MLB Free Agents 2012: 40 Players Who Will Be Overpaid/Underpaid This Winter

The business of signing free agents in Major League Baseball is nothing even close to an exact science. Since free agency was born in the mid 1970s, team owners and executives have adopted all sorts of various plans, strategies and guidelines for determining values of available players with different degrees of success/failure.

Throughout the history of MLB free agency, experts and pundits have graded player signings based on performance and whether or not that player was underpaid or overpaid for his efforts. As such, general managers themselves have been graded based on their ability to evaluate talent against the almighty dollar.

In today’s day and age, with the disparity between large- and small-market teams, it becomes even more important to be successful, especially for a team like the Tampa Bay Rays, whose limited attendance numbers over the years have restricted management from overspending on players during the winter.

Let’s be honest—at times, signing a free agent can be a real crapshoot. You just never know what is going to happen with that particular player, and GMs oftentimes cross their fingers, hoping they made the right decision.

As the current offseason unfolds, hundreds of players will have signed new contracts, either with their current teams or with new ones. Bleacher Report will attempt to identify the top free agents, whether or not they will be underpaid or overpaid and give the best guess as to how much they will sign for, and with what team.

As stated above, the practice of signing free agents is not an exact science, and neither is estimating where a player will sign or for how much. But we’ll give it our best shot anyway.

40. Kelly Johnson

After a miserable first three-quarters of the 2011 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, second baseman Kelly Johnson enjoyed a resurgence of sorts with the Toronto Blue Jays, hitting .270 with three HR in 33 games.

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos obviously made the trade for Johnson for a reason, and it wasn’t just to unload Aaron Hill. At 29, Johnson still has quite a bit of baseball life left.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $9 million

Destination: Toronto Blue Jays

Underpaid or Overpaid? If Johnson can return to 2010 form (.284, 26 HR, 71 RBI), then definitely underpaid.

39. Chris Capuano

Considering the fact that the Boston Red Sox attempted to deal for Chris Capuano in mid to late September to help bolster their staggering starting rotation, Capuano certainly has added value over the past year.

A solid season for the New York Mets (11-12, 4.55 ERA in 31 starts) certainly helps Capuano as teams look to strengthen the back end of their rotations.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $8 million

Destination: New York Mets

Underpaid or Overpaid? Neither—right in the middle.

38. Bruce Chen

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen provided great consistency for the Royals over the past two seasons, likely helping his stock for teams looking for a dependable back-end starter. Chen was 24-15 over his last two seasons for a losing team with an ERA just under 4.00.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $9 million

Destination: Kansas City Royals

Underpaid or Overpaid? Underpaid. The Royals certainly seem intent on bringing Chen back into the fold.

37. Raul Ibanez

While outfielder Raul Ibanez is now 39 years of age, he still put up 20 HR and 84 RBI last season for the Philadelphia Phillies, and despite a downturn in both average and OBP, Ibanez can still contribute and produce.

Estimated Contract: One year, $6.5 million

Destination: Pittsburgh Pirates

Underpaid or Overpaid? Probably a bit overpaid, but Ibanez’s experience and veteran presence can be a huge help for a younger Pirates offense, much like Derrek Lee.

36. Yoennis Cespedes

Cuban center fielder Yoennis Cespedes has put up monster numbers for several seasons in Cuba, putting up a .333/.424/.667 batting line with 89 runs, 33 home runs and 99 RBI in 90 games in the 2010-2011 season alone.

During the summer of 2011, Cespedes defected to the Dominican Republic, specifically to play in the majors.

Several teams have attended workouts by Cespedes in the Dominican, and several scouts and executive have come back raving about the possibilities.

Estimated Contract: Five years, $50 million

Destination: Chicago Cubs

Underpaid or Overpaid? Somehow, I think Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein swoops in for the kill here. Cespedes can flat-out hit, and hit with power. I don’t think overpaid would be the word here.

35. Yu Darvish

There has been no word yet as to whether or not celebrated Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish will post, and given the burden that the posting fee represents for MLB teams, Darvish may decide to wait it out on Japanese soil.

Still, the 25-year-old dynamo would represent one of the best pitchers on the open market should he decide to try moving stateside, and several teams will be extremely interested.

Estimated Contract: Five years, $45 million

Destination: Toronto Blue Jays

Underpaid or Overpaid? Major-league scouts have done nothing but rave about Darvish and his abilities, and he very well could be the real deal. Underpaid.

34. Hisashi Iwakuma

Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma will give the majors another shot this offseason, and this time he’s a real free agent, so teams don’t have to worry about posting fees. Iwakuma turned down a deal last year with the Oakland A’s and went back to Japan for another season.

This time, Iwakuma will likely draw more interest, as the burden of the posting fee is now lifted.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $16.5 million

Destination: Seattle Mariners

Underpaid or Overpaid? Very hard to say, as Iwakuma is certainly an untested commodity. Given the history of Japanese pitchers, it wouldn’t be a hazard to guess he will be overpaid.

33. Rafael Furcal

St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal has lost most of his speed and almost all of his power at the age of 34. Injuries have taken their toll on Furcal, yet he still provided a nice boost for the Cardinals in the latter stages of the regular season and during the playoffs.

Estimated Contract: One year, $3.5 million

Destination: St. Louis Cardinals

Underpaid or Overpaid? Probably overpaid, but Furcal gives the Cardinals depth in the middle infield, and with very few quality shortstops available, they’ll settle for Furcal for now.

32. Clint Barmes

Shortstop Clint Barmes could be a very nice fit for a team looking for a shortstop. Barmes is very sure-handed and adds some offensive pop as well, putting up 12 HR and 39 RBI in 123 games for the Houston Astros last season.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $9.5 million

Destination: Milwaukee Brewers

Underpaid or Overpaid? Underpaid. Barmes could very well be a steal this offseason and would be a better defensive option for the Brewers than Yuniesky Betancourt.

31. Coco Crisp

Oakland Athletics center fielder Coco Crisp is arguably the best center fielder available on the open market, and that’s not really saying much.

As a leadoff hitter, Crisp put up one of the worst on-base percentages in the league (.314) and the second worst of his entire career. While Crisp stole 49 bases to lead the American League, the A’s will likely pass on Crisp and give young Jemile Weeks a chance at the leadoff spot.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $8 million

Destination: San Francisco Giants

Underpaid or Overpaid? If he can’t raise that OBP and be a spark plug at the top of the Giants offense, then overpaid will be the word of the day.

30. Johnny Damon

Tampa Bay Rays outfielder/designated hitter Johnny Damon was not only productive in his first season in Tampa, he very much enjoyed his time there as well.

In comments made to the St. Petersburg Times, Damon stated he was more than willing to re-sign with Tampa.

"I don't even feel like packing anything up," he said. "I felt like this was the perfect fit. ... I would love to be back."

Estimated Contract: Two years, $9.5 million

Destination: Tampa Bay Rays

Underpaid or Overpaid? Have to say underpaid at this point. Damon’s presence on the Rays was a huge asset, and they could very well get the added benefit of seeing Damon collect his 3,000th hit.

29. Ryan Doumit

Catcher Ryan Doumit has already turned down a $3 million, one-year offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers; presumably he expects more.

The problem is Doumit has a major problem actually staying healthy, and while he can no doubt hit, it’s more of a question of how often he can stay in the lineup.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $7.5 million

Destination: Minnesota Twins

Underpaid or Overpaid? Doumit offers great insurance for the Twins with Joe Mauer’s ongoing health issues and can also start if and when Mauer plays first. Underpaid would fit here.

28. Ryan Ludwick

Over the past two seasons, outfielder Ryan Ludwick has disappointed fans in two cities, San Diego and Pittsburgh, as both the Padres and Pirates thought Ludwick could help propel their teams into the playoffs when they traded for him.

Now, Ludwick is once again on the market, and this time he’ll have a chance to disappoint fans in yet a third city.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $10 million

Destination: Oakland Athletics

Underpaid or Overpaid? I think my caustic remarks up above may have given you a clue.

27. Paul Maholm

A 6-14 record for Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Maholm is really not a good measuring stick in terms of the season he put together. While his season ended prematurely with a shoulder strain, Maholm had a 3.66 ERA and 3.78 FIP.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $12.5 million

Destination: Kansas City Royals

Underpaid or Overpaid? Maholm represents an excellent buy for teams not shelling out the cash for pitchers like Mark Buehrle, C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt. Underpaid.

26. Magglio Ordonez

The Detroit Tigers have already stated that it is highly unlikely right fielder Magglio Ordonez will be back next season, and Ordonez has himself indicated he expects to play somewhere in 2012 after rehabbing his once-again fractured ankle.

Whether or not Ordonez has anything left to contribute will largely be contingent on his rehab, but there will be a team out there that will be willing to take a chance.

Estimated Contract: One year, $2.5 million

Destination: Baltimore Orioles

Underpaid or Overpaid? All depends on whether or not the ankle holds up. I’m guessing overpaid. Mags should retire gracefully.

25. Hiroki Kuroda

For four seasons in Los Angeles with the Dodgers, starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda quietly put up solid numbers and seemingly came to love the area so much that he was unwilling to waive his no-trade clause at the trade deadline last season.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $18 million

Destination: Los Angeles Dodgers

Underpaid or Overpaid? Hard to argue against a 3.45 ERA and 114 ERA+. $18 million for two more seasons seems like underpaid at this point, especially if the Dodgers can surround him with some offense for a change.

24. Jorge Posada

After 17 seasons in a New York Yankees uniform, designated hitter Jorge Posada is looking at the possibility of playing with another team for the first time in his career. It’s almost a certainty that Posada will not return to the Bronx, and the question now is whether Posada will retire or keep on playing.

Posada has said that he will take his time in deciding whether or not to try playing without pinstripes.

Estimated Contract: None—he retires.

Destination: Home, playing with his kids.

23. Derrek Lee

First baseman Derrek Lee turned around what was looking like a miserable season after his trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting a full 91 points higher than he did with the Baltimore Orioles with seven HR and 18 RBI in just 28 games.

The Pirates have expressed interest in bringing Lee back, and he could prove to be a great veteran presence on a growing team with budding young stars (Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Jose Tabata, Pedro Alvarez).

Estimated Contract: Two years, $11.5 million

Destination: Pittsburgh Pirates

Underpaid or Overpaid? Have to say underpaid here. Lee seems to have found a home in Pittsburgh, and he could likely love his position as a mentor for the younger stars there.

22. Ivan Rodriguez

Rodriguez officially filed for free agency early in November and has indicated in the past that he would like to play for at least one or two more seasons. This past season the San Francisco Giants were rumored to have interest as insurance for returning catcher Buster Posey.

Estimated Contract: One year, $2.5 million

Destination: San Francisco Giants

Underpaid or Overpaid: It’s pretty hard to call a future Hall of Fame catcher overpaid, no matter what his role is at this point.

21. Brad Lidge

When closer Brad Lidge put up gaudy numbers in 2008 for the Philadelphia Phillies, they vastly overpaid for his services for the following three seasons ($36 million).

Now out from under that deal, the Phillies will be glad to see another team overpay for Lidge this time around.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $8 million

Destination: New York Mets

Underpaid or Overpaid? Underpaid here. Lidge could represent a very good buy for the Mets, who can’t afford to overspend for anyone at this point.

20. Alex Gonzalez

With his two-year contract now a thing of the past, shortstop Alex Gonzalez will likely be a thing of the past for the Atlanta Braves as well.

While there is no doubt that Gonzalez can still field his position with the best of them, his on-base percentage and complete lack of plate discipline are enough to drive any GM absolutely nuts.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $7 million

Destination: San Diego Padres

Underpaid or Overpaid? At this point in Gonzalez's career, with his horrible OBP and ability to only hit mistake pitches for home runs, overpaid probably works. But the Padres can get a little mileage out of him.

19. Grady Sizemore

Whoever lands outfielder Grady Sizemore this offseason—and there are at least eight or nine teams who have expressed interest thus far—will be living on the edge.

With five surgeries in the last three seasons, the last one coming in early October, one of Sizemore’s biggest assets early in his career—his speed—is now gone, and he is literally one injury away from a career-ending decision.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $12 million

Destination: Colorado Rockies

Underpaid or Overpaid? Sizemore’s bat is certainly an asset, but health will be the main factor in determining this question. For now, I’m saying overpaid.

18. Carlos Pena

While Carlos Pena and his batting average certainly won’t raise eyebrows, he can still produce, hitting 28 HR with 80 RBI for the Chicago Cubs in 2011. The Cubs are looking to add either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, but if they fail on both fronts, Pena could still be in the mix.

Estimated Contract: One year, $9 million

Destination: Los Angeles Dodgers

Underpaid or Overpaid? If Pena produces a 30 HR season, he would be worth the one-year buy.

17. Josh Willingham

After putting up career numbers in pitcher-friendly O.co Coliseum in 2011, it would be safe to assume that outfielder Josh Willingham certainly has value in terms of production.

The Athletics might be crazy to let him go considering their relative dearth of offensive options. However, it’s unlikely that Willingham will be back at this point.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $24 million

Destination: Baltimore Orioles

Underpaid or Overpaid: I’m going to say underpaid. Willingham’s production was impressive playing in Oakland’s cavernous stadium; he could certainly benefit from a more hitter-friendly locale.

16. Joe Nathan

Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan has certainly had a rough couple of seasons, first with the Tommy John surgery that shelved him for all of 2010 and then struggling to return to form in 2011.

Understandably, the Twins declined Nathan’s 2012 option for $12.5 million. However, that doesn’t preclude the Twins from bringing Nathan back, albeit at a discounted price.

Estimated Contract: Two years, $15 million

Destination: Minnesota Twins

Underpaid or Overpaid? Nathan may never return to the form he enjoyed prior to his surgery; however, there’s no reason he can’t still be effective. Still, overpaid works here.

15. Edwin Jackson

While St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Edwin Jackson certainly put up numbers in 2011 that may look enticing (12-9, 3.79 ERA), his career 60-60 record and 4.46 ERA show that Jackson is largely inconsistent and, well, largely mediocre.

That won’t stop a team from overpaying for his services, though.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $33 million

Destination: Texas Rangers

Underpaid or Overpaid? I believe we answered that question above. However, Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux may be able to work his magic with Jackson, and his ground-ball rate will play well at Rangers Ballpark.

14. Ryan Madson

The Philadelphia Phillies, for whatever reason, balked at giving closer Ryan Madson a four-year, $44 million contract, instead opting for 31-year-old closer Jonathan Papelbon at a record four-year, $50 million deal.

While Madson has been on the shelf with injuries in each of the past two seasons, neither of them was arm-related. Still, just the notion that Madson was an injury risk was enough to scare off the Phillies.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $30 million

Destination: Seattle Mariners

Underpaid or Overpaid? Definitely overpaid. Madson has been a closer for a bit more than a year, and once again a team will pay for one season of success.

13. Roy Oswalt

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Roy Oswalt dealt with some back issues that limited him to 23 starts in 2011. However, his 3.69 ERA and peripherals clearly show that Oswalt can still get it done.

There have already been a number of teams who have been listed as suitors, including the New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $33 million

Destination: Colorado Rockies

Underpaid or Overpaid? If Oswalt’s back continues to wreak havoc like it did in 2011, we could certainly be hearing about another bloated contract. However, considering today’s market, Oswalt can’t be considered overpaid at this point.

12. Mark Buehrle

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mark Buehrle will likely be pitching in a place other than Chicago for the first time in his career, and there are certainly plenty of teams out there ready to welcome Buehrle to his new home.

After 12 seasons and 162 wins, Buehrle will be paid, and likely very handsomely.

Estimated Contract: Four years, $52 million

Destination: Florida Marlins

Underpaid or Overpaid? If Buehrle can provide the production for another team that he provided in his first 12 seasons in Chicago, it will be difficult to call him overpaid.

11. Michael Cuddyer

The Minnesota Twins are dealing with something that hasn’t been familiar to them for quite a while—rebuilding a roster that lost nearly 100 games the previous season. However, former gem of a GM Terry Ryan is back in his seat, so Twins fans have to feel good that positive things are on the horizon.

One of the issues Ryan is facing is the decision of whether to bring back free agent Michael Cuddyer.

Cudder has literally been Mr. Everything for the Twins throughout most of his career, and while he’s 32 years old and will command a hefty salary, Ryan may very well make the assumption that Cuddyer is just too valuable not to sign, especially with injury concerns for both Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.

Estimated Contract: Four years, $44 million

Destination: Minnesota Twins

Underpaid or Overpaid? Considering Cuddyer’s value to the Twins in recent years, Ryan could deem his contract necessary, and Twins fans would likely agree. Underpaid.

10. Francisco Rodriguez

With the veritable wealth of closers available on the open market, Francisco Rodriguez may have difficulties landing in a spot where he can be what he wants to be—a closer.

After grousing about his role with the Milwaukee Brewers right in the middle of a playoff race, it’s pretty clear that K-Rod burned whatever bridge he might have had in Milwaukee. However, there are no doubt teams who will be willing to give Rodriguez what he wants—his coveted closer’s role.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $20 million

Destination: Florida Marlins—the man formerly known as Leo Nunez, Juan Carlos Oviedo, could find himself non-tendered by the Marlins with the current identity crisis he’s facing in the Dominican Republic.

Underpaid or Overpaid? K-Rod was clearly overpaid with his last contract, so his new one by comparison will certainly seem like he’s being underpaid.

9. Jason Kubel

Minnesota Twins free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Jason Kubel has made it pretty clear he would rather sign with a team that will give him a chance to play in the outfield.

The Twins have a decision regarding whether or not to sign Kubel and/or fellow free agent Michael Cuddyer, and the Twins certainly aren’t tipping their hands at this point.

The Cleveland Indians and Philadelphia Phillies have both shown interest in signing Kubel, who is coming off an injury-plagued season with a .273/.332/.434 line, 12 homers and 58 RBI over 401 plate appearances.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $21 million

Destination: Philadelphia Phillies

Underpaid or Overpaid? Kubel has been an outstanding presence for the Minnesota Twins over the past several seasons, and at just 29 years of age, he would appear to have plenty of life left. Underpaid.

8. C.J. Wilson

The prevailing wisdom regarding the status of free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson is that the Texas Rangers will indeed do all they can to keep their prized left-hander in Arlington.

However, there are reportedly at least five or six teams who have a more than passing interest in Wilson, including the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees and Miami Marlins.

Wilson is reportedly meeting with the Angels on Monday, beginning his tour of potential cities interested in his services. The Angels could certainly make a hard play for Wilson considering his Southern California roots.

Estimated Contract: Five years, $60 million (option for sixth year)

Destination: Texas Rangers—I believe Daniels and the Rangers will make the last offer count.

Underpaid or Overpaid? Considering today’s market, Wilson would be neither, especially if he can continue putting up solid numbers in the regular season. The postseason numbers will definitely need to improve, however, for the contract to really be worthwhile.

7. Heath Bell

While San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell has expressed his desire to remain in San Diego, he also wants a guaranteed three-year contract, something that the Padres thus far have been unwilling to offer.

His 132 saves over the last three seasons are certainly nothing to sneeze at. However, at 34 years of age, as much as the Padres love Bell, that extra year is a big pill to swallow.

The Padres’ offer to Bell was rumored to be a two-year deal for between $16 million and $17 million. However for Bell, it’s more about the security than the money.

"I've never been a guy who's looking for 'X' amount of dollars, “Bell said. “I've never said I wanted fair-market value. I have said I would take a discount here.

"I'm hoping and praying there's a team out there that wants three years or more. I want to build something special. I really don't want to bounce around the league."

Estimated Contract: Three years, $28.5 million

Destination: Boston Red Sox

Underpaid or Overpaid? Probably right in the middle. Bell has put up terrific numbers over the past three seasons, and there’s no reason to think he can’t continue.

6. Jimmy Rollins

Both the Philadelphia Phillies and free-agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins have been strangely quiet regarding any contract negotiations possibly going on between the two sides. Rollins has politely declined to discuss his situation in recent days, and there has been nothing out of the Phillies’ camp at all.

However, it seems pretty obvious that if Rollins had his druthers, he would stay in the City of Brotherly Love. That said, he may want to back off the five-year contract demand he has demanded in the past, and if he and the Phillies can come to an agreement, Rollins can retire in the only city he has known in the majors.

Estimated Contract: Four years, $38 million (option for fifth year)

Destination: Philadelphia Phillies

Underpaid or Overpaid? That all depends on what you think of Rollins and whether or not you’re a Phillies fan. Rollins has been the face of the Phillies franchise since the mid to late 2000s, and GM Ruben Amaro Jr. would likely have a PR disaster on his hands if he doesn’t ink Rollins to a deal.

5. Aramis Ramirez

Every indication is that Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez will not be returning to the Chicago Cubs, with agent Paul Kinzer telling ESPN, "That ship has sailed."

A number of teams will be vying for Ramirez’s services, including the Milwaukee Brewers, who will be actively looking to replace the offense of first baseman Prince Fielder should the Brewers fail to re-sign him. The Los Angeles Angels may be interested as well, looking to bolster their sagging offense.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $30 million

Destination: Milwaukee Brewers

Underpaid or Overpaid? Ramirez will be overpaid, especially if the Brewers offer up the contract in order to replace Fielder’s numbers. At 33, Ramirez still has something left in the tank, but can he match the numbers he’s put up over the past several years? We’re guessing no, not over the life of the contract.

4. Carlos Beltran

Right fielder Carlos Beltran certainly had a bounce-back year after suffering through two injury-plagued seasons, hitting .300 with 22 HR and 84 RBI with the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. Beltran is a free agent as well, with his seven-year, $119 million contract finally drawing to a close.

Given Beltran’s injuries and his advancing age, he won’t get anywhere close to his past contract. However, with his resurgence in 2011, he will likely have several suitors, including his last team, the Giants.

Estimated Contract: Three years, $33 million

Destination: Boston Red Sox

Underpaid or Overpaid? Considering Beltran’s age and injury history, probably overpaid. However, if he can stay injury-free and produce anything close to his 2011 numbers, it won’t be a ghastly contract.

3. Jose Reyes

New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes has already been courted, and heavily, by the Miami Marlins, and if reports are to be believed, Reyes was offered a six-year, $90 million contract.

Mets GM Sandy Alderson is paying lip service to Mets fans by saying he is still interested in bringing Reyes back to New York. However, with the Marlins setting the floor for Reyes’ value, lip service is the only thing Alderson will provide for Mets fans.

Reyes will certainly make the rounds with other teams as well. However, it’s my belief that the best offer Reyes will receive is already on the table. With his injury history, specifically with his hamstrings, other teams will likely be very wary of offering anything close to what Miami has already put on the table.

Give the Marlins credit; they’re trying to make a big splash with their new stadium, new uniforms, new logo, new manager and apparently new attitude. The offer to Reyes may be legitimate, but it also comes with a warning tag.

Estimated Contract: Six years, $90 million

Destination: Miami Marlins

Underpaid or Overpaid? Without a doubt overpaid. Reyes’ injury history should not be ignored, and unless the Marlins hire some dude who works miracles on hamstrings, Reyes simply will not provide the value the Marlins expect.

2. Prince Fielder

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is kind of caught between a rock and a hard place. He is no doubt waiting to see what the market will bear for fellow free agent Albert Pujols, and at the same time, he doesn’t want to wait too long if an offer is made that is enticing at the time.

Because of the expected dollar amount, the number of teams who will bid for Fielder’s services will be limited. However, he will no doubt receive very tempting offers.

The biggest question regarding Fielder is his weight. Several players who we will call large in stature have struggled later in their careers, and the prevailing fear is that Fielder could suffer in the same way.

However, if Fielder can help out now and get a team closer to a World Series title, will it be willing to add extra years and money to the contract? It’s happened before, and it will no doubt happen again.

Estimated Contract: Seven years, $175 million

Destination: Chicago Cubs

Underpaid or Overpaid? Overpaid over the life of the contract. However, if Fielder helps the Cubs break their 103-year-and-counting World Series drought, the contract then becomes a moot point.

1. Albert Pujols

Everyone on the planet who cares about baseball is wondering about the status of mega superstar Albert Pujols. Will he re-sign with the St. Louis Cardinals? Could he pull a LeBron James and take his talents to South Beach with the Miami Marlins? Will another team swoop in and make Albert an offer he just can’t refuse?

Our guess is that Albert stays right where he is—with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he will finish out his career. At this point in time, the Cardinals continue to give Albert the best chance of winning, and he can cement his legacy of being the greatest Cardinal of all time (apologies to Stan Musial fans).

Estimated Contract: Nine years, $240 million

Destination: St. Louis Cardinals

Underpaid or Overpaid? Overpaid—Pujols can’t possibly provide comparable value over the life of the contract. However, St. Louis will reap benefits as Albert gets closer to achieving historical milestones.

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.