MLB Free Agency: Top 9 Speedsters on the Market and Where They'll Go

After the Miami Marlins claimed Jose Reyes, the market for speedsters has become rather slim. Reyes was by far the best option as an all-around player, but there remains to be a few options for other teams that need a player who provides speed.

Free agency has been moving rather slow since the winter meetings came to a close, but there is no doubt that these players will be targeted before the start of the 2012 season.

Here is a breakdown of the top 10 remaining speedsters and where they are likely to end up.

9. Michael Cuddyer

The Minnesota Twins have seemed to have moved on from outfielder Michael Cuddyer. The team recently signed Josh Willingham, so Cuddyer is prepared to move onto another team.

In 2011, Cuddyer had 11 stolen bases, the highest of his career. While Cuddyer isn't exactly the fastest player around, he has shown he can make moves on the base paths and presents a great veteran option to any team looking to add an outfielder/utility player.

Cuddyer more importantly presents a big bat, as he had 32 home runs in 2009 and 20 in 2011.

Cuddyer has been linked to possibly the Colorado Rockies, and he could be a great addition to their already dangerous lineup.

8. Cesar Izturis

Cesar Izturis is approaching 32 years old, so he will be slowing down towards the end of his career. He still presents a quick option for teams, especially if they'd like to add a veteran presence.

Izturis has been around for 11 seasons now, and he has a career average of 15 stolen bases a season. Back in 2008, Izturis stole 24 bases in only 135 games, but he has been on a decline ever since.

While Iztruis won't present the speed needed for an everyday starter, he could be a fine addition for a late-inning need of a pinch-runner.

Izturis apparently won't be returning to the Orioles, but he could be heading to a team like the New York Mets to replace Jose Reyes.

7. Corey Patterson

Ever since he was tagged as the next great thing in Chicago Cubs history, Corey Patterson has never really panned out as the player many had hoped to see.

Patterson has had stints with the Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays and, most recently, the St. Louis Cardinals. Patterson hasn't been able to find a stable spot on any team, but he does add a great threat in the speed department.

Over his career, he averages about 29 stolen bases a season. His numbers have dropped, but he is still a threat to steal at any time. Patterson also presents a fast option in the outfield.

Patterson has not been linked to any team, but he seems to be a good fit for a team like the Oakland A's, who just lost David DeJesus and could be losing Coco Crisp.

6. Ronny Cedeno

Ronny Cedeno has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates for the last three seasons. His numbers have not been that great, but Cedeno still possesses speed.

He isn't much of a base-stealer either, but he can turn the bases quite well having three triples in each of his last two seasons. He also only averages eight stolen bases a season. While Cedeno hasn't been anything close to amazing, he presents a good option for teams who need a stop-gap second baseman or shortstop. 

Cedeno could turn things around this next season, as the Atlanta Braves have been said to be looking to acquire the 28-year-old to replace Alex Gonzalez at short.

5. Johnny Damon

Johnny Damon has been consistent on the basepaths over the course of his career. His career average is 27 stolen bases a season, but he has never been able to capitalize like he did back in 2000 with the Kansas City Royals when he stole 46 bases.

Damon had a very good season in 2011, when the 38-year-old stole 19 bases with the Tampa Bay Rays. He played mostly DH for the Rays, but he appears to still be a threat on the basepaths even though he is nearing 40 years old.

Damon would be best to take another year with the Rays, as he could still play the DH role after having a great year in Tampa.

Damon doesn't look to be getting a multi-year deal, but he very much will be given another chance following his comeback season.

4. Juan Pierre

Now we start to talk about the real fast guys. Juan Pierre is a free agent this season, and he could be looking to join his sixth team in 13 seasons. Last year, Pierre spent the season with the Chicago White Sox, but he had a down year following his 2010 campaign.

Last season, Pierre only stole 27 bases after stealing a career high of 68 the previous season. Still, Pierre is one of the fastest players still in the league and he is a threat to steal at any time.

He also is extremely quick as an outfielder, and could help any team that brings him in. There hasn't been a whole lot of interest in Pierre at this point, but many teams could be after him.

The White Sox did not offer him arbitration, but following the the last two seasons, Pierre may be asked to come back—but at an amount much less then the $8.5 million he was getting a season ago.

3. Yoennis Cespedes

Yoennis Cespedes is one of the most coveted free agents on the market. The Cuban sensation has been coveted by many teams, but he has yet to sign.

The 26-year-old Cuban is very quick, and could present a great threat for many teams. He has been developing each year, and in 2011 he had a great season, including 11 stolen bases. Cespedes is more of a power hitter, as he hit 33 home runs in his last season with 99 RBI.

The chase for Cespedes has taken a seat back after the heavy pursuit during the winter meetings. It isn't clear who the front-runner is right now, but considering the cultural impact and the rate they have been spending, it wouldn't be a shock if the Miami Marlins signed the Cuban sensation.

2. Coco Crisp

Coco Crisp is coming off of a career-high season in steals, when he stole 49 bases in only 136 games. Crisp also had 27 doubles and five triples, and he is really starting to come into his own.

Crisp has been around for 10 seasons, but he is really starting to show up later on in his career. Many teams would also benefit from Crisp being a switch hitter. Crisp is 32 years old, and could be looking to get onto a squad where he could really play this season.

Teams that seem to be interested for Crisp's services are the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The source takes note that the Cubs already have a fully occupied outfield, but they are perhaps looking to replace Alfonso Soriano with Crisp.

1. Jimmy Rollins

The Philadelphia Phillies have yet to re-sign star shortstop Jimmy Rollins. In 2011, Rollins stole 30 bases while also having 22 doubles. While Rollins is approaching 34 years old, he is still by far one of the quicker players left in this free-agency class.

Rollins has been a force of the Phillies over the last 11 seasons, and he looks to be able to continue to keep doing so for many seasons to come. His batting average was only .268 last season, but he has been consistent and making moves on the bases.

It was rumored that Rollins was thinking about heading to the Detroit Tigers, but in the end he will likely remain in Philly for years to come.