MLB: 40 Big Names Who Could Change Teams After 2011

The 2011 MLB season thus far has certainly seen its share of drama and stellar play, both from unsuspecting sources (Ryan Vogelsong, Dillon Gee) to players whom great play was expected (Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez).

When all is said and done, and the playoffs and World Series have been decided, the business side of baseball will take center stage, as team executives across the league will be evaluating their needs for the following season, analyzing team payroll and exactly how much they can afford, and making decisions on the current roster.

There will no doubt be quite a few players who will be on the move, either because they simply don't fit into their current team's future plans, or they will be commanding big dollars on the open market.

So, who exactly will the major players be in terms of free agency and playing for a new team? Bleacher Report will analyze the top 40 players who very well could find themselves in a new uniform next season.

In no particular order, here are the top 40 players who could change teams after 2011.

Vladimir Guerrero

While enjoying an offensive resurgence in 2010 with the Texas Rangers, hitting .300 with 29 HR and 115 RBI, Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero has seen a drastic decline in 2011, hitting just .278 with 11 HR and 50 RBI.

Signed to a one-year, $8 million contract, it is highly unlikely that the Orioles will invite Guerrero back for another season, and Guerrero's days as a full-time player could be coming to an end.

Johnny Damon

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon has to be pleased with the production from designated hitter/outfielder Johnny Damon in the 2011 season. Hitting .261 with 14 HR and 63 RBI, Damon has also provided a steady veteran presence on a team that saw tremendous upheaval over the offseason.

At 37 years of age, Damon may be hanging around to collect 3,000 hits in his career (currently at 2,705), and at $5.25 million, the Rays may just be looking to bring Damon back for one more season, provided Damon doesn't ask for the moon during salary negotiations.

B.J. Upton

Tampa Bay Rays center fielder B.J. Upton has really been an enigma during his time with the Rays. Still just 26 years old, Upton has not produced as expected.

He has been unable to hit above .250 for the past three seasons, and while his potential seemed unlimited years ago, Upton has largely been unable to upgrade his offensive output.

There were grumblings earlier this season at the trade deadline that Upton was coveted by the Washington Nationals. Upton has one more year of arbitration before becoming a free agent, however the Nats may indeed up the ante in trade talks regarding Upton once the season is over.

Alfonso Soriano

After signing an eight-year, $136 million with the Chicago Cubs in November 2006, center fielder Alfonso Soriano's tenure on the North Side has fallen far below expectations. And the Cubs still owe Soriano $54 million over the next three seasons.

Whoever becomes the next general manager for the Cubs will no doubt be tasked with revamping a Cubs team that has been nothing but a disappointment, considering the sizable payroll. Finding a way to move Soriano would be a huge feather in the cap of the new GM.

Juan Pierre

Chicago White Sox left fielder Juan Pierre is in the final year of a five-year, $44 million contract originally signed as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the Dodgers have paid the lion's share of Pierre's contract during his two years in Chicago, his days in a White Sox uniform may be numbered.

With the White Sox hopes quickly fading in the American League Central, GM Kenny Williams will most likely be looking to decrease team payroll after spending over $20 million more in 2011 than the previous year in an attempt to boost offensive production.

At 34 years of age, Pierre still has value, although his speed at the top of the lineup has been declining over the past two seasons.

Aaron Hill

In the 12 games that Aaron Hill has played with the Arizona Diamondbacks since the trade that sent Hill and John McDonald to Arizona from the Toronto Blue Jays for Kelly Johnson, he has been on fire, hitting .383 with one homer and nine RBI.

Hill is absolutely playing for his future. His contract is up at the end of the year, however Hill has team options in his contract that can be picked up by the D-Backs, if they so choose.

At 29 years of age, Hill has suffered through two miserable seasons after a 2009 season that saw him hit 36 HR and 108 RBI. The Diamondbacks may not be willing at this point to gamble on spending $28 million to keep Hill over the next three seasons.

CC Sabathia

New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia may present the most interesting case this coming offseason. After winning his 19th game on Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays, Sabathia became the first pitcher since Randy Johnson in 2000-2002 to win at least 19 games three seasons in a row.

Sabathia has an option in his current contract that will allow him to opt out and seek a new contract with any team. It may be hard to believe that teams will be willing to pay Sabathia more than the $23 million per year that he is owed for the next four years, but there will no doubt be incredible interest nonetheless.

David DeJesus

When Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane made the deal during the offseason to acquire outfielder David DeJesus from the Kansas City Royals for pitcher Vin Mazzaro, he couldn't possibly have thought that DeJesus would have hit 50 points below his career batting average (.283), and 85 points below his career OPS (.776).

But that's exactly what Beane got this season from DeJesus. Making $6 million this season, DeJesus will no doubt be plying his trade next season with another team.

Cody Ross

When outfielder Cody Ross was picked up off waivers by the San Francisco Giants in August 2010, he became one of the unsung heroes in delivering the first World Series championship for the Giants in 56 seasons.

Signed to a $6.3 million contract for the 2011 season, Ross has been largely inconsistent, batting just .238 with 12 HR and 47 RBI. With the Giants facing an uphill battle in getting back to the postseason, Ross will most likely be available during the offseason, as Brian Sabean will be looking to add serious upgrades to a porous offense.

Nate McLouth

Two days ago, Atlanta Braves center fielder Nate McLouth was transferred to the 60-day disabled list, effectively ending his season, and possibly his tenure with the Braves.

McLouth had surgery for a sports hernia in August, and likely wouldn't have been ready for at least another two weeks anyway. Coupled with the trade that brought Michael Bourn over from Houston, McLouth's playing time would have been limited anyway.

McLouth is in the final year of his contract, and the Braves will likely pay the $1.25 million buyout rather than picking up his $10.65 million option for 2012, so McLouth will clearly be hitting the open market.

Jose Valverde

Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde has literally been perfect this season. With 41 saves in 41 save opportunities, Valverde has been rock solid at the back end for the Tigers.

Valverde is being paid $7 million this season with a team option for $9 million in 2012. Considering his success this season, there doesn't appear to be a chance that Valverde's option will be declined by the Tigers.

Magglio Ordonez

The Detroit Tigers re-signed right fielder Magglio Ordonez to a one-year, $10 million contract in December, and Ordonez has been, in a word, dismal.

Hitting just .242 with five HR and 28 RBI, Ordonez' production has dropped precipitously, and there doesn't appear to be any scenario in which Ordonez will extend his career with the Tigers.

At this point in his career, Ordonez may still have value as a designated hitter, but certainly nowhere near last year's salary.

Hiroki Kuroda

Earlier in the season, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda would not waive his no-trade clause, preferring instead to stay in the dysfunctional Dodgers organization.

Who knows, maybe he's used to that in Japan? In any event, Kuroda's deal expires at the end of the season, and at $12 million, it's unlikely that Kuroda will be back in LA, given the flux of ownership issues and ongoing bankruptcy proceedings.

Then again, maybe he'll take a pay cut and stay—he seems to enjoy playing in almost impossible conditions.

Edwin Jackson

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Edwin Jackson has pitched very well for the Redbirds since coming over in a trade before the deadline, with a 4-2 record and 3.44 ERA.

The Cardinals have some very interesting decisions to make regarding their roster (Jackson, Lance Berkman, Chris Carpenter), with all three of them eligible for free agency. Coupled with the negotiations for Albert Pujols, it's a crapshoot at this point as to whether or not the Cards will retain Jackson.

At $8.35 million this season, Jackson would absolutely provide a steady presence as the No. 3 starter behind Carpenter and Adam Wainwright next season—the question is, will the Cardinals be able to afford him?

Lance Berkman

As with Edwin Jackson, the same applies for St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Lance Berkman.

The Cards signed Berkman to a one-year, $8 million contract, and he has been worth every bit of that, collecting 30 HR and 83 RBI with a .281 batting average, making the All-Star team, and providing great protection in the lineup for Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.

However, Berkman was placed on waivers two weeks ago, and when no one claimed him, it was assumed that he would be traded before the waiver trade deadline expired on Aug. 31. As great a year as he has had for the Cards, Berkman may be expendable if the Redbirds go after Albert Pujols with a long-term deal.

Chris Carpenter

Former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter has had an outstanding career with the St. Louis Cardinals, and over the last several years together with Adam Wainwright has formed one of the top pitching tandems in all of baseball.

With Wainwright recovering from Tommy John surgery, Carpenter has had an up and down year, currently 8-9 with a 3.92 ERA.

Carpenter is in the last year of his contract, making $15 million this season, and the Cards have the option of signing Carpenter for next season at $15 million as well, or buying Carpenter out for $1 million.

With the Pujols situation at hand, coupled with decisions on other free agents, it's not inconceivable that the Cardinals could buy Carpenter out. However, given his consistency during his career with the Cards, they would be served well to pick up his option and roll their dice with Pujols.

Ivan Rodriguez

Before the 2010 season, catcher Ivan Rodriguez signed a team-friendly two-year, $6 million deal with the Washington Nationals, presumably to hold the position for Nats catching prospects, including the up-and-coming Wilson Ramos, who the Nats acquired in a trade last season with the Minnesota Twins for reliever Matt Capps.

In 2011, Ramos clearly blossomed, taking over the starting role and hitting .261 with 12 HR and 43 RBI. Rodriguez' guidance was clearly evident in the maturation process of Ramos as well.

With his contract ending this season, Rodriguez has stated that he would like to continue playing for at least another season, possibly two. There appears to be no doubt that Rodriguez can still add value to a team looking for a great veteran presence and as a mentor for young catching prospects.

Jason Kubel

Right fielder/designated hitter Jason Kubel has spent his entire career with the Minnesota Twins, and over the years has provided consistent production, averaging 23 HR and 92 RBI with a .272 average during his seven-year career in Minnesota.

However, Kubel is a free agent at the end of the season. Both Kubel and Michael Cuddyer are free agents at the end of the season, and with the miserable season the Twins have had, GM Bill Smith will have some major decisions to make regarding the makeup of his team for the 2012 season.

With the uncertainty of Justin Morneau and his ongoing concussion symptoms, that could clearly play a factor in deciding whether or not to keep Kubel's consistent offensive production, and at $5.25 million last season, Kubel would likely be a better option to sign over Cuddyer.

Still, if Kubel does hit the open market, there will likely be several teams vying for his services.

Michael Cuddyer

Like Jason Kubel, first baseman/third baseman/right fielder Michael Cuddyer has spent his entire 11-year career in Minnesota, and has provided almost similar number in terms of production when compared to Kubel, with Cuddyer averaging 20 HR and 83 RBI with a .271 average during his career.

Cuddyer will likely end up with similar numbers this season as well, currently hitting .282 with 18 HR and 64 RBI. In a year that has seen nothing but misery for Minnesota, Cuddyer has been one of the few bright spots.

However Cuddyer, who made $10.5 million in the last year of his contract, will be an expensive signing for the Twins. While it's certainly possible that he could take a hometown discount to stay with the only club he's ever played for, it's very likely that Cuddyer will be available on the open market.

Matt Capps

When the Minnesota Twins traded for Matt Capps last year, they were more than pleasantly surprised at his performance, as Capps solidified the back end of the bullpen in the absence of Joe Nathan, posting 16 saves and a 2.00 ERA.

The Twins rewarded Capps with a one-year, $7.15 million contract, presumably to act as set-up man for the returning Nathan. At one point, Capps took over the closer's role after Nathan struggled to start the season. However Capps went through his struggles as well, and has not given the Twins the same type of performance that they saw from him last season.

It would be a complete surprise to see Capps signed once again with the Twins, and more than likely, Capps will be in a set-up role with another team next season.

Joe Nathan

For six straight seasons, between 2004-2009, Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan was easily one of the best in the American League, never posting less than 36 saves and making the All-Star team four of the six seasons.

However, after missing the entire 2010 season due to Tommy John surgery, Nathan has clearly struggled this year, posting a 4.89 ERA and just 12 saves.

Nathan is in the final season of a four-year deal, with a $12.5 million option for the 2012 season. The Twins could very well buy out the option at $2 million and move on without Nathan, leaving other teams to bid for his services in a very crowded field for free agent closers.

Jonathan Papelbon

Like Joe Nathan of the Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been very consistent in his time as closer for the Sox since 2006, never finishing a season with less than 36 saves. However, Papelbon is making $12 million this season, and is likely to command much more than that during the offseason.

With the Red Sox grooming young Daniel Bard to succeed Papelbon as the closer, it's almost a certainty that Papelbon will join the crowded list of available closers on the open market.

Heath Bell

Speaking of reliable available closers, we continue that vein of thought and present to you San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell.

Just two weeks ago, there were grumblings that Bell would be headed to San Francisco, presumably to become their closer with Brian Wilson spending time on the disabled list. However, the two teams were unable to work out a proper compensation package for Bell's services, and he's still with the Padres.

Bell has said all along that he would love to stay in San Diego, and is willing to accept a hometown discount. However, given the fact that Bell will be a hot commodity on the open market, it would have to be a HUGE discount in order to stay in a Padres uniform next season and beyond.

Jorge Posada

Ah, the case of catcher turned designated hitter Jorge Posada. What will the Yankees and Posada do?

Posada got off to a terrible start as the full-time designated hitter in 2011, and at one time took himself out of the Yankees lineup after being told by manager Joe Girardi that he would be batting ninth.

Posada has since improved, now hitting .238 with 12 HR and 47 RBI. Still, it's a far cry from his career average of 24 HR and 95 RBI, and a full 35 points below his career batting average of .273.

It would appear that Posada's days as a Yankee are numbered, as he has indicated he wants to keep playing, but has been losing time at the plate over the past several weeks. The Yankees will clearly move in another direction at the DH position, and the 17-year Yankee will likely move on.

David Ortiz

As with Jorge Posada and the Yankees, the Boston Red Sox will clearly have a decision to make with designated hitter David Ortiz.

Ortiz' 2011 option was picked up by the Sox for $12.5 million, and Ortiz has risen to the challenge, hitting .313 with 28 HR and 89 RBI. While Ortiz will never again approach the monster numbers put up between 2004-2007, he is clearly still one of the best designated hitters in the American League.

Will Big Papi accept a pay cut to stay with the Sox? They likely won't spend $12.5 million to keep the slugger, and Ortiz would certainly want more than a one-year deal.

Carlos Pena

When first baseman Carlos Pena accepted a one-year, $10 million deal to play for the Chicago Cubs in 2011, it was largely regarded as a temporary deal for the Cubs, given the fact that both Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder would be free agents next season.

Pena got off to a terrible start for the Cubs, but has since slightly rebounded, with 25 HR and 69 RBI to go with a .227 average.

However, it's clear that Cubs management will be making a serious play for either Pujols or Fielder, and Pena will be looking to play for his seventh team next season.

Derrek Lee

When the Pittsburgh Pirates were in the thick of the National League Central division race at the end of July, they looked to add power to their offense by trading for both first baseman Derrek Lee and outfielder Ryan Ludwick. The moves appeared to be a smart play by Pirates GM Neal Huntington at the time.

However, the Pirates completely imploded, and will likely finish the year with their 19th straight losing season. Lee was placed on the disabled list shortly after joining the Pirates, and while he has provided a .400 batting average with four home runs in limited action for the Pirates, it may not be enough to keep him in Pittsburgh next season.

The Pirates have limited resources, and with Lee making $7.25 million in 2011, it's unlikely they will re-sign him at that price.

Ryan Ludwick

Like teammate Derrek Lee, outfielder Ryan Ludwick was brought in at the trade deadline by Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington to strengthen the offense for a potential stretch run in the NL Central.

Ludwick, who was one of the more sought-after players at the trade deadline, has provided little production for the Pirates since the trade, with just one homer and seven RBI. It is highly unlikely that the Pirates will keep Ludwick, who is making $6.775 million in the 2011 season.

Grady Sizemore

What to do with Grady Sizemore...

The speedy center fielder has had his career curtailed over the past three seasons now with a spate of injuries, and even this season, Sizemore has played in just 62 games, with a .233 average, 10 HR and 30 RBI.

Sizemore was recently activated from the disabled list to try to help the Indians in their uphill battle to catch the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central title, and those hopes appear to be fading fast.

The Indians will certainly have a tough decision to make—Sizemore has an $8.5 million option for the 2012 season, or the Tribe can buy Sizemore out for $500K.

The Indians may well decide to just move on without Sizemore, as he has clearly shown he is unable to stay healthy at this point.

Aramis Ramirez

Does there really appear to be any scenario in which the Chicago Cubs will pick up the 2012 option on third baseman Aramis Ramirez' contract at $16 million?

Ramirez refused to waive his no-trade clause before the July 31 deadline, preferring to remain in Chicago. While there were conflicting reports that stated that Ramirez would be open to a trade after the July 31 deadline, nothing came to fruition.

Ramirez has put up decent numbers this season (.308 average, 24 HR, 85 RBI), however he is almost certainly gone, as the Cubs will no doubt buy out his option year at $2 million.

Jimmy Rollins

At the end of the 2010 season, the Philadelphia Phillies exercised the option on shortstop Jimmy Rollins' contract and retained him for the 2011 season. Now, the Phillies will have a major decision to make regarding Rollins' future with the team.

Rollins has spent his entire 12-year career in Philly, and while his numbers have diminished over the last two seasons, he is still not over the hill at just 32 years of age.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. will clearly have to make a decision here, and that decision will clearly decide whether or not Rollins will be playing for another team in 2012.

Kelly Johnson

Second baseman Kelly Johnson enjoyed a career year for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, hitting .284 with 26 HR and 71 RBI. However, Johnson went through a season-long slump this season, hitting just .209 with the D-Backs, who did everything they could to turn around Johnson's season before finally giving up and dealing him to the Toronto Blue Jays for Aaron Hill and John McDonald.

Now, Johnson is playing for a contract. In 12 games with Toronto, Johnson is hitting .289 with two HR and 4 RBI. Making $5.85 this season, Johnson will have to prove to Jays' management that it's worth keeping him for the long haul.

Jamey Carroll

For the past two seasons, Los Angeles Dodgers utility infielder Jamey Carroll has done everything asked of him by the Dodgers, and more. It can be argued that aside from Matt Kemp, Carroll has been the most consistent position player for a team that has seen nothing but disappointment this year.

Carroll, signed for $1.85 million, could certainly be retained by the Dodgers during the offseason, but with his versatility, Carroll will most likely be highly sought after by several teams.

Carlos Beltran

When the San Francisco Giants gave up several prospects for New York Mets right fielder Carlos Beltran, it was expected that Beltran would provide an immediate upgrade in terms of power for the offensively-challenged Giants.

That power has yet to come to pass. In 23 games for the Giants, Beltran has hit .318, but with only two HR and seven RBI. The Giants are fading fast in the National League West race, and while Beltran's monster seven-year deal finally comes to an end this season, don't look for the Giants to be ponying up for Beltran during the offseason.

Alex Gonzalez

Atlanta Braves shortstop Alex Gonzalez continues to field his position with excellence, with only 12 errors on the season thus far. However, his .229 batting average with 12 HR may not be enough to keep him in a Braves uniform next season.

At 34 years of age, Gonzalez can still glove it with the best of them at short, and he could certainly be an inexpensive option, making just $2.5 million in 2011. Best guess here is that Gonzalez hits the open market.

Carlos Zambrano

As mentioned in my Tuesday article regarding the biggest laughingstocks in baseball history, Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano will almost assuredly be on the open market during the offseason, despite the fact he is owed $18 million next season.

Here is an excerpt from Tuesday's article:

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano has certainly had his share of moments on the baseball field, in the dugout and in the clubhouse, getting into numerous scuffles with teammates and managers.

However, in early August, 2011, after getting lit up by the Atlanta Braves for five home runs, Zambrano intentionally threw at Braves slugger Chipper Jones, earning him an ejection from the game for his efforts.

Zambrano walked into the clubhouse, angrily announced to team officials that he was retiring immediately and left the ballpark.

Although he recanted the following day, Zambrano was put on the disqualified list by the Cubs for 30 days without pay, and last week the Cubs announced that Zambrano will not pitch again this season, despite the fact that his disqualification ends on September 11.

Rafael Furcal

Shortstop Rafael Furcal has suffered numerous injuries over the last two seasons, and when the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Furcal to the St. Louis Cardinals in late July, they paid almost the entire remainder of Furcal's $12 million salary just to get rid of him.

There is no question that the Cardinals will not pick up the $12 million option for Furcal in 2012, and his status for next season will certainly be in question. Considering that Furcal built his career on speed, and he has exactly five stolen bases in the 2011 season and none with the Cards, a major part of his game has been eliminated.

Jose Reyes

If you had said that shortstop Jose Reyes would be likely to sign a long-term deal with the New York Mets before late July, it's possible that few would have argued that statement. Reyes was the clear MVP of the league leading up to the All-Star break.

However, with two stints on the disabled list since that time, and hamstring issues once again becoming a major concern, Reyes' free agency status is clearly in question. Given the fact that the Mets backed out of their $200 million limited partnership deal with David Einhorn, they are clearly strapped for cash, to the point that owner Fred Wilpon will be begging for cash from family and friends.

Reyes will be playing for another team in 2012.

Prince Fielder

With a .308 average, 31 HR and 108 RBI (leading the National League), Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is once again having a stellar season. His Brewers are clearly primed for a postseason run, leading the St. Louis Cardinals by 9.5 games in the NL Central.

However, the Brewers have committed long-term to Ryan Braun, Corey Hart and Rickie Weeks, but not Fielder. Given the fact that GM Doug Melvin has committed big dollars to Braun, Hart and Weeks, and will likely look to retain Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum long-term, what becomes of Fielder's future?

Fielder will likely command $25 million per season on the open market, and while the pool of teams vying for his services will be limited as a result, it's still anyone's guess at this point as to where Fielder will be playing next season.

Albert Pujols

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols has rebounded quite nicely from a miserable start to the 2011 season, now hitting .293 with a league-leading 34 HR and 85 RBI.

Making $16 million in the last season of an eight-year deal, there has certainly been much discussion regarding Pujols' future with the Cardinals. While it was speculated that Pujols would become the first $30 million man in baseball, $25-26 million is probably more the number at this point.

Whether or not the Cardinals will pony up that kind of money to retain Pujols is another story. Pujols would not negotiate during the regular season, so the Cards will have a small window of time to negotiate exclusively with Pujols.

The Chicago Cubs will no doubt be a major player in this as well, as they have made no secret of their desire to go after Pujols in the past, even signing Carlos Pena to a one-year deal in anticipation of Pujols entering free agency.

The guess here is that Pujols remains a Cardinal. While the money is certainly a factor, Ioyalty is also a factor for Pujols.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.