MLB Free Agents 2012: Most Likely Destination for Top 10 Free Agents

The 2012 MLB free-agent class is one of the most top-heavy classes seen in recent memory.

First basemen Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder sit at the top of the class with shortstop Jose Reyes right behind them. The star pitchers are C.J. Wilson and Yu Darvish but beyond the top five players, it is a lackluster free-agent class.

But no matter how good or bad they are, all of the players will end up somewhere.

Let's take a look at their most likely destinations. 

Albert Pujols

Prediction: St. Louis

St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is the cream of the crop of this year's free-agent class. The 32-year-old hasn't been as effective a hitter the past few years but he is still an extremely elite player.

Despite the fact that the Miami Marlins are pursuing the star first baseman very seriously, he led the Cardinals to another World Series title and that gives him more incentive than ever to simply stay put and try to repeat in St. Louis.

Prince Fielder

Prediction: Chicago Cubs

Prince Fielder is the second-best player in this year's free-agent class, but not by much.

He's younger than Albert Pujols and will demand less money, but he doesn't have the name "Pujols" on the back of his jersey.

After the Milwaukee Brewers gave a monster contract to left fielder Ryan Braun last offseason, it is unlikely that they will re-sign Fielder for even more money. He will likely follow the money, something that the Brewers' rival the Chicago Cubs have.

Jose Reyes

Prediction: Miami Marlins

Jose Reyes has been one of the most electrifying players in all of baseball during his time as shortstop of the New York Mets.

But he is now likely on his way out of New York because he will cost them too much money.

The newly named Miami Marlins have a new stadium, new uniform and they're looking for a big-time player to go along with that. The Marlins clearly have money and want to make a statement with their new look. Miami would also undoubtedly be an appealing destination for the Dominican-born Reyes.

C.J. Wilson

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

The ace of the Texas Rangers is looking for a huge payday after another great postseason for the runner-up Rangers.

The Rangers don't have the money to keep him and that means that Wilson is on his way out of Arlington.

While many teams will pursue him, the Angels will likely have an advantage as Wilson grew up in nearby Fountain Valley, CA. Plus, he would form one of the toughest rotations in all of baseball with Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana.

Yu Darvish

Prediction: New York Yankees

Yu Darvish technically isn't a free agent because he is coming over from Japan, but for all intents and purposes, he is one.

Darvish has had a great career in Japan and the 25-year-old has been contemplating a move to Major League Baseball. The Yankees have a huge need for pitching depth and they have the money that it will take to obtain the rights to negotiate with Darvish.

Jimmy Rollins

Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies

Jimmy Rollins has been a staple in Philadelphia for years and is looking for a five-year deal, something he likely won't receive. 

If the 33-year-old doesn't get a five-year deal, why shouldn't he stay in the city he has known his whole career? They already have a very good team and will still be contenders in 2012.

Aramis Ramirez

Prediction: Baltimore Orioles 

Aramis Ramirez is on his way out of Chicago as the best third baseman available on the market. Many teams are in the market for a third baseman but most of them would rather not have to overpay for a declining player just because he is the best available.

However, the Baltimore Orioles are not most teams. Their starting third baseman, Robert Andino has a career .245 batting average to go along with 11 home runs and 64 RBI in 312 games. In order to compete in the brutal AL East, they need much more production from third base and Ramirez could do that.

Mark Buehrle

Prediction: Washington Nationals

Mark Buehrle has been a very solid left-hander for the Chicago White Sox over the past 11 years. But his time may be up on the South Side as he has received a lot of interest around the league.

As a veteran, he could help lead a very young and talented Washington Nationals team towards prominence alongside veteran Jayson Werth. They have the money to sign him; it just depends on where he really wants to be.

Carlos Beltran

Prediction: San Francisco Giants

At the 2011 trade deadline, the San Francisco Giants acquired Carlos Beltran from the New York Mets to try and help their offensive attack. 

While it didn't turn out the way that both Beltran and the Giants envisioned it, he could be brought back for 2012 and beyond. Despite his age, he is still a good player and can play a good defensive center field.

The Giants would do well by re-signing him.

Edwin Jackson

Prediction: Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins are in need of starting pitching and Edwin Jackson fits the bill. 

Jackson is only 28 and is very durable. He could fit in nicely behind Josh Johnson in the Marlins rotation. They have the money to go get him and would be smart to do so.