MLB Free Agents 2012: Overpriced Sluggers Destined to Strike Out

Three weeks into free agency, there have already been some questionable free agent signings in Major League Baseball.

Like, for instance, former Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon just received a four-year, $50 million deal from the Philadelphia Phillies at 30 years of age.

But in this slideshow we'll be looking at the top hitters available on the market who will be disappointments based on the inevitably hefty contracts they're about to sign.

Most of these sluggers had grand seasons in 2011, but most of these sluggers are also older, on the decline and will likely be signed to multi-year deals.

Here are five overpriced sluggers who will strike out following their big deals.

5. Jose Reyes, SS

To be fair, I love Jose Reyes as a player, and there's no doubt he's been one of the best shortstops in baseball when he's been on the field.

The problem is, he's hardly ever on the field, and he's 28 years old going on 35.

A lot of people thought the Mets were foolish for not re-signing Reyes early, but where they messed up was not trading him.

Reyes' value at midseason in 2011 was the highest it's going to be for the rest of his career. After playing in at least 153 games from 2005-2008, Reyes has averaged 98 games per season since 2009.

He's been constantly battling leg injuries the last three years, and in August he was placed on the disabled list after suffering two leg injuries in a period of five weeks.

Reyes had a magnificent season in 2011, but he can't make the same impact over a full season now because he's bound to get hurt again.

4. David Ortiz, DH

With the exception of 2009, David "Big Papi" Ortiz has been a superstar for the Red Sox since 2003.

At 36 years old, he's coming off a season in which he hit .306 with 29 home runs and an OPS of .952, his highest mark since 2007.

Even at an older age, Ortiz has been able to generate enough power and bat speed because he's simply one strong guy.

Nonetheless, 36 years old is getting up there, and it's only a matter of time before he breaks down. Age affects everyone, even superstars. Ortiz could still have one or two big seasons left in him, but he's likely going to be signed for a few years and disappoint in the latter portion of his contract.

3. Jimmy Rollins, SS

You have to love Jimmy Rollins' game, and his heart has definitely been there throughout the years as the pulse of the Philadelphia Phillies.

But he's basically an older version of Jose Reyes and, after playing 88 games in 2010, there's a good chance he will injure himself again in the near future.

On top of that, his production has dropped. Interestingly enough, right after turning 28 years old (Reyes' age), Rollins' production has considerably dropped.

Rollins is now 32 years old, and his style of play naturally wears on his body. He's going to start losing that leg and bat speed and regress into a decent player, but not a star anymore.

2. Aramis Ramirez, 3B

The ability is still there for Aramis Ramirez, who hit .306 with 26 home runs and 93 RBI for the Chicago Cubs last season.

But he's now 33 years old, and there are questions about his dedication and consistency.

It didn't surprise me that in his contract year he followed up a .241 season with what we saw in 2011.

Ramirez is likely going to get a nice multi-year deal with someone, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he fell off immediately following his deal.

1. Carlos Pena, 1B

Carlos Pena has made a living on his power, and he continues to see a good deal of interest around the league because of it.

He's coming off five straight seasons of 28 home runs or more. But Pena is also a .239 career hitter, hit .225 last season and is 33 years old.

Pena's power is naturally going to regress as he gets older, and he's not a good enough overall hitter to make up for it.

That means whoever signs Pena could receive a poor contact hitter who hits less than 25 home runs a season.

Nobody wants that, but a few desperate teams will be stupid enough to take a gamble; I can assure you that.