next winter.
19. J.D. Drew, Boston Red Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
Many people may question my putting J.D. Drew in the top 20, but it is clear that he is deserving of this placement.
In the past two seasons, Drew has hit 24 and 22 home runs respectively, despite not reaching 140 games in either of the two seasons. Drew is also an elite on-base percentage hitter, with a career .387 OBP.
Drew will be battling a lingering injury in the beginning of the season, but expect him to thrive during his contract year regardless.
If he is able to play a full plate of games, or at least 150, Drew may earn himself a big contract.
His age, 35, is not particularly helpful for his cause, though he has been remarkably consistent in his career.
18. Joel Pineiro, Los Angeles Angels
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Status: Final year of contract
Pineiro was a great asset for the Angels in 2010, going 10-7 with a 3.84 ERA. This strong season was preceded by an even better 15-12, 3.49 ERA season in 2009.
Pineiro has reached the playoffs twice, posting a 2.17 ERA over the two appearances, which will certainly add to his value slightly.
Though there are many elite starters potentially hitting the market this winter, Pineiro at 32 is surprisingly on the younger end.
It is undeniable that teams will be interested in him barring a disaster in 2011.
17. Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
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Status: Final year of contract
In his sixth full season, Weeks finally put together a complete, impressive season. He played in a surprising 160 games, posting a .269 batting average with 29 home runs and 11 stolen bases.
Weeks has always had the potential to put up these very impressive numbers, but injury and lack of consistency have prevented him from accomplishing this since 2005.
Given the lack of elite power hitting second basemen in the majors, Weeks will be able to command an expensive, long-term contract this winter if he does not re-sign this season with the Brewers.
16. Rafael Furcal, Los Angeles Dodgers
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Status: $12 million club option
Furcal is another player who, like Weeks, desperately needed a good season in 2010. Following Furcal's elite season in 2006, he struggled massively for three years.
However, in 2010 he ended this streak by hitting .300 and stealing 22 bases.
Furcal has never been a strong power hitter, though his all-around talent was among the league's best when he was in his prime.
At age 33, he is past his prime. Yet, he is still an above-average shortstop, which will warrant attention if he is let go this winter.
15. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
Papelbon has saved 35-plus games in five straight seasons, has been to the playoffs in four of those seasons and has won a World Series with the Red Sox. In 2009, he was one of the top three closers in the MLB. The only reason his value is not higher is due to his struggles in 2010.
During his 2010 campaign, Papelbon's ERA soared to 3.90 and his WHIP was a relatively disastrous 1.27. Assuming Papelbon does not get traded this season, he may still have high value due to the fact that many of the available closers are of a high age.
Papelbon may not have many elite years left, but he should earn a nice contract due to his success between 2006 and 2009.
14. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets
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Status: Final year of contract
The oft-injured Beltran will enter free agency in 2011, which will likely please Mets fans. Since 2009, Beltran has been a liability for the Mets, playing an aggregate of merely 145 games.
However, Beltran has hit 41 home runs in a season before and has stolen 42 bases in a season. He is 33 years old, which is young enough to be able to repeat his 2007-2008 stat lines.
But Beltran is a huge risk, regardless of what he does in 2011. He has become close with the disabled list and his consistency is questionable.
It will be interesting to see what teams will be willing to pay for him.
13. Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals
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Status: $15 million club option
The only reason Carpenter is not one of the top five players on this list is that he is 37 years old entering this upcoming season.
Other than that, there is limited downside to Carpenter.
He has gone 33-13 in the past two seasons in St. Louis and his ERAs have been 2.24 and 3.22 respectively.
He will be one of the top options at starting pitcher come December, and it is likely that a team such as the Yankees will be willing to cough up the money he will demand.
Since 2009, Carpenter ranks fourth among pitchers with at least 200 total innings pitched in ERA with a 2.78 ERA. This bodes well for his likelihood of receiving top dollar.
12. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
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Status: Final year of contract
Bell is undoubtedly the top closer potentially hitting the market this coming winter.
In 2010, his stats were off the charts. He saved 47 games in just 50 opportunities, which is mind-blowing.
His 1.97 ERA during 2010 was also incredible. Bell has now saved 89 games in the past two seasons and his ERA has not risen above 2.71 in the past two years.
Those 89 saves are, unsurprisingly, the highest combined total between 2009-2010.
If there is any wariness towards Bell, it will be due to his age, 33. But if he continues to pitch well through 2011, it would be difficult to make a case against Bell being the best available closer.
11. Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
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Status: Final year of contract
Despite his age, 32, Rollins still remains an elite shortstop. His injury during 2010 is to blame for his poor 2010 stat line.
In 2010, Rollins hit .250 with 21 home runs and 31 stolen bases, unparalleled by most shortstops.
Despite playing just 88 games in 2010, Rollins still stole 17 bases, which would translate to over 30 stolen bases once again over a full season.
Rollins has led the Phillies to four straight playoff appearances, and a strong 2011 would only add to his impressive career.
He will be attractive to many teams, not only due to his elite fielding and versatility, but also for his leadership.
Rollins has been a class act and one of Phillies fans' favorite players.
10. Roy Oswalt, Philadelphia Phillies
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Status: $16 million mutual option
Oswalt has spent his entire career in Houston, but he will be moving to Philadelphia in 2011, where he will have he best opportunity to win a World Series.
In 2010, Oswalt was phenomenal, going 13-13 with a 2.76 ERA over 211.2 innings. With Philadelphia in 2010, Oswalt was unstoppable, going 7-1 with a 1.74 ERA.
This was a big season for Oswalt due to his struggles in 2009, as he can now be considered again among the league's elite starters.
Oswalt has every variable in his favor entering 2011: a good offense, a good rotation and a good coaching staff.
He should thrive in the environment, which will allow him to command a monstrous salary.
9. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
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Status: Final year of contract
Bautista exploded in 2010, hitting 54 home runs while maintaining a respectable .260 batting average. While he had never displayed this type of power before, he was able to continue his production smoothly throughout the entire season, creating encouragement that he can repeat similar numbers in 2011.
Another reason Bautista's 2010 season was so impressive was his 10th highest in the American League on-base percentage, .378.
If Bautista is able to hit 35-40 home runs or more in 2011, expect him to be highly targeted due to his relatively young age at 30 years old and newly discovered potential.
That is a big "if."
8. Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
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Status: $12 million club option
Phillips is one of the best second basemen in the MLB and is still in his prime at age 29. He has hit .275 or higher in back-to-back seasons, which is respectable.
However, his value stems from his power/speed combination: Phillips has hit 18-plus home runs in four straight seasons and has stolen 16 bases or more during those seasons.
He has hit up to 30 home runs and stolen up to 32 bases in a single season.
Phillips has been relatively consistent since 2006, which will make him more enticing to general managers. Due to the lack of second basemen who have power or speed—let alone both—Phillips will be highly coveted entering 2012.
7. Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
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Status: $8.5 million club option
Sizemore is currently a trade target because he does not have a future with the Indians and he is desired by so many teams due to his potential.
In 2008, Sizemore hit 33 home runs and stole 38 bases while maintaining a .268 batting average. While injuries have prevented him from repeating those numbers, at age 28 Sizemore still has the potential to repeat them in the future.
Given how impressive those numbers are, expect Sizemore to either be traded for a large group of talented prospects or signed for a huge, long-term contract.
But 2011 is a crucial season for Sizemore, as many teams will have their eyes all over him.
6. Jose Reyes, New York Mets
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Status: Final year of contract
Since his incredible 2007 season during which Reyes stole 71 bases, he has been regressing each season.
In 2010, Reyes stole only 30 bases in 40 attempts, though he did hit 11 home runs.
For Reyes to maintain his high value, he will have to prove that he is still an elite leadoff hitter and shortstop, which is conceivable given that he is only 27.
Reyes has a lot of questions circulating around him due to his lack of production as of late, so it will take a big season out of him to earn this sixth ranking.
5. Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals
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Status: $10 million club option
The Cardinals are extremely lucky to have Wainwright at the price they have him at.
In 2010, Wainwright won 20-11 with a 2.42 ERA. He struck out an impressive 213 batters as well in 230.1 innings.
In the past four seasons, Wainwright's ERA has not risen above 3.70 and it has been below 2.70 in back-to-back seasons.
It is highly unlikely that the Cardinals' ace will be entering free agency this winter, but if he does, he will receive a ridiculous contract given that he is still 29.
4. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
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Status: Final year of contract
While Fielder had a down year in 2010, nobody doubts that he still has the potential to blast 50-plus home runs in a single season.
Fielder hit 130 home runs between 2007 and 2009, which is beyond impressive. He also has been a decent source for batting average, as his average has fluctuated between .260 and .300 in the past four years.
Fielder in only 26 years old and he is already one of the top first basemen in the league.
If he enters free agency this winter, his contract could be potentially record-breaking.
3. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
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Status: $14 million club option
Cano had a near-MVP season in 2010, hitting .319 with 29 home runs and 109 RBI. At just 28 years old, Cano has a bright future ahead of him.
His Gold Glove in 2010 is actually what was most impressive about his 2010 campaign. Cano had previously displayed the potential to hit as well as he did, but his elite defense came as a surprise.
It is unlikely that the Yankees will let their prized second baseman go, especially given the amount of room they have when it comes to money.
In the unlikely scenario that Cano does hit free agency, he will be another potentially record-breaking contract receiver.
2. Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
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Status: Final year of contract
It appears that the Red Sox have a deal in line with Gonzalez that they will release around Opening Day due to tax reasons. But let's pretend Gonzalez will enter free agency.
In San Diego, Gonzalez showed that he could carry a mediocre at best offense on his shoulders by hitting .298 with 31 home runs.
In Fenway Park, Gonzalez should see his already-phenomenal stats improve, which will make his potential contract even higher.
Gonzalez has hit 30 or more home runs in four straight seasons and has a career .284 batting average. That is very impressive for someone with as much power as him.
Expect him to earn a crazy contract whether it comes from Boston or somewhere else.
1. Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
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Status: Final year of contract
This should have been an obvious No. 1.
Pujols is the best player in the MLB, without a question, and while people may say that he will begin regressing within four or five seasons, he has been robotically consistent in terms of every aspect of the game.
Pujols can hit for average and power, steal bases, field at an elite level and take a team to the World Series and win. Is there anything else you could possibly ask for from a player?
There now seems to be a real possibility that Pujols will leave St. Louis following the 2011 season, and one can only imagine the amount of money he will be able to command after seeing the Ryan Howard contract.
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