A Look at MLB’s Free Agent Class of 2013

The winter’s Hot Stove is cooling, as there are only a few significant free agents remaining to be had.  As another offseason nears its end, we’re set to experience the new beginning of yet another spring.  But this spring won’t be the same for some of Major League Baseball’s best and brightest.  For some players who are set to hit the free agent market after their 2012 campaign, this spring and season mean that much more.

Several high-profile players hit the free agent market this offseason.  Albert Pujols, perhaps the best hitter in the game today, found a new home.  So did Prince Fielder, Jose Reyes and C.J. Wilson.

The international talent featured in the 2012 free agent class was also off the charts.  Yu Darvish and Yoenis Cespedes figure to offer fans plenty to get excited about this summer.

For as crazy as this offseason has seemed, and the multiple story lines it has offered, the class of 2013 could be just as exciting.

Before we look at the potential free agent class of 2013, I have to first say that there is a lot of time between now and next offseason.  Deals could get done; in some cases they are expected to be reached.  Still, based on what we know now, here is a look at some of the larger names that could hit the market after the 2012 season.

This winter the free agent class of starting pitchers was fairly weak.  C.J. Wilson has been solid, but he shouldn’t be mistaken for an ace.  Yu Darvish is exciting, but in my opinion, some considering him one of the top pitchers in this year’s market says more about the weakness of 2012’s crop than it does about his ability.

Next offseason we could have two of the league’s top arms hitting the open market; Cole Hamels and Matt Cain.  Both are considered elite and have been extremely consistent throughout their careers.

Beyond the pair of aces, 2013 has the potential to offer teams a bevy of other intriguing arms.  “Big Game” James Shields ($9 million club option), Anibal Sanchez, Zach Greinke, Gavin Floyd ($9.5 million club option), Dan Haren ($15.5 million club option), Edwin Jackson, Ervin Santana ($13 million club option), Jake Peavy ($22 million club option), Jeremy Guthrie, Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Madson, Jose Valverde and Mariano Rivera could all hit the open market next winter.

As far as bats go, you won’t necessarily find the star power of a Pujols in 2013’s class.  Still, you do have a former American League MVP in Josh Hamilton, toolsy center fielders in B.J. Upton and Shane Victorino, and a two-time All-Star in Brandon Phillips.  Other players that figure to draw significant interest include Yadier Molina, Andre Ethier, Michael Bourn, Carlos Quentin, Delmon Young, Mike Napoli, Melky Cabrera and Carlos Lee.

So what are your thoughts on the names listed above?  Do you think the 2013 class of free agents could offer as much excitement and drama as we experienced this offseason?

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