Extensions have a way of thinning the free agent herd. The latest star player off the board is Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who was extended through at least 2019. Zimmerman had been slated to hit free agency after the 2013 season. The best players remaining in that far-off free agent class:
Corner Infielders
- Joey Votto, 1B
- David Wright, 3B (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Paul Konerko, 1B
- Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Michael Young, IF
Middle Infielders
- Robinson Cano, 2B (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Ian Kinsler, 2B (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
- Chase Utley, 2B
Corner Outfielders
- Hunter Pence, RF
- Michael Morse, LF
- Nelson Cruz, RF
- Alex Gordon, LF
- Shin-Soo Choo, RF
- Corey Hart, RF
- Carlos Beltran, RF
Center Fielders
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Curtis Granderson, CF (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Adam Jones, CF
Catchers
- Brian McCann (if 2013 club option is exercised)
Starting Pitchers
- Tim Lincecum
- Dan Haren
- Matt Garza
- Adam Wainwright (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Ubaldo Jimenez (if he voids 2014 option)
- Josh Johnson
- Ervin Santana (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Scott Baker (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Gavin Floyd (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Jair Jurrjens
- Tim Hudson (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Jason Vargas
Relievers
- Joel Hanrahan
- J.J. Putz (if 2013 club option is exercised)
- Brian Wilson
Other Players Of Note
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Phil Hughes, P
- Joba Chamberlain, RP
- Glen Perkins, RP
- Martin Prado, LF
- Ricky Nolasco, SP
- Carlos Marmol, RP
- Geovany Soto, C
- Tim Stauffer, SP
- Ted Lilly, SP
In the 2011-12 offseason, we saw five $100MM commitments to free agents, if you include Yu Darvish, who was subject to the posting system. For the 2013-2014 offseason, Votto, Cano, Pence, Ellsbury, Lincecum, and Haren are good candidates, should they continue to produce and reach free agency. Given that we're two full seasons away, a half-dozen others could enter the discussion if 2012 and '13 go well.
