Type-A Free Agent List Led by Pujols, Fielder: A Fan’s Outlook

Elias Sports Bureau has come up with its list of the best MLB free agents this year, classifying with players go into the Type A or Type B classifications. There are 21 free agents in the Type A class, designated as the elite group of players available on the market this year. If a new team signs one of those players, the former team gets a draft pick from the new team as well as a selection in the compensatory round (between rounds one and two).

Within the list of the top free agents, it's very notable that the Philadelphia Phillies have three players classified as Type A free agents. Closer Ryan Madsen, shortstop Jimmy Rollins(notes), and starting pitcher Roy Oswalt(notes) could garner the Phillies a whole group of prospects in the 2012 MLB Draft. That is, of course, if the Phillies don't end up re-signing any of those three during the upcoming negotiating period.

The Boston Red Sox also have two players on the list in designated hitter David Ortiz(notes) and closer Jonathan Papelbon(notes), but it would be a big surprise if neither player re-signed with the team. That could be the case for a number of players that are either Type A or Type B free agents, taking away some of the top available players on the market. There are others though, who might have a difficult time finding a new deal if there isn't another team willing to give up that draft pick. One example is Octavio Dotel(notes), a Type A free agent pitcher from the St. Louis Cardinals, who isn't worth losing a good draft pick.

There are also some potential steals within the Type B list, meaning a team can sign that player without losing a pick in the 2012 draft. The old team would receive a compensatory choice, but the new team would just be gaining the services of a new player. An example is Cardinals starting pitcher Edwin Jackson(notes), who could be a good addition to many pitching staffs around the league. Another is Aramis Ramirez(notes), who might be the best third baseman on the open market if he the Chicago Cubs end up letting him get away.

Below is the full list of Type A free agents, with the score depicted as their overall ranking according to Elias.

Full Type A Free Agent List

• Albert Pujols(notes), Cardinals - 95.200
• Prince Fielder(notes), Brewers - 91.200
• C.J. Wilson(notes), Rangers - 90.988
• David Ortiz, Red Sox - 86.000
• Ryan Madson(notes), Phillies - 82.948
• Heath Bell(notes), Padres - 81.437
• Carlos Beltran(notes), Giants - 80.879
• Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox - 80.292
• Ramon Hernandez(notes), Reds - 78.947
• Roy Oswalt, Phillies - 78.350
• Michael Cuddyer(notes), Twins - 77.671
• Josh Willingham(notes), Athletics - 77.534
• Kelly Johnson(notes), Blue Jays - 74.725
• Matt Capps(notes), Twins - 73.788
• Darren Oliver(notes), Rangers - 72.880
• Jose Reyes(notes), Mets - 77.249
• Jimmy Rollins, Phillies - 76.720
• Francisco Rodriguez, Brewers - 75.671
• Octavio Dotel, Cardinals - 70.922
• Takashi Saito(notes), Brewers - 69.627
• Francisco Cordero(notes), Reds - 68.486

*Ryan is a lifelong Seattle Mariners fan who never misses an opportunity to attend a game at Safeco Field. He has been attending games since 1985, and has fond memories of The Kingdome, Edgar Martinez, and the historic 1995 team. Sodo Mojo!

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