MLB Free Agency: Top 20 Players Potentially Available This Winter

Although the 2011 regular season is nearing its close, teams are just now beginning to deal with those players who find themselves on the free-agent market.

Although this year's free agent class isn't filled with superstars, it does feature the likes of Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. Although many would argue that Pujols will likely return to the Cardinals, many expect Fielder to ship out of Milwaukee and to a large-market team.

Regardless, here is a list of 20 of the top free agents in this year's class, many of whom are seeking to sign with the team who offers them the most money and has the best chance at making it to the postseason.

Note: Players with options, whether it be a personal option or club option, are not listed in this slide show.

Carlos Pena

The Chicago Cubs got exactly what they expected from first baseman Carlos Pena this season—big home runs and a lot of strikeouts. But now that his one-year contract is expiring, the Cubs will have to decide whether or not they want to pursue Pena.

Signing Pena to a long-term deal is a bit of a risk, however, because, although he has hit at least 25 home runs in each of the past five seasons, he strikes out a lot. In fact, he's struck out at least 135 times in each of the past five seasons. His batting average has also hovered around .200 in each of the past three seasons.

But Pena is a good fielding first baseman and is capable of taking the ball out of the park at any given time. Signing Pena during the offseason could prove to be the difference maker for a contender.

Jim Thome

Although there has been some speculation that Jim Thome will hang up his spikes during the offseason, he has yet to make an official announcement, hence his placement on this list.

Thome was acquired by the Cleveland Indians in late August, the team he played in his first 12 professional seasons. Although Thome's age, 41, may be a cause of concern for some teams, having a powerful designated hitter would be a welcomed sight by many American League teams, including the Indians.

This season, Thome is batting .235 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI through 79 games with both the Indians and Minnesota Twins.

Prince Fielder

First baseman Prince Fielder has spent his entire seven-year big league career with the Milwaukee Brewers, although there is much speculation that Fielder may leave the team when his contract expires at the end of the season.

During his six full seasons with the Brewers, Fielder never hit less than 28 home runs in a year and never drove in fewer than 81 runs, both of which were done in his rookie season. He is capable of carrying a team's struggling offense, as evident in his early years in Milwaukee, and is proving to be a key piece to the Brewers' amazing run this season.

As of September 5, Fielder was batting .295 with 31 home runs and 107 RBI. Keeping Fielder in Milwaukee will likely cost the Brewers a fortune, but losing him could hurt the team even more.

Albert Pujols

Whereas re-signing Prince Fielder would be nice for Milwaukee, re-signing Albert Pujols is a must for the St. Louis Cardinals, who would be losing most of the offense if Pujols were to leave during the offseason.

Pujols, who has played for St. Louis in each of his 11 seasons in the majors, has hit more than 32 home runs and driven in more than 100 runs in each season. This year, Pujols is batting .295 with 34 home runs and 85 RBI through 125 games. Although he got off to a slow start this year, he is rolling now as he attempts to lead the Cards back into the playoff hunt.

Many analysts speculate that Pujols will return to St. Louis, but if a big-market team offers Pujols a lot of money, it will be tough to turn them down.

Omar Infante

Although Florida Marlins super utility man Omar Infante struggled mightily to start the year, he seems to have found his swing late in the season, as he has recorded three multi-hit games in his past five starts.

Infante, who was a National League All-Star while playing for the Atlanta Braves last season, is currently batting .280 with three home runs and 37 RBI in 125 games with the Marlins, who acquired him from Atlanta in the Dan Uggla trade.

Infante could prove to be a cheap addition for any team looking for a consistent hitting player who is capable of playing nearly every position in the field.

Alex Gonzalez

Although Atlanta Braves shortstop Alex Gonzalez's offensive output is not where he wants it to be, he has cemented himself as one of the league's best fielding infielders with dazzling glove work all season.

But with a promising class of minor leaguers making their way through the Double and Triple-A levels this year, the Braves may have to let Gonzalez go unsigned during the offseason.

This year, Gonzalez is batting .229 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI through 135 games with the Braves. Defensively, he has committed only 12 errors and helped turn 73 double plays en route to a .980 fielding percentage.

Jimmy Rollins

Although Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has spent a lot of time on the DL over the course of the past couple of seasons, he's still an asset both on and off the field.

On the field, Rollins is batting .268 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI. He's committed only five errors in 119 games this season, his fourth consecutive year of less than 10 errors. Off the field, Rollins is one of the team's emotional leaders and has a strong veteran presence in the clubhouse.

Rollins has spent all of his 12-year major league career in Philadelphia, but is expected to test the free-agent market at least somewhat this offseason.

Jose Reyes

Although the New York Mets were hesitant to pull the trigger on trading shortstop Jose Reyes before the July 31 trade deadline, Reyes is expected to test the free-agent market this offseason, where he is likely to find another large market team willing to pay him a large sum of money.

Reyes is putting up career numbers this season. As of Sept. 6, he was batting .332 with five home runs and 37 RBI in 105 games with the Mets. Although he is an injury liability, his speed on the bases will likely make him one of the most coveted free agents on the market.

Contenders looking for a boost in their leadoff spot must take a look at Reyes, who has already swiped 35 bases this season.

Jorge Posada

Although some have questioned Posada's ability to continue to be successful in the big leagues because of his age, he seems to have turned around his season in New York.

But the Yankees have to take a long look at Posada before re-signing him, as they have Jesus Montero and Russell Martin already on their roster. Thus, Posada will likely test the free-agent market this offseason.

As of September 6, Posada was batting .239 with 13 home runs and 40 RBI. Although signing Posada would be a major risk, I would expect him to sign a one-year deal somewhere outside of New York.

Carlos Beltran

San Francisco Giants outfielder Carlos Beltran seems to be heating up at the right time, as he's recorded at least three hits in three of his last four games.

After getting off to a slow start in San Francisco after the team acquired him at the trade deadline, Beltran has now raised his batting average to .299 to go along with 17 home runs and 76 RBI. He also has a .381 on-base percentage and is slugging .523 overall.

Like Fielder and Pujols, Beltran will surely be one of the most sought after free agents this offseason.

Michael Cuddyer

Right around the July 31 trade deadline, Michael Cuddyer's name was linked to many teams, but he ultimately ended up staying with the Minnesota Twins, a team he said he wanted to stay with.

Although I expect Cuddyer to give the Twins a hometown discount and stay with them in 2012 and beyond, he could leave Minnesota for a big-market team with a shot at winning the World Series.

Cuddyer is batting .282 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI this season. He was also named to the 2011 American League All-Star team this season, his first career All-Star selection.

Johnny Damon

When the Tampa Bay Rays signed outfielder/designated hitter Johnny Damon to a one-year deal this past offseason, few knew what Damon would bring to the team, as like so many on this list, his age was a growing concern.

But Damon has been excellent for the Rays. As of Sept. 7, Damon is batting .261 with 14 home runs and 61 RBI through 129 games with Tampa Bay. He's also stolen 13 bases, his highest total in the last three seasons.

Any team looking for veteran presence and a strong designated hitter candidate should look hard at Damon, who would fill that role well.

Vladimir Guerrero

When the Baltimore Orioles signed the 36-year-old Vladimir Guerrero to a one-year, $8 million contract this offseason, they were hoping the aging designated hitter could duplicate his season with the Texas Rangers from the year prior, in which he hit 29 home runs and drove in 115.

Although Guerrero has not posted the power numbers that many had hoped, his average has been right around .280 for much of the season and he, along with third baseman Mark Reynolds, have accounted for much of the Orioles' offense.

Guerrero is currently batting .279 with 11 home runs and 50 RBI, and warrants at least some attention from American League teams looking for a consistent hitting DH.

Hideki Matsui

When the Oakland Athletics signed the 37-year-old outfielder/designated hitter Hideki Matsui this past offseason, they found themselves in a similar position as the Baltimore Orioles and Vladimir Guerrero. Matsui had had a good season the year prior, and the team was hopeful he could duplicate it in Oakland.

Although Matsui's home run count is down significantly from last year, he has accounted for much of the Athletics' offense this season. As of Sept. 7, Matsui is batting .261 with 11 home runs and 68 RBI through 123 games with the A's,

Signing Matsui (the 2009 World Series MVP) this offseason would be a good idea for teams looking to improve their bench and are willing to take a one-year chance on an aging veteran.

Mark Buehrle

Mark Buehrle, who has spent his entire 12-year professional career with the Chicago White Sox, is up for free agency this offseason.

Buehrle has been dominant this season, posting an 11-7 record so far, which leads to further speculation that the White Sox southpaw will be able to land a big contract in the offseason. As of Sept. 7, Buehrle has a 3.34 ERA and has struck out 96 batters while walking only 39.

Acquiring Buehrle would make for a huge addition to any team's starting five, and the fact that he is left-handed only adds to his lure. Look for Buehrle to sign a large contract this offseason.

C.J. Wilson

Like Buehrle, Texas Rangers starting pitcher C.J. Wilson is one of the most coveted left-handed pitchers potentially available on the market this offseason.

This year, Wilson is 15-6 with a 3.13 ERA in 30 starts with the Rangers. He's struck out 179 batters while walking 66. As of his last outing, a Sept. 6 complete game shutout, Wilson was holding batters to a .233 batting average against.

Signing Wilson won't be cheap this offseason, but he will boost any teams' starting five the moment he steps foot into their ballpark.

Edwin Jackson

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Edwin Jackson has pitched well for the team since they acquired him just prior to the trade deadline in July.

Jackson has won three of his past four decisions, boosting his record to 11-9 on the year. He currently has a 3.78 ERA with 132 strikeouts and 53 walks, and he is holding opponents to a .292 batting average against.

Although Jackson isn't the most sought after pitcher on the market, he will be able to bring in a decent sized contract this offseason, as he's won at least 10 games each season dating back to 2008.

Hiroki Kuroda

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda has pitched better than his record implies this season, and will likely accept a big paying, multi-year deal in the offseason.

Kuroda is currently 11-15 with a 3.18 ERA in 28 starts with the Dodgers this season. He's holding opponents to a .254 batting average against and has struck out 142 batters while only walking 46.

Prior to the July 31 trade deadline, analysts were linking Kuroda to many different teams, although he ultimately stayed put in Los Angeles. Don't expect Kuroda to re-sign with the Dodgers without testing the market, however, as he is one of the best starters available in this year's free-agent class.

Jonathan Papelbon

After a somewhat shaky season with the Boston Red Sox last year, closer Jonathan Papelbon has returned as one of the league's top closers in 2011.

Papelbon has saved 29 games in 30 attempts and posted a 2.75 ERA in doing so. He's also 4-0 on the year, with 75 strikeouts and only 10 walks. Opponents are batting a frigid .203 off of him this season, the lowest they've hit off of him since 2007, when they hit .146.

Although the Red Sox have the funds necessary to re-sign Papelbon in heartbeat, he may still end up somewhere other than Boston this offseason.

Heath Bell

As the offseason approaches, San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell's name will, once again, be in the headlines. It seems as though Bell has been linked to at least a dozen teams in the past few years, yet he has ultimately remained with the Padres throughout.

This offseason may be different, however, as Bell is a free agent. He has become one of the most dominant closers in baseball, thus furthering his case to bring in a large, multi-year contract.

This year, Bell has recorded 35 saves in 39 attempts, and posted a 2.50 ERA in doing so. He's 3-4 on the year and has struck out 41 while walking only 19. Opponents are batting .226 off Bell this season.