2012 MLB Free Agents: 5 Pitchers Set to Cash in on Big Seasons

Not every team can be the New York Yankees or Philadelphia Phillies. The postseason isn't success for these ball clubs; it is just the beginning.

And as the Yankees, Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks get set for the postseason, the rest of the league is already getting prepared for next season.

There are a lot of big names on the free agent market this year including potential Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. But while position players will make a ton of noise, it is the pitchers that will have the biggest impact next year.

Here are five pitchers (not including C.C. Sabathia who will likely opt out of his deal and sign a new one with New York) that are set to cash in on big 2011 seasons.

C.J. Wilson

The 30-year-old left hander went 16-7 on the season for the postseason-bound Rangers. This is only his second season as a starting pitcher and he's looked nothing short of great in those first two seasons.

He's one of those top-of-the-rotation left-handers that a lot of teams will be in search of this offseason.

The only downside for him is his age. He'll be 31 years old at the start of next season, but he should still find a three to five year deal with big money.

Heath Bell

The 33-year-old closer was almost assuredly going to be dealt at the trade deadline, but the Padres never found a deal worth making.

Instead, his 43 saves, 2.44 ERA and 1.15 WHIP are set to walk away for free this winter.

He could very well re-sign in San Diego considering they choose not to deal him at the deadline, but he'll garner a lot of attention.

He's a proven closer with a few good years of production still in front of him.

Mark Buehrle

One of the older players on this list, Buehrle is angling for what should be the last contract of his career. He'll be 33 years old at the start of next season and went 13-9 for the White Sox this year.

He had a vesting option had he been traded this year, but that obviously didn't happen and now he's set to hit the open market.

Look for him to take the most money possible as he plans for his life after baseball in the next few years.

Edwin Jackson

The 28-year-old, playoff-bound right-hander is going to have more than a few teams calling this winter.

He went 12-9 this season, but has shown the ability to be dominant at times, and his 3.79 ERA is his best as a full-time starter since he was with the Tigers in 2009.

His upside will always attract teams, and at 28 years old he's still young enough for a team to think they can truly make him a consistent force.

Jonathan Papelbon

After last night's debacle it is safe to say that Papelbon won't be in Boston next season.

He finished the season with 31 saves and a 2.94 ERA.

He'll likely be the highest paid closer on the market this offseason and somebody will look to lock him up for three to five years.